Practical Research 2: Inquiry & Quantitative Designs

Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of variables in research?

They cannot vary.

They have fixed values.

They are only used in qualitative research.

They change and can take on different values. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a strength of quantitative research?

Allows for statistical analysis.

Explores subjective experiences in-depth. (correct)

Provides objective results.

Facilitates comparisons across groups.

How can variables be classified according to scales of measure?

Based on their physical properties.

Only as nominal or ordinal.

As nominal, ordinal, ratio, and interval. (correct)

Primarily as qualitative and quantitative.

What type of variable is 'height' considered?

Ratio Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research, what does 'absolute zero' signify?

The point where a variable does not exist. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an ordinal variable?

Class Rank Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about quantitative research is true?

It seeks to measure variables statistically. Signup and view all the answers

Which variable can be classified as nominal?

Gender Signup and view all the answers

What does correlational research aim to determine?

The degree of association between two or more variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of explanatory research design?

It identifies variables that predict an outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the independent variable in an experimental research design?

It affects the outcome being measured Signup and view all the answers

Which research question represents a correlational study?

Does wearing school uniform have any relationship with students’ ability to participate in class? Signup and view all the answers

In the context of quantitative research, what does the term 'co-vary' mean?

To change in a predictable pattern together Signup and view all the answers

Which question would NOT typically be examined in descriptive research?

What effect does a new teaching method have on student performance? Signup and view all the answers

What does experimental research primarily test?

Hypotheses related to cause and effect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered a dependent variable?

The level of stress experienced by professors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of descriptive research designs?

To document and describe the facts and characteristics of a given population Signup and view all the answers

When should a cross-sectional survey be used?

To collect data about current attitudes at one specific point in time Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes longitudinal survey designs from cross-sectional designs?

Longitudinal designs analyze changes in a population over time Signup and view all the answers

What type of research method involves an in-depth study of an individual or small group?

Case studies Signup and view all the answers

What type of survey is used specifically to describe trends?

Longitudinal survey Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would manipulating conditions and studying effects typically occur?

In experimental research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical application of survey research designs?

Exploring animal behavior in a natural environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the key focus of observational methods in descriptive research?

Documenting and describing behavior in natural or artificial settings Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes true experimental research designs?

Participants are randomly assigned to different experimental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of quasi-experimental designs?

They do not use random assignment of participants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research questions could be investigated using experimental research?

Does listening to music impact students' problem-solving abilities in math? Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research design, what is 'randomization'?

Assigning individuals randomly to groups. Signup and view all the answers

What research question best aligns with the experimental design focused on treatment effects?

Does peer counseling reduce school anxiety among students? Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'EG: R O1 x O2' represent in experimental research design?

The experimental group with random assignment and measurements. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of experimental research?

Utilizing qualitative data to assess outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

How does 'post-test' apply in an experimental research design?

It compares outcomes after the treatment has been applied. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Differences Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Quantitative research emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through rich narrative and contextual insights.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Strengths:
- Allows for large sample sizes, increasing the generalizability of findings.
- Provides precise and objective measures through quantifiable data.
- Enables statistical testing to identify relationships and trends.
Weaknesses:
- May oversimplify complex situations by relying solely on numbers.
- Limited in capturing the depth of human experiences and perceptions.

Understanding Variables

A variable is any characteristic or attribute that can take on different values.
Types of variables include:
- Independent variables: cause changes in other variables.
- Dependent variables: affected by independent variables.

Classifying Variables

Variables can be classified according to the scales of measurement:
- Nominal: Categories with no inherent order (e.g., gender, cellphone brand).
- Ordinal: Categories with a meaningful order but unequal intervals (e.g., class rank).
- Interval: Numeric scales with equal intervals but no true zero point (e.g., temperature).
- Ratio: Numeric scales with equal intervals and a true zero (e.g., height, test scores).

Quantitative Research Designs

Descriptive Research:
- Aims to describe characteristics and facts of a population.
- Methods include observational studies, surveys, and case studies.
Correlational Research:
- Examines relationships between two or more variables.
- Helps in understanding co-variation but does not imply causation.
Experimental Research:
- Tests hypotheses by manipulating independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables.
- Distinction between true experiments (random assignment) and quasi-experiments (non-random assignment).

Types of Surveys

Cross-sectional Surveys: Data collected at a single point in time to assess current opinions or behaviors.
Longitudinal Surveys: Gather data over time to study trends and changes in specific groups.

Examples of Research Questions

Descriptive: What are the sleeping habits of SHS students?
Correlational: Does wearing a school uniform affect students’ class participation?
Experimental: Does using audio-visual aids in class enhance students' memory retention?

Learning Goals

Develop the ability to describe characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of quantitative research.
Differentiate among kinds of variables based on scales of measure.
Contrast various types of quantitative research designs.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in Practical Research 2, focusing on the nature of inquiry, quantitative research designs, and understanding variables. You'll learn about the differences between quantitative and qualitative research, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative approaches. Dive into the classification of variables to enhance your research knowledge.