Practical Research II: Quantitative Research

Questions and Answers

What is quantitative research?

A systematic and scientific investigation of data and their relationships.

What does 'numerical' mean?

Of or relating to numbers or expressed by numbers.

Most inventions and innovations are products of ______ studies.

quantitative

What inquiries should one make when conducting research?

Curiosity and doubt about existing phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

Scientific methods in research are informal processes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two approaches mentioned in scientific methods?

Empirical approach and controlled methods. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following columns:

<ol> <li>Agriculture = G. Sports</li> <li>Refrigeration = D. Information and Communications</li> <li>Printing Press = E. Arts</li> <li>Computer = B. Natural and Physical Science</li> <li>Airplane = A. Business and Accounting</li> <li>Photo Finishes = F. Education</li> <li>Social Media = H. Humanities and Social Sciences</li> <li>Paint = I. Mathematics</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of quantitative research today?

It helps in making informed decisions based on data. Signup and view all the answers

How is quantitative research applicable across fields?

It is used to analyze data and support conclusions in various disciplines. Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is characterized by its ability to have outcomes that are only two possibilities?

Dichotomous Signup and view all the answers

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

Access to Quality Healthcare Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is considered as characteristics of individuals such as creativity and learning styles?

Attribute Signup and view all the answers

Which level of measurement allows for categorization without a natural order among categories?

Nominal Scale Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of covariate variables within research studies?

They interact with independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an exogenous variable?

A variable found outside an identified model. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable cannot be directly observed, such as personality traits?

Latent Signup and view all the answers

How does understanding the levels of measurement impact data analysis?

It limits the statistical analysis that can be performed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an independent variable in an experiment?

It is varied or manipulated by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines a dependent variable?

It is the outcome variable based on changes in the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What does operational definition specify in a research study?

The manner by which a variable is measured or categorized. Signup and view all the answers

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

Participants' backgrounds affecting outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is used as a measure of worry or nervousness in a study about anxiety?

Operational variable. Signup and view all the answers

How is a conceptual definition of a variable typically characterized?

By providing a dictionary-like definition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following variables would be considered independent in the context of a speed-reading course?

The monetary incentive offered. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly distinguishes between independent and dependent variables?

Independent variables influence dependent variables to show cause-effect relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for variables that can impact the relationship between independent and dependent variables but are not the focus of the study?

Extraneous variables Signup and view all the answers

In the context of an experiment measuring test scores based on study time, what could be an example of a participant variable?

The students' anxiety levels Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable is specifically used by researchers to explain the connection between dependent and independent variables?

Intervening variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a dependent variable in a study analyzing the impact of fertilizer on potato yield?

Number of bushels of potatoes produced Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes confounding variables from extraneous variables in a research study?

Confounding variables can obscure the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of variable used in research?

Extrinsic variable Signup and view all the answers

In a study examining the effect of different types of presentations on test scores, what is the independent variable?

Type of presentation Signup and view all the answers

Which variable can be described as factors other than the independent variable that affect study results?

Confounding variables Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research involves systematic and scientific investigation of data, emphasizing numerical relationships.
It answers specific inquiries concerning magnitude, frequency, and ranking of data, such as "how many" or "how much".

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Relies heavily on numerical data to derive statistical insights.
Critical in supporting inventions and innovations through extensive studies.
Essential for product development, ensuring compliance with standards, material selection, and design optimization.

Examples of Application

The smartphone industry exemplifies the importance of quantitative research in achieving consumer-friendly products.
Rigorous research helps determine the fastest data storage and processing capabilities, aligning designs with market preferences.

Role of Research in Science

Research is prompted by curiosity and skepticism toward existing knowledge, leading to deeper inquiry and exploration.
Casual, informal observations may lead to questions that necessitate formal research methods for accuracy.

Scientific Methods in Research

Employs an empirical approach through direct observation and experimentation to gain knowledge.
Observations encompass awareness and understanding of the environment.
The research process is structured around systematic inquiry, ensuring verified and reliable findings.

Understanding Variables in Research

A variable represents a characteristic or concept that can change, such as gender, weight, or attitudes.
Variables are essential for experiments as they can be measured, manipulated, and controlled.

Definitions of Variables

Conceptual Definition: Describes a variable using words or concepts.
- Example: Anxiety defined as feelings of worry or unease.
Operational Definition: Specifies how a variable is measured or controlled.
- Example: Measuring anxiety by checking students' heart rates before an exam.

Types of Variables

Independent Variable: The manipulated variable in an experiment.
- Example: Monetary incentive offered to students.
Dependent Variable: The outcome influenced by changes in the independent variable.
- Example: Students' performance level on a reading test.

Additional Variable Types

Intervening Variable: Factors that explain the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
- Example: Access to healthcare linking wealth and life span.
Constant: Variables that do not change throughout the experiment.
Attribute Variable: Characteristics of individuals, such as intelligence or creativity.
Covariate: Included in the study to examine its interaction with other variables.
Continuous Variable: Quantitative values measured on an interval or ratio scale.
Dichotomous Variable: Only two possible outcomes, such as pass/fail.
Latent Variable: Cannot be directly observed, e.g., personality traits.
Manifest Variable: Can be directly measured and observed.
Exogenous Variable: External factors affecting the study, such as weather conditions.

Levels of Measurement

Identifying the level of measurement is crucial for data interpretation and statistical analysis.
Nominal Scale: Categorizes variables without a natural order.
- Example: Monetary incentives as the independent variable for performance assessment.

Extraneous Variables

Uncontrolled variables that may affect the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Participant Variables: Characteristics of subjects like age or mood.
Situational Variables: Characteristics of the environment, including temperature and space.

Confounding Variables

Factors that interfere with the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, complicating results.

Intervening Variables

Help explain the connection between independent and dependent variables, serving as mediators in the research context.

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Description

This quiz explores the importance of quantitative research in Practical Research II. It focuses on understanding what constitutes quantitative research and its role in systematic and scientific investigations of data and their relationships. Test your knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental concepts.