Practical Research Midterm Review

Questions and Answers

What is one strength of quantitative research?

It allows for in-depth exploration of participant experiences.

It can provide findings that are generalizable to a large population. (correct)

It is primarily qualitative in nature.

It focuses on subjective interpretations of data.

Which of the following is a weakness of quantitative research?

Numerical data may be insufficient in analyzing intangible factors. (correct)

It can easily be replicated by other researchers.

Data-gathering techniques are typically exhaustive.

It relies heavily on qualitative data.

What does a correlational study primarily evaluate?

The cause-effect relationship between two variables.

The impact of independent variables on dependent variables.

The in-depth behavioral traits of individuals.

The variables involved and their relationship direction. (correct)

Which research design focuses on establishing cause-effect relationships?

Experimental research design. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes descriptive research design?

It observes and reports on phenomena as they manifest. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with an experimental quantitative study?

Qualitative analysis of narratives or themes Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is represented by the number of students in a classroom?

Discrete variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable?

Participants' age affecting test scores and review engagement Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a type of qualitative variable?

Continuous Signup and view all the answers

What starts a specific research question in descriptive research?

How many participants completed the survey? Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about extraneous variables is true?

They can lead to biased results if not managed. Signup and view all the answers

What research question type is suitable for correlational research?

Is there a relationship between studying time and exam scores? Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between confounding variables and extraneous variables?

Confounding variables correlate with both independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Strengths of Quantitative Research

Generates findings that can be generalized to larger populations, enhancing the applicability of results.
Allows study replication, making it easier to verify results across different settings or samples.
Facilitates predictions based on numerical and quantifiable data, aiding in forecasting future trends.
Maintains a low level of subjectivity, enhancing objectivity in research results.
Data-gathering techniques are generally easier to implement, reducing operational complexity.
Statistical software speeds up data analysis, allowing for quicker insights and conclusions.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Lacks depth in providing detailed information about complex subjects or phenomena.
Participant responses are confined to prescribed queries, limiting the breadth of data collected.
Self-reported data may be inaccurate, affecting overall reliability of results.
Numerical data can fall short in analyzing non-tangible or qualitative factors.

Research Design

Defines the overall strategy a researcher employs to integrate various study components coherently.
Serves as a structured plan to collect and generate data, aiming to answer the research inquiry thoroughly.
Essential for guiding the research process towards answering fundamental questions effectively.

Quantitative Research Design Types

Descriptive: Observes and reports on specific phenomena or behaviors.
- Includes case studies, case series, cross-sectional studies, prospective studies, and case-control studies.
Correlational: Evaluates relationships between variables, identifying positive or negative directions.
Quasi-Experimental: Aims to establish cause-effect relationships between variables without full experimental controls.
Experimental: Employs scientific methods to test hypotheses and study causal relationships.
- Characteristics include defining variable relationships, testable hypotheses, group assignments, independent variable alterations, and dependent variable measurements before and after changes.

Variables

Quantitative Variables:
- Discrete: Countable numerical values (e.g., number of coins).
- Continuous: Infinite numerical values (e.g., time).
Qualitative (Categorical) Variables:
- Binary: Two categories (e.g., male/female).
- Nominal: Multiple categories without specific order (e.g., housing types).
- Ordinal: Ordered categories (e.g., satisfaction levels).
Confounding variables are extraneous factors that can bias results by influencing both independent and dependent variables.
Extraneous variables are any factors that could unintentionally impact study results.

Specific Research Questions

Descriptive Research: Begins with questions like "How often", "How many", "What is/are", and "What percentage".
Correlational Research: Focuses on the relationships, such as "What is the relationship between the length of the review and examination scores?" and "Is there a relationship between IQ and performance in review sessions?"

Description

This quiz covers the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research, focusing on its generalizability, replicability, and data analysis. It is designed to help students prepare for their midterm examination in practical research. Understand the critical aspects that define quantitative research methodologies.