Quantitative Research Designs

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements best describes the positivist paradigm's view on objectivity?

  • Objectivity is a valuable consideration, weighed alongside subjective experiences in research.
  • Objectivity is the key to unlocking truth and understanding in research. (correct)
  • Objectivity is relevant only in quantitative research, where data are numerical.
  • Objectivity is an unattainable ideal in research due to inherent researcher bias.

In quantitative research, what is the primary role of control?

  • To ensure that the findings are statistically significant.
  • To eliminate all potential sources of error and bias.
  • To increase the generalizability of the study results to other populations.
  • To minimize the influence of extraneous variables on the variables of interest. (correct)

How does quasi-experimental research differ from experimental research?

  • Quasi-experimental studies do not involve manipulation of the independent variable.
  • Quasi-experimental studies lack random assignment of subjects to groups. (correct)
  • Quasi-experimental studies do not require a control group.
  • Quasi-experimental studies always take place in natural settings.

A researcher aims to explore the relationship between hours of sleep and academic performance among college students. Which quantitative research design is most suitable?

<p>Correlational (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an experimental study examining the effectiveness of a new drug on reducing blood pressure, what is the independent variable?

<p>The dosage of the new drug administered. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an extraneous variable?

<p>A variable that can interfere with understanding the relationship between the IV and DV. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the effect of a mindfulness intervention on stress levels. Which statement best indicates the study variables?

<p>Mindfulness intervention is an independent variable, and stress levels is a dependent variable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes basic research from applied research?

<p>Basic research aims to generate new knowledge, while applied research seeks to solve immediate problems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when assessing rigor in quantitative research?

<p>The consistency and accuracy in following a research plan to minimize bias. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects the concept of precision in quantitative research?

<p>The accuracy and detail with which study variables are measured. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial and most critical step in the quantitative research process?

<p>Formulating a clear and focused research problem. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which section of a research report provides the most concise overview of the study?

<p>Abstract (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When skimming a research report, what key elements should be reviewed to gain a broad overview?

<p>Title, author's name, abstract, introduction, and discussion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In comprehending a research report, what is an important factor to consider regarding the researcher's expertise?

<p>The researcher's knowledge and experience in the study topic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When analyzing a research report, what should be examined in the discussion section?

<p>The critical arguments, findings, and conclusions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a research report critique, what is a key consideration regarding the research process?

<p>Whether the research process steps were clearly identified and logically linked. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which research design involves manipulation of an independent variable, randomization, and control?

<p>Experimental (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of quantitative research, what does 'control' primarily refer to?

<p>The degree to which extraneous variables are minimized or eliminated. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an operational definition in quantitative research?

<p>To specify how a variable will be measured or manipulated in the study. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of applied research?

<p>A survey assessing patient satisfaction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a study examining the impact of nurse-patient ratio on patient outcomes in intensive care units. If the nurse-patient ratio is the independent variable, what is the dependent variable?

<p>Patient outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of quantitative research allows researchers to draw cause-and-effect conclusions?

<p>Experimental (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key element of research design?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In quantitative research, what is a conceptual definition?

<p>A general, abstract explanation of a concept. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of quantitative research?

<p>To describe new situations, examine relationships among variables, and determine the effectiveness of treatments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In experimental studies, how are subject groups assigned?

<p>Randomly assigned (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of quantitative research?

<p>Exploration of subjective experiences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to study the effects of a new exercise program on weight loss but cannot randomly assign participants to groups. What type of research design is most appropriate?

<p>Quasi-experimental (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is knowledge primarily obtained in positivist research?

<p>Through logical reasoning and empirical testing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which section of a research report outlines the study's design, sample, setting, and tools?

<p>Methods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'rigor' in quantitative research?

<p>The adherence to strict rules and procedures to ensure accuracy and consistency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of quantitative research?

<p>Numerical Data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher conducting a study looking into the effects of social media use on college students' self-esteem includes measures to minimize the influence of socioeconomic status and prior mental health conditions. These measures are aimed at controlling:

<p>Extraneous variables (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher specifies that 'anxiety' will be measured using a standardized anxiety scale in their study. This specification represents the:

<p>Operational definition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a study investigating the relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover, the level of job satisfaction represents the:

<p>Independent variable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher sets out to identify all the risk factors associated with heart disease in older adults. What type of quantitative research design is MOST appropriate for this study?

<p>Descriptive design (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of a literature review in quantitative research?

<p>To summarize previous findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'assumptions' in quantitative research?

<p>An assertion that is taken for granted as true for the purpose of the study. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study's design involves observing the effects on patient recovery after implementing a new protocol in only one hospital. What is this an example of?

<p>Quasi-experimental study (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is considered an outcome, presumed effect , or response?

<p>Dependent variable (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to determine if a new educational program improves student test scores. Students in one school receive the program, while students in another school do not. Test scores are then compared. What type of research design is this?

<p>Quasi-Experimental Research (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A quantitative study finds a strong positive correlation between hours spent studying and exam scores. Which conclusion is most justified?

<p>There is a relationship between studying hours and exam scores. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies the application of rigor in a quantitative study?

<p>Employing validated instruments and standardized procedures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study aims to explore the average daily caloric intake of adults in a specific city. What type of quantitative research design would be most appropriate?

<p>Descriptive (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an experimental study comparing a new therapy to a standard therapy, researchers blind participants to their treatment group assignments. What is the primary purpose of this blinding?

<p>To minimize the placebo effect and bias. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher defines 'anxiety' as a score on a standardized anxiety questionnaire. What type of definition is this?

<p>Operational definition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of basic research regarding a new phenomenon?

<p>To expand the existing knowledge base. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study investigates whether a new exercise program leads to weight loss. Participants are randomly assigned to either the exercise program or a control group. What is the independent variable in this study?

<p>The exercise program (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In quantitative research, what is the purpose of controlling extraneous variables?

<p>To increase the internal validity of the study. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When critically appraising a quantitative research report, why is it important to examine the 'Methods' section?

<p>To assess the appropriateness and rigor of the study design. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Quantitative Research

Formal, objective, rigorous, systematic process for generating information.

Positivist Paradigm

A philosophical view that emphasizes objective reality and measurement. Is the belief of objectivity.

QN and QL Research

(QN) research is structured and uses numerical data to draw conclusions. (QL) research aims to explore and understand experiences, using non-numerical data.

Participants

Individuals who participate and provide information in a research study.

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Observations

Specific elements or characteristics that are observed or measured in a study.

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Descriptive Design

Focuses on describing characteristics numerically.

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Correlational Design

Examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation.

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Quasi-experimental Design

Involves manipulation of variables but lacks random assignment or control.

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Experimental Design

Features manipulation, randomization, and control.

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Quasi studies

Intervention not randomly given.

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Experimental studies

Intervention occurs, groups randomly assigned.

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Control

The degree to which rules are followed to decrease the possibility of error in a study.

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Research Setting

The location where the study takes place.

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Dependent Variable

The outcome that is the result of the manipulation of a variable.

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Independent Variable

The presumed cause that is manipulated by the researcher.

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Extraneous Variables

Variables that can interfere with the findings of the study.

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Concrete Variables

Clearly defined and observable variables.(i.e., age, weight, height).

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Abstract Variables

Intangible and non-observable variables (i.e., self-esteem, anxiety).

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Conceptual Definition

The theoretical or dictionary meaning of the term.

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Operational Definition

How the variable will be measured in the study.

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Basic Research

Seeks new knowledge or to expand the knowledge base.

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Applied Research

Seeks solution to existing problem.

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Rigor

Striving for excellence in entire study.

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Precision

Accuracy, detail, and order.

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Study Notes

Quantitative Research

  • It aims to be formal, objective, rigorous, and utilizes a systematic process to generate information.
  • It is used to describe new situations, events, or concepts.
  • It examines relationships among variables.
  • It determines the effectiveness of treatments.

Elements of research design

  • Participants (who).
  • Observations (what).
  • Measurement of time (when).
  • Selection of subjects (where).
  • Role of investigator.

Quantitative Research Designs

  • Descriptive - non-experimental (Descriptive or Correlational).
  • Quasi-experimental.
  • Experimental.
  • The level of control increases with each type of study.

Control of Quantitative Studies

  • Involves following rules to decrease the possibility of error.
  • It also depends on the study type.
  • Quasi-experimental studies assign subjects to groups using a non-random method.
  • Experimental studies use random assignment for subject groups.

Experimental Studies

  • Manipulation.
  • Randomization.
  • Control.

Settings in Quantitative Research

  • Location where studies are conducted.
  • Settings must be defined in advance as part of the study's rigor and control.

Control in Quantitative Research by Type

  • Descriptive research has uncontrolled researcher control and a natural or partially controlled research setting.
  • Correlational research has uncontrolled or partially controlled researcher control and a natural or partially controlled research setting.
  • Quasi-experimental research has partially controlled researcher control and a partially controlled research setting.
  • Experimental research has highly controlled researcher control and a laboratory research setting.

Variables

  • Properties of a study
  • An examination which looks at how a given variable, X, relates to variable Y.
  • Independent vs. dependent variables.

Types of variables

  • Independent variable (x) is presumed cause.
  • It is the one the researcher manipulates.
  • Dependent variable (y) is the consequence or presumed effect.
  • It is what researchers are interested in understanding, explaining, and predicting.
  • Extraneous variables can interfere with the study findings and understanding the relationship among the independent variable and the dependent variable.

Study Variables

  • Concepts that are measured, manipulated, or controlled in a study.
  • Concrete / Abstract variables.
  • Conceptual / Operational definition.

Definitions Relevant to Quantitative Research

  • Basic research is also known as pure research.
  • Applied research referred to as practical research.
  • Rigor provides a concise explanation.
  • Precision is defined as accuracy.

Steps of the Quantitative (QN) Research Process

  • Research Problem
  • Literature Review
  • Study Framework
  • Research, Objective, questions, hypotheses.
  • Study Variables
  • Assumptions
  • Limitations
  • Research Design
  • Population and Sample
  • Methods of Measurement
  • Data Collection
  • Data Analysis
  • Research Outcomes

Content of Research Reports

  • Abstract: Summary of study in 100 to 250 words.
  • Introduction: Problem, purpose, literature, framework, and hypothesis.
  • Methods: Design, sample, setting, tool.
  • Results: Data analysis procedures.
  • Discussion: Findings, conclusions, implications.
  • Reference List: All sources cited.

Skimming a Research Report

  • Quickly review the source for a broad overview.
  • Read the title, author's name, abstract, introduction, and discussion.
  • Examine conclusions and implications.
  • Give a preliminary judgment of the study.

Comprehending a Research Report

  • Type of study conducted (highlight key points).
  • Knowledge available on the topic.
  • Expertise of the researcher.
  • Replication versus original research.
  • Funding resources of the researcher.
  • Amount of funding.
  • Sources of funding.

Analyzing a Research Report

  • Examine report parts in depth for accuracy, completeness, uniqueness of information, and organization.
  • See if the research process was logically presented.
  • Examine the discussion section for critical arguments.

Initiating a Research Report Critique

  • Type of study conducted.
  • Setting for the study.
  • Steps for the research process (clearly identified?)
  • Missing steps?
  • Do the steps logically link together?

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