Quantitative Research Week 1-5

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Questions and Answers

What does quantitative research primarily focus on?

Experimental designs without statistical methods

Theoretical predictions without empirical data

Qualitative observations and narratives

Numerical values and their relation to phenomena (correct)

What is the purpose of a hypothesis in research?

To summarize previous findings in a field of study

To provide a detailed account of the research process

To predict the relationship between variables that can be tested (correct)

To define the methodology used in an experiment

Which of the following is a characteristic of quantitative research?

Subjectivity in data interpretation

Replicability of results (correct)

Focus on individual case studies

Lack of statistical methods

What does a null hypothesis indicate?

There is no effect or relationship present Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of quantitative research?

It is often seen as too simplistic due to numerical reduction Signup and view all the answers

What are independent variables in research?

Variables that are presumed to cause changes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes mediating variables?

They show the connection between independent and dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the strengths of using quantitative research methodologies?

It allows data to be presented in various formats Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is considered the independent variable in the study of motivation's effect on employee performance?

Motivation Signup and view all the answers

In the research assessing different coaching styles on volleyball teams, what is the dependent variable?

Winning streak Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is job satisfaction in the study examining the effects of a seven-day work week on employee productivity?

Mediating Variable Signup and view all the answers

In the research investigating the impact of education level on income, what is the role of job position?

Mediating Variable Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is considered a moderating variable in the study of a training program's effect on productivity?

Years of Experience Signup and view all the answers

What type of measurement does a nominal variable represent?

Unordered categories Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct definition of a mediating variable?

A variable that explains the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

In the study of different teaching methods' effects on students' test scores, which of the following is an extraneous variable?

Class Size Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of an ordinal variable?

It can be counted and ranked. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about a ratio variable?

It has a true zero point indicating none. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does NOT apply to a well-structured research title?

It needs to be vague to pique interest. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does a conceptual framework serve in research?

It illustrates how the entire research process will be explored. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a requirement for a hypothesis?

It should be capable of being operationally defined. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scope of a research study define?

The general extent of content that will be covered. Signup and view all the answers

What is an operational definition?

A description of how a variable was measured in the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a theoretical framework in research?

To ground the study in existing theories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quantitative Research Overview

Involves numerical values to describe phenomena and infer relationships.
Relies on the testing of assumptions or predictions about relationships between variables.

Hypotheses

Hypothesis: Assumption about the relationship between two or more variables that can be tested with data.
Null Hypothesis: States that there is no effect or relationship between the studied variables.

Examples of Hypotheses

"Increased study time will lead to higher exam scores." (Hypothesis)
"Study time does not affect exam scores." (Null Hypothesis)
"The new teaching method will improve student test scores." (Hypothesis)
"The new teaching method will not affect student test scores." (Null Hypothesis)

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Controllability: Enables researchers to control variables.
Generalizability: Findings can be applicable to larger populations.
Objectivity: Minimizes biases, focusing on facts.
Replicability: Research can be repeated to verify results.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

Statistical methods assist in data analysis.
Capable of large-scale research.
Data can be presented graphically or in tables.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Large sample sizes require significant time and effort.
Statistical analyses need trained experts.
Simplifying observations to numeric values may overlook complex nuances.

Understanding Variables

Variables: Elements that can be observed and may influence outcomes (people, situations, phenomena).
Independent Variables: Presumed to cause changes.
Dependent Variables: Change as a result of other variables.
Mediating Variables: Show connection between independent and dependent variables.
Moderating Variables: Affect the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Extraneous Variables: Should be excluded as they may skew results.

Variable Examples

Study on motivation vs. employee performance:
- Independent Variable: Motivation
- Dependent Variable: Productivity
Study on coaching styles in volleyball:
- Dependent Variable: Winning streak
Study on work week impact:
- Independent Variable: 7-day work week
- Mediating Variable: Job satisfaction

Levels of Measurement

Nominal Variable: Represents different types of data without intrinsic order; only frequencies can be counted.
Ordinal Variable: Categories with intrinsic order; frequencies can be counted and ranked.
Ratio Variable: Numerical values with meaningful differences; includes a true zero point.
Interval Variable: Numerical value that can be counted and ranked with meaningful differences.

Research Titles and Framework

Characteristics of a Well-Structured Research Title:
- Formal, brief, clear with proper grammar.
Conceptual Framework: Visualizes entire research process and concept relationships.
Theoretical Framework: Basis theory for the study.
Architectural Framework: Guides the evolution of business intelligence solutions.

Definitions and Scope

Conceptual Definitions: Theoretical meanings of a concept.
Operational Definitions: Practical usage or measurement of a variable.
Scope: Extent of content covered in a study.

Characteristics of Hypotheses

Hypotheses should be falsifiable, predictable, simple, specific, and based on existing knowledge.
Should address research gaps and be operationally defined for empirical testing.

Research Limitations

Potential weaknesses in a study that researchers cannot control.

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Description

Test your understanding of quantitative research concepts with this quiz covering the first five weeks. Explore key terminology such as hypothesis and null hypothesis, and learn how numerical values can describe phenomena and infer relationships. Engage with statements to identify whether they refer to a hypothesis or a null hypothesis.