Research Design Concepts Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the first consideration in preparing a research design?

The skills of the researcher and staff

The time available for research

The means of obtaining the information (correct)

The cost factor relating to research

Which type of study includes both descriptive and analytic studies?

Cohort Studies

Randomised Controlled Studies

Observational Studies (correct)

Experimental Studies

In sample design, what is a key characteristic of probability samples?

Each element has a known probability of being included (correct)

They do not allow any type of statistical inference

They require larger sample sizes

Researchers select samples based on convenience

Which aspect is NOT typically included in the preparation of a research design?

The layout of the final report Signup and view all the answers

Which is a type of analytic study within observational studies?

Cohort Study Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of non-probability samples?

They do not allow for known probabilities of inclusion Signup and view all the answers

What does a sample design entail?

A predetermined plan for obtaining a sample from a population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of observational study?

Randomised Controlled Study Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of formulating research objectives?

To serve as a guide for achieving specific goals in the study Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of clear research objectives?

Vague Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the function of research objectives in a study?

They help in narrowing down the focus to essential elements Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in operational definitions for research terms?

Sharp focus on terms essential for understanding the research Signup and view all the answers

What role do specific objectives play in a research study?

They guide the research methodology and data collection processes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to identify the main variables in research objectives?

To establish clear relationships and directions in the study Signup and view all the answers

What impact does defining terms have on research questions?

It clarifies unclear or complex terms for better understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which objective relates directly to understanding the effects of alcoholism on children's lives?

To determine how alcoholism affects the different aspects of children's lives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of primary sources?

They are created by those who collected the data. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of source is considered second-hand information?

A narrative written about someone else's research. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common format used to convey information?

Social media posts Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step a researcher should take when reviewing literature?

Identify sources Signup and view all the answers

What does 'relevance' pertain to in the context of literature review?

The relationship of information to the research topic. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key purpose of anecdotes and clinical impressions in research?

To broaden understanding of unfamiliar issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is included in the review process of literature?

Use the library to locate sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of secondary sources in research?

To summarize or quote primary data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics does a good hypothesis NOT possess?

Incapable of verification Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypothesis suggests a cause-and-effect interaction between variables?

Causal hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What must a hypothesis reflect according to its characteristics?

Inferences about one or more variables Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hypothesis relates to predicting relationships among more than two variables?

Complex hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes an associative hypothesis?

It identifies a relationship but does not imply causation. Signup and view all the answers

In what way should a good hypothesis be operationalizable?

It should be expressed in measurable terms. Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis type is most likely to express relationships among several variables?

Complex hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What do simple hypotheses compare?

The relationship between two variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a hypothesis in research?

To assist in making tentative assumptions and testing their outcomes Signup and view all the answers

In which category does research design aim to categorize its purpose?

Exploration, Description, Diagnosis, and Experimentation Signup and view all the answers

How does a well-formulated hypothesis affect the researcher?

It focuses attention on important aspects of the problem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of statistical tests in research analysis?

To determine the validity of data in supporting or conflicting with hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of preparing a research report?

The theoretical framework Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methodology

Research is a systematic effort to gain new knowledge.
Research is a quest for knowledge through diligent search or investigation.
Research is an art of scientific investigation.
Research is a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.
Research is a systematized effort to gain new knowledge.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to discuss the meaning of research.
Students will be able to list the objectives of research.
Students will be able to explain the significance of research.
Students will be able to explain the difference between research method and methodology.
Students will be able to list the steps of the research process in correct order.
Students will be able to explain each step of the research process briefly.
Students will be able to explain the criteria of good research.
List the sources of research problems.

Objectives of Research

Explore
Describe
Explain
Review or synthesize existing knowledge
Investigate existing situations or problems
Provide solutions to problems
Explore and analyze more general issues
Construct or create new procedures or systems
Explain new phenomena
Generate new knowledge

Motivation in Research

Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits.
Desire to face the challenge in solving unsolved problems.
Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
Desire to be of service to society.
Desire to get respectability.

Significance of Research

To gather necessary information
To make changes
To improve the standard of living
For a safer life
To know the truth
Explore our history
Understanding Arts
Provides the basis for nearly all government policies in economic systems.

Research Process

Define research problem
Review the literature
Formulate hypotheses
Design research (including sample design)
Collect data (Execution)
Analyze data (Test hypotheses, if any)
Interpret and report

Criteria of Good Research

The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be used.
The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the research.
The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that are as objective as possible.
The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon the findings.
The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance.
Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research.
Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced and has a good reputation in research and is a person of integrity.

What Is a Research Problem?

Any question that you want to answer
Any assumption or statement that you want to challenge or investigate or examine
a research problem/topic for a study.

Sources of Research Problems

Personal/practical experience/observations
Critical appraisal of published scientific literature
Previous research
Social issues
Environments that stimulate an open interchange of ideas (scientific sessions, conferences, seminars)
Consultation with experts
Intuition of existing theories
Brainstorming
The world is teeming with questions and unresolved problems.
If there is no problem, there is no research.

Conditions for a Researchable Problem

Perceived differences between 'what is' and 'what should be'.
Unclear reasons for the difference or discrepancy.
The existence of two possible, reasonable answers.

Example Problems

Is there any relationship between sleep quality and academic performance?
What are the effects of TV programs on children's behavior?
What innovative strategies can we develop to overcome barriers in integrating mental health support into primary care?

Defining Terms in Research

Constitutive (dictionary-type) definition
Definition by example
Operational definition (describes how examples of a term are to be measured or identified)

Types of Variable

Independent variable
Dependent variable
Moderator variable
Control variable
Intervening variable

Hypotheses

A hypothesis is a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences.
A Hypothesis should be simple, specific, and conceptually clear- capable of verification (testable) - related to the existing body of knowledge - Operationalizable.
Associative vs Causal
Simple vs Complex
Directional vs nondirectional
Statistical vs Research

Types of Research Questions in Health Sciences

Is memory capacity related to test performance?
Does sleep deprivation affect driving ability?
Does light exposure improve learning ability in mice?

Data Collection Methods

Observation (participant & non-participant)
Interview (structured & unstructured)
Questionnaires (mailed, collective, online)

Primary vs Secondary Data

Primary data is collected afresh and for the first time.
Secondary data is data that is already available.

Advantages of Primary Data

Better data interpretation
Addresses targeted issues
More efficient use of resources
Greater research control
Increased accuracy (of data)

Disadvantages of Primary Data

High Cost
Time Consuming
Inaccurate Feed-backs
More resources or requirements

Advantages of Secondary Data

Less expensive
Expedited data collection
Offers greater anonymity & greater accuracy
Accessible to more people

Disadvantages of Secondary Data

Data may not be suitable
Data may not be complete
Data accuracy issues
May not meet the specific needs of the research

Sample Representation

The extent to which the characteristics of the sample accurately reflect the characteristics of the population.
Extremely important when the researcher wants to generalize from the sample to the target population/entire population

Sampling Error

The extent of variation between an estimate obtained from a sample and the true value of the population.

Sampling Bias

Over- or under-representation of a segment of the population that impacts study validity.
Caused by the researcher when samples are not selected carefully (e.g. time of year, place, language used, or researcher personal views influence data)

Types of Sample

Representative sample
Unrepresentative sample

Sampling Techniques

Probability sampling
Non-probability sampling
Simple random sampling
Systematic sampling
Stratified random sampling
Cluster sampling
Convenience sampling
Quota sampling
Purposive sampling
Snowball sampling

Criteria for Selecting Sampling Method

The research objectives
Population of interest
Data collection techniques
Ethical considerations
Time and resources available
Sampling error

Important Considerations

If using a Questionnaire, conduct a pilot study first.
Carefully consider aspects of sampling including; population; accessible population; sample; sample size; sample representativeness; and the sampling method.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in research design. This quiz covers various types of studies, sampling techniques, and essential considerations for designing effective research. Ideal for students and professionals in fields related to research methodology.