Research Design Seminar Overview

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Questions and Answers

What type of question seeks to understand the significance of a particular phenomenon?

  • Definition
  • Significance (correct)
  • Comparison
  • Interpretation

Which type of question focuses on understanding the process or steps involved in creating something?

  • Simple Analysis
  • Process Analysis (correct)
  • Causal Analysis
  • Functional Analysis

What type of question asks for a detailed explanation of the characteristics or features of a specific topic?

  • Description (correct)
  • Classification
  • Evaluation
  • Comparison

Which type of question investigates the reasons behind a particular event or phenomenon?

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

What type of question involves examining how a subject compares to another similar subject?

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

A researcher wants to study the impact of a new teaching method on student performance. What type of variable is the new teaching method?

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

A researcher is studying the relationship between social media use and levels of anxiety. What type of analysis would be most appropriate to investigate this relationship?

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

Which type of question presents a personal perspective or opinion about a particular subject?

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

What is an operational definition in research?

<p>A clear and specific definition of a concept that can be measured. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of question aims to understand how a particular event or phenomenon occurred in chronological order?

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

What is the role of a research model in a research study?

<p>To provide a framework for analyzing data. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question seeks to determine the overall value or worth of a particular subject?

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

In a study examining the effects of a new medication on depression, what is the dependent variable?

<p>The participants' level of depression (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative research?

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

What is the difference between internal validity and external validity?

<p>Internal validity refers to the ability of a study to rule out alternative explanations for the results, while external validity refers to the generalizability of the results to other populations and settings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools is NOT typically used in quantitative research?

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

What does it mean to say that a research study has high construct validity?

<p>The study accurately measures the constructs that it is supposed to measure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of validity discussed in the text?

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

What role do intervening variables play in a research study?

<p>They mediate the relationship between independent and dependent variables. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is the primary purpose of analytical surveys in quantitative research?

<p>To test a theory or explore associations between variables. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of data collection method is characteristic of qualitative research?

<p>Focus group interviews (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about continuous variables is true?

<p>They can take any value along a continuum. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect to avoid when formulating research questions?

<p>Asking questions with no new insights (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research question aims to identify a relationship between two variables?

<p>Correlative research question (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of research question involves comparing actual outcomes to expected standards?

<p>Normative research question (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary pitfall when conducting quantitative research according to the content?

<p>Replicating previous research without knowing the literature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which category would a question asking about the percentage of a phenomenon fall?

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

What type of research questions tries to establish a cause-and-effect relationship?

<p>Causal research questions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a legitimate reason to replicate research?

<p>To ensure applicability to a new setting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which research question type does not inherently imply a cause-and-effect relationship?

<p>Correlative research question (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defining the "object of inquiry" in a research problem?

<p>To identify the specific phenomenon or relationship that will be studied. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the "main domains of inquiry" section related to the "object of inquiry" in a research problem?

<p>The &quot;main domains of inquiry&quot; provide a broad overview of the research topic, while the &quot;object of inquiry&quot; focuses on a specific aspect within that topic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the "causal interaction/patterns/descriptions/categorization and explanation" section of a research problem?

<p>It examines existing literature to understand how the &quot;object of inquiry&quot; has been treated and explained in previous research. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the "research settings" section within a research problem?

<p>To explain how the research context contributes to existing knowledge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason for having clear research questions?

<p>To guide the data collection and analysis process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a factor that influences the clarity of a research question?

<p>The availability of funding for the research. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary relationship between a clear research problem and a clear research question?

<p>Research questions are derived from the research problem and provide the framework for answering it. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a research question is unclear, what is the most likely consequence?

<p>The research findings will be inconclusive, and it will be difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prewriting Questions

Questions designed to clarify and develop research ideas before writing.

Causal Analysis

Analyzing the causes of a phenomenon or concept (X).

Process Analysis

Examining how something is made or done (X).

Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting a relationship between variables.

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Functional Analysis

Determining the essential function or role of concept (X).

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Operational Definition

A clear explanation of how a variable will be measured in the study.

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Comparison

Evaluating similarities and differences between two concepts (X and Y).

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Classification

Identifying various types or categories of a concept (X).

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Research Participants

Individuals selected for inclusion in a study.

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Variables

Distinct concepts involved in research that can change or vary.

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Evaluation

Assessing the value or significance of concept (X).

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Data Validity

Ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of collected research data.

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Quantitative Analysis

Methods of analyzing data that focus on numbers and statistical relationships.

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Internal Validity

Ability to rule out alternative explanations for research results.

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Construct Validity

Congruence between study results and theoretical concepts.

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External Validity

Generalizability of research results to other contexts.

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Statistical Validity

Accuracy of statistical conclusions drawn from a study.

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Causation

Establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

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Object of Inquiry

The phenomenon being studied, such as processes or relationships in organizations.

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Main Domains of Inquiry

Key concepts discussed in literature relevant to your research topic.

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Causal Interaction

The relationship between concepts, processes, or decisions, as noted in literature.

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Research Settings

The specific context, such as geography or type of organization, where prior studies were conducted.

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Evidence

Understanding gained from comparing current research context with prior studies.

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Research Questions

Clear and focused inquiries that guide the data collection process in research.

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Literature Clarity

How well prior research explains the phenomenon you are studying.

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Concept Categorization

Dividing concepts into specific categories for better understanding in research.

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Theoretical Framework

A structure that supports and guides research questions using existing theories.

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Descriptive Research

Research aimed at detailing what is currently happening in a situation or phenomenon.

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Normative Research

Research that evaluates what should happen based on standards or ideals.

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Correlative Research

Research focusing on the relationship between two variables without implying causation.

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Causal Research

Research aimed at establishing cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

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Literature Consultation

The act of reviewing existing works to inform and refine research questions.

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Replicative Research

Research that duplicates existing studies to verify results or their applicability.

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Dependent Variable

The variable that measures the effect of independent variables in research.

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Intervening Variables

Variables that mediate the relationship between independent and dependent variables.

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Categorical Variables

Variables that can take on specific values in distinct categories.

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Continuous Variables

Variables that can take on any value along a continuum.

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Qualitative Research

Research focusing on descriptions and understanding concepts rather than numbers.

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Study Notes

Developing Research Questions & Research Design

  • The seminar is about developing research questions and research design.
  • The agenda includes prewriting general questions, methodological fit, connecting literature to your study, critical assessment of the literature, research question, research design, data collection techniques and data validity.

Prewriting General Questions

  • A list of questions to help formulate a research question
  • The questions include:
    • Definition
    • Description
    • Simple Analysis
    • Process Analysis
    • Directional Analysis
    • Functional Analysis
    • Causal Analysis
    • Classification
    • Comparison
    • Evaluation
    • Summary
    • Persuasion
    • Reflection
    • Reminiscence

Research process

  • Start writing: Idea generation, literature review, planning
  • Theoretical development: Theoretical research, research question, hypotheses, and data gathering
  • Empirical research: Empirical research, analysis, conclusions, and writing the full draft
  • Completion: Constructing graphics, writing text, feedback, proofreading and polishing.
  • Links between components of process.

Methodological Fit

  • Four key elements of a field research project:
    • Research question
    • Prior work
    • Research design
    • Contribution to literature
  • Description of each element
  • Source: Edmondson and McManus (2007)

Methodological Fit: Field Research Journey

  • Illustrates cyclic iterative nature of field research.
  • Steps included:
    • Identify target area of interest
    • Read the literature
    • Develop research question
    • Design a study
    • Collect and analyze data
    • Write up results
    • Submit
  • Source: Edmondson and McManus (not specific year)

Connect Literature to Your Study

  • Beginning with definitions: Focus on defining terms used in research.
  • Understanding the reader's need: Defining the meaning of the study by clarifying what the reader needs to know to grasp the meaning.
  • Evidence from previous research: Establishing support for study from previous research.
  • Phenomenon in context: Explaining the theory built for a phenomenon.

Research Questions (Quantitative Research)

  • Descriptive: Identifying events, beliefs, attitudes in a phenomenon
  • Normative: Identifying what should happen compared to what's happening.
  • Correlative: Evaluating relationship strength between variables
  • Impact: Determining impact a change in one variable has on another.

Research Questions (Qualitative Research)

  • Exploratory: Investigating little-understood phenomena.
  • Explanatory: Understanding the underlying factors of a phenomenon.
  • Descriptive: Documenting and describing the identified phenomenon.
  • Emancipatory: Creating opportunities to engage in social action.

Research Questions (Quantitative & Qualitative Research): Research Problems

  • The object of inquiry, domains of inquiry, causal interactions, descriptions, categorization, explanations, research settings, and evidence

Research Design

  • Quantitative research: Experimental research, Field experiment, Survey research, Data-driven research
  • Qualitative research: Case study, Single case, Multiple case study, Comparative case study, Ethnography, Grounded theory, Action research

Population & Sample Size

  • Quantitative research: Nomothetic approach, studying groups to establish general laws. The aim is often identifying the average member or the average performance of a group member.
  • Qualitative research: Idiographic approach, study of individuals, like a case study

Sample: Defining Your Research Participants

  • Quantitative research: Random Selection for participants. Random assignment to groups to ensure equal probability of being in any group.
  • Qualitative research: Purposive sampling, selecting individuals who are unique and extreme or representative cases.

Variables (Quantitative) & Categories (Qualitative) of Analysis

  • Independent variables, Dependent variables, Intervening variables
  • Categorical variables. Continuous variables

Data Collection

  • Quantitative research: Surveys, official databases (datasets generated by organisations or agencies that can be used for research)
  • Qualitative research: Observation, structured/semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, documentation, and archival records

Data Analysis

  • Quantitative research: Descriptive statistics, Correlation analysis, Causation (e.g.: Regression analysis, multiple regression analysis)
  • Qualitative research: Pattern matching, explanation building, Socio-historical analysis, Cognitive maps, Discourse analysis, content analysis
  • Specify tools
  • Tools for analysis

Validity

  • Internal validity: Ensures alternative explanations of the results are implausible.
  • Construct validity: Establishes the congruence between study results and theoretical underpinnings.
  • External validity: Determines the results generalizability to other conditions and settings.
  • Statistical validity: Assesses if statistical conclusions drawn are reasonable.

Tools for Referencing

  • Mendeley
  • EndNote
  • Zotero
  • Preferred referencing styles (e.g., APA 7th edition, Harvard).

Exercise

  • Requesting to use a specific format to define a research problem (Google forms link).

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