Research Ethics and Methodology

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Questions and Answers

A researcher is studying the effects of a new teaching method on student performance. They meticulously document each step of their process and share their data openly. Which characteristic of research is BEST exemplified by this scenario?

Logical
Replicability (correct)
Critical
Analytical

A research team discovers unexpected results that contradict their initial hypothesis. Ethically, what is their MOST appropriate course of action?

Rerun the experiment multiple times, until they get the expected results, then publish those results.
Modify the data to align with the original hypothesis.
Acknowledge the unexpected results and discuss potential reasons for the discrepancy. (correct)
Ignore the unexpected results and focus solely on the data that supports the hypothesis.

A student is struggling to select a research topic. Considering the factors to consider in selecting a research problem, which of the following would be the MOST suitable first considerations?

The potential impact the research will have on the academic community.
The student's area of academic interest. (correct)
The ease of accessing a large sample population for the study.
The availability of sophisticated statistical software.

Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies the 'cyclical' nature of research?

A researcher uses findings from one study to inform the design and questions of a subsequent study. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is conducting a survey on sensitive personal experiences. What ethical consideration should they prioritize to protect their research subjects?

Guaranteeing the anonymity and confidentiality of participants' responses. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmaceutical company funds a research study on a new drug. The results are positive, but the researchers fail to disclose the funding source in their publication. What unethical practice does this represent?

Distortions of findings by sponsor (D) Signup and view all the answers

A polling company asks a general question that has a built-in bias. Which of the following is the MOST accurate terminology to describe this scenario?

Deceiving the respondent (B) Signup and view all the answers

After collecting all the data, a researcher changes some of the data to better reflect the hypothesis. What is this an example of?

Unethical (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is conducting an ethnography but is unsure about the specific focus. Which approach would be most suitable?

Using ethnography synonymously with qualitative research in general to allow for broad exploration. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative research type is best suited for understanding the lived experiences of individuals regarding a specific phenomenon?

Phenomenology (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way do critical social theorists and constructivists perceive reality?

As a dynamic entity shaped by social, political, and cultural values. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does participatory action research (PAR) incorporate the experiences of oppressed people?

By informing the research process with the experiences and needs of oppressed people. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to develop a theory directly from collected data without pre-existing hypotheses. Which approach is most suitable?

Grounded theory (B) Signup and view all the answers

During a qualitative study, a researcher identifies a new, unexpected theme. What should they do?

Adjust the research framework to explore the new theme. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most significantly affects the quality and credibility of qualitative research?

The researcher's skills and potential biases. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge related to data analysis in qualitative research?

The time-consuming nature of analyzing large volumes of data. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does a literature review help researchers avoid unintentional replication?

By making them aware of existing studies and findings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for conducting a literature review before starting a research project?

To define and limit the research problem and place the study in perspective. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical consideration is violated when a researcher analyzes data and selectively presents only the facts that support their hypothesis, while omitting contradictory evidence?

Presenting data honestly and accurately. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does qualitative research differ from quantitative research in terms of data analysis?

Qualitative research uses thematic analysis to identify patterns, while quantitative research uses statistical analysis to quantify data. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the statement that qualitative research should have 'design flexibility'?

The researcher should be open to adapting the inquiry as understanding deepens or situations change. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the impact of a new policy on a community. Which approach would be most suitable?

Conducting a case study to deeply analyze the policy's effects within that specific community. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When is it most appropriate to utilize qualitative research methods?

When exploring complex phenomena and gaining in-depth understanding of underlying reasons and motivations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'context sensitivity' considered a major characteristic of qualitative research?

Because it recognizes the importance of the social, historical, and temporal context in which findings are situated. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to understand the chronology and causes of a major social movement. Which approach would be most appropriate?

Historical research (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential drawback of the researcher's presence during data collection in qualitative studies?

It can affect the subjects' responses and introduce bias. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the impact of a new teaching method in a classroom. They observe the classes without the students' knowledge. Which ethical principle is being violated?

Obtaining informed consent. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of 'emphatic neutrality' in qualitative research?

To maintain complete objectivity while understanding the world's complexity, incorporating personal experience without judgment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of writing a literature review, what does it mean to 'trace the intellectual progression of the field'?

Identifying the key debates, developments, and shifts in thinking over time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a research study, a participant is asked about a traumatic event in their past, causing them significant emotional distress. What ethical consideration has the researcher overlooked?

Avoiding causing emotional distress. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research scenarios best represents a 'holistic perspective' in qualitative research?

Understanding the whole phenomenon as a complex system with interconnected parts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'unique case orientation' in qualitative research influence the data analysis process?

It emphasizes capturing the details of individual cases before conducting cross-case analysis. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'inductive analysis' in qualitative research?

Exploring open questions and discovering important categories and interrelationships from the data. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to study the experiences of athletes in a marathon. Which approach aligns with qualitative research?

Conducting in-depth interviews to understand their motivations and challenges. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key strength of qualitative research?

In-depth understanding of complex issues. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe 'naturalistic inquiry' as a characteristic of qualitative research?

Studying real-world situations as they unfold naturally, without manipulation or predetermined constraints. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant limitation of qualitative research?

Difficulty in generalizing findings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A company is deciding whether to launch a new product. Which research approach would be best to understand consumer perceptions and potential challenges?

Holding focus group discussions to explore consumer feelings and concerns. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When beginning a new research project, why is it beneficial to analyze the methodologies of previous studies?

To understand what strategies have been effective or ineffective and potentially discover new approaches. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does relating new research findings to previous knowledge contribute to the broader understanding of a research area?

By establishing the context of the new work, identifying areas needing further exploration, and fostering a coherent understanding. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a literature review in the context of research?

To present a concise summary of current knowledge and facts, justifying the need for future research. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is identifying a 'gap' in existing research considered important?

It ensures the research will have significant practical and/or theoretical implications. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are journals considered advantageous for researchers seeking the latest findings compared to books or textbooks?

Journals are published regularly, providing the most up-to-date research findings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do conference proceedings primarily serve researchers?

By offering brief summaries of research presented, often showcasing preliminary findings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Wallace and Wray's categorization, what distinguishes 'theoretical' literature from other forms?

It describes anticipated relationships or explanations about how phenomena occur. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of 'research' literature according to Wallace and Wray?

It involves a systematic investigation to answer a specific question using accepted scientific methods. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key method used to gather information in empirical research?

Observation, experience, or experiment (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can one typically distinguish between 'research' and 'practice' literature?

Research literature shows evidence of a systematic study with a defined methodology, results, and discussion, while practice literature may present expert opinions or reports of good practice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of literature searching, what is the purpose of using inclusion and exclusion criteria?

To systematically narrow the search to the most relevant and applicable literature. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'theses and dissertations' play in the landscape of research literature?

They provide detailed and comprehensive accounts of research work, typically submitted for a higher degree. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of 'professional journals'?

Publishing articles on professional issues, service developments, the use of research findings in practice and some short research articles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the most appropriate category of literature to find expert opinions and discussion papers on real-world applications?

Practice literature. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most effective way of expanding an electronic search for literature?

Looking for the frequently cited journals as well as the reference list of the journal articles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Importance of Research

Research is crucial for student understanding and decision-making in daily life.

Characteristics of Research

Features include empirical, logical, cyclical, analytical, critical, methodical, and replicable aspects.

Research Process

Stages include identifying a problem, reviewing literature, collecting data, and interpreting findings.