Research Fundamentals Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic is NOT essential for a research problem?

  • It necessitates a solution, improvement, or alteration.
  • It identifies a situation in need of attention.
  • It represents a discrepancy between current and desired states.
  • It always requires a complex statistical analysis. (correct)

What is a primary function of a research question?

  • To provide a definitive answer to a pre-existing problem.
  • To fulfill requirements, but not be challenged, examined, or analyzed.
  • To act as a general guideline for the researcher's personal interests.
  • To guide the research by pinpointing what the researcher wants to discover. (correct)

Which of the following is the most suitable approach when formulating research questions?

  • Establish a clear relationship between the questions and the research problem or topic. (correct)
  • Focus on questions with simple 'yes' or 'no' answers for clarity.
  • Ensure the questions are entirely novel and unrelated to existing literature.
  • Prioritize questions that confirm pre-existing assumptions of the researcher.

When formulating research questions, what role does the review of related literature (RRL) play?

<p>It serves as the foundation for forming the research questions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for avoiding research questions that elicit a 'yes' or 'no' response?

<p>They fail to encourage in-depth examination and exploration of the topic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important attribute of a research question?

<p>If the work has a clear focus and purpose which allow the researcher to find out new information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion is NOT part of the SMART framework for research questions?

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

In what way should theories, principles, or concepts be integrated into research questions?

<p>They should be used to define variables presented in the research questions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion is essential for a well-defined research question?

<p>It should be specific, complex and relevant to the field of study, as well as address a single problem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of 'scope' in a research study?

<p>Explaining the extent to which the research area will be explored and the parameters within which the study will operate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research, what do 'delimitations' primarily define?

<p>The characteristics that restrict the scope of the study, such as sample size and geographical location. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is formulating a research question. Which approach is most likely to yield a relevant and valuable question?

<p>Addressing a problem relevant to their field, contributing to an existing debate, and filling a gap in existing knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a research question and a thesis statement?

<p>The research question guides the research and thinking process and is the question your research aims to answer, while the thesis statement is the developed answer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is designing a study on student behavior within a school. What constitutes a valid delimitation for this study?

<p>Observing behavior patterns of 50 students from grade 11 of one school over six months. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ensuring a research question is 'complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis'?

<p>It allows for a thorough exploration of the topic, providing sufficient material for argumentation and analysis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a researcher do when facing practical limitations, such as lack of time or financial resources, that affect the scope of their study?

<p>Modify the scope by specifying choices and explaining how they might affect the outcome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes 'delimitations' in research?

<p>The researcher's strategic choices that define the boundaries of the study. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical consideration when evaluating the risks and benefits of a research study?

<p>Maintaining a positive risk-benefit ratio, where benefits outweigh risks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stated purpose of a related review of literature?

<p>To secure funding for future research endeavors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should researchers address potential conflicts of interest involving beneficiaries?

<p>Aim to achieve a positive risk-benefit ratio while safeguarding research independence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor distinguishes 'limitations' from 'delimitations' in research design?

<p>Limitations are unavoidable; delimitations are specific choices made by the researcher. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research ethics, what constitutes a 'benefit'?

<p>Positive impacts of the research on involved parties and contributions to knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of a literature review in establishing the novelty of a research project?

<p>It demonstrates the research's capacity to introduce new knowledge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When research involves multiple individuals or groups, what should researchers primarily ensure?

<p>That a positive risk-benefit ratio is achieved, especially when benefits to one group may increase risk to another. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary aim of conducting a traditional review of literature?

<p>To summarize current knowledge on a specific subject and potentially offer a new understanding of the existing work. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a systematic review of literature that distinguishes it from a traditional review?

<p>A bias-free approach to reviewing literature using sequential acts to analyse written works. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a systematic review of literature, what is the importance of determining the methodological soundness of research studies?

<p>It ensures that only studies with rigorous designs and valid conclusions are included in the review. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the structure typically found in a traditional review of literature summary?

<p>An essay style, using a series of united sentences to present the results. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the 'search for the literature' stage of a related review, what type of source provides original data or firsthand accounts of events or research?

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

When searching for relevant literature, what criterion should be prioritized to ensure the quality and credibility of the sources?

<p>Materials that have undergone evaluation by other experts in the field. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Apart from avoiding repetition of previous studies, what other purpose does the review of related literature serve?

<p>To recommend the necessity of further study on a certain topic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of review aims to provide a broad overview of the available research literature regardless of methodological quality, to identify the breadth and nature of research on a topic?

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

What is one of the main purposes of citation in research?

<p>To prove one's broad and extensive reading of authentic and relevant materials (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which citation style is characterized by using active verbs to express the author's opinion?

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

What does non-integral citation emphasize in a scholarly work?

<p>The strength of the information rather than the owner of the idea (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of citation?

<p>To demonstrate a lack of understanding of the field (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is integrated citation most commonly used for?

<p>Social sciences and related fields (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following formats represents a valid non-integral citation example?

<p>The findings indicate a rising trend in behavioral studies (Johnson, 2019). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of failing to cite sources in academic work?

<p>Plagiarism and academic dishonesty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used to describe the documentation of sources in research?

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

What is the purpose of creating an annotated bibliography during the literature review process?

<p>To summarize and analyze each source for future reference (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is NOT mentioned as a method for organizing a literature review's structure?

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

When identifying themes in literature, what should be primarily considered?

<p>Recurring questions or concepts across the literature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically assessed when looking for debates and conflicts in the literature?

<p>Variations in outcomes or interpretations among sources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of conducting a literature review according to the outlined steps?

<p>Analyzing strengths and weaknesses of the research (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is it important to keep track of citations during the literature review process?

<p>To avoid plagiarism and provide source accuracy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key reasons to look for gaps in the literature?

<p>To avoid redundant research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of pivotal publications in a literature review?

<p>They may change the direction of research in the field (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Observable

A topic perceivable through senses like sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell.

Factual

A topic that is tangible, true, and visibly real.

Logical

A topic that can be understood by the human mind.

Research Problem

A situation needing a solution, improvement, or a discrepancy between current and ideal states.

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Research Question

An explicit query about a problem or issue that is analyzable and yields new information.

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SMART Criteria

Guidelines for effective research questions: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound.

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Independent Variable

A variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

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Dependent Variable

A variable that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

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Thesis Statement

The central assertion or position that the paper will argue for.

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Scope of Study

The extent and boundaries of research within a defined area.

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Delimitations

Characteristics that limit the scope and boundaries of a study.

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Feasibility

The practicality of answering a research question within constraints.

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Complexity of Research Question

Must be intricate enough to result in a developed answer.

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Relevance of Research Question

Importance of the question to the field or society.

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Originality in Research

The question should not have been previously answered and should provide new knowledge.

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Beneficiaries

Individuals or groups likely to gain from the research outcomes.

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Benefit

Positive impact of research on participants and broader society.

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Positive risk-benefit ratio

When benefits outweigh the risks in research participation.

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Purposes of Literature Review

Meant to contextualize and justify the study within existing knowledge.

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Background knowledge

Information obtained to understand the context of the research topic.

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Significance of work

Importance of research supported by gathered evidence.

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Acknowledgment

Recognizing the ownership of borrowed ideas in research.

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Purpose of Citation

Reasons for citing sources, including giving credibility and avoiding plagiarism.

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Integral Citation

A citation style that emphasizes the author's ideas, often using active verbs.

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Non-Integral Citation

A citation style that focuses on the information rather than the author.

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American Psychological Association (APA)

A citation style used mainly in social sciences, emphasizing author-date format.

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Modern Language Association (MLA)

A citation style often used in humanities, focusing on author-page format.

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Plagiarism

Using someone else's work or ideas without proper acknowledgment.

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Citation Validity

Citations lend authority and credibility to arguments in academic work.

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Annotated Bibliography

A compilation of citation information and summaries for sources.

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Themes in Literature Review

Recurring questions or concepts across sources in a literature review.

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Trends and Patterns

Observations on how approaches become popular or fade over time in research.

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Pivotal Publications

Influential theories or studies that reshape the direction of a field.

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Research Gaps

Areas of missing information or weaknesses in existing literature.

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Chronological Organization

Arranging literature reviews based on the development of topics over time.

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Strengths of Research

Positive attributes of a study that enhance its validity or reliability.

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Weaknesses of Research

Limitations or flaws in a study that may affect its credibility.

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Traditional Review of Literature

A summary of existing knowledge on a specific subject, providing expanded understanding.

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Types of Traditional Review

Includes various forms such as Conceptual, Critical, and State-of-the-Art Reviews.

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Systematic Review of Literature

A structured review process aiming for bias-free results through clear steps.

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Steps in Systematic Review

Involves understanding questions, planning data collection, and summarizing findings.

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Search for the Literature

The stage where researchers find sources of knowledge to support their studies.

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Primary Sources

Original studies or data that offer firsthand information relevant to research.

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Peer-Reviewed Materials

Research articles reviewed by experts in the field before publication, ensuring quality.

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Choosing Best Sources

Selecting research findings that are relevant and credible, prioritizing expertise and primary data.

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Study Notes

Research Fundamentals

  • Research is a process of examining facts and information to verify claims. It requires inquiry, investigation, and logical/collaborative work.
  • Research is crucial for daily life, widening vocabulary, improving learning abilities, enhancing social awareness, and promoting cooperative learning.
  • Research involves a process with key steps: developing a plan, collecting data, analyzing data, presenting findings, disseminating findings, and defining the problem.
  • Research ethics, particularly in qualitative studies, emphasizes avoiding harm to participants.
  • Research seeks informed consent, clarifies study purpose, types of questions, potential risks, and benefits.

Research Characteristics

  • Research demands accuracy and objectivity.
  • Research should consider timeliness and relevance to the specific time period.
  • Research should be clearly presented.
  • Research should follow a systematic process to yield useful results.

Qualitative Research

  • Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding of concepts and experiences of individuals.
  • Different types of qualitative research include case studies, ethnography, phenomenology, content discourse analysis, and historical analysis.
  • Qualitative Research is effective for understanding human behavior and motivations through a naturalistic approach.
  • Qualitative Research focuses on a deeper and broader understanding of individuals.
  • This approach helps to understand human behavior and personality traits in their natural environment, promoting social change, respecting diversity, and engendering respect for people's individuality.

Qualitative Research Characteristics

  • Qualitative research is a powerful and active approach that employs multiple research methods to understand an issue in detail.
  • Qualitative research is useful in understanding and analyzing data gathered from different social contexts and social life.

Choosing a Research Topic

  • Personal resources, interest in the subject matter, availability of information, and timeliness of the topic are important factors when choosing a research topic.
  • Avoid controversial topics, too vague subjects, too narrow subjects, and highly technical problems that are difficult to investigate.

Research Questions

  • Research questions are clearly related to the research problem.
  • Research questions are based on related literature and theories.
  • They should be formulated to spark curiosity and reveal surprising discoveries.
  • Related questions should specify dependent and independent variables.
  • Research questions should lead to an answerable problem statement.
  • Questions should only be answerable by "yes" or "no," in quantitative research.
  • A comprehensive review of existing literature is essential.
  • A literature review summarizes current understanding, provides background, identifies new knowledge, and relates the study to existing research.
  • Literature reviews follow specific structures (e.g., chronological, thematic, methodological, theoretical).

Writing the Literature Review

  • A literature review meticulously compiles information about a topic and clarifies existing knowledge.
  • It should use primary and secondary sources to provide a broader understanding and improve knowledge gaps.
  • Reviewing literature involves synthesizing prior research and identifying any gaps in knowledge to build a robust foundation for current research. It analyzes and interprets findings to understand trends or conflicting viewpoints.
  • There are systematic steps to take in a literature review. Carefully assess the quality and validity of sources.
  • The structure is crucial. Choosing to use different structures (e.g., chronological, thematic) influences presentation, so consider what approach best suits the topic.
  • An important element is determining how the study will contribute to the existing knowledge.

Writing and Citing Research

  • Properly citing sources is crucial to avoid plagiarism.
  • Follow guidelines for proper citation (e.g., APA, MLA) to avoid violations.
  • Using correct citation management methods improves quality and ensures proper referencing.

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