Research Methodology and Design

10 Questions

Which of the following is a characteristic of nominal measurement?

Categories with no inherent order

What type of error is predictable and consistently occurs in the same direction?

Systematic error

In the research planning process, which step involves determining the group of people or objects to study?

Define population

Which type of validity refers to the extent to which a measure correlates with an established criterion?

Criterion-related validity

What is the main purpose of quality control methods in data collection?

To maintain the consistency and accuracy of data

Which type of measurement involves assigning numbers to objects or events according to rules?

Measurement

Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when selecting a measure?

Random vs. Fixed

Performance-oriented measures are based on:

Tasks performed by the individual

Which level of measurement involves categories with order, equal intervals, and an arbitrary zero point?

Interval

What distinguishes quantitative variables from qualitative variables?

Quantitative variables measure traits in units; qualitative variables do not.

Study Notes

Planning and Process of Research

Formulate a problem to address a research question
Select a research design to guide the study
Define the population and sample, with the sample being a representative portion of the population
Identify the target population, including groups of people, objects, etc.
Establish a sampling frame to define the population
Select measurement variables that are relevant to the research problem, reliable, and sensitive
Identify instruments for measuring variables, and validate them for the specific population
Collect data, using quality control methods to ensure accuracy
Analyze data, interpret findings, and disseminate the results

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Measure

Purpose: determine the research question being addressed
Public vs. Private: consider the level of sensitivity required
Direct vs. Indirect: decide whether to measure the construct directly or indirectly
Objective vs. Subjective: choose whether to focus on what is or what is believed to be
Standardized vs. Customized: select between standardized measures for comparisons or customized measures for specific populations
Individual vs. Collective: decide whether to measure individual or group characteristics
Performance-Oriented vs. Self-Report: choose between measuring performance or self-reported data
Cognitive vs. Affective: focus on intellectual functioning or emotions/feelings
Psychomotor: assess motor skills and dexterity
Verbal vs. Nonverbal: decide whether to use written/spoken language or non-language based methods

The Nature of Measurement

Measurement: assigning numbers to objects or events according to rules
Data: collected measurements
Data points: individual measurements
Data set: a group of data points
Variables: traits or characteristics that can be measured
Quantitative variables: vary in amount and can be measured in units
Qualitative variables: vary in kind and are not measured in units
Discrete variables: have a limited number of values with no values between points
Continuous variables: have an infinite number of values with values between points
Levels of Measurement: including nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales

Scales and Indices

Scales: instruments that measure variables
Indices: combine multiple variables to create a more complex measure

Types of Measurement

Measurement Error: the difference between the true score and the observed score
Systematic Error: predictable error
Random Error: unpredictable error
Reliability: the consistency of measurement
Validity: the accuracy of measurement, including content, criterion-related, and construct validity
Sensitivity: the ability of a measure to detect changes in the variable
Specificity: the ability of a measure to detect changes in only the intended variable