Research Methodology Basics

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Questions and Answers

What are dependent variables in survey research?

Variables that researchers measure to see effects (correct)

Variables that are constant throughout the study

Variables that summarize qualitative information

Variables that researchers independently manipulate

What is a primary advantage of using surveys?

They are always qualitative in nature

They eliminate all sources of bias completely

They require extensive resources and time

They provide a quick and inexpensive means of data collection (correct)

In survey terms, what does the independent variable represent?

The outcome researchers measure

The conditions or factors tested by researchers (correct)

The variable that remains unchanged during the study

The variable that is influenced or affected

What can be a disadvantage of surveys?

Results can be received too late for useful decision making Signup and view all the answers

What is often associated with survey research?

Quantitative findings as a primary goal Signup and view all the answers

Why is the growth of survey research significant?

It provides a way to ask individuals their opinions directly Signup and view all the answers

What is acquiescence bias?

A tendency for respondents to agree with all or most questions. Signup and view all the answers

When are surveys considered poorly conducted?

When the survey design lacks careful planning Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship between surveys and descriptive research?

Surveys aim to describe opinions and trends without extensive analysis Signup and view all the answers

What does random sampling error result from?

Statistical fluctuation due to chance variation. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bias occurs when respondents use extremes in their answers?

Extremity bias Signup and view all the answers

What is systematic error?

Errors caused by an imperfect aspect of the research design. Signup and view all the answers

How does interviewer bias affect survey responses?

It influences respondents due to the interviewer's presence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes social desirability bias?

Respondents answer to appear favorable socially. Signup and view all the answers

What is sample bias?

A constant deviation in survey results due to poor sampling. Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes unconscious misrepresentation in survey responses?

Respondents are unaware of their inaccuracies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a concise and descriptive statement that encapsulates the main topic of a research study called?

Research Title Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes variables in a research study?

Elements or characteristics that can vary Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the problem-definition process?

Understand the business situation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statement types is essential for the problem-definition process?

Managerial decision statements Signup and view all the answers

What follows after identifying the key problems from symptoms in the problem-definition process?

Determine the unit of analysis Signup and view all the answers

What signifies the difference between current conditions and preferable conditions?

A problem Signup and view all the answers

Which signal word indicates a relationship between variables in a research study?

Influence Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential outcome of the problem-definition process?

Defining the research problem Signup and view all the answers

What is respondent error?

A type of sample bias due to respondent actions or inactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines sample selection error?

An administrative error from improper design or execution of sampling procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What describes nonrespondents in a research context?

Those who are not contacted or do not cooperate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interviewer error in survey research?

Mistakes made by interviewers when recording responses. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes self-selection bias?

Bias occurring when people with strong opinions respond more readily. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of phenomenology in qualitative research?

Understanding human experience through philosophical inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What is administrative error in research?

Errors linked to improper research task administration. Signup and view all the answers

What does interviewer cheating refer to in survey context?

Falsifying answers or pretending to conduct the interview. Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative research method is characterized by participant observation?

Ethnography Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of focus groups in qualitative research?

They are less time-consuming than depth interviews. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes no contacts in survey research?

Individuals not available during scheduled contact. Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative research method is best suited for discussing sensitive issues?

Depth interviews Signup and view all the answers

What does grounded theory primarily focus on?

Creating a theory based on data and observations Signup and view all the answers

In which field did ethnography originate?

Anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of qualitative research methods mentioned?

There is less control over participant selection. Signup and view all the answers

When conducting depth interviews, what is one of the main challenges?

They take significantly longer to conduct multiple sessions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of study allows analysis of response continuity over different time periods?

Longitudinal Study Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves conducting interviews at participants' doorsteps?

Door-to-Door Interviews Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of personal interviews regarding respondent privacy?

Lack of Anonymity Signup and view all the answers

What type of study samples various segments of a population at a single point in time?

Cross-Sectional Study Signup and view all the answers

What kind of study aims to track trends over time using successive samples?

Tracking Study Signup and view all the answers

Which option is an example of human interactive media in research communication?

Video conferences Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of disguised questions in interviews?

Questions mask the intent of the research Signup and view all the answers

Which interviewing method is primarily used in commercial survey research?

Telephone Interviews Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theory Building

Deductive reasoning: Deriving conclusions from general premises about specific instances.
Inductive reasoning: Establishing general propositions based on observed specific facts.
Target population/sample: The specific group a research focuses on.
Location: The geographical area or context of the research.

Problem Definition

Importance of a good problem definition: Critical first step in the research process, ensuring alignment between research objectives and the true business "problem."
Decision statement: A written expression of the key question(s) a research user wants answered. This is the reason for research.
Problem complexity: Defining the problem is often the most complex stage of the research process.
Problem definition process: Occurs when there's a gap between current conditions and a preferable state. Business performance can be worse than expected, or actual performance can be less than possible.

Research Title

Concise and descriptive statement of the research topic.
Typically includes the main topic and focus of the study.
May contain signal words (influence, impact, effects, factors).
Variables: Elements, characteristics, conditions that can vary in a research study.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

Qualitative: Addresses business objectives through techniques creating rich interpretations of market phenomena, without depending on numerical measurement. Focuses on discovering inner meanings, subjective and less structured. Involves small samples in natural settings.
Quantitative: Addresses objectives through assessments including numerical measurement and analysis. More objective, large samples.

Secondary Data

Sources: Internal (inside the organization) and external (outside the organization).
Advantages: Availability, speed, cost-effectiveness.
Disadvantages: Inappropriate design, not tailored to research needs.

Collecting Primary Data

Survey research: Collection of primary data from respondents.
Respondents: People who answer survey questions.
Sample survey: Obtaining a representative subset of the target population for the study.
Survey types: Structured/unstructured, disguised/undisguised, cross-sectional/longitudinal.

Errors in Survey Research

Random sampling error: Statistical fluctuation due to chance variation in sample elements.
Systematic error: Imperfect research design, respondent error, or administrative errors.
Types of respondent error: Nonresponse, response bias (acquiescence bias, extremity bias, interviewer bias, social desirability bias).
Administrative error: Improper administration/execution of research task (data processing error, sample selection error, interviewer errors).

Survey Communication

Types of interviews: Personal, telephone, computer-assisted, or self-administered.
Advantages/disadvantages of each interview type.
Methods of self-administered questionnaires: Mail, drop-off questionnaires, fax, email, internet surveys, etc.
Response rate: The percentage of completed questionnaires from eligible participants.
Pretesting: Testing survey design with a small group to identify issues.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of research methodology, including theory building, problem definition, and the importance of good problem statements. This quiz covers essential elements like deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as the research process and problem complexity.