Podcast
Questions and Answers
Choosing a research problem solely based on its magnitude is advisable.
Choosing a research problem solely based on its magnitude is advisable.
False
Visualizing the work required is a significant consideration when selecting a research problem.
Visualizing the work required is a significant consideration when selecting a research problem.
True
A research problem can be defined as any assumption or assertion you aim to investigate.
A research problem can be defined as any assumption or assertion you aim to investigate.
True
Selecting a research problem you’re passionate about is not essential for success.
Selecting a research problem you’re passionate about is not essential for success.
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The design of a study does not influence the sampling strategy used.
The design of a study does not influence the sampling strategy used.
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Feasibility is a consideration that should be ignored when choosing a research problem.
Feasibility is a consideration that should be ignored when choosing a research problem.
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In research studies, the methodology does not play a role in determining the analysis methods.
In research studies, the methodology does not play a role in determining the analysis methods.
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Interest in a topic can lead to better research outcomes.
Interest in a topic can lead to better research outcomes.
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Instruments used in a study are influenced by the research problem being investigated.
Instruments used in a study are influenced by the research problem being investigated.
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The sampling strategy of a study is unrelated to the research problem.
The sampling strategy of a study is unrelated to the research problem.
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An active variable can be manipulated, controlled, or measured by the researcher.
An active variable can be manipulated, controlled, or measured by the researcher.
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An attribute variable can be manipulated by the researcher.
An attribute variable can be manipulated by the researcher.
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Active variables are always easy to measure.
Active variables are always easy to measure.
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Attribute variables are essential in determining the effects of active variables.
Attribute variables are essential in determining the effects of active variables.
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Both active and attribute variables can be easily controlled in an experiment.
Both active and attribute variables can be easily controlled in an experiment.
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A hypothesis is a definitive statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
A hypothesis is a definitive statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
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A hypothesis can be described as a tentative statement whose validity is unknown.
A hypothesis can be described as a tentative statement whose validity is unknown.
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The validity of a hypothesis is always known upon its formulation.
The validity of a hypothesis is always known upon its formulation.
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A well-formed hypothesis must involve at least two variables.
A well-formed hypothesis must involve at least two variables.
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Hypotheses are always proven true after investigation.
Hypotheses are always proven true after investigation.
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Focusing on the study requires specifying which aspects of the research problem.
Focusing on the study requires specifying which aspects of the research problem.
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Collecting irrelevant data can enhance the systematic investigation of a study.
Collecting irrelevant data can enhance the systematic investigation of a study.
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Suggesting methods for data collection does not influence the quality of the research.
Suggesting methods for data collection does not influence the quality of the research.
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Enhancing objectivity is an important aspect of conducting systematic investigations.
Enhancing objectivity is an important aspect of conducting systematic investigations.
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It is unnecessary to specify which data to collect for a research study.
It is unnecessary to specify which data to collect for a research study.
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Snowball sampling starts with initial participants who then refer other potential participants.
Snowball sampling starts with initial participants who then refer other potential participants.
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Snowball sampling is ineffective for gaining insight into large, readily accessible populations.
Snowball sampling is ineffective for gaining insight into large, readily accessible populations.
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In research proposals, the significance of the research problem is irrelevant.
In research proposals, the significance of the research problem is irrelevant.
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A research proposal does not require a clear definition of the research problem.
A research proposal does not require a clear definition of the research problem.
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Snowball sampling can be particularly beneficial when studying sensitive issues.
Snowball sampling can be particularly beneficial when studying sensitive issues.
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Study Notes
Research Fundamentals
- Research is a human intellectual process aimed at discovering, interpreting, and revising knowledge. It often uses the scientific method, which incorporates observation, measurement, experimentation, and hypothesis testing.
- Science, derived from the Latin word scientia (knowledge), organizes knowledge into testable explanations and predictions. It often generates innovative ideas and can sometimes be controversial.
- The scientific method uses systematic processes for testing and refining hypotheses. These processes include observation, measurement, and experimentation.
- Computer science research focuses on understanding computing systems. The research encompasses various aspects like algorithms, design methodologies, testing, and knowledge representation.
Research Process
- A research question is a clear, specific, and neutral statement that defines the project's scope.
- The feasibility and significance of a study should be considered, along with personal interest and available time.
- Research goals describe the expected outcome, but they don't directly answer the research question.
- Research planning involves creating a plan that includes a literature review, justification of significance, and methodological approach. The plan should also outline necessary resources, the timeline, and important milestones.
- Experiments involve actions and observations to test hypotheses. Hypotheses are informed predictions about the research outcomes; they often form the basis of a thesis statement.
Formulating a Research Problem
- Formulating the problem is the most critical step. It affects methodology, design, sampling, tools, and analysis methods.
- The research problem can be a question, assumption, or assertion needing investigation or challenge. Meaningfully framing questions can be challenging
- Every step of the research process needs to be tailored to the research problem. Decisions about the type of study design, sampling strategy, research instruments, and analysis need to be carefully considered. The problem must be accurate and aligned with the proposed methods.
Research Design
- Research design acts as a blueprint for a research project, establishing what to study, where, when, how much data to collect, and the methods to be used. This process ensures the research question is properly addressed.
- It needs to be clear and operational, with a process to collect, analyze, and interpret data in a way that answers the initial research question.
- The design should cover everything from formulating the hypotheses to data analysis. It needs to establish a clear operational plan for the entire study, encompassing all logistical details, and ensure validity, accuracy, and objectivity through meticulous procedural checks.
Defining Research Variables
- Variables represent concepts, images, and properties that can be measured.
- Independent variables are manipulated or altered to observe their effect on dependent variables.
- Dependent variables are influenced by the independent variables and measured to observe the impact of the changes.
- Extraneous variables are factors outside the scope of the study that might also impact the dependent variable.
- These variables may affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, either increasing or decreasing its strength. Other types include qualitative vs quantitative variables.
Data Collection in Research
- The collection of relevant data begins after defining the research problem and method. It entails the systematic gathering of information to address the problem at hand. Decisions on what information to collect, how to collect it, by whom, and when must be carefully considered.
Research Proposals
- A research proposal is a comprehensive document outlining each stage of an investigation, including why it's important, how it will be executed, and details on the expected outcomes.
- Components include title, abstract, introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, results analysis plan, references, timeline, budget, and appendices (supplementary data).
Sampling Overview
- Sampling involves selecting a subset of a population for a study.
- This is done because studying the entire population in many cases is impractical, expensive, or time-consuming.
- Sampling is used to gain insights about a population of interest, and the sample should be representative of the whole population under study.
- Types of sampling include simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, convenience sampling, quota sampling, judgment sampling, and snowball sampling.
Validity and Reliability in Measurement
- Validity ensures the research measures what it intends to measure and that methods are suitable for addressing research questions. Methods to establish this involve face validity, content validity, concurrent validity, and predictive validity and construct validity
- Reliability refers to the consistency, accuracy, and stability of a research instrument.
- Factors like questionnaire wording, research setting, and respondent/interviewer mood can affect reliability.
Hypotheses
- Hypotheses are clear, specific statements about the expected relationships between variables.
- They serve to clarify, focus, and specify research problems.
- Hypotheses guide researchers about the data to collect and how to exclude potentially irrelevant variables.
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Description
This quiz covers essential concepts in research methodology, focusing on selecting research problems, the importance of methodology, and variable types. Test your understanding of the factors that influence research design and outcomes. Perfect for students and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge in the field of research.
