Research Methodology: Crafting Research Questions
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a research question in a study?

  • To provide background information on the topic of research.
  • To guide the research and provide a clear focus for the study. (correct)
  • To outline all possible outcomes of the research.
  • To summarize the completed study results for readers.
  • Which of the following best describes the ideal scope of a research question?

  • Narrow enough to be addressed within the study's limitations. (correct)
  • Broad enough to cover all aspects of a field.
  • Vague enough to allow the researchers to be flexible in their methodology.
  • Open to any potential outcomes
  • Why should a research question avoid being answerable with a simple 'yes or no'?

  • It needs to be simple for the reader to understand
  • It needs to have multiple complex answers to ensure a comprehensive study
  • The question should require analysis and examination of the subject. (correct)
  • It should aim to create controversy
  • What does it mean for a research question to be 'arguable or testable'?

    <p>It should have answers that can be examined critically and debated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a research study has many factors and variables to take into account, what does this indicate about the research question?

    <p>It is probably too broad to be effectively addressed in a single study. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main benefit of having a focused and clear research question?

    <p>It allows for a more direct confirmation or denial of the proposed hypothesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should the research question be concise?

    <p>To ensure its relevance and to clearly express main ideas simply. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could indicate that a research question might not be focused enough?

    <p>A long experimental timeline or a large quantity of data. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of qualitative research question aims to identify and describe present circumstances?

    <p>Contextual research questions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of qualitative research questions compared to quantitative research questions?

    <p>They are more flexible and adaptable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these best describes the purpose of evaluation research questions?

    <p>To assess the effectiveness of existing methods or theories (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is How are children affected by exposure to social media? considered a vague research question?

    <p>It lacks clear definitions of <code>exposure</code> and <code>affected</code>. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these best describes the purpose of explanatory research questions?

    <p>To analyze the reasons for a relationship between phenomena. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the aim of exploratory research questions?

    <p>To focus on unknown aspects of a particular topic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is establishing clear constraints essential when writing a dissertation?

    <p>To ensure a structured approach and focus the research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a specific research question?

    <p>What is the effect of Instagram Likes on the self-esteem of young children under the age of 12? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a theoretical framework in dissertation research?

    <p>To offer a specific lens through which to analyze the research question. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should researchers be strategic about selecting sources for their literature review?

    <p>To maintain focus and relevance to the research question and objectives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step a researcher should take regarding ethics approvals before collecting data?

    <p>Obtain required ethics approvals before beginning data collection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'adhering to university requirements' primarily involve during the dissertation process?

    <p>Complying with specific formatting, referencing, and structural guidelines set by the institution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key benefit of maintaining good communication with a dissertation advisor?

    <p>To receive essential guidance and respect any academic constraints they suggest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it vital to be aware of the conventions for your field of study when writing a dissertation?

    <p>Different disciplines may have expectations for structure, style, and methodology. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should a dissertation writer adhere to the expected word count limits?

    <p>It affects the depth of topic exploration and the overall dissertation structure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a 'Conceptual focus' in dissertation research?

    <p>Keeping the key concepts clearly defined and not diluting with too many ideas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the primary focus of copyright?

    <p>Protecting the expression of ideas in original works. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT protected under copyright?

    <p>A new scientific method. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical duration of a patent?

    <p>Usually 20 years. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of intellectual property protects a company's logo?

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

    Under what condition does copyright protection typically become active?

    <p>Automatically upon creation and fixation in a tangible form. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these actions is NOT an exclusive right of a copyright holder?

    <p>To utilize the underlying ideas from the work. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of intellectual property protects the shape or appearance of a product?

    <p>Design rights. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a trade secret?

    <p>A company's specific recipe. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between anonymity and pseudonymization in research?

    <p>Anonymity ensures data cannot be linked to participants, while pseudonymization uses fake identifiers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes potential social harm in a research study?

    <p>Public embarrassment or stigma due to participation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is it acceptable to proceed with a study that cannot guarantee full confidentiality?

    <p>When the researcher has informed participants of the risks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to get assent from children, even if parental permission is given?

    <p>To respect children's autonomy and agreement to participate, given their maturity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which practice is most effective in preventing legal harm to participants?

    <p>Pseudonymizing all data linked to participants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a necessary step to be taken when a study involves procedures with potential physical harm?

    <p>The risks must be disclosed to participants, and they should consent to it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What constitutes a breach of confidentiality in research?

    <p>Publishing results with identifying participant information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A researcher asks participants for demographic information such as age, gender and ethnicity. What measure should be taken to avoid accidental identification?

    <p>Pseudonymize the data to prevent easy identification. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents the correct in-text citation format for a secondary source?

    <p>(Original Author, Year, as cited in Secondary Author, Year) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the text provided, what is the primary purpose of a list of references?

    <p>To help readers find the sources and credit the authors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What element is included in the reference for a journal article, but not included in the reference for a book?

    <p>Volume and issue number (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should a website reference be formatted if the website content does not have a specific author listed?

    <p>Use the website name as the author. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is unique to the reference format for an edited book chapter compared to that of a regular book?

    <p>Editors' names (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a reference entry, what does 'pp. xxx-xxx' indicate in the context of an edited book chapter

    <p>The specific page range of the chapter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a conference paper reference from a journal article reference?

    <p>Conference papers lack a volume or issue number. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In referencing an online report, what information is included beyond what's in a standard book reference?

    <p>Report number and URL (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Research Question

    The central question that your research aims to answer. It provides focus and direction for your study.

    Clear and Specific Research Question

    A well-structured research question is clear, focused, and specific, enabling readers to easily grasp your study's purpose.

    Focused Scope

    The scope of your research question should be narrow enough to be thoroughly addressed within your paper or thesis.

    Relevant and Concise

    A good research question is directly relevant to your chosen topic and expresses your main ideas in a concise manner.

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    Precise and Complex

    A research question shouldn't be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It requires analysis and exploration of different arguments.

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    Arguable or Testable

    A research question should be open to scrutiny and allow for counterarguments and different perspectives.

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    Avoiding Broad Questions

    A research question that is too broad may be difficult to address in a single study due to the complexity of factors involved.

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    Specific Questions & Clear Results

    A well-focused research question allows you to collect and analyze data that directly supports or refutes your hypothesis in a clear manner.

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    Nature of Qualitative Research Questions

    Qualitative research questions are open-ended, flexible, and adaptable, allowing researchers to explore and discover new insights.

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    Contextual Research Questions

    These types of questions aim to understand the context or surrounding circumstances of a phenomenon.

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    Descriptive Research Questions

    Descriptive research questions focus on describing a phenomenon in detail, providing insights into its characteristics and features.

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    Evaluation Research Questions

    Evaluation research questions evaluate the effectiveness of existing methods, protocols, theories, or procedures, determining their impact and efficacy.

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    Explanatory Research Questions

    Explanatory research questions delve into the reasons behind a phenomenon, exploring the interrelationships and causes.

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    Exploratory Research Questions

    Exploratory research questions venture into the unknown, seeking to uncover new insights and patterns. They explore uncharted territories of a topic.

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    Specific Research Question

    A specific research question is precisely stated, with clearly defined independent and dependent variables, avoiding ambiguity.

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    Vague Research Question

    A vague research question lacks clear focus, leaving room for interpretation and ambiguity in the variables and research direction.

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    Anonymity in Research

    A researcher does not collect any personally identifying information about participants, such as names, phone numbers, or addresses.

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    Confidentiality in Research

    The researcher knows who the participants are but removes all identifying information from reports or public presentations. Participants' personal data is protected for as long as it's stored or used.

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    Data Pseudonymization

    The researcher replaces identifying information about participants with fake identifiers. This protects privacy while still allowing data analysis.

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    Assent

    Research participants are asked for their agreement to participate in the study, especially minors or individuals with cognitive impairment.

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    Potential for Harm in Research

    The researcher must consider and attempt to minimize any potential harm, physical, psychological, social, or legal, to participants during the research.

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    Psychological Harm

    This type of harm occurs when research procedures or questions trigger negative emotions like anxiety, shame, or distress in participants.

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    Social Harm

    This type of harm can occur when participation in research puts someone at risk for social rejection, public embarrassment, or stigmatization.

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    Physical Harm

    This type of harm refers to the potential for pain, injury, or discomfort as a result of research procedures.

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    Citation

    A reference to a source within a piece of writing, often used for academic work.

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    Original Author

    The author of the original source being cited, usually an individual name or organization.

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    Year of Publication

    The year in which the original source was published or created.

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    Secondary Source

    A source that cites another source (a primary source) without directly referencing the primary source itself.

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    List of References

    An academic list of all sources used in a research paper.

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    Primary Source

    A source directly describing an event, research, or idea.

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    Citation Format

    The format used for citing a particular type of source like a book, journal article, or website.

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    Corporate Author

    The name of the organization or group responsible for publishing a source.

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    What is Intellectual Property (IP)?

    A category of legal rights protecting creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary works, designs, and symbols. It provides creators control over their creations to encourage innovation.

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    What is a Patent?

    A type of IP that grants an inventor exclusive rights to use, sell, or license their invention for a specific period, typically 20 years.

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    What is a Trademark?

    A type of IP that safeguards distinctive marks, logos, names, or symbols used to identify goods or services in commerce.

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    What are Design Rights?

    A type of IP that protects the visual design of objects, not just their functionality, such as the shape or appearance of a product.

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    What is a Trade Secret?

    A type of IP that protects confidential business information, like formulas, processes, or methods, that offers a competitive advantage.

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    What is Copyright?

    A type of IP that protects the expression of original works of authorship, like literature, music, art, and software. It protects how ideas are expressed, not the ideas themselves.

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    How is Copyright Protection Achieved?

    Copyright protection is generally automatic in most countries once a work is created and fixed in a tangible form, such as in writing, recordings, or electronic files.

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    What are the Exclusive Rights of Copyright Holders?

    Copyright holders have exclusive rights to: reproduce the work, distribute copies, perform it publicly, display it publicly, and create derivative works based on the original.

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    Theoretical Framework

    Defines the theoretical lenses used to analyze your research question, ensuring alignment with aims and avoiding an overly broad scope.

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    Conceptual Focus

    Identifies the key concepts that form the core of your research, maintaining a clear and concise focus.

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    Selection of Sources

    Carefully chooses relevant sources for your literature review, avoiding those only tangentially connected to your topic.

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    Timeframe of Literature

    Determines the time period for your literature review, balancing currency with foundational works.

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    Ethical Guidelines

    Ensures research adheres to ethical standards regarding participants, data privacy, and sensitive topics.

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    Confidentiality and Anonymity

    Upholds confidentiality and anonymity in research involving participants, especially during case studies.

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    University Requirements

    Adheres to specific guidelines set by the institution, including formatting, referencing, and dissertation structure.

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    Adviser Input

    Engages with the advisor for feedback, direction, and guidance throughout the dissertation process.

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    Study Notes

    Scientific Writing - Research Questions

    • A research question is the core question a study aims to answer.
    • A clear research question provides focus and direction.
    • It's crucial for thesis, dissertation, or research papers.
    • Research questions clarify the purpose, and outline objectives for a study.
    • A good research question is clear, specific, and narrow, easy for readers to grasp.
    • It focuses, and makes the research topic concise.
    • Questions should be relevant and brief, expressing main ideas efficiently (like a hypothesis).
    • They should be precise and complex enough that a "yes" or "no" answer isn't sufficient, requiring analysis of arguments and literature.
    • A good research question should be arguable, allowing scrutiny and counterarguments.
    • Research questions that are too broad aren't suitable for a single study, impacting a manageable sample size and timeline.
    • A specific research question allows for clear confirmation or negation of the hypothesis.

    Scientific Writing - Realistic Research Questions

    • Research questions should be realistic in terms of time, scope, and budget.
    • Typical timeframes for studies are doctoral or master's studies.
    • Resource constraints (time, budget, technology), can impact research feasibility.
    • Realistic research questions consider the available resources, and timeframes for execution.

    Scientific Writing - In-Depth Research Questions

    • Research papers often have extensive length (dozens or hundreds of pages).
    • A comprehensive research question must be intricate enough to justify meticulous in-depth analysis, scrutiny from peers, and reproducibility.

    Research Question Types

    • Descriptive: Describes events/phenomena or behaviors in a population.
    • Comparative: Finds differences between groups/variables.
    • Relationship: Explains trends and interactions between variables.

    Quantitative Research Questions

    • Quantitative questions are specific, encompassing the population, variables, and research design.
    • They are not qualitative, categorical, or ordinal.
    • Types include: Descriptive, comparative, and relationship research questions.

    Qualitative Research Questions

    • Qualitative questions are flexible and adaptable, probing for understanding.
    • They often explore aspects of specific topics.

    Good and Bad Research Question Examples

    • Vague questions lack specificity in independent and dependent variables.
    • Good questions are specific in variables.
    • Precise language and context improves comprehension.

    Establishing Constraints in Research

    • Clear constraints are vital for focus, structure, and manageable research.
    • Define research focus and scope, including specific objectives and expected outcomes.
    • Time constraints for specific tasks/sections help the researcher stay on schedule.
    • Consider resource constraints like data availability, budget, software, etc.
    • Methodological constraints outline the specific approach and methodology to be used.

    Methodological Constraints

    • Research method (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed).
    • Data collection methods/tools.
    • Sample size/appropriate population.
    • Geographic limitations.
    • Theoretical framework.
    • Ethical research maintains the integrity of the study, ensures safety, respects participant rights, and considers implications of results for the community.
    • Participant consent, anonymity, confidentiality, and potential harm should be factored into research design.
    • Avoiding plagiarism and accurate citation is paramount.
    • Researchers must obtain ethical approval before starting any data collection involving human participants.

    Formats for Scientific Papers and Research Projects

    • A typical structure for an academic paper includes: Title page, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References.
    • The format (such as IMRaD) organizes the research for clarity and comprehensibility.
    • Include background information relevant to the research, and state the research problem, question, or hypothesis.
    • Intellectual Property (IP) entails legal rights that protect original creations (inventions, literary works, names).
    • Copyright protects original expression, safeguarding the creative works, and not facts, methods, or ideas.
    • Respecting IP is a fundamental ethical consideration in research.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the essential elements of research questions in methodology. This quiz covers the characteristics of strong research questions, the importance of clarity and focus, and the differences between qualitative and quantitative inquiries. Perfect for students studying research methods.

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