Research Methodology Quiz

Quantitative Research Overview

• Quantitative research emphasizes accurate measurement and analysis, prioritizing proof over intuition.
• Clearly defined research questions guide the study, with objectives set before data collection to ensure focus on measurable outcomes.
• Structured instruments like questionnaires are used for gathering demographic data such as age, socio-economic status, and family size.
• Numerical data is represented through figures, tables, or graphs, which help summarize findings and illustrate trends or relationships among variables.
• Larger sample sizes increase research costs but provide more reliable data for analysis.

Design Considerations

• Various research designs can be employed, influenced by the research problem and objectives.
• Quantitative methods are categorized into experimental and non-experimental research designs.

Experimental Research Designs

• Experimental designs allow researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships by controlling external variables.
• True experimental designs offer the highest internal validity and control over time-related threats.
• Quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment but allow for greater data collection.
• Pre-experimental designs, with the least internal validity, provide initial insights but are less reliable.

Non-Experimental Research Designs

• Non-experimental designs focus on observing and documenting phenomena without introducing external variables.
• Descriptive research aims to capture a situation as it naturally occurs, often serving as a foundation for hypothesis generation.
• Surveys provide quantitative descriptions of population trends, attitudes, or opinions through various data collection methods.
• Correlational studies examine relationships between variables, utilizing correlation coefficients to measure associations.

Importance in Anthropology

• Quantitative research methods are valuable in anthropology for studying ethnic behavior and cultural differences.
• True experimental methods can investigate the effects of specific interventions within culturally diverse groups.
• Research may include pre-test and post-test measurements to assess changes in behavior or attitudes following interventions.

Variables in Research

• The dependent variable is influenced by changes to the independent variable, such as how study habits affect academic performance.
• Intervening (or mediating) variables illustrate how independent variables impact dependent variables through other influences, like education creating employment opportunities.
• Control variables are measured for their potential effects on the dependent variable, ensuring thoroughness in analysis.

Examples of Variables

• Higher education is an independent variable that may affect income levels (dependent variable).
• Lack of access to healthcare can mediate the relationship between poverty (independent variable) and longevity (dependent variable).