Research Methodology Quiz

Research Data

• Data in research is any information observed and collected to validate research findings and draw conclusions. This data can be qualitative or quantitative.

Primary Sources

• Provide raw, first-hand information
• Observation
• Interview
• Questionnaire

Secondary Sources

• Data that is usually second-hand information, discussion, and analysis from other writers and researchers, including books, thesis, and dissertations.

Primary Data

Observation

• Non-participant observation: The researcher observes without actively participating.
• Participant Observation: The researcher actively participates while observing. This may result in the Hawthorne effect.
• Hawthorne effect: Individuals modify or improve their behavior in response to awareness of being observed.

Interview

• Structured Interview: The interview is based on a standardized set of questions asked in a specific order.
• Semi-Structured Interview: Allows for flexibility and allows the researcher to adapt the questions based on the interviewee's responses.
• Unstructured Interview: Has no predetermined questions, the conversation flows naturally.

Questionnaire

• A set of structured questions used to gather information from a sample of individuals.

Secondary Data

• Used to validate primary research findings.

Population and Sample Size

• Population: A large collection of individuals with a common characteristic or trait. This is the main focus of the scientific query.
• Sample Size : A subset of the population being studied. It represents the larger population and is used to draw inferences about the population.
• Slovin's Formula is used to calculate the sample size based on the population size and margin of error. Formula - n = N/(1+Ne^2)
  • n = sample size
  • N = population size
  • e = margin of error

Sampling Techniques

• Probability Sampling: Used to create a representative sample
• Stratified Random Sampling: The population is divided into subgroups (stratified).
• Example: Divide students by grade level
• Systematic Random Sampling: The researcher randomly picks the first subject, then selects every nth subject on the list.
  • Example: If the 7th name is selected, the next subject would be the 14th
  • To be representative, ensure an equal number of male and female respondents in each class.

Research Methodologies

• Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding meaning and exploring complex social phenomena.
  • Purposive Sampling: Choosing participants based on specific characteristics or traits related to the research topic.
  • In-depth Interview: Open-ended conversations to gain a deep understanding of individual experiences, perspectives, and insights.
• Quantitative Research: Focuses on measuring and quantifying data to examine relationships, trends, and patterns.
  • Probability Sampling: Used to ensure the sample is representative of the population.
  • Survey Questionnaire: A structured set of questions used to collect quantitative data about a population.
• Experimental Research: Focuses on manipulating variables to study the effects on a dependent variable.
  • Observation: Used to collect data under controlled conditions. The researcher observes and records data related to the experimental variables.
  • Quantitative: Data is collected and analyzed using statistical methods

Research Data

• Data is any information that has been observed and accumulated to support research findings.
• Data can be either qualitative or quantitative.

Primary Sources

• Provide raw, first-hand information
• Examples of primary sources include:
  • Observation
  • Interview
  • Questionnaire

Observation

• A method of data collection where the researcher observes and records behavior or events.

Non-Participant Observation

• The researcher observes the phenomenon without actively participating in the situation.

Participant Observation

• The researcher actively participates in the phenomenon being studied.

Hawthorne Effect

• Individuals change or improve their behavior when they are aware of being observed.

Interview

• A method where the researcher asks questions to individuals to gather data.

Structured Interview

• The researcher follows a pre-defined set of questions and does not deviate from the structure.

Unstructured Interview

• The researcher has a list of general topics but allows the conversation to flow naturally.

Semi-Structured Interview

• The researcher has a set of questions, but is willing to adapt to new topics that arise during the conversation.

Questionnaire

• A set of written questions that are distributed to respondents.

Secondary Data

• Data that is not originally collected by the researcher.
• It refers to information analyzed and discussed by other writers and researchers.
• Examples include books, thesis, and dissertations.

Population

• A large collection of individuals with common characteristics or traits.

Sample

• A subset of the population that is selected to represent the larger population and is used to draw inferences.

Slovin's Formula

• This formula is used to determine the sample size of a population.
• Formula: n = (N / (1 + Ne^2))
  • n= sample size
  • N= population size
  • e= margin of error

Sampling Technique

• A method used to select a sample from a population.

Stratified Random Sampling

• Ensures that the sample represents specific subgroups within the population.
• Each subgroup is called a stratum.

Systematic Random Sampling

• The researcher randomly selects the first item or subject and then chooses every nth subject from the list.
• Example: if the 7th subject is chosen, the researcher would then select subjects 14th, 21st, 28th, etc.

Research Methods

• Different approaches to conducting research.

Qualitative Research

• Focuses on understanding the meaning and interpretation of phenomena.
• Examples:
  • Purposive sampling
  • In-depth interviews

Quantitative Research

• Focuses on measuring and quantifying phenomena.

• Examples:

  • Probability sampling
  • Survey questionnaires

Experimental Research

• A method used to test hypotheses and determine cause-and-effect relationships.
• Uses observation, quantitative data, and variables.

Test your knowledge on the different types of research data, including primary and secondary sources. Understand the concepts of qualitative and quantitative data along with observation and interview techniques. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of research methodologies.