Research methods and data analysis

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Questions and Answers

Which research method is most suitable for exploring the in-depth experiences of individuals rather than quantifying those experiences?

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Experimental Research
  • Qualitative Research (correct)

A researcher aims to analyze patterns and trends within a vast collection of social media posts. Which tool would be most appropriate for this task?

  • Statistical Software
  • Experimental Design Software
  • Text Mining (correct)
  • Survey Platform

A researcher is conducting a study on the daily routines and social interactions of a remote tribe by living among them for an extended period. Which research method is being employed?

  • Phenomenological Study
  • Grounded Theory
  • Case Study
  • Ethnographic Research / Ethnography (correct)

In a study comparing the effectiveness of two different teaching methods, which approach would heavily rely on hypothesis testing and statistical analysis to draw conclusions?

<p>Quantitative Research (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During an interview, a researcher subtly nods and smiles when a participant shares views aligning with the researcher's own beliefs, potentially influencing the participant's responses. What type of bias is most likely occurring?

<p>Social Bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study on the effectiveness of a new drug is conducted with a sample that is representative of the general population. Which aspect of the study design enhances its applicability to a broader audience?

<p>Generalizability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A PhD candidate is struggling to keep track of their sources and format citations correctly. Which tool would be most helpful for this task?

<p>Reference Management Software (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher analyzes interview transcripts from cancer survivors and identifies recurring motifs of resilience, hope, and gratitude. What type of data analysis is the researcher employing?

<p>Thematic Analysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A wildlife biologist observes the behavior of chimpanzees in their natural habitat without interfering. Which data collection method is being used?

<p>Observational Study (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A physicist measures the velocity of a moving object using radar technology. Which process of data collection is being employed?

<p>Instrumentation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher starts with a general theory and then designs a study to test specific hypotheses derived from that theory. Which type of reasoning is guiding this research?

<p>Deductive Reasoning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a survey about personal income, some respondents inflate their reported earnings to appear more successful. Which source of error is most evident in this scenario?

<p>Social Desirability Bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a survey, participants are asked, 'Do you agree that the government should increase taxes, even if it hurts the economy?' What type of error is most likely to occur due to the wording of this question?

<p>Measurement Error (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher seeks to understand the experiences of successful entrepreneurs by interviewing a select group of individuals identified as high-achievers in their field. Which sampling technique is most appropriate for this study?

<p>Purposive Sampling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When designing a survey, what is the most important consideration to minimize potential biases in responses?

<p>Standardized question formats to avoid bias (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is analyzing interview transcripts to identify common themes and patterns related to participants' experiences with a specific phenomenon. Which type of data analysis is being used?

<p>Thematic Analysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In data collection, what is the primary goal that researchers aim to achieve?

<p>To gather empirical evidence that supports or disproves hypotheses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to study the impact of a new educational program using pre- and post-tests, along with standardized questionnaires. Which of the following data collection methods is NOT typically recommended for quantitative research?

<p>Document Analysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher needs to manage a large number of academic papers, books, and articles for a literature review. What software tool would be most appropriate for this task?

<p>Reference Management Software (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In probability sampling, what key principle ensures the validity and generalizability of research findings?

<p>It ensures each member of the population has a known chance of selection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Qualitative Research

A research method that explores how and why phenomena occur, focusing on understanding rather than numerical measurement.

Text Mining

A research tool used to systematically collect and analyze large amounts of textual data.

Ethnographic Research

A qualitative research method involving direct engagement with participants in their natural environment.

Quantitative Research

Research approach using statistical tools and hypothesis testing to quantify data.

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Social Bias

Bias that occurs when researchers unconsciously influence participants.

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Generalizability

Characteristic of quantitative research that allows findings to be applied to other populations.

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Reference Management Software

Tool used to organize, manage, and cite academic references.

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Thematic Analysis

Process of interpreting and giving meaning to collected qualitative data.

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Observational Study

Observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention.

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Instrumentation

Process of collecting data using instruments for direct measurement of physical quantities.

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Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning from general to specific

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Social desirability bias

Error from respondents answering surveys in a way they believe is socially acceptable.

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Measurement error

Error when respondents misunderstand survey questions.

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Purposive sampling

Sampling technique used in qualitative research that focuses on selecting participants based on specific criteria or characteristics.

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Properly designed survey

Ensure standardized question formats to avoid bias.

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Main goal of data collection

To gather empirical evidence that supports or disproves hypotheses.

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Reference management software purpose

Used to organize and cite sources.

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Key benefit of probability sampling

It ensures each member of the population has a known chance of selection.

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Purpose of qualitative research

To explore complex social interactions and experiences.

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Sample representativeness

Focus on sample reflects population.

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Study Notes

Research Methods and Data Analysis

  • Qualitative research explores how and why phenomena occur, rather than measuring them numerically
  • Text mining involves systematically collecting and analyzing large amounts of textual data
  • Ethnographic research is a qualitative method that involves direct engagement with participants in their natural environment
  • Quantitative research utilizes statistical tools and hypothesis testing
  • Social bias occurs when researchers unconsciously influence study participants
  • Generalizability is the characteristic of quantitative research that allows findings to be applied to other populations
  • Reference management software assists researchers in organizing, managing, and citing academic references
  • Thematic analysis is the process of interpreting and giving meaning to collected qualitative data
  • Observational studies involve observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention
  • Instrumentation is the process of collecting data using instruments for direct measurement of physical quantities
  • Deductive reasoning is typically used in quantitative research
  • Social desirability bias is a common source of error in survey-based research
  • Measurement error happens when respondents misinterpret survey questions
  • Purposive sampling is commonly used in qualitative research
  • Surveys should employ standardized question formats to avoid bias
  • Thematic analysis is typically used in qualitative data analysis
  • The main goal of data collection is to gather empirical evidence that supports or disproves hypotheses
  • Document analysis is not a recommended data collection method for quantitative research
  • Reference management software helps to organize and cite sources
  • Probability sampling ensures each member of the population has a known chance of selection
  • Qualitative research aims to explore complex social interactions and experiences
  • Qualitative research is suitable for studying the impact of classroom environment on student motivation using in-depth interviews
  • Tableau is primarily used for data visualization
  • Statistics are used to summarize, analyze, and interpret data

Data Scales and Statistics

  • Ordinal data scales include categories with a meaningful order but unequal intervals
  • Standard deviation describes the spread of data around the mean
  • A dataset with a mean of 50 and a median of 35 indicates a skewed distribution
  • The median is the most reliable measure of central tendency for a dataset with extreme outliers
  • A standard deviation of zero means all data points are identical
  • The mean of the dataset 5, 10, 15, 20, 26 is 15
  • For a dataset with a range of 50 and a minimum value of 20, the maximum value is 70
  • Inferential statistics is used to make conclusions about a population based on a sample
  • The mean is not a measure of variability
  • Biased findings are the likely consequence if a researcher uses a non-representative sample
  • Standard deviation considers all data points, making it a better measure of variability than range
  • Random sampling techniques are ideal for reducing sampling bias in a study
  • A dataset with multiple modes is referred to as multimodal
  • If the variance of a dataset is 25, its standard deviation is 5

Research Design

  • Sample representativeness is important to ensure that study results can be generalized beyond the sample
  • Further statistical tests to check for causation should be conducted if a study finds a weak correlation between two variables
  • The statement of the problem section justifies why the study is important in a research proposal
  • Convenience sampling occurs if a researcher selects participants based on availability rather than random selection
  • Minimizing response bias can be achieved by framing questions in a neutral manner in a questionnaire
  • Presenting findings at an academic conference allows for peer review and academic discussion
  • The significance of the study section explains the study's importance and context in a research proposal
  • Conducting a pilot study helps to test feasibility and refine research methods before the main study
  • A lack of clear direction and justification may happen if a research proposal lacks a strong theoretical framework
  • The nature of the research question and objectives is key in deciding between qualitative and quantitative methods

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