Research Methods and Question Development

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Questions and Answers

Name two qualities of a strong research question.

A strong research question should be focused and researchable, and it should be feasible and specific.

Explain why a research question should be relevant to a social or scholarly issue.

A relevant research question addresses a significant problem or topic that impacts society or academia.

Compare and contrast the research questions "What effect does social media have on people’s minds?" and "What effect does daily use of Twitter have on the attention span of under-16s?"

Both questions address the impact of social media, but the second question is more focused and specific, targeting a specific age group and social media platform. The first question is too broad and lacks clear parameters.

What type of research question is this: "What is the relationship between the amount of time spent on social media and levels of anxiety in college students?"

Correlational research question Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of writing clear research objectives?

Clear objectives help to define the research focus, identify variables, outline steps, set limitations, and ensure data collection is relevant. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the steps involved in developing a research question.

The steps include choosing a topic, doing preliminary research, considering the audience, asking questions, evaluating the question, and beginning research. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between a research question and a research objective.

A research question is a broad inquiry, while a research objective is a specific outcome you aim to achieve through your research. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider your audience when developing a research question?

Considering your audience ensures that your research is relevant and accessible to them. It also helps you tailor the language and complexity of your question. Signup and view all the answers

Give three characteristics of an effective problem statement.

An effective problem statement is concise, concrete, and relevant to the research. Signup and view all the answers

What are two reasons why you might choose to conduct quantitative research?

Quantitative research is used when you want to measure variables, assess their impact on outcomes, test theories or broad explanations, or apply results to a large population. Signup and view all the answers

What are two things that a researcher would need to consider when selecting a research problem?

A researcher must consider the ethical implications of the research and whether the problem is researchable by collecting and analyzing data. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what a research question is.

A research question is a specific inquiry that the researcher aims to answer through their study. Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher was examining the effect of a new teaching strategy on student achievement, what type of research would they likely use?

They would likely use quantitative research, since they are looking to measure a variable (student achievement) and assess the impact of that variable on an outcome (the new teaching strategy). Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher was studying students' experiences with online learning, what type of research would they likely use?

They would likely use qualitative research, since they are looking to gather insights from students about their personal experiences and perspectives on online learning. They are looking for detailed information about a smaller group of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is one of the issues that should be avoided when selecting a research problem?

A research problem should not embarrass or harm participants. It should be ethically sound. Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym SMART stand for when describing research objectives?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-constrained Signup and view all the answers

What are the six guidelines provided in the text for writing good research objectives?

Brief and concise, logical sequence, realistic, operational terms, action verbs, and static once research begins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis?

A tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of hypotheses?

Null hypothesis and research hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a directional and non-directional research hypothesis?

A directional hypothesis specifies the direction of the relationship, while a non-directional hypothesis does not. Signup and view all the answers

Give one example of a non-directional research hypothesis.

The average score of ninth graders is different from the average score of twelfth graders on the ABC memory test. Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of a 'good' hypothesis?

It should be testable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of a good hypothesis in terms of its presentation?

It should be stated in declarative form, not as a question. Signup and view all the answers

Besides being declarative, what else must a good hypothesis demonstrate?

It should posit an expected relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the connection between a hypothesis and existing theories or research.

A good hypothesis should be grounded in prior knowledge and reflect the existing theory or literature on the topic. Signup and view all the answers

What are two essential characteristics a good hypothesis should possess in terms of its structure?

It should be brief and to the point, and it should be testable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework in research?

A theoretical framework is based on an established theory, while a conceptual framework is built upon a model extracted from various theories. Signup and view all the answers

How does a conceptual framework function in the context of research?

A conceptual framework provides a model that illustrates the variables of interest and gives direction to the research study. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a research study on student motivation and sustainable development, explain the purpose of a conceptual framework specifically focusing on students.

The conceptual framework would illustrate how factors like peer and teacher motivation, knowledge about sustainable development, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness to contribute impact students' behaviors towards achieving sustainable development goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a literature review, and what is its purpose?

A literature review is a comprehensive analysis of existing published research on a specific topic. Its purpose is to provide a thorough understanding of the subject, identify gaps in current knowledge, and establish a foundation for new research. Signup and view all the answers

What are two key components that should be included in the introduction of a research proposal?

The introduction should include preliminary information about the research topic and the context of the research. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a problem statement considered the foundation of a research proposal?

A problem statement serves as the unifying thread that guides the entire research process. Signup and view all the answers

List one important characteristic that distinguishes a problem statement from a thesis statement.

A problem statement identifies the specific research question or issue to be investigated, while a thesis statement presents the writer's main argument. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a literature review play in a research proposal?

A literature review summarizes existing knowledge and identifies gaps that the proposed research aims to address. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research proposals, what should be included in the expected outcome section?

The expected outcome section should outline the potential impact and significance of the research findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is one practical tip for improving the writing process of a research proposal?

One practical tip is to find a regular writing place that is conducive to concentration and creativity. Signup and view all the answers

How can setting goals benefit the research writing process?

Setting goals provides direction and helps in tracking progress, making it easier to complete the writing efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers do after finishing each writing session?

Researchers should finish each writing session on a high point to maintain motivation and enthusiasm for future sessions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review in research?

The primary purpose is to survey scholarly sources to provide an overview of a specific topic, helping to generate and refine research ideas. Signup and view all the answers

List and briefly explain the four steps involved in research design and methods.

The steps are: 1) Explain the methodological approach, 2) Describe data collection methods, 3) Describe methods of analysis, 4) Evaluate and justify methodological choices. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to state the significance of a study in a research proposal?

Stating the significance is important as it highlights how the research will contribute to the field and benefit specific groups or society as a whole. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common referencing styles that researchers may use?

Common referencing styles include MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, Vancouver, and Oxford. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of following ethics in business research?

Following ethics in business research ensures integrity, protects participants' rights, and enhances the credibility of the research. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Proposal Structure

A research proposal should include an introduction, problem statement, research objectives, research questions (5 W's), research hypothesis, conceptual/theoretical framework, literature review, research design & methods, expected outcome/impact and significance, references, timelines/milestones, and budget.

Getting Started with Writing

Create time for writing when your mind is fresh.
Find a regular writing place.
Set goals and achieve them.
Use word processing.
Generate a plan for the report.
Finish each writing session on a high point.
Get feedback from peers.

Introduction for Research Proposals

Provide preliminary information about the research topic.
Provide context for the research.
Explain why the research topic is worth the time of readers.
Explain why the study is needed.
Demonstrate the importance and relevance of the research.

Problem Statement

The problem statement is the starting point for the research.
It serves as a unifying thread throughout the research.
It is like the DNA of the research, a snapshot, the foundation, the heart, a taste of the research, and a blueprint for the study.
A problem statement isn't a thesis statement, the background of the study, or a description of issues without identifying research gaps.

Problem Statement - What it Is

It's a distinct statement of the question or issue to be investigated.
Clearly identify the problem or knowledge gap the research addresses.
Answer the questions: "What is the research gap(s) that needs to be filled?" and/or "What is the problem that needs to be solved?"

Problem Statement - Example

Topic: Distance learning.
Problem: Lack of students in distance classes.
Objective: To study why students do not attend online classes.
Questions: Does web technology in classrooms deter students from enrolling in distance courses?

Selecting a Research Problem

It should be manageable (within researcher's skills, resources, and time constraints).
It should be ethical (avoiding embarrassment or harm to participants).
It should be researchable (investigatable through data collection and analysis).
It should be interesting to the researcher throughout the process.
It should be "telling" (contributes to educational theory and practice improvement).

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Use quantitative research if you need to measure variables, assess the impact of variables on outcomes, test theories about broader explanations, and apply results to many people.
Use qualitative research if you need to understand views, assess processes over time, generate theories based on participant perspectives, and obtain detailed information on a few people or sites.

Research Questions (5W's)

A research question is a specific inquiry the research seeks to answer.

Strong Research Questions

Should be vibrant.
Should be focused and Researchable.
Should be feasible and specific.
Should be appropriately complex and debatable.
Should be relevant to a social or scholarly issue.

Developing Research Questions

Choose an interesting general topic.
Conduct preliminary research.
Consider your audience.
Start asking questions.
Evaluate your questions.
Is the question clear?
Is the question focused?
Is the question complex?
Begin your research.

Formulating Research Questions - Examples

Q1. What effect does social media have on people's minds?
Q2. What effect does daily Twitter use have on the attention span of under-16s?
Q3. Why is there a housing crisis in the Netherlands?
Q4. What impact have university internationalization policies had on the availability and affordability of housing in the Netherlands?

Types of Research Questions

Descriptive: What are the characteristics of X (e.g., describe a phenomenon)?
Comparative: What are the differences between X and Y (e.g., compare two groups)?
Correlational: What is the relationship between variables X and Y? (e.g., investigate a correlation).
Exploratory: What are the main factors in X (e.g., explore a topic)?
Explanatory: What is the impact of Y on Z (e.g., explain cause and effect?
Evaluation: What are the advantages and disadvantages of X (e.g., evaluate a program)?
Action: How can X be achieved (e.g., identify solutions)?

Research Objectives

Research objectives are the outcomes of conducting research.
Writing clear objectives helps define the study's focus, identify variables to be measured, define limits, and avoid unnecessary data collection.

SMART Research Objectives

Should be specific.
Measurable.
Achievable.
Realistic.
Time-constrained.

Research Objectives - Additional Guidelines

Presented briefly, concisely, and in logical order.
Realistic and achievable within available resources and time frames.
Phrased in operational terms, making their measurement clear.
Using active verbs, allowing for clear evaluation and measurement.
Static after the study's start; not moving targets.

Research Objectives - Examples

EX1: To describe what factors farmers consider in decisions about technology adoption.
EX2: To develop a budget for reducing pollution at a particular company.
EX3: To describe the habitat of the giant panda in China.

Hypotheses

A hypothesis is a tentative statement about a relationship between variables.
Two main types: null (no relationship, equality) and research (a relationship, inequality)

Non-directional vs. Directional Hypotheses

Non-directional: Difference between groups, but direction undefined (e.g., "The average score of ninth graders is different from the average score of twelfth graders").
Directional: Difference between groups with specified direction (e.g., "The average score of twelfth graders is greater than the average score of ninth graders").

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

Declarative statement (not a question)
Posits a relationship between variables
Reflects theory/literature
Brief and to the point
Testable

Theoretical Frameworks

Developed based on an underpinning theory applicable to research and investigation.
In form of a model/paradigm that serves as a basis for the study, mentioning proponents and results.

Conceptual Frameworks

A model or schematic diagram, visually representing complex ideas.
Used in research to capture all relevant aspects in a single view.
Constructed when a theoretical framework is available, or is an adaptation of an existing model with adjustments.

Literature Review

A survey of scholarly sources providing an overview of a topic.
Enables preliminary search of existing material related to a research topic.
Helps refine research ideas, organize ideas/findings, and compare current findings to others' research

Research Design & Methods

Explains the methodological approach.
Describes data collection methods.
Describes analytical methods.
Evaluates and justifies methodological choices.

Significance of the Study

Explains the study's importance.
Highlights its benefits to science, the researcher, and society at large.
Broad significance, followed by a narrowing down to a specific group benefiting.

Citation and References

Includes MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, Vancouver, and Oxford styles.

Tutorial Topics

Define methods and methodology.
Discuss types of research.
Discuss non-experimental research with examples.
Why follow ethics in business research?

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics of strong research questions and their relevance to social and scholarly issues. It also covers the steps involved in developing a research question, the distinction between research questions and objectives, and the importance of audience consideration. Test your knowledge on effective problem statements and the rationale behind quantitative research.