Questions and Answers
What is the etymological origin of the word 'research'?
It comes from the Middle French term 'recherché', meaning 'the act of searching closely'.
What is the main objective of research?
Which approach involves a systematic method to gain new knowledge?
Scientific knowledge relies on personal views.
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Which of these is NOT a method of gaining knowledge in scientific research?
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What is the purpose of replication in research?
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What does the independent variable represent in research?
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Which level of measurement uses categories without any order?
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Qualitative research aims to provide a detailed understanding of ______ related to a subject or event.
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What is a limitation of quantitative research?
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What type of research determines cause-effect relationships?
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Study Notes
Understanding Research
- Research arises from the need to answer questions and acquire new information to solve problems or clarify facts.
- The term derives from Middle French ‘recherché,’ indicating a close search, with 're-' meaning 'again' and 'search' meaning 'to look for.'
Research and Science
- Curiosity drives research, seeking to enhance understanding of existing phenomena through various sources of information.
- Informal research lacks strict procedures and is often exploratory in nature.
- The scientific approach entails systematic observation, explanation, and prediction of events using objective evidence rather than personal opinions.
Scientific Methods in Research
- Empirical Approach: Knowledge gained via direct observation and experimentation, focusing on data from scientific procedures.
- Observation: Generates ideas but can lead to bias if relied upon alone; precise measurement tools enhance validity.
- Question Formation: Research must focus on answerable inquiries to explore realistically.
- Hypotheses: Testable predictions that provide frameworks for experimentation and analysis.
- Experimentation: Validates hypotheses through controlled testing to ensure reliability and accurate results.
- Analyses: Statistical methods analyze data, providing numerical evidence for validity.
- Conclusion: Inferences should be based on solid data, avoiding subjective interpretations and unfounded conclusions.
- Replication: The reiteration of studies with different participants tests reliability and generalizability of findings.
Goals of Research
- Describe: Define and categorize phenomena to deliver essential information.
- Predict: State potential consequences based on present knowledge to guide future actions.
- Understand/Explain: Analyze data to find underlying causes while establishing causal relationships.
Importance of Research
- Establishes knowledge, corrects misconceptions, validates phenomena, and tests the effectiveness of solutions.
Constructs and Variables
- Constructs: Abstract ideas derived from areas of interest that require investigation.
- Variables: Specific constructs studied in research, classified into various types based on characteristics.
Types of Variables
- Independent Variable: Manipulated to observe effects on another variable (e.g., learning environment).
- Dependent Variable: Affected by independent variables, representing outcomes (e.g., test anxiety).
- Confounding Variable: External factors needing control to ensure valid results.
- Categorical Variable: Classified into distinct groups or ordered categories.
- Discrete Variable: Assumes specific values, typically counted as integers.
- Continuous Variable: Can take any value within a defined range, including fractions.
- Quantitative Variable: Related to the amount and frequency, e.g., vote counts.
- Qualitative Variable: Relates to types and categories synonymous with non-numeric data.
Importance of Measurement Levels
- Appropriate understanding of measurement levels (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) guides data interpretation and statistical analysis.
Major Research Approaches
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Qualitative Research: Focuses on detailed understanding through non-numeric data via methods like interviews.
- Advantages: Rich descriptions and explores abstract factors.
- Disadvantages: Limits in statistical analysis and potential researcher bias.
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Quantitative Research: Systematically describes phenomena with hypothesis testing and numerical data analysis.
- Advantages: Reproducibility, statistical analysis, and reduced bias.
- Disadvantages: Requires larger samples and narrows focus on specific variables.
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Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches for richer analysis.
- Advantages: Validity is enhanced with varied data types.
- Disadvantages: Time-intensive and may pose guideline challenges.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
- Involves structured data collection methods like surveys.
- Requires larger samples for broader generalizability and reliable results.
- Focuses on well-defined questions and careful designs to enhance accuracy.
Limitations of Quantitative Research
- Contextual limitations may arise as quantitative data can overlook broader implications.
- Studies conducted in controlled settings may not reflect real-life situations.
Types of Quantitative Research
- Descriptive Research: Collects numeric data to describe variables to test hypotheses.
- Correlational Research: Assesses relationships between quantifiable variables without implying causation.
- Causal-Cooperative Research: Establishes cause-effect links, often linked to demographic factors.
- Experimental Research: Measures the effect of independent variables on dependent variables through manipulation and random assignments.
- Quasi-Experimental Research: Explores causality where full control of variables is unattainable, focusing on naturally occurring phenomena.
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Description
This quiz focuses on understanding the fundamentals of research and its scientific methods. Explore how curiosity drives research, the difference between informal and formal approaches, and the importance of empirical data. Test your knowledge on the key concepts that underpin systematic investigation in science.
