Research Methods: Conceptual Phase and Sampling

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Questions and Answers

What type of research question seeks to predict future outcomes based on existing data or trends?

Evaluative Research Question

Predictive Research Question (correct)

Descriptive Research Question

Exploratory Research Question

How many dimensions does a unidimensional variable possess?

Multiple dimensions

Three dimensions

One dimension (correct)

Two dimensions

Which type of research question evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention or program?

Descriptive Research Question

Evaluative Research Question (correct)

Comparative Research Question

Predictive Research Question

What is the first key step in structuring a research question in quantitative research?

Define Your Research Objectives Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is a volume of liquid considered in quantitative research?

Continuous Variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the research question regarding college students?

The impact of sleep quality, stress levels, and physical activity on academic performance Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a comparative inferential question?

Is there a significant difference in screen time between high-achieving students and those with lower academic performance? Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a research hypothesis?

It predicts a relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a causation question?

To what extent does increased screen time impact academic achievement in teenagers? Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the statement of purpose in the given research context?

It outlines the study's aim to examine relationships between variables. Signup and view all the answers

What does the null hypothesis (H0) typically state?

There is no significant relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

What should the first step be in organizing qualitative research questions?

Start with an open-ended question. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of relationship-based inferential questions?

They explore associations between two variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first component in problem analysis?

Problem Identification Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of research objectives?

They are specific steps taken to achieve the research aim. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a strong research question?

It pinpoints exactly what the research intends to find out. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research questions focuses on describing a particular phenomenon?

Descriptive Research Questions Signup and view all the answers

When should sub-questions be used in research?

If the subject is complex and requires additional clarifications. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research question seeks to understand relationships between variables?

Explanatory Research Questions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents a research aim?

This research aims to investigate the impact of an intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scope of the problem aim to clarify?

The actual size of the problem and the number of people affected. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a theoretical research problem?

A contradiction between two or more perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is one step to refine a research problem?

Investigate existing literature to identify research gaps. Signup and view all the answers

Why is specificity important when developing a research problem?

It defines the particular place, time, and group to focus on. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a problem statement?

It condenses the research problem into a clear question. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a practical research problem?

Examining the efficiency of a new training process. Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers consider about the context and background of a problem?

Who is affected, previous research, and unresolved questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of writing a narrower topic related to an initial area of interest?

To create a focused question that aligns with research goals. Signup and view all the answers

What could be the consequence of not resolving a specific research problem?

It may lead to the perpetuation of inefficiencies or misunderstandings. Signup and view all the answers

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

To summarize evidence on a topic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best distinguishes random selection from random assignment?

Random selection refers to how participants are chosen for a study, while random assignment refers to how they are allocated to groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary source in research literature?

Descriptions of studies written by the researchers who conducted them Signup and view all the answers

Identify a characteristic of a representative sample.

It should reflect the broader population accurately. Signup and view all the answers

Which step is essential in developing a search strategy for a literature review?

Identifying relevant keywords related to the research topic Signup and view all the answers

What is often the first step in refining a research problem?

Beginning with interests in a broad topic area Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the screening, documentation, and abstracting phase in literature review?

To select literature that is relevant to the research question Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of nursing research problems?

Specific technological advancements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conceptual Phase

The study of a research problem is the "Conceptual Phase"
The study of a research problem includes: identifying the problem, reviewing the literature, and writing a research question.

Population vs Sample

Population: The entire group of individuals, objects, or events that researchers are interested in studying.
Sample: A subset of the population that is selected to represent the entire population.

Types of Sampling

Probability Sampling: Each member of the population has a known chance of being selected for the sample. This is useful to reduce bias and generalize findings.
Non-Probability Sampling: The selection of participants is not based on probability. This is useful when it is not possible or practical to obtain a random or probability sample.

Random Selection vs Random Assignment

Random Selection: The process of choosing participants from a population in such a way that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Random Assignment: The process of assigning participants to different groups in a study in such a way that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group.

Representative Sample

A representative sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the population from which it was drawn.
It is important for generalizability to the population.

Research Problem

A research problem is a broader issue, challenge, or gap in knowledge that needs investigation.
It is a starting point for research.

Sources of Nursing Research Problems

Personal experience
Literature sources
Existing theories
Previous research.

A literature review summarizes the current state of evidence on a topic.
It identifies what is known and what is not yet known, and sets the stage for new research.

Types of Information for Literature Review

Primary Sources: Written descriptions of studies by the researchers who conducted them.
Secondary Sources: Research documents prepared by someone other than the original researchers.

Major Steps in a Literature Review

Locating Relevant Literature
- Develop a search strategy (identify relevant keywords)
- Search bibliographic databases (available through institutions)
- Screen, document, and abstract findings.
- Evaluate studies for relevance and quality
- Analyze and synthesize evidence.
Writing the Literature Review
- Describe the publication
- Summarize main points
- Discuss gaps in research
- Evaluate the contribution to the field.

Developing and Refining the Research Problem

Begin with an interest in a broad topic area.
Examine literature for validation and identify a research gap.
Write a narrower topic related to the initial area of interest.
List potential questions related to the narrow topic.
Select the most interesting question that aligns with research goals.

Problem Statement

A problem statement concisely and specifically defines the focus of a study.
It narrows down the research problem into a well-defined question or issue.
It guides the research process and helps researchers stay on track.
It is often several paragraphs long and serves as the basis for the research proposal.

Six Components of a Problem Statement

Problem Identification: What is wrong with the current situation?
Background: What is the nature of the problem or the context that readers need to understand?
Scope of the problem: How big is the problem, and how many people are affected?
Consequences: What is the cost of not fixing the problem?
Knowledge gaps: What information about the problem is lacking?
Proposed solution: How will the new study contribute to solving the problem?

Statement of Purpose

This is also known as the aim or objectives.
It is a summary of the overall goal of the research.
Research Aim: This is the overall purpose of the research and is often written in the infinitive form (e.g., "The aim of this study is to determine ...").
Research Objectives: Concrete steps taken to achieve the aim.

Research Questions

Specific queries that researchers want to answer.
These pinpoint what you want to find out in your research.

Characteristics of Strong Research Questions

Clear and concise: The questions should be easy to understand.
Specific and focused: The questions should not be too broad.
Feasible: The questions should be answerable with available resources.
Relevant: The questions should be important and contribute to the field.

Sub-Questions

Used when the main research question is complex and cannot be answered all at once.
Should be limited to 4-5 sub-questions to avoid revisiting the problem statement and ensure that the main research question is specific enough.

Types of Research Questions (Quantitative)

Descriptive: Describe a phenomenon, group, or situation. Examples: What are the characteristics of the target population?
Exploratory: Explore new areas of research or generate hypotheses. Examples: What are the potential causes of a specific phenomenon?
Explanatory: Understand relationships between variables or explain why a phenomenon occurs. Examples: What effect does a specific drug have on the symptoms of a particular disease?
Predictive: Predict future outcomes based on existing data or trends. Examples: What will be the future demand for a particular product or service?
Evaluative: Evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention or program. Examples: How does a specific educational program impact student learning outcomes?

Key Steps in Structuring Quantitative Research Questions

Define Research Objectives: Clearly articulate the research goals.
Determine Variables: Identify the variables involved in the study.
Choose the Type of Quantitative Research Question: Descriptive, Inferential (Comparative, Relationship-Based), Causation

Understanding Variables in Quantitative Research

Unidimensional Variable: Has only one dimension or component. Examples: Height, weight, IQ scores.
Multidimensional Variable: Encompasses multiple dimensions or components. Example: Academic performance is multidimensional and can be measured by GPA, test scores, and class participation.

Terms Relating to Research Problems

Topic: Broad subject area. Example: The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratios on Patient Outcomes in Intensive Care Units.
Research Problem: The issue or challenge to be investigated. Example: There is a growing concern about the negative impact of high nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes in intensive care units.
Problem Statement: Concise and specific statement defining the focus of the study. This expands on the research problem and includes the context, scope, consequences, knowledge gaps, and proposed solution.
Statement of Purpose: Overall goal of the research. Example: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between nurse-to-patient ratios and patient outcomes in ICUs.
Research Question: Specific queries you want to answer. It is often derived from the problem statement and aim.
Hypothesis: Statement about a presumed relationship between variables.
- Null Hypothesis (H0): States there is no relationship between the variables.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): States that there is a relationship between the variables.

Organizing Qualitative Research Questions

Start Broad: Begin with an open-ended question that captures the essence of the phenomenon.
Refine to Specific Questions: Drill down from the broad question to more specific ones.
Consider Sub-Questions: If needed, use sub-questions to explore different aspects of the main questions.
Be Open to Emerging Themes: Qualitative research is often exploratory, so be prepared to adapt your questions based on the data.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to the conceptual phase of research, including identifying research problems, reviewing literature, and formulating research questions. It also explores the differences between population and sample, various types of sampling methods, and the distinction between random selection and random assignment.