Research Methods: Experimental vs Non-Experimental

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Questions and Answers

What does categorical data primarily describe?

Measurable numerical quantities

Quality or characteristics of a data unit (correct)

Statistical trends over time

Variability in a set of values

Which type of categorical variable can be arranged in a logical sequence?

Ordinal (correct)

Polychotomous

Dichotomous

Nominal

Which of the following is an example of a continuous variable?

Shoe sizes

Number of students in a class

Political affiliation

Height of individuals (correct)

What type of research can quantitative methods help determine in business?

Strengths and weaknesses in a company's operations Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of variables cannot assume a fractional value?

Discrete Signup and view all the answers

What effect can qualitative research have in the field of Science and Technology?

Understanding user experiences with innovations Signup and view all the answers

What type of qualitative variable only allows for two distinct categories?

Dichotomous Signup and view all the answers

In which aspect can quantitative research contribute to Information and Communications Technology?

Identifying emerging trends that enhance lifestyles Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the data expression in qualitative research?

Verbal language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strength of the qualitative research approach?

Provides a full understanding of human behavior Signup and view all the answers

How does the qualitative research approach handle the sampling technique?

Purposive sampling Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the qualitative approach differ in the researcher’s involvement with the subject of study?

Involves subjective interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of quantitative research?

Evaluating objectives and cause-effect relationships Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of research planning is associated with qualitative research?

Plans are created after data collection Signup and view all the answers

How is data analysis typically performed in quantitative research?

Mathematically using statistical methods Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the characteristics of qualitative research is true?

It preserves the natural setting of the research Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is manipulated in an experiment?

Independent variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a purpose of conducting a literature review?

Familiarization with the current state of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a theoretical framework from a conceptual framework?

Theoretical frameworks discuss relevant theories, whereas conceptual frameworks combine or formulate theories. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable is influenced by predictor variables in a non-experimental study?

Criterion variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Paradigm of the Study?

To serve as a visual representation of the study Signup and view all the answers

What are hypotheses primarily formulated for in research?

To anticipate relationships between variables Signup and view all the answers

In the context of experiments, what are extraneous variables alternatively referred to as?

Mediating variables Signup and view all the answers

Which model is part of the different paradigms used in a study?

Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hypothesis predicts a relationship between multiple independent and dependent variables?

Complex Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of a directional hypothesis?

It specifies the expected direction of the relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis is specifically designed for statistical testing and expressed in negative form?

Null Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What does a non-directional hypothesis imply?

It does not specify the relationship's direction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of research methodology?

Ethical Considerations Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hypothesis focuses on actual expected relationships and is stated affirmatively?

Research Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship does a simple hypothesis explore?

The relationship between a single independent variable and a single dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements describes a common misconception about hypotheses?

A null hypothesis can demonstrate the presence of a relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of convenience sampling?

It relies on the easy accessibility of participants for research. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sampling is best described as using existing participants to recruit new ones?

Snowball Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What must a good data collection instrument be able to do according to the guidelines?

Elicit information not available from other sources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good data collection instrument?

Concisely elicits the needed data in fewer than 20 pages. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a subjective type question?

Describe your experience in your own words. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of quota sampling in research?

To have a predetermined number of units from specific groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which data collection technique involves evaluating written documents?

Document Analysis Signup and view all the answers

According to research design, what type of questions allow participants to express their opinions on a scale?

Likert Scale Questions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Experimental and Non-Experimental Research

Experimental Research: Involves manipulation of variables to establish cause-effect relationships.
- Independent Variables: Manipulated to observe effects on dependent variables.
- Dependent Variables: Affected by independent variables’ manipulation.
- Extraneous Variables: Existing factors that could influence results during the experiment.
Non-Experimental Research: Used to explore relationships without manipulation.
- Predictor Variables: Influence other variables in a non-experimental study.
- Criterion Variables: Influenced by predictor variables.

Literature Review

Surveys scholarly sources on specific topics to identify knowledge gaps, methods, and key findings.
Purposes of Literature Review:
- Familiarizes researchers with current knowledge.
- Prevents repetition of past studies.
- Identifies gaps or unresolved issues for further research.
- Aids in theoretical framework and methodology development.
- Summarizes key findings and debates.

Conceptual vs. Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework: Discusses relevant theories shaping the research context.
Conceptual Framework: Combines multiple theories or forms a new framework when no existing theory fits.

Paradigms of the Study

Provides visual representation of research patterns.
- Models include Input-Process-Output (IPO), IV-DV, Predictor-Criterion, Proposed Program (P Model), and POM Model.

Hypothesis of the Study

Hypothesis: Tentative predictions about relationships among variables.
Simple hypotheses predict relationships between one independent and one dependent variable.
Complex hypotheses predict relationships among multiple variables.

Types of Hypotheses

Directional Hypothesis: Indicates expected direction of the relationship.
Non-Directional Hypothesis: States relationship without specifying direction.
Null Hypothesis: Assumes no relationship between variables, tested statistically.
Research Hypothesis: States expected relationships affirmatively.

Research Approaches

Quantitative Research: Tests objective theories through variable relationships, uses numeric data.
Qualitative Research: Explores subjective meanings and understanding of human behavior, uses verbal data.

Characteristics of Research Approaches

Research involvement varies: Qualitative is subjective; quantitative is objective.
Data expression differs: Qualitative uses words; quantitative employs numbers.
Research planning is pre-collection for quantitative, ongoing for qualitative.
Researcher behavior varies: Qualitative maintains natural settings; quantitative involves control and manipulation.
Sampling techniques differ: Qualitative often uses purposive sampling; quantitative typically employs random sampling.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

Strengths:
- Captures naturalistic insights.
- Enhances understanding of human behavior.
- Facilitates social change and respects individual experiences.
Weaknesses:
- Limited generalizability compared to quantitative methods.

Nature of Variables

Variable: Measurable or manipulatable factor.
Classifications:
- Categorical Variables: Describe qualities, includes nominal, ordinal, dichotomous, and polychotomous types.
- Numeric Variables: Measurable quantities, includes continuous and discrete types.

Data Collection and Methodology

Research Methodology: Details how researchers will address study questions.
Types of Non-Probability Sampling: Convenience, purposive, snowball, and quota sampling.
Characteristics of Good Data Collection Instrument:
- Concise and focused on necessary data.
- Valid, reliable, and easy to interpret.
- Sequential arrangement of questions from simple to complex.

Data Collection Techniques

Include document analysis, interviews, observations, physiological measures, psychological tests, and various question types (closed, open-ended, and scale-based).

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Description

This quiz explores the differences between experimental and non-experimental research methods. It covers key concepts such as independent and dependent variables, along with the purpose of a literature review in research. Test your understanding of these fundamental research principles.