Research Methods Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of research methods?

Understanding theories underlying research

Establishing a hypothesis

Collecting and analyzing data (correct)

Evaluating the significance of results

Which category of research methods involves techniques for data collection?

Operational methods

Statistical techniques

Descriptive methods

Analytical tools (correct)

Research methodology can best be described as what?

An overview of existing research techniques

A set of statistical tools

A collection of research experiments

A systematic approach to solving research problems (correct)

What do researchers need to understand about research methods and techniques?

Which methods are relevant to given problems and their implications Signup and view all the answers

In research methods, what are analytical tools primarily used for?

Establishing data relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which mathematical techniques are researchers expected to calculate as part of research methods?

Mode, mean, median, and chi-square Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding assumptions underlying research techniques?

It guides the selection of appropriate methods for specific problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of applied research?

It aims to arrive at a solution for a given problem. Signup and view all the answers

What does quantitative research focus on?

Measurement of quantity or amount Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes qualitative research?

It focuses on quality and involves non-numerical descriptions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of qualitative research when investigating data?

To describe the situation and gain meaning Signup and view all the answers

How are research methods and research methodology different?

Research methods are techniques used, methodology is the logic behind them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about patterns in research?

Studying patterns involves mapping configurations of relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Which paradigm is linked to quantitative research?

Positivism Signup and view all the answers

Research methodology is primarily focused on:

Learning and explaining how research should be conducted. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a primary focus of qualitative research?

Measuring quantities and amounts Signup and view all the answers

Why is control necessary in educational and social science research?

To isolate the cause of an effect. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'operational definition' refer to?

Defining terms by the steps or operations used to measure them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strength of quantitative research?

Ability to produce causality statements through controlled experiments. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for data obtained in an experiment to be considered replicable?

The same result must be found if the study is repeated. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of quantitative research mentioned?

It assumes facts are the same for all people all the time. Signup and view all the answers

How does the complexity of human experience affect quantitative research?

It makes it difficult to control or rule out all variables. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to the assumption that facts are universally true for everyone?

The mechanistic ethos of quantitative research. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is an example of an operational definition?

Introversion refers to a score on a personality scale. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of quantitative research?

Collecting and analyzing data in numeric form Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical position does the quantitative paradigm align with?

Positivism Signup and view all the answers

What do larger samples in quantitative research typically require?

Increased funding and logistical support Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of quantitative research as suggested in the content?

The need for large samples Signup and view all the answers

How does quantitative research characterize the relationship between the investigator and the phenomenon being studied?

They are treated as independent entities Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of control in quantitative research?

To identify causes of observations Signup and view all the answers

What can undermine the accuracy and validity of quantitative research?

Improper sampling and weighting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes quantitative research's approach to data?

Concerned primarily with objective metrics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the research method?

To produce new knowledge or deepen understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration in designing a research method?

Tool for Data Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes exploratory research?

It often draws on secondary research and qualitative approaches Signup and view all the answers

Which method is specifically mentioned as useful for exploratory research?

Focus groups Signup and view all the answers

Why should exploratory research draw conclusions with caution?

Because it may reveal that a perceived problem does not exist Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of exploratory research findings?

They usually provide significant insight but are not directly useful for decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research relies heavily on informal discussions and observations?

Exploratory research Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Internet play in modern research methods?

It enhances research by allowing interactive methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of quantitative research methods?

To establish associative or causal relationships between variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research methods?

Use of participant observation and interviews Signup and view all the answers

What method is typically used in quantitative research for selecting participants?

Probability sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the main goal of qualitative research?

To understand phenomena from participants' perspectives Signup and view all the answers

When it is not feasible to randomly assign participants to different treatments, what should a researcher do?

Collect data on participant and situational characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not generally considered a qualitative research method?

Randomized controlled trials Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research?

Emphasis on individual narratives and context Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following data sources is commonly utilized in qualitative research?

Interviews and field notes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methodology and Research Method

This chapter examines various methodologies and methods commonly used in information systems research.
The methodology and method used in the research are acknowledged and discussed.
The chapter begins with an introduction to research, followed by a discussion of methodologies and methods specifically relevant to information systems.
A crucial distinction between research methodology and research method is clarified, emphasizing their separate treatment in this research.
The different types of research methodology are detailed, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
The chosen research methodology employed in the study and its justification are explained.
The chapter explores various research methods suitable for information systems research and differentiates between qualitative and quantitative research methods, particularly when using secondary data.
The data collection and analysis methods employed in the research are outlined, including a combination of case study and grounded theory approaches for document analysis.
The chapter focuses on the applications of cloud computing and mobile phones in developing countries.

Research Introduction

Research is a logical and systematic investigation to uncover new or useful information on a specific topic.
Research aims to solve problems and expand existing knowledge.
Research is a process employing procedures and methods that have been tried and tested for their validity and reliability.
Research methodologies and approaches (e.g., qualitative, quantitative) and academic background should be accounted for.
Validity ensures proper procedures are used to obtain accurate answers.
Reliability guarantees a process that yields consistent results upon repeating.
Unbiased and objective research avoids preconceived notions and personal interest.

Characteristics of Research

Research involves collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to answer research questions.
Key characteristics of research include controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid/verifiable observations, and empirical/critical approach.
Control in research accounts for many factors influencing an outcome.
Rigor ensures that methods followed are relevant, appropriate and justified.
Systematicity implies a logical progression in research procedures.
Validity describes the accuracy and truthfulness of research conclusions, while verifiability emphasizes their testability by others.

Types of Research

Research can be categorized based on application, objectives, or inquiry mode.
Pure research aims at developing theories and hypotheses, without immediate practical application.
Applied research focuses on practical solutions to existing problems, often using basic research findings.
Research objectives can include descriptive, correlational, explanatory and exploratory approaches.
Descriptive research details features of a situation, such as community living conditions and attitudes.
Correlational research investigates relationships among variables.
Explanatory research explores underlying causes and mechanisms of relationships.
Exploratory research investigates a new area, such as the feasibility of a research topic (pilot study).

Research Inquiry Mode

Research inquiry can utilize structured or unstructured approaches.
Structured (quantitative) approaches define objectives, design, sample and questions in advance.
Unstructured (qualitative) methods allow for flexibility in all aspects and are designed for exploring the nature of the research topic.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Quantitative research involves measuring quantity/Amount and uses numerical details.
Qualitative research involves quality/Phenomenon and is non-numerical (interpretations and words).
Researchers can combine both approaches to understand phenomena more comprehensively.

Research Methodology and Research Method

Research methodology outlines the methods and rationale of conducting a study. Research method refers to the actual steps undertaken to conduct the research (e.g., experiments, tests, surveys).
Researchers distinguish between the techniques used, the logical approach for an investigation.
Researcher methods are techniques, tests, surveys etc.
Researcher methodology is more encompassing than these techniques.