Research Methods in Data Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is the main advantage of field studies compared to controlled experiments?

Field studies can manipulate independent variables.

Field studies require less time to conduct.

Field studies reflect real-world situations more accurately. (correct)

Field studies provide stronger evidence for causality.

In a between-subjects design, how are participants assigned to conditions?

Participants choose their own condition.

Participants are assigned based on prior experience.

Participants are randomly assigned to different conditions. (correct)

Participants are tested in all conditions.

Which of the following is a characteristic of within-subjects designs?

Each participant is only tested in one condition.

Different participants are assigned to different conditions.

The same participant tests all conditions. (correct)

Results can only show correlation, not causation.

Which type of data involves analyzing existing data from primary sources?

Primary data Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage typically associated with controlled experiments?

They may lack ecological validity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'moderating variable' refer to in experimentation?

A variable that can affect the strength of the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

Why is causality considered an advantage in experiments?

It establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about online data collection?

It is a form of secondary data collection. Signup and view all the answers

What is social desirability bias?

The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a way that is socially acceptable Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question allows respondents to answer in their own words?

Open-ended question Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of between-subjects designs?

At least one control group and one experimental group differ on a variable. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a multichotomous question?

Respondents choose the option that best corresponds to their position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a pro of within-subjects designs?

Requires more participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential threat to internal validity specific to within-subjects designs?

Order effect. Signup and view all the answers

Why are dichotomous questions useful in regression analysis?

They are easy to quantify and use dummy variables Signup and view all the answers

What type of scale is primarily centered around a rating system for attitudes or opinions?

Likert-type scale Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a con of within-subjects designs?

Shorter duration leads to fatigue effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of question mentioned related to asking questions properly?

Descriptive questions Signup and view all the answers

What type of design involves comparing dependent variable measures between groups?

Between-subjects design. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of design do participants receive no treatment or a fake treatment?

Control group design. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of scales in questioning?

They offer fixed alternatives for responses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions would be classified as a dichotomous question?

Do you own a smartphone? Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does internal validity assess in a study?

Whether the study design answers research questions without bias. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the duration of within-subjects designs?

They prevent fatigue effects due to shorter durations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Likert question?

To specify the level of agreement to a statement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for phrasing questions in surveys?

Make implicit assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of poor question phrasing in a survey?

Respondents may skip the question Signup and view all the answers

Measurement bias occurs when:

The method of observation produces values that differ from the actual value Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a double-barreled question?

What is your opinion of this book and magazine? Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about sample size is a common misconception?

Sample size must be equal to population size Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about response levels in Likert questions is TRUE?

Seven or nine levels are often recommended for greater detail Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of using an improperly calibrated measurement tool?

It introduces measurement bias Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor to ensure the acceptance of a questionnaire?

Reflecting the importance of the study Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when designing questions for a questionnaire?

Confusing or ambiguous wording Signup and view all the answers

Why is obtaining peer evaluations of a draft questionnaire important?

It allows for identification of potential issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a population and a sample?

A sample is a representative portion of the population Signup and view all the answers

In what order should questions typically be sequenced during a survey?

General questions followed by specific questions Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes probability samples?

Every member has a known and equal chance of selection Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a question in the questionnaire does not provide adequate information?

Revise the question to enhance clarity Signup and view all the answers

What is essential in the introduction or cover letter of a questionnaire?

Convincing respondents to participate Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

External Sources of Data

Involves analyzing existing data, often from primary sources
Examples include periodicals, reports, field studies, experiments and online data.

Field Studies

Researchers observe and measure variables in a natural setting
Involves identifying and measuring relationships between independent and dependent variables.
Involves identifying and measuring relationships between an independent variable and its influence on the dependent variable.
Advantages: Observations are from real-world settings and data can reflect relationships between variables.

Experiments

Researchers control and manipulate variables in a controlled setting
Involves identifying the causal relationship between the variables
Examines the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable while controlling for other factors.
Advantage: Can establish causality between variables.
Disadvantage: Limited relevance to real-world situations

Types of Experiments

Between-Subjects Designs: Participants are randomly assigned to different conditions (independent samples), each group experiences a different treatment.
Within-Subjects Designs: Same participants experience all conditions (paired samples), participants are tested before and after independent variable treatments.

Rational for each design type

Between-Subjects: At least one control group and one experimental group. Control groups receive no treatment or a placebo, while experimental groups receive the treatment being studied.
Within-Subjects: No control groups. Participants are tested before (pretest) and after (posttest) independent variable treatments.
Pros of Between-Subjects: Fewer threats from carryover effects (the influence of a previous condition on a subsequent one) and shorter duration.
Cons of Between-Subjects: Requires more participants and individual differences may impact the validity of results
Pros of Within-Subjects: Fewer participants and no individual differences across treatments.
Cons of Within-Subjects: Longer duration (fatigue effects), Hawthorne effect - subjects altering their behavior knowing they are being observed.

Confound Effects:

Occurs when an extraneous variable influences the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Example: Experiment on bottle elongation on perceived wine quality.

Asking the Questions Properly:

Open-ended question: Respondents can answer in their own words, not limited to predetermined choices.
Multichotomous question: Respondents choose from a set of specific alternatives.
Dichotomous question: Respondents choose from two fixed alternatives.
Scales: Respondents select their level of agreement or preference on a scale, typically Likert or Osgood scales.

Considerations for question phrasing:

Use simple words
Avoid ambiguous words and questions
Avoid implicit assumptions
Avoid generalizations and estimates
Avoid double-barreled questions (questions asking two things at once)

Measurement Bias:

Occurs when the method used to gather data systematically differs from the true value, such as using a faulty scale or biased questions.
Potential sources: Poorly calibrated scales, biased questions, and social desirability bias (respondents answering in a way they think will impress others)

Sequencing the Questions:

Questions are ordered strategically to facilitate a smooth and logical progression of the survey.
Order:
- Presentation of the study: Introduce the purpose and scope of the survey.
- Introductory/opening questions: Establish rapport and gather basic information.
- Specific questions: Address the study's objective by testing the model.
- Identification: Gather demographic information.

Questionnaire Design:

Physical characteristics: Appearance and overall presentation
Acceptance: Clear presentation and a persuasive cover letter can encourage respondents to cooperate.
Length: Short questionnaires are preferred over longer ones.

Questionnaire Pretest:

Focus: To identify and resolve any confusing, ambiguous, offensive, or leading questions.
Methods: Peer reviews and personal interviews with respondents

Sampling:

Population: All observations of interest to the researcher.
Sample: A representative portion of the population selected for the study.

Sampling Bias:

Sampling bias occurs when the process of selection for the sample systematically excludes or overrepresents certain groups, impacting the representativeness of the results.

Size of Sample:

Common misconception: A small sample compared to the population is not representative.
Fact: Sample size depends on the desired level of precision and confidence in the results, regardless of population size.

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Description

This quiz explores various research methods used in data analysis, including external sources of data, field studies, and experiments. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as their applications in analyzing relationships between variables. Enhance your knowledge of how these methods are utilized in real-world settings.