Research Methods in Social Sciences

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in conducting research?

Select a research approach

Identify a problem (correct)

Begin research

Collect data

What informs the research design in a study?

Philosophical worldview only

Research questions only

Data collection methods

Elements of inquiry (correct)

What is the primary consideration when selecting a research approach?

Theoretical perspectives

Research question

Data collection methods

Philosophical worldview (correct)

What is the relationship between selecting a research approach and other considerations?

They go hand-in-hand Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of translating a research problem into a research question?

To guide the research process Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of a researcher's philosophical worldview?

Knowledge claims Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ontology?

What is the truth? Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical worldview is associated with the scientific method and empirical science?

Postpositivist Signup and view all the answers

What is epistemology concerned with?

How do we approach knowledge? Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a realist and a relativist epistemology?

Whether there is a single truth or multiple truths Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of a postpositivist researcher?

Examining the causes that influence outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a general philosophical orientation about the world and the nature of research that a researcher brings to a study?

Philosophical Worldview Signup and view all the answers

According to Creswell, what is the third major element in the research framework?

Specific research methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between method and methodology?

Method is a single technique, and methodology is a combination of techniques Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions are instrument-based?

Both open- and close-ended questions Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is obtained through performance data, attitude data, observational data, and census data?

Quantitative data Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a methodology that involves a combination of techniques and a theoretical framework?

Narrative Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the mode of analysis for mixed data?

Statistical + text analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of research in the constructivist approach?

To develop a theory or pattern of meaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the researcher in the constructivist approach?

To position themselves reflexively in the research Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the constructivist and postpositivist approaches?

The imposition of theories on marginalized individuals vs. negotiating meanings socially Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of open-ended questions in the constructivist approach?

To allow participants to express their subjective views Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the transformative approach?

Political aspects of female college students' experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between subjective meanings and social interactions in the constructivist approach?

Subjective meanings are influenced by social interactions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a good qualitative research question?

It explores a unique social phenomenon in a specific group of people Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a specific group of people that could be studied in a qualitative research question?

Elementary public school teachers Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a unique context that could be explored in a qualitative research question?

During the pandemic Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a template in crafting a qualitative research question?

To provide a structure for the research question Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an abstract concept or phenomenon that could be explored in a qualitative research question?

Voter integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when crafting a qualitative research question?

Exploring a unique social phenomenon in a specific group of people Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Approach

The research process starts with identifying a problem, selecting a research approach, and then conducting research, data collection, analysis, results, and discussion.
Elements of inquiry include philosophical worldview, research design, methods, and data collection.

Philosophical Worldview

A general philosophical orientation about the world and the nature of research that a researcher brings to a study.
Influenced by ontological and epistemological assumptions.

Ontology

Deals with what exists and what is the truth.
Examples:
- What is the picture showing?
- Patterns
- A man with white hair
Ontology answers the question, "What is the truth?"

Epistemology

Deals with how we approach the correct answer.
Examples:
- Based on what you see?
- Based on what many people see?
- Based on what the artist intended?
Epistemology asks, "What is the correct approach to knowledge?"

Research Approaches

Postpositivist:
- Focuses on determining the level of burnout among college students.
- Based on the "scientific method", empirical science, and positivism.
Constructivist:
- Focuses on how college students construct burnout.
- Seeks to understand the world people live in through open-ended questions.
Transformative:
- Focuses on the political aspects of research, e.g., marginalized individuals.
- Aims to develop a theory or pattern of meaning.

Methodology vs. Method

Methodology: a combination of techniques and theoretical framework.
Method: specific techniques in research, e.g., data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Research Design

Involves the forms of data collection, analysis, and interpretation proposed for a study.
Examples of methods:
- Quantitative
- Mixed
- Qualitative

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Description

Learn about the research process in social sciences, including identifying problems, selecting research approaches, and collecting data. This quiz covers the basics of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods.