Research Methods Lesson 1

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Questions and Answers

What type of variables refers to values that can include fractions or decimals?

Categorical variables

Discrete variables

Continuous variables (correct)

Numeric variables

Which of the following best defines a discrete variable?

A variable that can take any value including fractions

A variable associated with measuring quantities

A variable that can take only integer values (correct)

A variable that refers to a characteristic or quality

In the context of research, what does the term 'scope and delimitation' refer to?

The aspects of the study that will be explored and those that will not (correct)

The variables that are manipulated during the research

The definitions of all the terms used in the study

The characteristics that are to be measured in participants

How are operational definitions developed in research?

Based on how terms are used within the study Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable answers the question 'how many' or 'how much'?

Numeric variables Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of quantitative research that helps ensure findings can be applied more broadly?

Generalizability Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of a research topic ensures it is intriguing and motivates researchers?

Interesting Signup and view all the answers

Why is feasibility an important consideration when selecting a research topic?

It allows for resources to be gathered within a specific time frame. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the nature of data collected in quantitative research?

Numerical and mathematically analyzed Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'controlled' in the context of quantitative research?

It requires minimizing bias by regulating variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which consideration relates to the accessibility of sources and respondents in a research project?

Availability of Resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'empirically verifiable' imply in quantitative research?

The necessity to observe and measure phenomena with numerical data. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the characteristic of 'building on the works of others' significant in quantitative research?

It provides a framework for further investigation and understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is a strength of quantitative research?

It can be replicated in other contexts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of quantitative research?

It provides limited information based on participant responses. Signup and view all the answers

In which field is quantitative research primarily utilized for evaluating teaching methods?

Education Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of quantitative research minimizes biases?

Strictly limited responses to questions Signup and view all the answers

How does quantitative research contribute to business strategies?

By enhancing marketing strategies through data analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the background of a quantitative research study?

Previous references and the main objectives of the study. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for quantitative research to have low subjectivity?

It ensures that data can be analyzed objectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable goal of conducting quantitative research?

To make statistical inferences based on numerical data. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theoretical framework in research indicate?

The basis of the research Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a conceptual framework in research?

To outline possible actions and data flow Signup and view all the answers

Which type of quantitative research involves manipulating subjects to identify cause-and-effect relationships?

Experimental Design Signup and view all the answers

How should all questions in the statement of the problem begin?

WHAT Signup and view all the answers

What do assumptions of the study concern?

Credibility of the information used Signup and view all the answers

What does the null hypothesis (Ho) represent in research?

There is no relationship or difference between variables Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the significance of the study elaborate on?

The beneficiaries and their expected benefits from the research Signup and view all the answers

What type of design seeks to describe the current status of a variable but does not address questions of how or why?

Descriptive Design Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quantitative Research Overview

Involves the collection of numerical data analyzed using mathematical methods.
Aims to explore, describe, explain, or predict phenomena.
Requires rigorous data collection and procedural steps.

Research Topic Considerations

Interest: Topics should captivate and motivate researchers.
Current: Relevant to contemporary issues faced by respondents.
Significance: Addresses the needs of the target audience, impacting daily lives.
Relevance: Provides solutions to existing problems within specific fields.
Novelty: Should be unique and not widely researched.
Manageability: Considerations related to the feasibility of conducting the study.
Feasibility: Justifiable within the available time frame.
Availability of Resources: Essential sources and respondents must be accessible.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Systematic: Adheres to a structured methodology.
Built on Existing Work: Utilizes insights from previous studies.
Generalizable: Findings should apply beyond the sample studied.
Controlled Environment: Minimizes bias by creating specific conditions.
Empirically Verifiable: Involves quantifiable data collection methods.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:
- Can be replicated across different contexts.
- Low subjectivity, aligning responses strictly with questions.
Weaknesses:
- May lack depth for complex phenomena analysis.

Importance of Quantitative Research

Education: Evaluates the effectiveness of teaching methods and programs.
Business: Enhances marketing strategies and decision-making processes.
Medical Science: Supports ongoing investigations into healthcare practices.
Science & Technology: Drives innovation in devices and systems for improved quality of life.

Types of Quantitative Research

Experimental Design: Manipulates subjects to deduce cause-and-effect relationships.
Non-experimental Design: Observes subjects without alterations, suitable for correlation studies.

Key Components of a Research Study

Problem Background: Describes the nature and significance of the research.
Theoretical Framework: Establishes foundational theories backing the research.
Conceptual Framework: Visual representation of proposed actions and process flow in the study.
Statement of the Problem: Clearly defined research questions beginning with "What".
Assumptions: Grounds the credibility of the information or references being used.
Hypothesis: Proposes educated guesses about study findings, including alternative (Ha) and null (Ho) hypotheses.
Significance: Identifies beneficiaries and the impact of the research.
Scope and Delimitation: Defines what the study will and won’t cover.
Definition of Terms: Provides clear definitions of key concepts used in the study.

Classification of Variables

Numeric Variables: Quantitative measures that answer “how many” or “how much”.
- Discrete: Countable data with integer values.
- Continuous: Measurable data, can include fractions.
Categorical Variables: Qualitative measures answering “what type” or “which category”.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of selecting a research topic, specifically focusing on quantitative research. This lesson emphasizes the importance of having an interesting and current topic to drive motivation and relevance in your research. Gain insights into how numerical data is collected and analyzed mathematically.