Research Methods Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the key characteristic of quantitative research questions?

They are framed and finalized at the start of the study. (correct)

They focus on subjective interpretations.

They explore ideological perspectives.

They are adaptable and flexible in scope.

Which type of research is more likely to be exploratory in nature?

Quantitative research

Qualitative research (correct)

Comparative research

Statistical research

What does the dependent variable (DV) represent in a research study?

The sample population used in the study.

The characteristic manipulated by the researcher.

The outcome that is measured in response to the independent variable. (correct)

The theory that guides the research process.

In research, what does an independent variable (IV) typically influence?

The outcomes measured in the study. Signup and view all the answers

Which research question type is best suited to measure a change over a specific period?

Comparative questions Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the waste industry have on vulnerable communities according to Simon?

It causes environmental damage to the least powerful people. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the performance of children compared to adults on memory tasks?

Adults will perform better than children on memory tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential when writing a hypothesis?

It requires a logical argument based on a literature review. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential impact of recording online lectures for first-year students?

Exam results might be negatively affected for students who watch rather than participate. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'independent variable' refer to in research?

It is the variable that is manipulated to observe effects. Signup and view all the answers

How do poor communities compare to affluent communities in terms of hazardous waste?

Poor communities will have larger amounts of hazardous waste than affluent communities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an empirical hypothesis?

It is being put to the test. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome for children who receive a new reading intervention?

They are likely to perform better than students who did not receive it. Signup and view all the answers

In research, what does the term 'dependent variable' signify?

It is the outcome that is measured in response to changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk associated with motorists who talk on the phone while driving?

They are more likely to make errors on a driving course than those who do not talk on the phone. Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon highlight about the victims of environmental deviance?

They often include impoverished, powerless people. Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers avoid claiming about their hypotheses?

That they can be proven. Signup and view all the answers

What type of communities have studies highlighted as often being sites for polluting industries?

Socially and economically disadvantaged locations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Problem

The point of research is to investigate a specific subject within a broader field.
The subject of the research is the variable being studied and measured.
The aim of research is what the researcher hopes to achieve through the investigation.

Research Question

A research question clearly states the problem the project aims to answer.
It should be concise and finalized at the start of the study.

Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative research questions are precise and can be descriptive, comparative, or examine relationships.

Qualitative Research Questions

Qualitative research questions are adaptable, non-directional, and more flexible.
Examples of qualitative research questions are descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, generative, ideological.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable prediction based on a logical argument derived from a literature review.
A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the relationship between variables.
Hypotheses are never proven, only supported or rejected.

Independent Variable (IV)

The IV is the variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The DV is the variable that is measured and influenced by the IV.

Types of Hypotheses

There are different types of hypotheses, including:
- Null Hypotheses: States no relationship exists between variables.
- Alternative Hypotheses: States that there is a relationship between variables, which can be directional (predicting the direction of the relationship) or non-directional (not specifying the direction of the relationship).

Example Hypotheses

Example 1: The independent variable is the new reading intervention. The dependent variable is student performance.
Example 2: The independent variable is talking on the phone while driving. The dependent variable is errors on a driving course.
Example 3: The independent variable is age. The dependent variable is performance on a memory task.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts in research methodology, including the definition and components of research problems, questions, and hypotheses. It delves into both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, helping you understand the framework for effective investigation.