Research Methods: Quantitative vs Qualitative

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic differentiates quantitative data from qualitative data?

It is descriptive in nature.

It relies on personal interpretations.

It is collected through observational methods.

It is represented in numbers. (correct)

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

To define categories for data collection.

To establish measurable patterns.

To collect numerical data for statistical analysis.

To understand the underlying reasons behind behaviors. (correct)

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative data?

Numeric representation.

Structured through predefined categories.

Statistically analyzable.

Rich in detail and context. (correct)

What does a null hypothesis claim?

There is no effect of one variable on another. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is characteristic of an alternative hypothesis?

It asserts that there is an effect or relationship present. Signup and view all the answers

In what form can qualitative data be expressed?

Narrative descriptions or visuals such as photographs. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes quantitative data?

It is less influenced by personal biases and interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a directional hypothesis?

It predicts the direction of the change between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hypothesis includes more than two variables?

Complex hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What applications are best suited for qualitative research?

Understanding concepts and gaining in-depth insights into social phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

How is quantitative data typically collected?

Via structured surveys or defined measurement scales. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms is most likely used in an alternative hypothesis?

Greater than or less than Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies qualitative research?

Conducting an interview to understand employee experiences at work. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for null and alternative hypotheses to be mutually exclusive?

They cannot coexist; only one can be true. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies a directional hypothesis?

Students who study more will score higher than those who do not. Signup and view all the answers

What do null and alternative hypotheses together represent?

Various outcomes for a single question. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of phenomenological research?

To explain the nature of things through lived experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves the researcher living within a community to study its culture?

Ethnography Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing characteristic of case study research?

It provides a contextualized understanding of a specific case Signup and view all the answers

In ethnographic research, what is primarily being described?

Shared attitudes, values, and norms of a culture Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is typically gathered in case study research?

Qualitative data through interviews and observations Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is focused on analyzing text or written content?

Content Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a key outcome of case study research?

Detailed insights into the dynamics of a specific phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

What type of experience can phenomenological research focus on?

Experiences related to a medical condition Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of research design in a study?

To provide guidelines on data collection Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of research design aids in organizing resources for data collection?

Arranging manpower and equipment Signup and view all the answers

How does research design provide directions to research staff?

By guiding the selection of data sources and collection methods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of research design?

To develop the study's objectives Signup and view all the answers

What type of methods does research design help select for data collection?

Survey, Interview, and Observation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a technique of data analysis that research design may recommend?

Measures of Central Tendency Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of using research design when studying buyer behavior?

It provides structured methods for observation Signup and view all the answers

In research design, what kind of analysis technique is used to forecast sales?

Time Series analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of interdisciplinary research?

Experts from different fields collaborate while retaining disciplinary boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of trans-disciplinary research?

Solving complex real-world problems through a holistic approach. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does trans-disciplinary research differ from interdisciplinary research?

It integrates knowledge from various fields to create comprehensive solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable limitation of trans-disciplinary research?

It requires substantial resources, including time and funding. Signup and view all the answers

Which example demonstrates the collaboration seen in trans-disciplinary research?

Nutritionists, psychologists, and educators working together to promote healthy living. Signup and view all the answers

What collaborative aspect is emphasized in trans-disciplinary research?

Engagement with community members and practitioners. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of interdisciplinary research focuses on a common problem?

Shared Problem Focus Signup and view all the answers

What role do sociologists play in the example of promoting healthy living?

They analyze family and community influences on children's eating habits. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quantitative Research

Data represented in numbers (counts, percentages, measurements)
Objective; less influenced by personal biases
Structured data collection (predefined categories, scales)
Suitable for statistical tests and modeling
Used for analyzing economic indicators, tracking fitness progress, testing hypotheses, establishing patterns, making predictions

Qualitative Research

Non-numeric; used to describe qualities or characteristics
Provides insights into reasons, opinions, and motivations
Expressed in words; helps understand concepts, thoughts, and experiences
Used for in-depth understanding of complex topics
Focuses on the "why" not just "what" of social phenomena
Relies on human direct experiences
Examples: interviewing employees to understand workplace culture, phenomenology studying experiences, ethnography describing a culture, case study researching a phenomenon deeply, content analysis analyzing text

Research Design

Provides guidelines for researchers: when to start and end research, what data to collect, how to collect data, from where to collect data
Facilitates organizing resources: funds, equipment, manpower
Provides directions to research staff: data sources, collection techniques, research area, resources, timeframe
Helps select appropriate data collection and analysis techniques: surveys/interviews, observations, experiments, measures of central tendency, time series analysis, correlation techniques

Types of Hypotheses

Research Question: A question that guides the research investigation
Null Hypothesis (H0): States that there is no effect, difference, or relationship between variables in the population
Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): States that there is an effect, difference, or relationship between variables
Directional Hypothesis: Predicts a specific direction (positive or negative) of the effect, difference, or relationship
Complex Hypothesis: Examines the relationship between multiple dependent and independent variables

Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research

Interdisciplinary Research: Researchers from different disciplines collaborate while maintaining their disciplinary boundaries. Focuses on integrating insights from multiple fields to provide a broader understanding
Transdisciplinary Research: Goes beyond integration to create a holistic approach that dissolves disciplinary boundaries. Involves collaboration among academics, practitioners, and the community. Focuses on developing comprehensive solutions to complex problems.

Limitations of Transdisciplinary Research

Complexity: Integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines can be challenging and time-consuming
Resource-Intensive: Requires significant resources, including time, funding, and coordination efforts

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Description

Explore the fundamental differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods. This quiz will help you understand the characteristics, purposes, and applications of each approach in social science and other fields. Test your knowledge on data collection techniques, analysis methods, and research designs.