Research Skills & Analysis - LIB116 Lecture 1

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant disadvantage of participant observation research?

The researcher loses objectivity due to involvement. (correct)

The researcher remains fully objective throughout the study.

Participant observation does not provide valuable insights.

The research cannot be conducted in natural settings.

Which type of observation involves the researcher observing a group from a distance without participating?

Systematic controlled observation

Structured observational study

Non controlled, participant observation

Non controlled non participant observation (correct)

What defines a structured (closed) questionnaire?

It consists of predetermined and rigid response options. (correct)

It is primarily used for qualitative data collection.

It allows respondents to provide detailed narrative answers.

It includes open-ended questions for flexible responses.

What is the key feature of systematic controlled observation?

Variables and conditions are predetermined by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

According to Wallace and Wallace, what is a questionnaire primarily used for?

Gathering information via printed questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between quantitative and qualitative data?

Quantitative data can be counted or expressed in numerical values, whereas qualitative data is descriptive and has no numerical values. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes primary data?

Data that is collected directly from the subjects specifically for the research purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of data collection mentioned?

Meta-analysis Signup and view all the answers

Secondary data can include which of the following types of materials?

Government reports and industry publications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of data collection according to the content provided?

It plays a critical role as the conclusion of a study relies on the data detected. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an unstructured questionnaire?

It allows for open-ended responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interview is characterized by flexibility in questioning?

Non directive interview Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a repeated interview?

To track changes over time Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interview limits its focus based on relevant theory and evidence?

Focused interview Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a depth interview from other interview types?

It uses projective techniques for richer insights. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do surveys function in research?

They require subjects to respond to various statements or questions. Signup and view all the answers

Which interview type is most structured and follows predetermined questions?

Directive interview Signup and view all the answers

How are interviews generally defined in research methodology?

As purposeful conversations aimed at obtaining information. Signup and view all the answers

What role does flexibility play in a non directive interview?

It allows for unplanned follow-up questions. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome does a focused interview primarily aim to achieve?

In-depth understanding of specific themes based on theory. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Skills & Analysis - LIB116, Lecture One

Lecture presented by Assoc. Prof. Emam Omar, Physics Department, New Mansoura University, on September 28, 2024.
Course name: Research Skills & Analysis
Course code: LIB116
Lecture number: One

Data

Data are individual facts, observations, statistics, characters, symbols, images, numbers.
Raw data lacks context and meaning.
Data types: Quantities, numbers, facts, observations, graphs, and measurements.

Types of Data

Research data is often classified into quantitative and qualitative.
Quantitative data can be counted or expressed numerically (e.g., number of students, age, grades, test scores).
Qualitative data is descriptive and doesn't have numerical values (e.g., attitude, perception, feelings).

Types of Data (Based on Sources)

Primary data (first-hand information): Data originated by a researcher for the specific purpose of addressing a research problem and collected directly from subjects.
Secondary data: Existing data collected by others; it may be published or unpublished.
Secondary data sources include: Files/records, computer databases, industry/government reports, documents (budgets, organizational charts, policies, procedures, maps, monitoring reports), newspapers and television reports.

Data Collection Methods

Methods for collecting data: Forms and questionnaires, interviews, observations, documents and records, focus groups.
Other methods include: Oral histories, combination research, online tracking, online marketing analytics, and social media monitoring.

Methods of Data Collection

Observation: A research technique involving direct observation of phenomena in their natural settings.
- Types of observation:
  - Non-controlled, participant observation (observer becomes part of the group).
  - Non-controlled, non-participant observation (observer observes the group from a distance)
  - Controlled, systematic observation (researcher pre-determines study variables and controls all elements).
Questionnaire: A series of written questions given to subjects.
- Types of questionnaires
  - Structured (closed-ended) questionnaires: Predetermined answers.
  - Unstructured (open-ended) questionnaires: Open responses.
Interview: Conversation with a purpose, more than just an oral exchange of information.
- Types of interviews:
  - Non-directive (unstructured): Flexible, open-ended questions.
  - Directive (structured): Predetermined questions, standardized technique.
  - Repeated interviews: Track changes in phenomenon over time.
  - Focused interviews: Limited by relevant theories and evidence.
  - Depth interviews: Qualitative research involving intensive individual interviews.
Surveys: Research method where subjects respond to statements or questions in questionnaires or interviews.
- Often involves closed-ended or open-ended questionnaires.
- Techniques use statistical methods to analyze data.
- A representative sample, a subset of the population, is studied.
Experimental devices: Laboratory equipment used in research (e.g., glassware, microscopes, analytical instruments).

Information

Data, in itself, lacks meaning but once processed, it becomes information.
Information is a collection of processed data presented in a meaningful form within a given context.
Information depends on data, context, and meaning. Processing turns data into information.
Different figures present examples of data and how it transforms to information. A good example is the ice cream sales data (raw) and creating the chart and conclusion from it.

Data Processing

Raw data is not directly useful for organizations.
Data processing translates raw data into usable information through stages like collection, preparation, input, processing, output, and storage.
Data processing operations: Includes data collection (observation, questionnaires, interviews, surveys, experimental devices), data preparation (ensuring data correctness), sorting (arranging data based on characteristics), input (converting sorted data into machine-readable format), processing (analyzing data), and output/interpretation (making data usable for the larger community).
Types of data processing: Batch processing, real-time processing, online processing, and time-sharing.

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts presented in the first lecture of Research Skills & Analysis (LIB116) by Assoc. Prof. Emam Omar. Learn about data types, their classifications, and the distinctions between quantitative and qualitative data. Enhance your understanding of primary data sources and their relevance in research.