week 7

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes research synthesis from a literature review?

Research synthesis includes all studies without exclusion.

Research synthesis has a defined purpose before searching. (correct)

Research synthesis is exploratory in nature.

Research synthesis is always quantitative.

Which of the following is NOT a step in the meta-analysis process?

Establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria

Conducting a systematic review (correct)

Calculating effect sizes

Evaluating and coding studies

What is the purpose of effect size calculations in meta-analysis?

To qualitatively describe studies

To provide a clearer understanding of an effect (correct)

To determine study validity among included studies

To exclude studies from the analysis

Which consideration is crucial when coding studies in a meta-analysis?

Identifying study characteristics to inform coding Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would rank-order methods be used in a meta-analysis?

When effect sizes differ significantly among studies Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential modification to document during a systematic review?

Search strategies used during the identification phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of forming a team during a systematic review?

To enhance the review's accuracy and validity Signup and view all the answers

Which platform is recommended for registering a systematic review?

PROSPERO Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of normative surveys?

They focus on creating standards based on large, diverse samples. Signup and view all the answers

Which question type is most effective for straightforward quantitative analysis?

Categorical questions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of pilot testing a questionnaire?

To refine questions and enhance clarity. Signup and view all the answers

What approach enhances response rates for surveys?

Sending reminders and follow-ups. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices helps ensure clarity in survey questions?

Avoiding ambiguous terms and keeping questions simple. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Delphi Method achieve consensus among experts?

Through a series of iterative questionnaires refining responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges associated with normative surveys?

They need large, geographically diverse samples for validity. Signup and view all the answers

Which response type is characterized by fixed options for easy comparison?

Scaled frequency responses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Synthesis

Combines findings from multiple studies to answer specific research questions
Aims to support evidence-based practices, unlike explorative literature reviews
Has a clear purpose defined before the literature search begins

Meta-Analysis

Quantitatively combines results from various studies
Provides a clearer understanding of an effect or research question
Uses a systematic process with seven steps:
- Identifying the problem
- Searching literature
- Reviewing and including/excluding studies
- Evaluating and coding studies
- Calculating effect sizes
- Applying statistical analysis
- Reporting findings
Uses theory and empirical studies to identify important characteristics for coding decisions
Uses various effect size calculations based on experimental design
Adjusts effect size values for accuracy
Tests for homogeneity across studies to determine if standard or rank-order methods for statistical analysis are appropriate

Systematic Reviews

Comprehensive review of research on a specific topic
Summarizes and interprets findings from multiple studies
Follows a structured process:
- Defining purpose
- Forming a team
- Registering review
- Identification of potential studies
- Screening for criteria
- Evaluating eligibility
- Including final studies
Uses a flowchart to track steps for clear documentation
Documents search strategies, exclusions, and final number of included studies

Surveys in Research

Descriptive research method used to understand current conditions or attitudes
Used for normative surveys that create standards, such as fitness norms and growth charts

Constructing Questionnaires

Clearly defining what to measure improves results and data analysis
Identifying the target population and using sampling methods ensures generalizability
Tracking respondent numbers and potential sampling error is important
Open-ended questions allow free responses and insights, but are hard to analyze
Closed questions offer fixed responses for easier analysis (e.g., rankings, scales, categories)

Best Practices for Questionnaires

Use clear questions, avoiding ambiguous terms
Keep questions short
Frame questions positively and avoid technical jargon
Stay neutral to avoid bias
Ensure a clear and professional appearance
Pilot test the questionnaire on a small group
Send reminders to increase response rates

Types of Survey Responses

Ranking items
Using frequency-based scales
Likert-type scales for measuring agreement
Providing yes/no options for categorical responses

Online Surveys

Use effective survey software and design for easy navigation
Avoid sensitive or private data due to widespread accessibility

Delphi Method

Used to reach consensus among experts
Employs multiple rounds of questionnaires with responses refined each round until agreement is achieved

Interviews

More adaptable and insightful than surveys
Offer higher response rates
Allow for the observation of non-verbal cues, providing richer data

Normative Surveys

Collects data to establish norms for attributes like abilities or beliefs
Examples include fitness benchmarks and developmental milestones
Require large, geographically diverse samples and trained testers
Difficulty generalizing due to limited measured items

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts of research synthesis and meta-analysis. You will learn about the systematic process involved in combining study results and how these methods support evidence-based practices. Test your understanding of key steps, effect sizes, and the importance of rigorous coding in research.