Research Unit 1 - Nature of Inquiry

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

Understanding meanings ascribed to social problems (correct)

Gathering statistical data for objective theories

Testing hypotheses through numerical analysis

Conducting experiments to establish factual conclusions

Which phase involves identifying the central question for a qualitative inquiry?

Analytical phase

Design phase

Conceptualization phase (correct)

Empirical phase

In the research process, what is essential during the literature review phase for quantitative studies?

Establishing the methodological framework (correct)

Identifying qualitative themes

Collecting qualitative data

Testing the central question

Which of the following best describes a mixed approach to research?

Combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method for data gathering in the empirical phase of qualitative research?

Interviews and Focus Group Discussions Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of true experimental research?

It manipulates a control group of randomly selected subjects. Signup and view all the answers

In quasi-experimental research, how are subjects selected?

Subjects are carefully selected rather than randomized. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research design is most commonly associated with observational data at a specific point in time?

Cross-sectional study Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the control group in experimental research?

To validate the effects of the manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of longitudinal studies?

They collect data over several years. Signup and view all the answers

What do non-experimental research designs aim to establish?

Connections between variables without manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes survey research from other types of research designs?

It collects quantitative data through questionnaires or interviews. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of quasi-experimental research?

It cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of correlational research?

To examine the relationship between two variables Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes comparative research?

It analyzes descriptive data to identify differences without implying causation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of writing research methodology?

To provide sufficient detail for replication and evaluation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of research design mentioned?

Research variables Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher select a specific locale for their study?

To include geographical characteristics relevant to the study Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sampling' refer to in research?

The process of selecting a portion of the population for a study Signup and view all the answers

What best defines the term 'population' in a research context?

All individuals or members from whom conclusions are drawn Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of both correlational and comparative research?

Both use non-experimental methods. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a representative sample?

It reflects the characteristics of the entire population. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sampling methods involves the researcher using their judgment to select participants?

Purposive sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is Slovin's Formula primarily used for?

To calculate the optimal sample size Signup and view all the answers

In quota sampling, what is primarily specified by the researcher?

The number of participants from each population section Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of purposive sampling?

It may lead to biased results due to researcher judgment. Signup and view all the answers

How does snowball sampling gather participants?

Through referrals from current participants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a technique to ensure equal representation from different population strata?

Quota sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a small permissible error margin in research?

Margin of error Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of quantitative research?

Expressing data in numerical forms Signup and view all the answers

Which format is commonly used in traditional research manuscripts?

By-chapter format Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of quantitative research?

The human element is often overlooked. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of true experimental research?

Detailed qualitative assessments Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes quantitative research from qualitative research?

Dependence on numerical data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using structured research instruments in quantitative research?

To ensure data can be quantified and analyzed objectively Signup and view all the answers

How does quantitative research typically affect data collection time?

It increases time requirement with larger samples. Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym MR.C stand for in the context of experimental research?

Manipulation, Randomization, Control Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature of Inquiry and Research

Research involves systematic investigation to establish facts and strive for new conclusions, vital for academic and industry fields.
Qualitative research aims to explore meanings assigned to social or human problems by individuals or groups.
Quantitative research tests theories through the examination of relationships among variables, utilizing numerical data.
Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive approach.

Research Process Phases

Conceptualization phase: Identify a topic that is not too broad or too specific to allow for exploration.
Literature review: Required for quantitative studies; optional for qualitative inquiries.
Objective framing: Focus on central questions to understand human experience through qualitative data.
Design (planning) phase: Lays the framework for research methodology.
Empirical phase: Data gathering using interviews and focus groups, guided by interview protocols.
Analytical phase: Prepares and assesses data; applies tools for qualitative, quantitative, or mixed analysis.

Research Manuscript

Final output presented in written form, adhering to specific content guidelines.
Traditional format is chapter-based; modern formats often follow IMRAD structure based on APA standards.

Quantitative Research

Utilizes statistical, mathematical, or computational methods, presenting data numerically to uncover variable relationships.
Characteristics include a clearly defined research question, potential for generalization, structured data collection, and use of tools like questionnaires.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Quantitative Research

Advantages: Allows collection of large data sets, perceived as objective due to quantifiability, valuable for grants and proposals.
Disadvantages: Data analysis can require complex software, large samples increase analysis time, and may overlook human experiences.

Research Design in Quantitative Approach

Non-experimental design establishes associations without manipulating variables.
Experimental design establishes causality with manipulated variables.

Types of Experimental Research

True experimental research: Involves random assignment to control and experimental groups to explore cause-and-effect relationships.
Quasi-experimental research: Uses carefully selected groups instead of randomization due to practical or ethical constraints.

Non-Experimental Research Design

Survey research: Most common quantitative method, collects numerical descriptions of trends through questionnaires or interviews.
Types include cross-sectional (data at one point in time) and longitudinal (data over time).
Correlational research: Determines relationships between two variables within a single group.
Comparative research: Analyzes differences between variables without implying causation.

Research Methodology

Outlines methods used in research with the goal of enabling replication and evaluation.
Elements include research design (qualitative/quantitative), research setting (geographical characteristics), and research subjects (demographics and sampling procedures).

Understanding Sampling

Population: Entire group targeted for research.
Sample: Subset of the population selected for analysis; should closely approximate population characteristics.
Slovin's Formula: Used to calculate optimal sample size based on population size and margin of error.

Types of Non-Probability Sampling

Convenience sampling: Selection based on researcher's convenience, e.g., street interviews.
Purposive sampling: Selection based on specific criteria relevant to the study, carries a risk of researcher bias.
Quota sampling: Identifies population segments and specifies participant numbers needed from each.
Snowball sampling: Participants refer others who meet the criteria, assuming shared experiences among acquaintances.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of research in this quiz, focusing on qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Understand the significance of systematic investigation in both academic and industry contexts. Test your knowledge on how these research methods apply to social and human problems.