Scholar Research Process and Scientific Method
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Questions and Answers

What type of research involves firsthand observation and study by the researcher?

  • Primary research (correct)
  • Secondary research
  • Tertiary research
  • Qualitative research

Participants in research must always remain anonymous to the researchers.

False (B)

Name one ethical requirement for conducting research.

Informed consent

The study of taken-for-granted rules that structure social interaction is called ______________.

<p>conversation analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of interview with its characteristic:

<p>Structured interviews = Reduces bias but has limited flexibility Semi-structured interviews = Combines elements of both structured and unstructured Unstructured interviews = Offers high flexibility and detail but low reliability Focus groups = Small group discussions to explore participant dynamics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes critical discourse analysis?

<p>Examining how language reflects social and political power dynamics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Hawthorne effect refers to the tendency of participants to behave differently when they are part of a study.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of structured interviews?

<p>Limited flexibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

Confidentiality in research means that information acquired will not be made available to anyone who is not involved with the study, ensuring the participant’s ______________.

<p>privacy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research design is characterized by a specific set of instructions for asking questions?

<p>Structured design (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variable consists of categories with no inherent order?

<p>Nominal variables (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Independent variables are not manipulated or controlled in a study.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the measure of central tendency that represents the most frequently occurring value in a dataset?

<p>Mode</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ is the difference between the maximum and minimum values in a dataset.

<p>Range</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of statistics with their descriptions:

<p>Descriptive statistics = Describes basic features of data Inferential statistics = Draws conclusions beyond immediate data Correlation = Observes the relationship between variables Causation = Indicates one variable causes the variation in another</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about dependent variables is true?

<p>They are not controlled and are measured for outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sample bias occurs when the sample accurately reflects the population.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the list of units from which a sample is drawn?

<p>Sampling frame</p> Signup and view all the answers

In statistics, the __________ is a measure of how spread out values are from the mean.

<p>Standard Deviation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue that can result from a non-random sample?

<p>Sample bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of sampling ensures each unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected?

<p>Simple random sampling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Increasing the size of a sample guarantees precision in estimating the population parameter.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of experiments in research?

<p>To demonstrate whether something is true</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of reaching conclusions about a population based on sample data is known as ______.

<p>statistical inference</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the sampling types with their definitions:

<p>Convenience sampling = Subjects are selected because of accessibility Purposive sampling = Subjects selected due to a specific characteristic Snowball sampling = Making contacts through referrals from initial participants Stratified random sampling = Representing various subgroups in the population</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method uses an interval to select subjects?

<p>Systematic sampling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sampling bias occurs when certain members of a population are less likely to be included in a sample.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a confidence interval represent in statistics?

<p>Estimated range of values likely to include the unknown population parameter</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a typical experiment, the group that receives the treatment is called the ______.

<p>experimental group</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'margin of error' refer to?

<p>The expected range of error in sample estimates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of guided conversations in research?

<p>Lots of content and depth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ethnography involves a researcher immersing themselves in a group for a limited time.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Access to Information Act in Canada allow citizens to do?

<p>Request access to any record under the control of a federal government institution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary focus of ethnomethodology is on how people use ______ in their everyday actions.

<p>language</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research methods to their characteristics:

<p>Surveys = Systematic collection of info from a population Ethnography = Immersion in a culture for extended periods Content Analysis = Examination of communication patterns Ethnomethodology = Study of language codes in everyday actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of guided conversations?

<p>Quick results (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reliability refers to the accuracy of what a study measures.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of content analysis?

<p>To identify patterns, themes, biases, and meanings in communication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is used to track changes in a population over time in survey research.

<p>longitudinal study</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of surveys to their specific features:

<p>Cross-sectional = Snapshot of a population at one point in time Trend study = Tracks changes in the same population Panel study = Tracks changes with the same group of people Longitudinal = Observes the same population over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the criteria for assessing documents in social research?

<p>Authenticity is about the genuineness of the document (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ethnographers focus solely on individual behavior without considering community context.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is response bias in survey research?

<p>A tendency for respondents to answer questions inaccurately or misleadingly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Act in Canada protects citizens from unauthorized use of their personal information by the government.

<p>Privacy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Scientific method

A logically reasoned research process that follows explicit procedures, is open to inspection, and relies on a shared consensus of assumptions and methods.

Primary research

Research conducted firsthand by the researcher, involving direct observation and data collection.

Secondary research

Research that uses already existing data collected by others to draw conclusions or make an argument.

Conversation analysis

A method of studying how people interact by analyzing the taken-for-granted rules that structure their conversations.

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Discourse analysis

Examines how language (including visual elements) constructs social reality and its effects, going beyond just the study of spoken language.

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Critical discourse analysis

An interdisciplinary approach that analyzes how language, particularly text and talk, reproduces social and political domination.

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Informed consent

Ensuring participants are fully aware of the research procedures, potential risks, and have the ability to choose to participate.

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Anonymity

Protecting participants' identities so that even the researchers cannot link their data to them.

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Structured interview

A formal interview where the researcher follows a pre-determined set of questions, aiming for consistency and control.

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Semi-structured interview

A more flexible interview that allows for some deviation from the predetermined questions, aiming to balance structure with flexibility.

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Operationalization

The process of converting abstract concepts into measurable variables. Researchers identify empirical indicators and create research instruments to measure these concepts.

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Variables

Characteristics that vary among units of analysis (people, objects, etc.). They can be manipulated, controlled, or simply measured for research purposes.

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Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher. Its variation is known and taken into account. Often considered the 'cause' in a study.

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Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed. Its variation is affected by the independent variable. Typically the phenomenon of interest in a study.

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Nominal Variable

A categorical variable where categories have no inherent order or ranking. They are simply different.

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Ordinal Variable

A categorical variable where categories can be ranked, but the distances between them are not equal or known.

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Interval/Ratio Variable

A variable where units exist and the distances between categories are equal across the range of values.

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Correlation

When two variables vary together in a systematic way.

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Causation

One variable directly influences or causes the variation in another variable.

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Spurious Relationship

When the relationship between two variables is actually caused by a third, unobserved factor.

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Sampling Error

The difference between the characteristics of a sample and the population it represents.

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Simple Random Sampling (SRS)

Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample.

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Stratified Random Sampling (STRS)

Dividing the population into subgroups (strata) and then randomly sampling from each strata.

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Cluster Random Sampling (CRS)

Randomly selecting groups (clusters) and then sampling all individuals within the chosen clusters.

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Convenience Sampling

Selecting participants based on their ease of access and availability.

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Purposive Sampling

Selecting participants based on specific characteristics or traits relevant to the research.

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Sampling Bias

A systematic error in the sampling process that leads to an unrepresentative sample.

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Random Assignment

Assigning participants to treatment groups randomly to ensure group equivalence.

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Mean

The average of a set of numbers.

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Standard Deviation

A measure of how spread out a set of data is.

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Focus group

A group discussion led by a facilitator, exploring specific topics relevant to the group and researcher, aiming for open discussion and collecting qualitative data.

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Moderator

The facilitator in a focus group who guides the discussion, encourages participant contributions, and ensures everyone has a chance to share their thoughts.

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Dynamic group interactions

The back-and-forth exchange of ideas, opinions, and reactions within a focus group, creating a synergistic effect and generating new ideas.

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Advantages of Focus Groups

Focus groups provide rich and in-depth data, insights into personal experiences, flexibility, high face validity, quick results, and low costs.

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Disadvantages of Focus Groups

Focus groups can be unnatural, limited to verbal responses, lack control compared to interviews, require skilled moderators, and may face challenges with data analysis, reliability, and generalization.

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Historical Research

Examining past events and behaviors of individuals to understand how they acted in specific contexts and how realities or practices developed.

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Policy and Case Analysis

Studying current individuals, social groups, or processes to understand them in depth. This includes descriptive, interpretive, explanatory, evaluative, and reformist claims.

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Ethnography

A research method where a researcher immerses themselves in a group for an extended period, observing behavior, listening to conversations, and conducting interviews, to understand a culture's impact on behaviors.

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Ethnomethodology

Studying the hidden codes and belief systems behind our everyday actions and communication, particularly in language use.

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Content Analysis

Carefully examining and interpreting various forms of communication like written documents, photos, videos, audio, to identify patterns, themes, biases, and meanings.

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Authenticity in Document Analysis

Assessing if a document is genuine and accurately reflects the information it claims to present.

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Credibility in Document Analysis

Assessing the degree to which a document's content is distorted or influenced by bias or hidden agendas.

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Meaning in Document Analysis

Interpreting the significance and underlying meaning of a document's contents through literal and interpretive understanding.

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Reliability in Research

The consistency of research results when repeated multiple times using the same methods.

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Validity in Research

The accuracy of a study's measures, ensuring they accurately reflect the concepts being investigated.

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Study Notes

Scholar Research Process

  • Epistemology/Topic: Foundation of knowledge/subject matter
  • Literature Review: Examining existing research
  • Theorization: Developing ideas and frameworks
  • Hypothesis/Questions: Specific statements/queries to be tested
  • Research Design: Structure and method for the study
  • Ethics: Moral considerations in research
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Gathering and interpreting information
  • Findings & Theorization: Results and application/explanation

Scientific Method

  • Logically reasoned: Based on clear thinking and deduction
  • Explicit procedure: Follows a clear and detailed plan
  • Open to inspection: Procedures and assumptions are observable
  • Consensus of assumptions & procedures: Agreement on the methods used

Poppers Hypothetico-Deductive Scheme

  • A method of hypothesis testing

Research Types

  • Primary Research: Researcher's direct observations and studies
  • Secondary Research: Uses existing research conducted by others

Qualitative Research Methods

  • Conversation Analysis: Studies the rules governing social interaction (originated in Ethnomethodology)
  • Discourse Analysis: Studies how language creates social reality (includes image analysis)
  • Critical Discourse Analysis: Inter-disciplinary study of discourse; views language as social practice. Examines how power relations are expressed and maintained through language. Links power and language.
  • Ethnography: Researchers immersed in a group/culture for extended periods, observing, interviewing

Data Collection Methods

  • Interviews:
    • Structured: Uses an interview schedule (set questions). Advantages: Reduced bias, high credibility/reliability/validity, efficient. Disadvantages: Formal, inflexible, limited scope.
    • Semi-Structured: Set questions, but allows for flexibility. Advantages: Good balance of structure and flexibility, rich detail. Disadvantages: Lower validity, potential for bias (leading questions, Hawthorne effect).
    • Unstructured: Researcher focuses on gathering information, less control. Advantages: Flexible, rich detail, validity. Disadvantages: Low reliability, time-consuming, high bias potential.
    • Focus Groups: Small groups discussing a specific topic, moderated by a facilitator. Advantages: Rich data, flexible, easy to compare. Disadvantages: Less control, difficult analysis, potential biases..

Historical/Policy Analysis

  • Historical Research: Understanding past behavior and how practices developed
  • Policy & Case Analysis: Examining existing individuals, groups, or processes

Content Analysis

  • Careful examination of material: (documents, images, media.) to find patterns, themes, biases, meanings.

Ethical Research Principles

  • Voluntary Participation: Participants must choose to participate
  • Informed Consent: Participants must understand procedures and possible risks
  • Risk of Harm: Researcher cannot place participants at risk of physical or psychological harm
  • Confidentiality: Information remains private and restricted to study participants
  • Anonymity: Participants remain anonymous
  • Privacy: Participants have control over personal info.

Access to Information & Privacy (Canada)

  • Access to Information Act: Allows Canadians to request access to federal government records
  • Privacy Act: Grants citizens access to their personal information held by the government and protects it from unauthorized use

Criteria for Assessing Documents (Social Research)

  • Authenticity: Document's genuineness
  • Credibility: Distortion of content
  • Sincerity: Document's truthfulness
  • Bias: Political/personal agendas
  • Literal & Interpretive Understanding

Sampling

  • Random Sampling: Sample mirrors population (probability sampling)
  • Simple Random Sampling (SRS): Every member has an equal chance of selection
  • Systematic Sampling: Uses intervals for selection
  • Stratified Random Sampling (STRS): Representative samples from subgroups
  • Cluster Random Sampling: Selecting existing groups
  • Non-Probability Sampling: Not random (e.g., convenience)
  • Sampling Error: Difference between sample and population
  • Sample Size: Influenced by population, variation, desired precision
  • Important Considerations: response rate, interviewer effects, respondent bias, questionnaire design

Surveys

  • Cross-sectional: Snapshot at single point in time
  • Longitudinal: Patterns over time, may track with same individuals

Variables

  • Independent Variable: Manipulated / controlled
  • Dependent Variable: Measured/registered, influenced by independent variable
  • Nominal Variables: Categorical (no ranking)
  • Ordinal Variables: Ranked categories
  • Interval/Ratio Variables: Equal distances between categories

Descriptive Statistics

  • Collection, description, and analysis of numerical data
  • Central Tendency: Mean, median, mode
  • Measures of Dispersion: Range, variance, standard deviation
  • Diagrams: Bar charts, pie charts, Histograms

Experiments

  • Goal: Demonstrate causation
  • Structure: Experimental & control groups, random assignment, pretest/posttest comparisons

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Description

This quiz covers the essential elements of the research process including epistemology, literature review, and research design. It also delves into the principles of the scientific method and different research types. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts in research methodology.

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