Types and Characteristics of Research

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes research from non-research activities?

It only involves statistical analysis.

It is always complex and technical.

It must follow a structured inquiry process. (correct)

It relies solely on computer-based methods.

What is the primary aim of exploratory research?

To explain the reasons behind certain relationships

To establish associations between different phenomena

To explore an area where little is known (correct)

To describe prevalent conditions among a group

Which of the following best describes empirical investigation in research?

Collecting data without any hypothesis.

Controlled and systematic examination of observations. (correct)

Aimed at gathering anecdotal evidence.

Conducting research based on opinion surveys.

Which type of research aims to describe prevalent phenomena?

Descriptive Signup and view all the answers

What does 'controlled' mean in the context of research?

The study minimizes the impact of extraneous factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of conducting research?

To create new applicable knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of correlational research?

It identifies a relationship or association Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research specifically seeks to explain why certain relationships exist?

Explanatory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about research methodology is accurate?

Research methodologies must be scientifically acceptable. Signup and view all the answers

An example of descriptive research could involve studying the effects of living in a house with domestic violence. What would be the aim of this research?

To describe prevalent issues related to domestic violence Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of analyzing and interpreting information in research?

It ensures objective answers to questions posed. Signup and view all the answers

Research should generally be aimed at solving which of the following?

Problems requiring structured investigation and methodology. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a theme of exploratory research?

Effects of living situations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of exploratory research?

It investigates areas with little existing knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

When defining research, 'systematic investigation' refers to which aspect?

Using a series of steps to gather and analyze data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of correlational research?

To ascertain relationships between variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between basic research and applied research?

Basic research has no immediate application, whereas applied research does. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research primarily aims to describe systematically a situation or phenomenon?

Descriptive Research Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does correlational research primarily investigate?

The relationship between two or more variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research attempts to clarify why a relationship exists between aspects of a situation?

Explanatory Research Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates explanatory research?

Explaining how technology creates unemployment Signup and view all the answers

Which question is primarily addressed by descriptive research?

What is the current status of the subject? Signup and view all the answers

What type of study is referred to as a feasibility study?

Exploratory Research Signup and view all the answers

In correlational research, what is the purpose of determining the degree of relationship between variables?

To make predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of quantitative research?

To quantify the extent of variation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates qualitative research from quantitative research?

Nature of data Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical sample design in qualitative research?

Nonprobability sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which type of analysis is commonly associated with qualitative research?

Content analysis Signup and view all the answers

In the research process, what is the first decision a researcher must make?

What research questions to investigate Signup and view all the answers

What type of inquiry does quantitative research typically follow?

Structured and predetermined Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size of samples used in quantitative research?

Large Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with qualitative research?

Predetermined structure Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for a research design to be considered suitable?

It must be valid, workable, and manageable. Signup and view all the answers

Which research instrument is NOT typically used for collecting primary data?

Published research articles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pilot testing a research tool?

To identify confusing or awkward questions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of sampling design should be avoided to prevent bias?

Non-random sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental principle in selecting a sample for research?

The sample should represent the population under study. Signup and view all the answers

In what stage of the research process is a research proposal written?

Phase II: Planning a research study. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method for collecting primary data?

Background research Signup and view all the answers

What key factor must be ensured when selecting a sample?

The sample should be selected to avoid bias. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Research

Exploratory Research: Aims to explore unfamiliar areas or new phenomena; often involves feasibility or pilot studies.
Descriptive Research: Focuses on systematically describing current statuses, problems, or situations; answers "What?" but not "Why?".
Correlational Research: Investigates relationships between variables, aiming to determine associations and make predictions.
Explanatory Research: Seeks to clarify the reasons behind observed relationships or phenomena, often driven by hypotheses.

Characteristics of Research

Research is a systematic and structured inquiry to solve problems and generate new knowledge.
Must be controlled, minimizing outside influences to ensure valid conclusions.
Distinction between basic research (no immediate application) and applied research (direct application) can be ambiguous.

Research Process

Decision-making: Define research questions and choose methodologies.
Methodologies: Different approaches (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) align with the research's philosophical foundation.

Research Types by Mode of Inquiry

Quantitative Research:
- Focus: Describe, explain, and predict phenomena.
- Approach: Structured and predetermined.
- Sample Design: Uses random sampling.
- Data: Numeric, analyzed statistically.
Qualitative Research:
- Focus: Understand and interpret various aspects of phenomena.
- Approach: Unstructured and flexible.
- Sample Design: Non-probability sampling.
- Data: Non-numeric (words, images), analyzed through content analysis.

Research Planning

Constructing Research Instruments: Development of tools for data collection like interviews, questionnaires, or observational notes; pre-testing instruments helps refine questions.
Selecting a Sample: Aims to accurately represent the population; involves either random or non-random sampling techniques, emphasizing bias avoidance.
Writing a Research Proposal: Compiles research preparatory work into a comprehensive report for supervisors and stakeholders, detailing the proposed study's aims and methodologies.

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Description

This quiz covers various types of research including exploratory, descriptive, correlational, and explanatory research. It also discusses the characteristics of research, the research process, and the distinction between basic and applied research. Test your knowledge and understanding of these fundamental concepts.