Questions and Answers
Which variable is typically influenced by predictor variables?
Qualitative variables can be expressed in numerical form.
False
What are the two classifications of quantitative variables?
Discrete and continuous variables
Extraneous variables become __________ variables if they influence the study but are not controlled.
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Match the following types of variables with their definitions:
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Which of the following is an example of a discrete variable?
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Continuous variables can take on any value within a range.
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Name one example of an extraneous variable that might affect a study on fertilizer effects.
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of quantitative research?
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Qualitative research is primarily focused on collecting numerical data.
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What is a phenomenon in research?
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Quantitative research uses __________ collected and statistically analyzed data.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Which of the following is a strength of quantitative research?
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Quantitative research can be replicated to enhance its validity.
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What is the main purpose of collecting a large sample size in quantitative research?
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Which type of qualitative variable consists of only two distinct categories?
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Interval variables have an absolute zero point.
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What is a research gap?
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The part of the paper where you inform the reader of the context of the study is called the ______.
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Which of the following is an example of a ratio variable?
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Match the following variable types with their descriptions:
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Continuous variables can only take whole number values.
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What are the two main types of discrete variables?
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Study Notes
Variables in Research
- Predictor Variables: Influence or change another variable; equivalent to independent variables in non-experimental studies.
- Criterion Variables: Influenced by predictor variables; akin to dependent variables in non-experimental contexts.
- Extraneous Variables: Independent variables not controlled by the researcher; if uncontrolled, they can become confounding variables, affecting study outcomes.
- Examples of Extraneous Variables: Factors such as sunlight, atmosphere, and temperature can unintentionally influence an experiment's results.
Types of Variables
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Quantitative Variables: Numeric and measurable; divided into discrete and continuous variables.
- Discrete Variables: Countable whole numbers, cannot take negative values or values between fixed points (e.g., number of students).
- Continuous Variables: Can take fractional values and include infinite ranges (e.g., height, weight).
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Qualitative Variables: Categorical and describe characteristics; further divided into:
- Nominal Variables: Unordered categories (e.g., types of fruit).
- Ordinal Variables: Ordered categories (e.g., rankings).
- Dichotomous Variables: Two distinct categories (e.g., yes/no).
Research Design
- Background of the Study: Provides context for the research; includes the literature review and justification of the research gap.
- Research Gap: An unexplored area in the research topic needing further investigation; can involve variables, population, methodology, or test subjects.
Research Methodologies
- Qualitative Research: Narrative descriptions, focusing on small samples; not generalizable to the broader population.
- Quantitative Research: Employs statistically analyzed data to study observable phenomena; focuses on numerical data collection through scientific methods.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
- Large Sample Size: Ensures more meaningful statistical results.
- Objectivity: Data collection is unbiased and the analysis is unaffected by personal opinions.
- Visual Data Presentation: Numerical data displayed via graphs, charts, and tables for clarity.
- Efficient Data Analysis: Statistical tools allow for quicker data interpretation.
- Generalizability: Sample data can be applied to the wider population when sampling is conducted correctly.
- Fast Data Collection: Can be quick depending on the required data type.
- Reliability: Data collected representatively enhances credibility for decision-making.
- Replication: Methods can be repeated to confirm findings, reinforcing validity.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research
- Strengths: Provides clear, numerical data that can be statistically analyzed, offering robust insights and reproducibility.
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Description
This quiz covers the concepts of predictor and criterion variables in non-experimental studies. Learn the distinctions between these variables and their roles as independent and dependent variables. Test your knowledge on quantitative variables and their importance in research.
