Understanding Research Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic of research emphasizes that all observations and experiments should be based on actual evidence?

Analytical

Objective

Controlled

Empirical (correct)

Which of the following steps in the research process involves identifying what the research aims to solve?

Collecting Data

Review of Related Literature

Defining Research Problem (correct)

Analyzing Data

In research, what does the term 'hypothesis' refer to?

A collection of related literature

A definitive conclusion based on data

A proposed explanation or answer to a question (correct)

An experimental variable

What is the guiding principle behind the ethical norms in conducting research?

To pursue knowledge and truth responsibly Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of research indicates that the findings should be free of bias?

Objective Signup and view all the answers

In the research process, what does the step 'Research Design' involve?

Deciding on the method and population for study Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for research to be systematic?

To ensure orderly and sequential procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of ethics in research highlights the responsibility researchers have towards the public?

Promoting public awareness and accountability Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 're' in the word research imply?

Again Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes research?

It is a systematic process for solving problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of research as described in the content?

To extend human knowledge beyond current understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is mentioned as a systematic approach used in research?

The Scrutiny Process Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what does research specifically help society to answer?

The WHAT and HOW questions Signup and view all the answers

How is research different from other forms of knowledge acquisition?

It employs a systematic process. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of critical skills does research contribute to in daily life?

Critical thinking and analytical skills Signup and view all the answers

According to the National Academy of Sciences, what is research defined as?

A systematic investigation designed to develop generalizable knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What separates true experiments from quasi-experiments?

True experiments allow random assignment to groups, whereas quasi-experiments do not. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of experimental research?

To determine causal effects of interventions Signup and view all the answers

Which statistical method is commonly utilized in experimental research?

Analysis of variance Signup and view all the answers

Historical research primarily aims to achieve which of the following?

Establish facts about past events Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of market research?

To gather information about target markets or customers Signup and view all the answers

In which research method are causal inferences most likely to be drawn?

Experimental research Signup and view all the answers

What type of research includes studies that cannot randomly assign individuals to groups?

Quasi-experimental research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of experimental research?

Children's Literature: A Reader’s History Signup and view all the answers

What type of research involves analyzing one variable at a time?

Descriptive research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding correlational research?

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

Which example best illustrates descriptive research?

Is Food Intake Associated with Pre-Adolescent Obesity? Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the relationship identified in correlational research?

Association Signup and view all the answers

In the context of correlational research, which variable is considered the outcome?

Dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of correlational research?

It cannot establish causation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods actively manipulates variables to measure effects?

Experimental research Signup and view all the answers

Which type of analysis provides information about the strength of a relationship in correlational research?

Bivariate correlations Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step a researcher takes in qualitative research?

Explore the phenomenon under investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a strength of qualitative research?

It provides detailed information about complex issues Signup and view all the answers

Why is qualitative research considered cost efficient?

It typically involves a small number of participants Signup and view all the answers

What kind of perspective does qualitative research utilize?

A holistic perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of qualitative research related to sample size?

It cannot generalize findings to the study population Signup and view all the answers

Which instruments are commonly used in qualitative research?

Interviews and observations Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research complement quantitative data?

By offering diverse datasets for a comprehensive analysis Signup and view all the answers

What approach does qualitative research take in examining phenomena?

An inductive procedure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is research?

"Re" means again, and "search" means to look for
Research is looking for something again to find something unknown
Research is seeking a new explanation about something that is known
Research is a systematic process
Research is a systematic study to solve problems
Research helps to improve the quality of life

Importance of research in daily life

Research fosters critical thinking skills
Research improves analytical skills
Research encourages hands-on learning

Characteristics of research

Research is Empirical: based on observations and experiments of theories
Research is Systematic: follows orderly and sequential procedures
Research is Controlled: all variables are kept constant except tested ones.
Research employs hypothesis: seeks answers to questions and solutions to problems
Research is analytical: uses gathering techniques, e.g. historical, descriptive, or case study
Research is objective: unbiased and logically based on real-life situations
Research is original: requires original data to complete a study

Research Process

Define research problem: What is the problem being researched?
Review of related literature: What evidence is already presented?
Formulating hypothesis: How will the researchers find the answer to the questions?
Research design: Where and with whom will the study take place?
Collecting data: How will the data be gathered?
Analyzing data: How does the data answer the research questions?
Interpret and report: What are the implications of the results?

Ethical Norms in Research (Resnik, 2007)

Ethics promote the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and credibility
Ethical norms encourage collaboration
Ethical norms help researchers to be accountable
Ethical norms hold researchers accountable to the public
Ethically conducted research benefits the public
An ethical norm in research is public awareness

Descriptive Research

Research considers data with one variable at a time (univariate analysis).
Descriptive research describes what appears to be happening and identifies important variables

Correlational Research

Research investigates the relations between two or more variables
Data is gathered from multiple variables and analyzed using correlational statistical techniques
Correlational research is more complicated than descriptive research
Focuses on the nature of the relationship between variables
Develops theoretical models to explain correlations
Correlation does not imply causation
Bi-variate correlations provide the strength of the relationship

The Experimental Method

Manipulates independent variables to observe the impact on dependent variables (e.g., treatment groups)
Uses the statistical method of analysis of variance
Includes true experiments with random assignment, and quasi-experiments with non-random assignment
Investigates the extent to which an intervention causes an outcome
Most likely to draw strong causal inferences

Historical Research

Researchers report on events and conditions of the past
Establishes facts to arrive at conclusions or predict future events

Market Research

Organizes efforts to gather information about target markets or customers
Provides information about customer satisfaction, market needs, market size, and competition

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research follows an inductive procedure, where researchers immerse themselves in the phenomenon and gather data
It utilizes an inductive procedure to confirm findings
Qualitative research views the phenomenon holistically
Qualitative research is not linear, but analyzes connections between variables
Qualitative research commonly uses observation and interview instruments
Qualitative research complements quantitative data, enriching findings

Strengths of Qualitative Research

Provides detailed information to explain complex issues
Cost-efficient

Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

Findings cannot be generalized to the study population
Requires a small number of participants, which may limit findings

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Description

This quiz explores the essential concepts of research, including its definitions, characteristics, and importance in daily life. You'll learn how research fosters critical thinking, improves analytical skills, and the systematic processes involved in conducting research. Get ready to enhance your understanding of how research impacts our lives!