Validity in Research and Questionnaire Design

Validity in Research

• Validity refers to the accuracy of measuring what is intended to be measured.

Scales of Measurement

• Interval Scale vs. Ordinal Scale: The key differentiator is the presence of equal intervals between scale points in an interval scale, unlike ordinal scales which simply rank objects. Interval scales allow for meaningful differences between values, whereas ordinal scales only indicate order.

  Questionnaire Design

  • A critical aspect of questionnaire design is the clarity of questions posed to respondents. Clear questions ensure that participants fully understand what is being asked of them, which in turn leads to more accurate and reliable data collection. Other factors, such as understanding the characteristics of the respondents or the aesthetics of the questionnaire, while important, are regarded as less crucial in comparison to clarity. A well-designed questionnaire should prioritize straightforward language, logical flow, and appropriate response formats to facilitate comprehension. Additionally, using simple and direct wording can help minimize respondent confusion and bias in their answers. Researchers should also consider piloting their questionnaires with a small sample to gather feedback on clarity before distributing them to a larger audience.

  Hypothesis

  • A hypothesis serves as a tentative explanation or educated guess regarding a particular phenomenon or relationship between variables. Unlike a proven fact, it stands as a proposition that requires further investigation and testing. A well-formulated hypothesis is essential for guiding research design and methodology, as it establishes a clear focus for data collection and analysis.

  Literature Review

  The purpose of a literature review is to summarize existing knowledge on a topic, NOT to collect primary data, prove a hypothesis, or entertain readers.

WIPO and Copyright

• The WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) focuses on copyright protection in the digital age.

Survey Research

• Response rate refers to the percentage of the total sample that responds to a survey.

Ratio vs. Interval Measurement

• A defining characteristic of a ratio scale is the presence of a meaningful zero point, unlike an interval scale. This allows for ratios between values.

Double-Blind Experiments

• A double-blind experiment has neither the researcher nor the participants aware of group assignments, which is a critical part of minimizing bias.

Factor Analysis

• The aim of factor analysis is to identify underlying factors that explain the variance in a set of variables.

Likert Scale

• A Likert scale is used to measure attitudes or opinions.

WIPO Function

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) aims to promote the protection of intellectual property.

Research Approaches

• Surveys and questionnaires are commonly used in descriptive research.

Patentability

• Registration with the copyright office is NOT a requirement for patentability. Patentability criteria typically include novelty, non-obviousness, and utility.

Multiple Regression

• Multiple regression analyzes how multiple independent variables affect a single dependent variable.

Control Groups

• Control groups provide a comparison for experimental groups.

Trademark Registration

• Unique product names, not common phrases or business methods, can be trademarked.

Triangulation in Qualitative Research

• Triangulation in qualitative research involves using multiple methods or sources to better validate findings.

Variables in Experiments

• The independent variable is manipulated in an experiment, whereas the dependent variable is measured for changes.

Sampling Error

• Sampling error is the error that occurs because of non-representative samples.

Sampling in Research

• Sampling is a method for selecting a subset of individuals from a population.

Secondary Data

• Secondary data is collected for a different purpose and is readily available for use in research.

Pilot Studies

• Pilot studies are used to refine research design and instruments.

Levels of Measurement

• An interval scale allows for meaningful calculations of differences between values, but does not have a true zero point.

Descriptive Research

• Descriptive research describes characteristics of a population or phenomenon, NOT establishing cause-and-effect relationships or testing hypotheses.

Primary Data Collection

• Government reports are NOT a form of primary data collection.

Bias in Research

• Bias in research represents a systematic error that skews the results.

Control Variables

• Control variables are used to isolate the effect of the independent variable.

Longitudinal Studies

• Longitudinal studies track the same subjects over time.

Random Sampling

• Random sampling ensures every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.

Dependent Variables

• Dependent variables are measured for change based on manipulation of independent variables.

Quantitative Research Methods

• Surveys with closed-ended questions are quantitative methods.

Advantages of Secondary Data

• Using secondary data saves time and resources.

Informed Consent

• Informed consent involves participants understanding the study's purpose and procedures before agreeing to participate.

Hypothesis Testing

• Hypothesis testing aims to determine the validity of a hypothesis.

Qualitative Data

• Interview transcripts, describing participants' experiences are qualitative data.

Probability vs. Non-Probability Sampling

• Probability sampling assures each member of the population has a known chance of selection.

Case Studies

• Case studies involve detailed examination of a single subject or group.

Experimental Research

• Experimental research gives control over variables and allows for establishment of cause and effect.

Exploratory Research

• Exploratory research is used to explore areas where little is known.

This quiz explores core concepts of validity in research, including different scales of measurement such as interval and ordinal scales. Additionally, it covers important aspects of questionnaire design and the fundamentals of forming a hypothesis and conducting a literature review.