Action Research and Data Collection Terms Flashcards
What is validity?
It represents the veracity or accuracy of the measurement and shows how a particular test is suitable for a specific situation. It involves the extent to which suppositions made by a researcher are reinforced by evidence acquired through the use of a specific instrument. If the results are accurate in accordance with the researcher’s situation, explication, and prognostication, then the research is valid.
What is reliability?
It refers to the consistency of measurement such as scores or answers provided by the instrument and demonstrates how dependable and credible is the score of the test. If the gathered data demonstrate the same outcomes following the testing using several methods and sample groups, the data are trustworthy.
What are structured observations?
These observations are a methodology whereupon an occurrence or sequence of occurrences are observed in its natural environment and logged by an independent researcher. Categories are fixed in advance and are used to guide the logging process. From the beginning it is clearly stated when and how the observations will take place and exactly what behaviors are being analyzed or studied.
What are unstructured observations?
These observations allow the researcher to just log what is being viewed or witnessed in an unfettered and free manner in which there would be no preset variables or objectives, behaviors, or intervals.
What are formal or structured interviews?
These interviews are referred to as a research tool that is very rigid in that there are no follow-up or probing questions. The interviewer has a list of prepared closed-ended questions and she or he does not deviate or stray from the list of questions. The questions are asked precisely as written and asked to all participants in the same order.
What are unstructured or informal interviews?
The interviewer uses an open-ended format in which questions are not written down rather they are asked based on a specific research topic. The researcher wants the interview to flow like a natural conversation, and questions can be modified or adjusted based on the experiences of the participant.
What are questionnaires?
These are an information gathering tool without face-to-face contact with participants. The nature of the questions determine whether the questionnaire is quantitative or qualitative. Closed-ended questionnaire questions with multiple choice answer options are evaluated using quantitative methods and might consist of percentages, bar-charts, or pie-charts. Open-ended questionnaire questions are evaluated employing qualitative methods and generally consist of discussions and critical analysis without employing computation, statistics or numbers.
What are attitude scales?
These scales give the researcher the chance to gather information about a participant’s feelings, attitudes, opinions or values by summarizing numerical scores given by researchers to participant’s answers corresponding to collections of remarks exploring the depth and scale of a central or core theme.
What are nominal data?
These data are information that can be categorized into groupings and allows the researcher to specify frequency counts of the number of cases that fit into a specific grouping or classification.
What are ordinal data?
Refer to a type of categorical data that involve measurement on a continuum with an order or a rank. Generally, the variables are recorded in order, numbers are not mathematically measured or specified but are simply given as labels for opinions.
What is triangulation?
It is a method employed to enhance the trustworthiness and accuracy in terms of research findings. Bringing together approaches, methods, theories, or observers in a research study can assist with making sure that fundamental biases resulting from employing a single method or a single observer are overcome.
What is the qualitative approach?
It offers opportunities to see or connect with participants in a natural environment. There is a breadth of information that can be obtained through data gathering. There is also an innate flexibility that allows for modification of the research to the particular environment.
What is the quantitative approach?
This approach focuses on gathering data that are in quantifiable units using a precise and reiterated method. Researchers employing this approach use illustrative or deductive methods to evaluate the relationships between defined variables in specific environments with the purpose of finding evidence or support for a hypothesized result.
What is the mixed method approach?
Data are gathered from qualitative and quantitative sources simultaneously, enhancing efficacy. Collecting data from multiple sources helps to develop a more polished and meticulous set of findings and results.
What is a focus group?
It is an inexpensive, quick, and effective qualitative research method conducted with the participation of 6 to 12 individuals to obtain data that will result in gaining insight into the situation being assessed.
