Chapter 1 Flashcards
Theoretical question
A question to which the answers provide knowledge about a subject.
(Theory-based or fundamental research).
Practical question
A question to which the answers lead to the solution to a practical problem.
(Applied research).
Qualitative research
Research not based on numerical information.
Quantitative research
Research based on numerical information.
Triangulation
Tackling the main question using various research methods.
Mixed method approach
Research that uses qualitative and quantitative methods.
Inductive research
Theory-developing research.
Deductive research
Theory-testing research.
Research plan, the practical start
- Define a clear main question
- Check whether anyone else has researched the subject and their conclusion
- Deadline
- Budget
- Consult your supervisor and client
Classify research
Methodology: a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.
Methodology:
A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity - Classify research.
Reliability
The extent to which the research is free of random errors.
Validity
The extent to which the research is free of systematic errors.
Usability
The extent to which research has practical relevance.
Inductive research
Theory-development research
- Qualitive research
- Work from the particular to the general: theory to be developed. Developing a theory.
- Iteration/repetition: you analyze information and draw the first conclusion. Then you see what more information you need. You gather new information. Each time you link the result to previous results and so a theory is formed
Deductive research
Theory-testing research
- Quantitative research
- Formulate assumptions based on existing theories
- You analyze information to discover if the existing theories are true
- General to specific
- Test theories
Reliability (list
- It can be replicated: if someone else carried out the research it will come out with the same results
- Verifiable: a subject, question or assertion must be falsifiable. Things must be proven by facts. So not, speculative (not based on facts) and subjective (it’s your opinion)
- Informative: to be able to verify a statement, you have to formulate it very precisely.
Validity (list
- Accuracy of the results
- Respondents are lying, and they now their part of an experiment
1. Internally valid: if your able to draw conclusions from your results
2. Construct validity: measuring what you want to measure
3. External validity, you can make assertions about a large group of people or situations.
All types of research must meet
- Efficiency: cost should be in proportion with the result
- Feasibility: have a big enough team of researchers, be able to approach the people in your sample, collect and analyze data and report on time
- Usability: relevant, the extent to which research has practical relevance.
Research phases
- Design
- Data collection
- Analysis
- Evaluation and recommendations
