Chapter 2: Review of the Literature Flashcards
What is the first step in conducting research, according to the chapter?
A) Drafting a title
B) Selecting a topic
C) Reviewing the literature
D) Designing the methodology
Answer: B) Selecting a topic
What does a working or draft title provide in research?
A) A research hypothesis
B) A roadmap for data analysis
C) A central focus and orientation
D) A theoretical framework
Answer: C) A central focus and orientation
What is a key characteristic of a good research title?
A) Complex and erudite language
B) Long and detailed explanations
C) Clear and easy-to-understand language
D) Abstract and conceptual wording
Answer: C) Clear and easy-to-understand language
How many words should a research title ideally be?
A) 3-5 words
B) 5-8 words
C) 10-12 words
D) 15-20 words
Answer: C) 10-12 words
What is a recommended approach for writing a research title?
A) Use phrases like “An Approach to . . .” or “A Study of . . .”
B) Use a single title or a double title
C) Use a complex and theoretical title
D) Avoid using the focus or topic of the study
Answer: B) Use a single title or a double title
What should a researcher focus on when posing their research topic as a question?
A) Personal opinions
B) The research methodology
C) The key topic of the study
D) Statistical analysis methods
Answer: C) The key topic of the study
What does posing the research topic as a question help with?
A) Defining the theoretical framework
B) Developing the research methodology
C) Focusing the study and refining the topic
D) Writing the conclusion
Answer: C) Focusing the study and refining the topic
What is one of the primary considerations when evaluating the significance of a research topic?
A) Whether the topic has enough available data
B) Whether the topic contributes to the existing body of research
C) Whether the researcher has personal experience with the topic
D) Whether the researcher can secure funding for the study
Answer: B) Whether the topic contributes to the existing body of research
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason for conducting a research study?
A) Replicating past studies
B) Addressing social justice
C) Gaining popularity among peers
D) Transforming beliefs and ideas
Answer: C) Gaining popularity among peers
Before proceeding with a research proposal or study, a researcher should:
A) Publish the study
B) Write a detailed introduction
C) Evaluate the significance of the topic
D) Begin collecting data
Answer: C) Evaluate the significance of the topic
What can contribute to the literature in a research study?
A) Replicating studies without modifications
B) Conducting research with familiar methods
C) Providing a new perspective or angle
D) Using outdated data
Answer: C) Providing a new perspective or angle
Which of the following is an example of a “new angle” in research?
A) Using a popular method for data collection
B) Studying an unusual group of participants
C) Studying a commonly known location
D) Repeating a past study with no changes
Answer: B) Studying an unusual group of participants
What might help a researcher decide whether a topic is worth studying?
A) The researcher’s personal interests
B) Whether there is funding for the topic
C) The topic’s regional or national appeal
D) The length of time the study will take
Answer: C) The topic’s regional or national appeal
How can a researcher ensure their study contributes to the existing body of research?
A) By repeating a study exactly as it was done before
B) By avoiding controversial topics
C) By adding new insights, perspectives, or data
D) By using only secondary sources
Answer: C) By adding new insights, perspectives, or data
What might be a reason to study a timely topic?
A) The topic is currently trending in the media
B) The topic has already been extensively researched
C) The researcher has prior personal knowledge
D) The topic aligns with the researcher’s career goals
Answer: A) The topic is currently trending in the media
What is a “literature map” used for?
A) Organizing and visualizing the information gathered in a literature review
B) Structuring the methodology for the research
C) Presenting the data analysis
D) Writing the research conclusion
Answer: A) Organizing and visualizing the information gathered in a literature review
What is a significant factor in determining the “should” of studying a research topic?
A) The amount of available funding
B) The researcher’s academic background
C) Whether the topic can add to the pool of research knowledge
D) The researcher’s popularity within the field
Answer: C) Whether the topic can add to the pool of research knowledge
What is one factor that can influence whether a research topic is significant?
A) The size of the research sample
B) The availability of research tools
C) The degree to which the topic addresses social justice
D) The number of articles published on the topic
Answer: C) The degree to which the topic addresses social justice
How should a researcher assess the potential significance of a topic?
A) By focusing on the length of the research
B) By reviewing existing research on the topic
C) By considering how easy it is to find participants
D) By determining the cost of the research
Answer: B) By reviewing existing research on the topic
What is one of the practical considerations for a researcher when selecting a topic?
A) The potential for future funding opportunities
B) The ease of publishing results
C) The availability of resources to collect and analyze data
D) The popularity of the topic in current academic journals
Answer: C) The availability of resources to collect and analyze data
What might be an example of a research topic with a broad national appeal?
A) The effectiveness of a local community outreach program
B) The impact of rural education initiatives on national academic standards
C) The history of a small-town festival
D) The psychological impact of a regional sports team
Answer: B) The impact of rural education initiatives on national academic standards
What is one characteristic of a strong research topic?
A) It is highly specialized with a narrow focus
B) It is easily comprehended by a wide audience
C) It requires minimal literature review
D) It is primarily based on personal experiences
Answer: B) It is easily comprehended by a wide audience
What is the purpose of drafting a research title early in the research process?
A) To guide the researcher’s writing style
B) To create an orienting device for the study
C) To ensure the study is completed quickly
D) To finalize the study’s methodology
Answer: B) To create an orienting device for the study
What should a researcher avoid when writing a research title?
A) Clear and descriptive language
B) Unnecessary words like “An Approach to . . .”
C) Words that reflect the central research question
D) Concise titles of 10-12 words
Answer: B) Unnecessary words like “An Approach to . . .”
What is one benefit of conducting research that addresses underrepresented groups?
A) It ensures more participants in the study
B) It helps increase funding opportunities
C) It adds diversity to the literature and promotes social justice
D) It simplifies data analysis
Answer: C) It adds diversity to the literature and promotes social justice
How should a researcher refine their research question?
A) By making it as broad as possible
B) By focusing on an issue of personal interest
C) By making it simple, clear, and focused on the key topic
D) By including complex statistical terms
Answer: C) By making it simple, clear, and focused on the key topic
What is one of the purposes of a literature review in a research study?
A) To generate hypotheses
B) To present the final results of the research
C) To provide a context for the research and identify gaps
D) To collect data for analysis
Answer: C) To provide a context for the research and identify gaps
What should a researcher do after drafting a research topic and title?
A) Begin collecting data immediately
B) Assess the feasibility and significance of the topic
C) Write the conclusion of the study
D) Submit the topic to a journal for review
Answer: B) Assess the feasibility and significance of the topic
Which of the following is a suggested way to clarify and focus a research topic?
A) Draft a detailed methodology
B) Pose the topic as a clear and concise question
C) Write an abstract for the final paper
D) Start collecting data from participants
Answer: B) Pose the topic as a clear and concise question
What is an example of a study contributing a new perspective to the literature?
A) Replicating an earlier study in the same environment
B) Conducting research with a well-established methodology
C) Studying an unusual location or group of participants
D) Reviewing existing literature without adding new insights
Answer: C) Studying an unusual location or group of participants
What is the primary purpose of a literature review in research?
A) To describe the research methodology
B) To review and discuss previous studies relevant to the research topic
C) To present the results of the study
D) To discuss data collection methods
Answer: B) To review and discuss previous studies relevant to the research topic
In which of the following ways does a literature review contribute to a research study?
A) It provides a detailed explanation of the study’s data analysis
B) It offers a framework for understanding the research problem and connects the study to existing knowledge
C) It defines the variables of the study
D) It presents the final conclusions of the study
Answer: B) It offers a framework for understanding the research problem and connects the study to existing knowledge
How should researchers shape the literature review in a research proposal?
A) By including personal opinions
B) By using literature only from the researcher’s own institution
C) By summarizing major studies addressing the research problem
D) By focusing on data collection techniques
Answer: C) By summarizing major studies addressing the research problem
In a research proposal, how much detail is typically required for the literature review?
A) A fully developed and comprehensive review
B) A brief summary of major studies
C) No literature review is needed
D) An abstract of existing studies
Answer: B) A brief summary of major studies
What form does the literature review typically take in a journal article?
A) A full chapter at the end of the article
B) An abbreviated form in a section titled “Related Literature”
C) A personal reflection on the topic
D) A detailed explanation of the research methods
Answer: B) An abbreviated form in a section titled “Related Literature”
In qualitative research, how is the literature review usually used?
A) To set the stage for the research by introducing the theoretical framework early on
B) To provide detailed statistical analysis
C) To develop a hypothesis based on existing literature
D) To summarize the results of data analysis
Answer: A) To set the stage for the research by introducing the theoretical framework early on
In which type of qualitative study is the literature review less often used to set the stage for the research?
A) Ethnography
B) Grounded theory
C) Phenomenological studies
D) Case studies
Answer: B) Grounded theory
Where can the literature review appear in a qualitative study?
A) At the beginning to frame the problem
B) As a separate chapter in the middle of the study
C) At the end to compare findings
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
In qualitative research, why might a researcher use literature sparingly at the beginning of the study?
A) To maintain an inductive design focused on learning from participants
B) To avoid bias from existing theories
C) To focus on statistical analysis
D) To fill gaps in the research
Answer: A) To maintain an inductive design focused on learning from participants
In a quantitative research project, where is the literature review typically placed?
A) At the beginning to introduce the research problem and theory
B) In the conclusion to discuss results
C) In the methods section to describe data collection
D) At the end to compare results
Answer: A) At the beginning to introduce the research problem and theory
What is the structure of a typical quantitative literature review?
A) An introduction, a review of independent variables, a review of dependent variables, a review of studies connecting the variables, and a summary
B) A hypothesis, statistical tests, and a discussion of results
C) A review of the theory and research questions
D) A summary of findings without reference to variables
Answer: A) An introduction, a review of independent variables, a review of dependent variables, a review of studies connecting the variables, and a summary
What is reviewed in Topic 1 of a quantitative literature review?
A) The independent variables
B) The dependent variables
C) The central issues in the field
D) The research question
Answer: A) The independent variables
What is the focus of Topic 2 in a quantitative literature review?
A) The relationship between independent and dependent variables
B) The dependent variables or outcomes studied
C) The statistical techniques used
D) The researcher’s personal background
Answer: B) The dependent variables or outcomes studied
What should the Topic 3 section of a quantitative literature review address?
A) Literature related to both the independent and dependent variables
B) The theoretical framework used in the study
C) A summary of methods used in previous studies
D) The data analysis techniques
Answer: A) Literature related to both the independent and dependent variables
In a quantitative study, what is the final section of the literature review typically?
A) A summary that captures major themes and suggests areas for further research
B) A detailed statistical analysis of previous studies
C) A description of the methods used
D) A personal reflection on the research process
Answer: A) A summary that captures major themes and suggests areas for further research
What is the main purpose of using literature in a quantitative study?
A) To inductively gather data from participants
B) To support the hypothesis and theory underlying the research
C) To provide an ethnographic perspective
D) To introduce a grounded theory
Answer: B) To support the hypothesis and theory underlying the research
In a mixed methods study, how is the literature used?
A) It is always the same for both the qualitative and quantitative phases
B) It follows the strategy used in the study, either qualitative or quantitative
C) It is only used at the end of the study
D) It is not included in mixed methods studies
Answer: B) It follows the strategy used in the study, either qualitative or quantitative
When the mixed methods study starts with a quantitative phase, how is the literature typically used?
A) It is minimal and inductive
B) It is used extensively to establish a rationale for the research questions or hypotheses
C) It is used only in the conclusion
D) It is included sporadically throughout the study
Answer: B) It is used extensively to establish a rationale for the research questions or hypotheses
When a mixed methods study begins with a qualitative phase, how is the literature typically used?
A) It is used at the end to inductively compare with findings
B) It is used equally throughout the study
C) It is used primarily to build hypotheses
D) It is ignored until the conclusion
Answer: A) It is used at the end to inductively compare with findings
What type of literature review model is used for a mixed methods study with equal emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative data?
A) A hybrid structure that combines both approaches
B) A purely qualitative literature review
C) A purely quantitative literature review
D) An unrelated, general review
Answer: A) A hybrid structure that combines both approaches
What is the goal of reviewing literature in a mixed methods study?
A) To develop a single theory that explains the research results
B) To provide insight into both qualitative and quantitative phases depending on the approach used
C) To determine statistical significance
D) To complete the final chapter of the study
Answer: B) To provide insight into both qualitative and quantitative phases depending on the approach used
What is a key characteristic of a literature review in qualitative research?
A) It is always comprehensive and covers all aspects of the topic
B) It is typically brief and focused on the research problem
C) It uses literature to support a theory or hypothesis
D) It only addresses methodological issues
Answer: B) It is typically brief and focused on the research problem
What is the role of a literature review in framing a qualitative research problem?
A) It defines the hypothesis to be tested
B) It serves as a theoretical framework for analyzing data
C) It introduces statistical models for analysis
D) It provides a background to justify the need for the study
Answer: D) It provides a background to justify the need for the study
How might a literature review in qualitative research be organized?
A) By focusing solely on the research problem
B) By detailing each participant’s background
C) By reviewing literature on related phenomena and theories
D) By presenting a statistical analysis of related research
Answer: C) By reviewing literature on related phenomena and theories
In quantitative research, what role does the literature review play in shaping the research questions?
A) It serves to inspire hypotheses based on previous studies
B) It provides a philosophical foundation for the research
C) It defines how participants will be selected
D) It introduces a qualitative approach to the study
Answer: A) It serves to inspire hypotheses based on previous studies
What should a quantitative literature review include when discussing the relationship between independent and dependent variables?
A) A summary of participant demographics
B) A detailed description of the research methodology
C) Scholarly studies that link the variables under investigation
D) An analysis of the researchers’ personal biases
Answer: C) Scholarly studies that link the variables under
What is a major benefit of integrating previous studies into a literature review for a qualitative study?
A) It tests hypotheses formed during the study
B) It provides a conceptual framework to guide the analysis of the data
C) It only summarizes participant demographics
D) It eliminates the need for data collection
Answer: B) It provides a conceptual framework to guide the analysis of the data
In a quantitative study, how should a literature review related to the independent variables be structured?
A) By discussing only the dependent variables in detail
B) By reviewing studies that focus solely on the independent variables
C) By summarizing methods and results without focusing on variables
D) By including only qualitative studies
Answer: B) By reviewing studies that focus solely on the independent variables
What is the purpose of a “Related Literature” section in a quantitative research article?
A) To discuss the data analysis techniques used in the study
B) To review existing literature that informs the study’s hypotheses or research questions
C) To describe the researcher’s methodology
D) To summarize participant feedback
Answer: B) To review existing literature that informs the study’s hypotheses or research questions
How does the literature review in a mixed methods study typically differ when the study uses an equal weight approach?
A) It only includes qualitative literature at the beginning and quantitative at the end
B) The review follows a hybrid structure that blends both qualitative and quantitative literature based on the design
C) The review avoids using any literature until the final phase of the study
D) It focuses solely on quantitative data and theory
Answer: B) The review follows a hybrid structure that blends both qualitative and quantitative literature based on the design
What should the researcher do if the literature review for a qualitative study reveals that the topic is not well researched?
A) Shift to a purely quantitative approach
B) Use the literature review to justify why an inductive and exploratory study is needed
C) Ignore the gaps in the literature
D) Change the research question to match existing studies
Answer: B) Use the literature review to justify why an inductive and exploratory study is needed
In which of the following types of qualitative research is literature typically less emphasized at the outset of the study?
A) Phenomenology
B) Case study
C) Ethnography
D) Grounded theory
Answer: D) Grounded theory
What is the primary role of the literature review in a mixed methods study with a sequential design?
A) To introduce both the qualitative and quantitative phases in the middle of the study
B) To review literature separately for the qualitative and quantitative phases, according to the phase being used
C) To offer a final synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data in the conclusion
D) To only use qualitative literature until the study concludes
Answer: B) To review literature separately for the qualitative and quantitative phases, according to the phase being used
In a mixed methods study, how does the literature review change if the qualitative phase comes first?
A) The review is longer and more comprehensive
B) The review is inductive and less extensive, appearing mainly at the end of the study
C) The review is written in a deductive style, similar to quantitative studies
D) The review only focuses on the quantitative phase
Answer: B) The review is inductive and less extensive, appearing mainly at the end of the study
How can the literature review help in identifying a research gap?
A) By suggesting that no further research is necessary on the topic
B) By analyzing the methods used in previous studies
C) By highlighting areas where little or no research has been conducted
D) By providing final conclusions for the study
Answer: C) By highlighting areas where little or no research has been conducted
Why should the literature review in a proposal be brief and focused on major studies?
A) Because the study is still in its early stages and may change significantly
B) To avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information
C) To eliminate the need for additional research
D) To strictly adhere to the personal preferences of the researcher
Answer: A) Because the study is still in its early stages and may change significantly
In a quantitative research article, how is the literature review typically organized?
A) By focusing on the results of the current study
B) By presenting the findings of all studies in chronological order
C) By reviewing literature according to the independent and dependent variables studied
D) By following an inductive approach based on participant feedback
Answer: C) By reviewing literature according to the independent and dependent variables studied
What is one of the primary goals of a literature review in a dissertation or thesis?
A) To discuss personal opinions on the research topic
B) To examine the relationship between the study’s variables and existing research
C) To present original data collected by the researcher
D) To focus solely on the methods used in the study
Answer: B) To examine the relationship between the study’s variables and existing research
When is it appropriate to present the literature review in a mixed methods study?
A) Only at the end of the study
B) At different points based on the phase of the study (qualitative or quantitative)
C) At the beginning and end of the study, without considering the design
D) Only after data collection is complete
Answer: B) At different points based on the phase of the study (qualitative or quantitative)
In a qualitative study, which of the following models could a researcher use for presenting the literature review?
A) Present the literature only in the conclusion
B) Present the literature in a separate chapter, following the research design section
C) Place the literature in the introduction to justify the research problem
D) Use literature as a substitute for data collection
Answer: C) Place the literature in the introduction to justify the research problem
What is a key difference between literature reviews in qualitative and quantitative research?
A) Quantitative literature reviews are always longer and more detailed
B) Qualitative reviews tend to explore theories, whereas quantitative reviews focus on variables and relationships
C) Qualitative reviews are strictly inductive, while quantitative reviews only follow deductive reasoning
D) There is no difference in how literature reviews are presented
Answer: B) Qualitative reviews tend to explore theories, whereas quantitative reviews focus on variables and relationships
How is a mixed methods literature review presented when there is an equal emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative data?
A) It combines both qualitative and quantitative studies, considering the weight and approach of each phase
B) It focuses entirely on qualitative literature
C) It emphasizes quantitative research over qualitative research
D) It eliminates any review of data collection methods
Answer: A) It combines both qualitative and quantitative studies, considering the weight and approach of each phase
In a dissertation or thesis, how does the literature review contribute to the development of research questions or hypotheses?
A) It completely defines the research questions and hypotheses
B) It provides a theoretical framework that informs the development of questions or hypotheses
C) It ignores previous studies and introduces new questions
D) It does not influence the development of research questions
Answer: B) It provides a theoretical framework that informs the development of questions or hypotheses
What is the typical structure of a literature review in a mixed methods study with a sequential design?
A) A detailed discussion of one phase of the study only
B) A review that is based on the phase of the study being conducted (qualitative or quantitative)
C) A brief summary of previous research with no detailed analysis
D) A review that focuses on literature unrelated to the research question
Answer: B) A review that is based on the phase of the study being conducted (qualitative or quantitative)
When comparing findings with the literature in a quantitative study, when should this occur?
A) In the introduction to set the stage for the research
B) At the end of the study to compare results with existing findings
C) During the methods section to define the methodology
D) In the middle of the study to adjust the research design
Answer: B) At the end of the study to compare results with existing findings
What is the purpose of a theoretical framework in a quantitative literature review?
A) To justify the choice of data collection methods
B) To explain the expected relationships between variables
C) To summarize the results of a qualitative phase of the study
D) To provide a personal reflection on the research
Answer: B) To explain the expected relationships between variables
In a qualitative study, when should the literature review be used sparingly?
A) At the beginning to support a theory
B) At the end to summarize findings
C) At the beginning to maintain an inductive design
D) In the middle to clarify the research problem
Answer: C) At the beginning to maintain an inductive design
In a mixed methods study, when is it appropriate to use a quantitative approach for the literature review?
A) When the research is entirely qualitative
B) In the initial phases if the study begins with a quantitative approach
C) Only when comparing findings at the end of the study
D) After completing the qualitative phase
Answer: B) In the initial phases if the study begins with a quantitative approach
What should the researcher keep in mind when deciding where to place the literature review in a qualitative study?
A) The placement should align with the purpose of the study and the audience’s expectations
B) It should always appear at the end of the study
C) The literature should be the focus of the research, not data collection
D) The literature review should only appear in the introduction
Answer: A) The placement should align with the purpose of the study and the audience’s expectations
Why should researchers consider the audience when structuring the literature review in a mixed methods study?
A) Different audiences may expect different types of literature organization based on the study design
B) The audience should provide feedback on the literature used
C) The audience dictates the methodology of the study
D) There is no need to consider the audience for a literature review
Answer: A) Different audiences may expect different types of literature organization based on the study design
How should a researcher approach a literature review if their study focuses on a highly theoretical topic in a qualitative study?
A) Avoid using any literature to maintain objectivity
B) Integrate theoretical concepts early in the review to create an orienting framework
C) Include literature only at the end of the study to avoid bias
D) Use literature exclusively from qualitative studies
Answer: B) Integrate theoretical concepts early in the review to create an orienting framework
What is a key feature of a literature review in qualitative research?
A) It must include a detailed statistical analysis
B) It is generally inductive and focuses on exploring the research topic
C) It primarily tests hypotheses from the literature
D) It always includes a comparison of multiple research methods
Answer: B) It is generally inductive and focuses on exploring the research topic
What is the purpose of a literature map in the literature review process?
A) To help identify gaps in the literature
B) To organize and visualize the relationships between key concepts and studies
C) To summarize data collection methods
D) To present raw data from studies
Answer: B) To organize and visualize the relationships between key concepts and studies
When should the literature review in a qualitative study be used sparingly?
A) When developing the research hypothesis
B) At the beginning of the study to maintain an inductive approach
C) In the middle of the study to refine methods
D) When the research is heavily quantitative in nature
Answer: B) At the beginning of the study to maintain an inductive approach
What type of research typically places the literature review in a separate chapter?
A) Grounded theory research
B) Quantitative research
C) Ethnography
D) Case study research
Answer: B) Quantitative research
In a quantitative literature review, which of the following is typically emphasized?
A) The exploration of untested hypotheses
B) A theoretical framework that predicts relationships between variables
C) The researcher’s personal reflection on the topic
D) The methodology used by previous researchers
Answer: B) A theoretical framework that predicts relationships between variables
What is an essential characteristic of the literature review in a mixed methods study with an equal weight design?
A) The literature is only qualitative or quantitative, never both
B) It blends qualitative and quantitative approaches based on the predominant research phase
C) It avoids using existing literature to focus on original data collection
D) The literature review only appears at the end of the study
Answer: B) It blends qualitative and quantitative approaches based on the predominant research phase
Why is it important for a literature review to highlight gaps in existing research?
A) To justify the need for the proposed study and highlight its significance
B) To criticize previous researchers’ findings
C) To avoid having to conduct original research
D) To focus only on well-established findings
Answer: A) To justify the need for the proposed study and highlight its significance