MCRS part A week 2

Question 1

Explain ‘nomothetic approach’

Answer 1

Human communication is objectively measurable and can be summarised in rules. Belongs to World view 1 on communication science.

Question 2

Explain ‘idiographic approach’

Answer 2

Human communication is subjective, individualistic and should be described like that. Belongs to World view 2 on communication science.

Question 3

Explain ‘Ontology’

Answer 3

• Objectivism; Underlying reality has the characteristics of an object.
• Constructionism; Social entities like attitudes can be considered social constructs, not objects.

Question 4

Explain ‘Epistemology’

Answer 4

• Positivism; Applying methods of natural science to the social studies.
• Interpretivism; Difference between people and objects of natural science, scientists should focus on the subjective meaning of social action.

Question 5

Two scientific approaches

Answer 5

1. Empirical-analytical

2. Empirical-interpretive

Question 6

Explain ‘Empirical-analytical’

Answer 6

• Quantitative research
• Nomothetic approach (World view 1)
• Observe from researcher’s perspective
• Aimed at explaining something

Question 7

Explain ‘Empirical-interpretive’

Answer 7

• Qualitative research
• Idiographic approach (World view 2)
• Observe from participant’s perspective
• Aimed at understanding something

Question 8

5 steps of the empirical cycle

Answer 8

1. Observation
2. Induction
3. Deduction
4. Testing
5. Evaluation

Question 9

Explain the difference between induction and deduction

Answer 9

Induction: When you go from a specific observation to a general theory that could explain your observation.

Deduction: When you go from a general theory to a more specific prediction. (Forming your RQs and hypotheses)

Question 10

Explain ‘abduction’

Answer 10

A state of reasoning where you decide on the most logical conclusion based on your observations. So, you skip the whole research part and therefore your conclusion is not verifiable.

Question 11

6 characteristics of a hypothesis

Answer 11

1. Empirically testable
2. Replicable
3. Objective
4. Transparent
5. Falsifiable
6. Logically consistent

Question 12

What is a ‘research objective’?

Answer 12

It indicated the goal of the study and its importance to society or science. The objective should be complete, not vague, clear and not too broad.

Question 13

5 characteristics of a research question

Answer 13

1. Should always end in a question mark
2. Should fit the research objective
3. May not contain incorrect assumptions
4. Is not the same as a survey question
5. It should not be vague

Question 14

Open-ended RQ vs Closed-ended RQ

Answer 14

Open-ended research questions only aim to figure out if there is a relationship.
‘To what extent is there a relationship between A and B’

Closed-ended research questions aim to also find the direction of the relationship.
‘To what extent does A increase/decrease when B increases/decreases’

Question 15

A hypothesis can not be a normative statement or speculative statement, explain what those statements are

Answer 15

1. Normative statement; A judgement about a desirable situation. Example, we should all pass this exam.
2. Speculative statement; A statement that can not be scientifically proven. Example, God exists.