Qualitative research

Question 1

What is the scientific method and why is it important in research?

Answer 1

The scientific method is a systematic process that underpins peer-reviewed journal articles and is essential for producing a robust evidence base to support various activities. It involves steps and procedures that allow for scrutiny and systematic analysis to advance human knowledge.

Question 2

What are the most common qualitative interview techniques

Answer 2

semi-structured interviews, along with unstructured and structured interviews.

Question 3

What is the purpose of triangulating data in qualitative research?

Answer 3

riangulating data in qualitative research involves integrating multiple sources of information to provide a more comprehensive understanding of individual viewpoints and broader societal or cultural contexts.

Question 4

What is hierarchical content analysis and how does it relate to qualitative research?

Answer 4

Hierarchical content analysis is a basic technique used in qualitative research to identify patterns in data and understand how they interplay in a hierarchical structure. It is a precursor to more complex thematic analyses and helps to categorize data coherently.

Question 5

What is the significance of operational definitions in quantitative research?

Answer 5

Operational definitions are crucial in quantitative research as they define the concepts being studied and determine how they will be measured. This allows researchers to quantify variables and ensures that the study can be replicated and understood by others.

Question 6

What are the main differences between qualitative and quantitative research approaches?

Answer 6

Qualitative research focuses on the uniqueness and subjectivity of individuals, using small-scale samples and non-numerical data analysis. Quantitative research seeks to generalize findings to a wider population, using larger sample sizes, numerical data, and inferential statistics.

Question 7

What is the difference between positivism and interpretivism in research paradigms?

Answer 7

Positivism is associated with quantitative research and focuses on hypothesis testing, objectivity, and generalizing findings using statistical analysis. Interpretivism is linked to qualitative research and emphasizes understanding individual experiences and subjectivity through non-numerical data analysis.

Question 8

What are the main differences between qualitative and quantitative research approaches?

Answer 8

Qualitative research focuses on the uniqueness and subjectivity of individuals, using small-scale samples and non-numerical data analysis. Quantitative research seeks to generalize findings to a wider population, using larger sample sizes, numerical data, and inferential statistics.

Question 9

What are inferential questions in research?

Answer 9

Flashcard A: Inferential questions are those that aim to explain or infer relationships or causes, rather than just describing phenomena.

Question 10

Flashcard Q: Why are treatment and control groups important in experimental design?

Answer 10

Flashcard A: Treatment and control groups are essential to determine if the treatment itself is causing an effect, by comparing outcomes between the group receiving the treatment and the group not receiving it.

Question 11

Flashcard Q: What characterizes non-experimental designs in research?

Answer 11

Flashcard A: Non-experimental designs are less strict in controlling variables and often deal with naturally occurring quantitative data.

Question 12

Flashcard Q: What is the purpose of using standardized questionnaires in research?

Answer 12

Flashcard A: Standardized questionnaires are used to collect quantitative data in a consistent manner, often using predetermined response scales.

Question 13

Flashcard Q: What are the advantages of distributing questionnaires online?

Answer 13

Flashcard A: Online distribution can reduce biases, increase anonymity, reach diverse populations, and is cost-effective.

Question 14

Flashcard Q: What is a limitation of self-report data in research?

Answer 14

Flashcard A: Self-report data can be subject to recall bias and may not accurately reflect actual behavior or events.

Question 15

Flashcard Q: How does observational research differ from self-report methods?

Answer 15

Flashcard A: Observational research involves directly watching and recording behaviors as they occur, which can provide more objective and accurate data than self-reported information.

Question 16

Flashcard Q: What is the advantage of unobtrusive observation in research?

Answer 16

Flashcard A: Unobtrusive observation allows researchers to capture natural behaviors without influencing participants, potentially revealing actions and cues that participants themselves may not be aware of.

Question 17

Flashcard Q: What are some indicators of a perfectionist climate in coaching?

Answer 17

Flashcard A: Indicators include a focus on perfect performance regardless of conditions, harsh criticism, and rigid standards that do not adapt to the athlete’s ability or situation.

Question 18

Why are clear and precise research questions and hypotheses important?

Answer 18

To ensure the research is focused and testable, drawing on existing theory and research.

Question 19

Where are research questions and hypotheses typically presented in a research paper?

Answer 19

n the introduction section, particularly the first and last paragraphs

Question 20

What is an operational definition, and why is it crucial?

Answer 20

It assigns specific meaning to a concept (construct) and explains how it will be measured. This improves clarity, measurement accuracy, and allows for study replication.

Question 21

Differentiate between validity and reliability in measurement tools (e.g., sport enjoyment scale).

Answer 21

Validity ensures the tool measures what it claims to (e.g., face validity, content validity, construct validity). Reliability refers to the consistency of scores obtained using the tool (e.g., internal consistency measured by Cronbach’s alpha)

Question 22

What are some threats to validity and reliability in quantitative research?

Answer 22

Situational factors, research error, and participant bias can all affect the accuracy and consistency of measurements.

Question 23

What are the next steps after formulating research questions and ensuring measurement validity/reliability?

Answer 23

Analyze data using descriptive statistics, followed by inferential statistics to explore relationships between variables and explain phenomena in sports psychology.