quantitative research process

Question 1

what is central to quantitative methods

Answer 1

the scientific approach

Question 2

what are the main features of the scientific approach

Answer 2

hypothetic-deductive method
empirical
objective
replication
reliable and valid

Question 3

what does empirical mean in terms of being scientific

Answer 3

data gathered through senses
induction of laws

Question 4

what are the main steps in the research process

Answer 4

theory formulation
derivation of hypotheses
operationalisation of variables
study design
sample selection
data collection
data analysis
interpretation and findings

Question 5

what is a theory

Answer 5

an explanation of what we observe
provides a framework for tying findings together
enables us to predict what will happen

Question 6

what is a hypothesis

Answer 6

a predicition of what will happen based on a theory

Question 7

what is a variable

Answer 7

something that changes and takes on different numerical values

Question 8

what is construct validity

Answer 8

how successfully are we measuring the construct

Question 9

how do we improve construct validity

Answer 9

making operational definitions clear and precise
use operational definitions that capture the construct comprehensively

Question 10

what is a directional hypothesis

Answer 10

a hypothesis that states the direction the results are expected to go

Question 11

what is a non-directional hypothesis

Answer 11

a hypothesis that states a difference, but doesnt state a direction