Quantitative study appraoch Flashcards
Describe the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics
Descriptive statistics summarize the characteristics of a data set. Inferential statistics allow you to test a hypothesis or assess whether your data is generalizable to the broader population.
Name the steps in the data collection process in a positivist study
- Identify a sampling frame
- Choose a sampling method
- Select a sample
- Identify the variables
- Choose the data collection method
- Conduct a pilot study and modify methods necessary
- Collect the research data
Describe generalisability
the extent to which the research findings can be extended to other cases
Define the methods for selecting a random sample for a positivist study.
Also, discuss for each method when they are suitable to use
- Random sample – an unbiased subset that represents the population
- Systematic sampling – You choose the first subject from a random sample and choose the remained at fixed sampling intervals
- Stratified sampling – A population that is partitioned into subpopulations.
- Cluster sampling – Making a random selection form a sampling frame listing groups of units rather than individual units
- Multi-stage random sampling – Involves taking a series of simple random samples in stages. First, select a sample of companies, then select a sample of departments, and from that select a sample of managers.
Define the four levels of measurement among variables
- Ratio variable – measured on a mathematical scale with equal intervals and a fixed zero point
- Interval variable – measured on a mathematical scale with equal intervals and an arbitrary zero point
- Ordinal variable – measured using numerical codes to identify order or rank
- Nominal variable – measured using numerical codes to identify named categories.
Define other variables, haha, vet inte vad jag ska ställa för fråga. Men typ vilka typer av variabler som finns förutom measurement levels
Discrete variable – Are only taking one variable into account. Ex. A scale of 1, 2, 3, 4 you can only choose one of these, not 2,1.
Continuous variable – Are taking all of the variables into account. Ex scale 1-4, can take 1.2.
Dichotomous variable – A variable with only two possible categories (boy/girl)
Dummy variable – A dichotomous quantative variable that is coded with either 0 or 1.
Hypothetical constructs – An explanatory variable that is based on a scale that measures opinion or other abstract ideas that are not directly observable.
Dependent variable – A variable whose values are influenced by one or more independent variables.
Independent variable – A variable that influences the value of a dependent variable.
Describe the steps in the process of designing a questionnaire
- design questions
- determine the order of presentation
- write the invitation letter
- test the questionnaire with a small sample
- Choose the method for distribution
- Plan a strategy for dealing with non-responses
- Conduct tests for validity & reliability
Describe the difference between a parametric test or non-parametric test
Parametric – Used to make certain assumption about the characteristics of the population. To see if the test is appropriate you need to meet the following assumptions:
Non-parametric – Do not rely on the data meeting these assumptions because the statistical software first arranges the frequencies in size order and then performs the calculations on the ranks rather than the data values.
Name two different tests for difference
- Mann-Whitney test
- T-test
Describe when to use a chi-square test:
If you have non-parametric data for two variables measured on a nominal scale. You use a chi-square test to find out whether there is a statistically significant association between the column and row categories.
Explain the general importance and objectives of sampling in a quantitative study by
providing specific examples.
Explain the role of previous research when conducting a quantitative study. In your answer,
discuss all chapters of a quantitative thesis and provide specific examples.
