Research and Assessments Flashcards
Qualitative Research
An approach for understanding the meaning individuals and groups ascribe to a human or social problem. Inductive
Inductive
Analysis building from particular data to general themes
Deductive
An approach for testing objective theories by examining the relationships among variables.
Examples of Qualitative Research
Case Study Method, Comparative Analysis, Discourse Analysis, E-Research, Ethnography, Field Research, Grounded Theory, Narrative Approach
Quantitative Research
Numbered data which can be analyzed using statistical procedures
Examples of Quantitative Research
Structured written report
Mixed Methods Research
Collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. May involve both philosophical assumptions and theoretical frameworks.
What is the benefit of using mixed methods research?
Assumes a more complete understanding of a research problem than using one of the approaches alone
Discourse Analysis
A study of the way versions of the world, society, events, and psyche are produced in the use of language and discourse.
What are examples of discourse analysis?
Semiotics, deconstruction, narrative analysis
E-Research
Harnessing of any digital technology to undertake and promote social research.
Ethnography
A multi-method qualitative approach that studies people in their naturally occurring settings or fields by means of methods which capture their social meanings and ordinary activities. Researcher directly participates
Field Research
Observes everyday event in the environment in which it occurs
Narrative Analysis
Seeks to study the textual devices at work in the constructions of process or sequences within a text. (Discourse Analysis)
Grounded Theory
Data collection and analysis are conducted together. Observations – develops the theory from the data collected rather than applying the theory to the data (Qalitative)
What are the four major population estimations and projection methods?
Linear, Symptomatic, Step-Down Ratio, and Cohort Survival
Linear Method
Change in Population (+ or -) over a period of time and extrapolates that change into the future (Straight Line)
Exponential Method
Rate of growth or decline, the percentage of change in a population over a period of time to estimate the current or future population (Curved Line)
Modified Exponential Method
Assumes there is a cap to the change and that at some point the growth will slow or stop, resulting in an S shaped curved line.
Symptomatic Method
Uses any available data indirectly related to population size such as housing stats or new drivers licenses (always a ratio). For instance, with the average household size at 2.5, data on 100 new single-family building permits that are issued this year, would yield an estimate of 250 new people will be added to the community.
Step-down Ratio Method
Simple way to estimate or project population. Uses ratio of the population in a city and county at a known point in time to estimate future
Distributed Housing Unit Method
Multiplies the number of housing units by the occupancy rate and persons per household. Reliable for slow or stable growth but not reliable in quickly changing communities
Gompertz Projection
Further modification of the modified exponential where the growth is the slowest at the beginning and speeds up over time
Cohort Survival Method
Current Population + Natural Increases (more births, fewer deaths) and net migration (more in migration than out) to calculate a future population. Can be presented in numeric or graphic form (Population Pyramid)
