Research defense potential questions Flashcards
Sample Representativeness
Your sample size is 30 students. How did you ensure this sample is representative of the entire Grade 11 population in your institution? Are there biases in participant selection?
Chapter 4
Review sampling methodology (e.g., random sampling vs. convenience sampling) and acknowledge limitations in generalizability.
Lack of Statistical Rigor
The data is presented as frequencies and percentages. Why were no statistical tests (e.g., chi-square, correlation) used to validate the significance of trends?
Chapter 4
Justify the choice of descriptive statistics or acknowledge the need for inferential analysis in future work.
Self-Reported Data Bias
Students self-reported their habits. How did you address social desirability bias or inaccuracies in their responses?
Chapter 4
Discuss limitations of self-reporting and suggests triangulation (e.g., observational data, teacher feedback).
Ambiguity in Key Terms
How did you operationally define terms like ‘digital distraction’ or ‘procrastination’ to ensure respondents interpreted them consistently?
Chapter 4
Review the survey instrument for definitions or clarity in questions.
Missing Contextual Factors
Did you account for external factors like classroom policies, parental supervision, or socioeconomic status that might influence digital distraction?
Chapter 4
Acknowledge limitations and suggest these variables for future studies
Evenly Split Responses (e.g., Q4)
For Question 4, 15 students said digital distractions are hard to avoid, and 15 said they are not. How do you interpret this split? What deeper analysis was done to explain this polarization?
Chapter 4
Explore qualitative follow-ups (e.g., interviews) to contextualize contradictions.
Overgeneralization of Findings
Your conclusions generalize findings to all Grade 11 students. How do you justify this when your sample is limited to one institution?
Chapter 5
Clarify the scope and recommend replication in broader populations.
Repetitive Conclusions
Conclusions 1, 3, and 4 all mention social media and online games. How do these conclusions add distinct insights beyond rephrasing findings?
Chapter 5
Reframe conclusions to highlight unique implications or theoretical contributions.
Vague Recommendations
Your recommendations suggest ‘self-discipline’ and ‘time management.’ How can students practically implement these? Are there evidence-based strategies you could propose?
Chapter 5
Link recommendations to specific interventions (e.g., Pomodoro technique, app blockers).
Theoretical Gaps
How do your findings align with existing theories (e.g., attention economy, dual-task interference)? Did you use a framework to interpret results?
Chapter 5
Revisit the literature review to connect findings to theoretical models.
Recommendation Feasibility
You recommend seminars for teachers and parents. How do you ensure these stakeholders have the resources or motivation to implement such programs?
Chapter 5
Propose actionable steps (e.g., workshop templates, collaboration with counselors).
Future Research Direction
You advise future researchers to ‘avoid redundancy,’ but what specific gaps did your study uncover (e.g., longitudinal effects, gender differences)?
Chapter 5
Identify underexplored variables (e.g., app design, neurocognitive impacts).
