Research Design

Question 1

What is research design?

Answer 1

-A framework for research
-Foundation for research techniques
-Link between research questions and data
-Concerned with threats to validity

Question 2

What is the importance of research design?

Answer 2

-Identifies causal connections between variables
-Generalising to larger groups outside the study
-Understanding behaviour and its meaning in a specific social context

Question 3

Philosophical and pratical influences on research design

Answer 3

-Epistemology
-Theories
-Practical considerations
-Values/beliefs

Question 4

What is Quantitative research design characterised by?

Answer 4

-Large samples
-Precise measurement of variables
-Relationships described and evalusated in statistical terms

Question 5

What are research methods associated with collecting quantitative data?

Answer 5

-The experiment
-The sample survey

Question 6

Define internal validity

Answer 6

the extent to which a study accurately establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between variables without interference from external factors or confounding variables.

Question 7

Define external validity

Answer 7

The extent to which the findings of a study can be generalised to other settings, beyond the specific study conditions. Representativeness and replicability also important.

Question 8

What is the qualitative research desig characterised by?

Answer 8

-Small samples
-Close contextual observation
-Focuses on the subjective conception and interpretation of the social world

Question 9

What are some qualitative research designs and studies?

Answer 9

-The ethnographic study
-The case study

Question 10

What are the four criteria for assessing qualitative research?

Answer 10

-Credibility
-Transferability
-Dependability
-Confirmability or objectivity

Question 11

What is essential for qualitative research?

Answer 11

Justifiability