RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Flashcards
What is the purpose of research?
The purpose of research is to advance knowledge, increase understanding, educate others and inform practise.
What is a research question?
A question that asks wether a relationship exists between variables in a particular population.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis stipulates or predicts that a relationship among or between at least two variables in a given population exists.
What are the disadvantages of a hypothesis?
When a researcher proves wrong their own hypothesis they may be tempted to change their original hypothesis.
What does a sample research cover and what are its positives and negatives?
Covers a cross-section of a census population
- Time efficient
- Limited funding
- Limited access to all peoples of a population
Depending on what method of sampling is chosen it may provide bias or inaccurate results.
What are the five types of sampling?
Random sample Systematic random sample Stratified random sample Cluster sample Convenience sampling
What is random sampling?
All participants have an equal chance of being selected for the sample.
What is systematic random sampling?
Obtained by choosing a number at random and following the pattern to chose all participants.
What is stratified random sampling?
The population is divided into categories (such as gender) and a random selection occurs in each category or strata.
What is a cluster sample?
A selection of participants are selected within a cluster, or a whole certain cluster is chosen randomly.
What is convenience sampling?
Participants are selected due to their availability or the relationship between the researcher and the participant.
This method has the lowest credibility.
What is a sample group?
The specific population chosen based on the hypothesis or question.
What is a sample size?
Sample size refers to the number of participants that are actually selected for the research study.
20-30 people
(Equal to two interviews, one case study or two/three observations)
What are the four types of data?
Primary, secondary, qualitative and quantitative.
What is primary data?
Data sourced by the immediate researcher.
Can be expensive to conduct.
What is secondary data?
Data conducted by an external research for a different project, though can be used to back up the results found in the primary data.
Readily available, low cost. Can not produce its own conclusion without the primary data.
Define qualitative data.
Subjective data that comes from research collecting facts regarding beliefs, feelings, attitudes and opinions.
Define quantitative data.
Objective data that comes from research that collects facts in the form of numerical data. Counted, measured and graphed.
What are six types of primary data?
Structured interview, unstructured interview, observation, questionnaires, surveys, case studies, experiments.
What are the advantages to qualitative data?
Provides words and images to help the intended audience understand the why and how of a situation while also giving examples to fill in details.
What are the advantages to quantitative data?
Outlines the ‘what’. Is objective and reliable, subject to less bias.
What types of primary data examples are qualitative?
Observations, interviews, focus groups, case studies.
What types of primary data examples are quantitative?
Questionnaires, surveys, experiments.
What are the two sources of data?
Primary- individuals and groups
Secondary- print and digital
In relevance to analysing secondary data, what is Authority?
The authors credentials, reputable, sources properly cited.
In relevance to analysing secondary data, what is Accuracy?
Well written text, correct spelling and grammar. Accurate data.
In relevance to analysing secondary data, what is Currency?
When was the source published, how long ago. Updated?
In relevance to analysing secondary data, what is Purpose?
What was the purpose of the information, objective or factual? Does it state an opinion. Who is the intended audience.
In relevance to analysing secondary data, what is Relevance?
Is the source relevant to topic, does it provide further information or back up data?
What is Reliability?
If it were conducted under the same conditions would the results be the same? High repeatability.
Refers to the consistency of measurement.