Research Methods

Question 1

Research

Answer 1

A systematic process that is guided by accepted procedures to establish credibility
- Review information existing in the field
- Formulate a hypothesis or research question
- Collect data
- Analyze
- Interpret

Question 2

Scientific Research

Answer 2

is testable, objective, and systematic

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

a well-developed explanation about how something of the world works using a framework of concepts, principles, or constructs

Question 4

(Theoretical) Construct

Answer 4

a covert, unobservable concept or trait that can only be inferred by observable act or phenomena

Question 5

Operation Definition

Answer 5

defining a construct by specifying the activities used to measure or manipulate it

Question 6

Variable

Answer 6

can change the outcome of the experiment
(independent and dependent)

Question 7

Research Question

Answer 7

frames topics that are under investigation

Question 8

Research Hypothesis

Answer 8

prediction based on existing or credible evidence

Question 9

Types of Data

Answer 9

Qualitative and quantitative data (non-numeric vs numeric data)

Question 10

Quantitative

Answer 10

goal is to test theories, establish facts, show relationships; the design is highly structured, formal and specific; subjects are MANY

Question 11

Qualitative

Answer 11

goal is to develop grounded theories; capture naturally occurring behavior; design is flexible, unstructured; subjects are FEW

Question 12

Empirical Study

Answer 12

when researchers directly obtain data from the sources

Question 13

Importance of Literature Review

Answer 13

conveys a plausible correlation between two variables

Question 14

Research Designs

Answer 14

Longitudinal, Cross-sectional, sequnetial

Question 15

longitudinal

Answer 15

over time; expensive

Question 16

cross-sectional

Answer 16

at one point; cannot examine change over time

Question 17

sequential

Answer 17

combination of longitudinal and cross-sectional; only one that can examine cohort effects

Question 18

Random Sampling

Answer 18

everyone has an equal chance of being selected from a population to participate in study; helps reduce sampling error and portray representativeness

Question 19

Random Assignment

Answer 19

method you use to place participants into groups in an experimental study; helps ensure that any differences found between the groups are caused by the experiment itself instead of a confounding variable

Question 20

Methods for Collecting Data

Answer 20

• Observation
• Survey and Interview
• standardized tests
• Psychological measures

Question 21

Ethics

Answer 21

confidentiality/anonymity, volunteer/consent, be clear with the risks and benefits