Research Methods

Question 1

Objective data

Answer 1

Data is directly observable or measurable

Question 2

Subjective data

Answer 2

Data relates to people’s perceptions or feelings

Question 3

Quantitative data

Answer 3

Data that is numerical

Question 4

Qualitative data

Answer 4

Data that is non-numeric

Question 5

Reliability

Answer 5

Refers to the consistency of a measure

Question 6

Validity

Answer 6

Refers to the accuracy of a measure

Question 7

What does reliability tell you?

Answer 7

The extent to which results are reproduced when research is repeated under the same conditions

Question 8

What does validity tell you?

Answer 8

The extent to which results really measure what they are supposed to measure

Question 9

How is reliability assessed?

Answer 9

By checking the consistency of results across time, different observers and parts of the test

Question 10

How is validity assessed?

Answer 10

By checking how well the results correspond to theories and other measures

Question 11

How does reliability relate to validity?

Answer 11

A reliable measurement is not always valid: the results may be reproducible but not correct

Question 12

How does validity relate to reliability?

Answer 12

A valid measurement is generally reliable: if results are accurate, they should be reproducible

Question 13

Advantages of open questions

Answer 13

Respondents can answer on their own terms, allows unusual responses to be derived, provide respondents with freedom to elaborate, useful for exploring new areas

Question 14

Disadvantages of open questions

Answer 14

Time consuming, answers have to be coded, requires effort from respondents, inconsistent

Question 15

Advantages of closed questions

Answer 15

Easy to process answers, comparable answers, clarifies question for respondents, easy to complete