Research Methods

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

A statement that is made at the start if a study and clearly describes the relationship between variables as stated by theory (can either be directional or non directional

Question 2

Directional hypothesis

Answer 2

The researchers makes clear the sort of difference that is anticipated between two conditions or two groups of people, includes words like more or less, higher, lower etc…

Question 3

Non directional hypothesis

Answer 3

Does not state the direction of the difference or relationship, states there is a difference just not specified

Question 4

External validity

Answer 4

This concerns the extent to which findings can be generalised to other situations and other people

Question 5

Internal validity

Answer 5

This concerns the extent which a study/ questionnaire what it intended to measure

Question 6

Face validity test (assessing validity)

Answer 6

Does the test look as if it is measuring what the research intended to measure eg. Are the questions closely related to the topic

Question 7

Concurrent validity test (assessing validity)

Answer 7

This can be established by comparing the current questionnaire or test with a previously established questionnaire or test on the same topic

Question 8

Internal reliability

Answer 8

The measure of which something is consistent within itself

Question 9

To assess internal validity

Answer 9

Split half method: a single group of participants all take a test once. Their answers to the test questions are divided in half. The individuals scores on both halves of the test should be very similar if the test is internally reliable

Question 10

External reliability

Answer 10

This is a measure of consistency over several different occasions
Eg. If a questionnaire is given to a participant one day and then again, a week later, their results should be very similar in order to be externally reliable

Question 11

To assess external reliability

Answer 11

Test- retest method:
A participant is given a questionnaire once and then again, sometime later. The answers are compared and should be the same

Question 12

Qualitative data

Answer 12

Data that approximates and characterizes. This data can be observed and recorded
This data type is non-numerical. This type of data is collected through methods of observations, one to one interviews etc..

Question 13

Strengths of using qualitative data

Answer 13

*Issues can be examined in detail and in depth
*interviews are not restricted to specific questions and can be guided/ redirected by the researcher in real time
*relatively easy to analyze
*data can be very consistent, precise and reliable

Question 14

Weaknesses of qualitative data

Answer 14

*The researchers presence during data gathering, which is often unavoidable in qualitative research, can affect the subjects responses
*data may not be robust enough to explain complex issue
*unatitative data may over simplify or ignore the meanings, motivations, emotions or experiences of the participants or subjects

Question 15

Strength of a questionnaire

Answer 15

*Data can be statistically analysed
*cost effective

Question 16

Weakness of a questionnaire

Answer 16

*Desirability bias
*acquiescence bias (the tendency to agree with items on a questionnaire regardless of the content)