Rsh 1 Final Flashcards
Qualitative approach
- Definition: non-numerical data, small samples (focus groups, interviews, case studies)
- Usage: in-depth analysis of specific cases or individual responses
- Advantages: detailed data collection, flexibility in approach, focus on human experiences
- Disadvantages: subjective and time-consuming, difficult to present results, often less accepted in certain academic or scientific fields
Quantitative approach
- Definition: numerical data, larger samples, experimental, quasi-experimental, and statistical techniques
- Usage: testing hypotheses, analyzing trends, generalizing findings
- Advantages: objective and replicable, broad generalizability, use of advanced statistical tools
- Disadvantages: limited understanding of social meanings, artificial research environments, lack of access to specific or nuanced feedback
Mixed-Method approach
- Definition: combines qualitative and quantitative methods
- Usage: addressing complex research questions by balancing depth and breadth
Triangulation
use of multiple methods (3 techniques) to assess the same data, reducing reactivity and improving validity
Reflexivity
awareness of how observation changes participants’ behavior
Top-Down
starts with a theory - makes a prediction - gathers data - confirms or rejects prediction
Bottom-Up
starts with data - identifies patterns - develops a theory
Archival Research
- Definition: uses existing documents or records
- Usage: to study human activity in natural settings or phenomena difficult to observe directly
Focus Groups
- Definition: group discussions to gather insights into participants’ experiences and beliefs
- Usage: for qualitative understanding of perspectives
Interviews
- individual discussion to gather specific insights
Types of interviews
structured, unstructured, semi-structured
Structured interview
pre-planned, standardized questions
Unstructured Interview
conversational, flexible topics
Semi-Structured Interviews
combination of planned and flexible questions
Case Studies
- Definition: in-depth analysis of one or a few cases
- Usage: detailed exploration of unique situations
Descriptive research
Explains what is happening. Used to describe characteristics, frequencies, or categories (often qualitative)
Experimental research
Explains why something happens. Tests cause-and-effect relationships.
Systematic observation
predetermined behaviors are noted in an organized way
Naturalistic observation
observing behavior in natural settings (high ecological validity)
Laboratory observation
observing behavior in a controlled environment (low ecological validity)
Participant observation
- Definition: researcher interacts with participants while observing
- Advantages: rich data, flexibility, deep understanding
- Disadvantages: expensive, time-consuming, small sample size, potential bias
Concealed observation
participants unaware they are being observed (avoids reactivity)
Ecological validity
credibility of a study based on its natural setting
Coding system
method for categorizing and recording observed behaviors (interval, duration, frequency recording)
Intra-observer reliability
consistency in one observer’s coding
Inter-observer reliability
consistency across multiple observers
Blind observation
observer unaware of the study’s purpose to avoid bias
Contrived observation
artificially altering a variable to observe changes in behavior
Single-Item indicator
a single question or statement used to measure a specific variable
Format of program evaluation report
Introduction:
- background: summarize key points , highlight relevant prior studies or theories, explain why program or intervention being evaluated is important
- objectives: state overall goals of evaluation, describe population or setting being evaluated
- relevance: explain how evaluation fills gaps in knowledge or meets specific needs (practical, theoretical, or policy-driven)
Current Project:
- hypotheses: clearly articulate key research questions or hypotheses guiding the evaluation
- approach: specify whether evaluation uses top-down or bottom-up approach, describe why this approach is appropriate for evaluation goals
Study 1 and 2:
- purpose: define objectives
- methods: describe design, participants, instruments, data collection procedures
- results: present findings in a clear, concise manner. Use tables, graphs, or summaries of statistical analyses when applicable
- discussion: interpret findings and discuss whether they align with initial hypotheses, explain implications for program
General discussion:
- key findings: summarize major results from both studies, highlighting areas of agreement or contradiction
- connection to prior research: relate findings to previous literature or theories discussed in intro
- recommendations: provide evidence-based suggestions for improving program
- suggestions for future studies: identify areas where further research is needed
