stats 2 Flashcards
a method of inquiry that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and make generalizations about a population.
Quantitative research
the process of defining a variable in concrete, specific terms so it can be measured, i.e., translating abstract concepts into measurable variables
Operationalization
forming a precise definition for and clear understanding of the concepts being studied
Conceptual clarity
a broad, abstract idea or general notion that provides a foundational understanding
Concept
a specific, measurable version of a concept used in research to operationalize and test theoretical ideas
Construct
the process of assigning values to variables in order to quantify and analyze them systematically
Measurement
a tool or instrument used to assign numerical values to a
variable for analysis
Measure
the extent to which a measurement tool appears to measure what it is supposed to measure, based on casual inspection.
Face validity
the extent to which a variable or measurement accurately represents all of the elements that define the concept it is intended to measure
Content validity
the extent to which a variable or measurement is related to other measures that theory suggests should be related.
Construct validity
the consistency and stability of a measurement tool across
repeated applications
Reliability
a systematic error that skews measurement results away from the true value
Measurement bias
when only the entities that have “survived” a particular process are considered, leading to a skewed understanding or conclusion
Survivorship bias
choosing cases based on their outcome rather than their characteristics.
Selecting on the dependent variable
a method of inquiry that focuses on understanding and interpreting the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of individuals or groups through non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and texts
Qualitative research
Key characteristics of qualitative research
-Explores new or complex issues where little is known, or to gain in-depth understanding of specific cases or contexts.
* Emphasizes the subjective experiences of participants and the context in which those experiences occur.
* Produces detailed, rich descriptions and narratives that capture the complexity of the phenomena being studied.
* Often involves small, purposefully selected samples that are studied in depth rather than large, random samples.
Methods of qualitative research
- In-depth, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews.
- Focus group discussions that explore collective views and the dynamics of discussion on a particular topic.
- Immersive observation where the researcher takes part in the daily life or activities of the participants.
- Cases studies provide detailed examination of a single case or a few cases within a real-life context.
- In-depth ethnographic studies of people and cultures in their natural settings, often over extended periods.
Data analysis for qualitative research
- Thematic Analysis: Identifying and analyzing themes or patterns within qualitative data.
- Content Analysis: Systematically coding and categorizing textual or visual data to identify patterns, frequencies, or relationships.
- Narrative Analysis: Examining the stories people tell to understand how they make sense of their experiences and construct meaning through narratives.
- Discourse Analysis: Analyzing written or spoken language to explore how language reflects and constructs social reality, power dynamics, and identities.
Drawbacks of qualitative research
- Subjectivity and bias
- Limited generalizability - context dependency
- Challenges in replication and reliability
*Resource intensive
*Ethical concerns regarding subject privacy
*Data interpretation issues-subjectivity
*Difficulty in measuring change
