Textbook Flashcards
quantitative approach
An approach to research that emphasizes scientific empiricism in design, data collection, and statistical analyses.
qualitative approach:
An approach to research that emphasizes people’s lived experiences in their own words, and the researcher’s interpretation of those experiences.
focus groups
A qualitative method of data collection in which six to ten people are interviewed together about a particular topic.
Transcription
Converting an audio recording to a text document that includes the words spoken, as well as other information such as pauses, dysfluencies, and body language.
mixed-methods approach
Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.
natural language processing (NLP)
Using software and algorithms in order to analyze and interpret large amounts of text.
Corpus
A group of texts collected for the purpose of analysis, often using natural language processing techniques.
coding scheme
A set of rules used to categorize observations during systematic observation.
thematic analysis
A qualitative analysis approach that involves identifying and interpreting the major themes relevant to a research question within qualitative data.
deductive reasoning
Reasoning from something more general to something more specific, such as using a broad theory to generate a specific hypothesis.
inductive reasoning
Reasoning from the specific to the more general, such as making inferences regarding broader theories based on a specific study result.
naturalistic observation
Systematic observations made in a natural setting in the real world; sometimes called field observation/work and useful for generating rich descriptions of phenomena. Also has roots in anthropology and study animal baheviour
goal of researchers in naturalistic observation
to describe the setting, events and persons observed.
Second Goal is to interpret what was observed.
participant observation
A type of naturalistic observation in which the researcher assumes an active role in the setting being researched. The researcher’s purpose may or may not be concealed.
Two key issues in naturalistic observation
Weather to actively participate in the situation you are studying or not participate but still deserve
Weather to conceal your purpose ou presence from the other people in the setting, weather the researcher should be out in the open or keep their presence concealed.
concealed observation
A type of naturalistic observation in which those being studied are not aware of the researcher’s presence.
systematic observation
Observation of one or more specific variables, usually made in a precisely defined setting.
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Participant Reactivity
It is especially important to fully debrief participants and offer them to opportunity to forbid researchers to use their data when concealed observation tools are used.
case study
An in-depth analysis of a single person or setting that often includes detailed descriptive accounts of behaviour, past history, and other relevant factors.
archival research
The use of existing sources of information for research, such as census data, archived survey data, and other forms of preserved written records.
Content analysis
Systematic analysis of the content of written records.
A study was conducted in which a researcher observed the students as they answered their math questions in the classroom without attempting to influence their activity. This study used the
naturalistic method of observation.
A study was conducted about the effect of the size of rooms on people’s conversations. The researchers, who posed as students, took part in students’ conversations in various social settings. In this scenario, the researchers are using the
participent method of observation.
Researchers in naturalistic observation in research studies…
Researchers attempt not to influence what occurs in a research setting.
A potential problem with participant observation is that
an observer may lose the objectivity necessary to conduct scientific observation
Even though people may behave differently when they know they are being observed, often this reactive effect will
fade as participants get used to the observer
Researchers who use naturalistic observation to study behaviour must carefully determine
what their role in the setting will be
The naturalistic observation approach is most useful when
investigating complex social settings and developing theories based on the observation.
The two kinds of participant observation are
concealed and unconcealed participant observation
panel study
In survey research, administering questions to the same people at two or more points in time; also known as a longitudinal design.
Response set
A pattern of responding to questions that is not related to the content of the questions themselves and thus provides inaccurate information.
“yea-saying” or “nay-saying” response sets:
The tendency for some survey respondents to agree (yea) or disagree (nay) with the vast majority of questions being asked, regardless of the question content. This introduces error into the measure.
inattentive responding
Responding to survey questions without reading the item content, providing answers that are not thoughtful responses to the questions asked.
Rating scale
Closed-ended response option that asks participants to indicate the degree to which they agree with a particular statement.
graphic rating scale
A type of closed-ended response scale option where two words appear on either side of a solid line. Participants place a mark on the line indicating their relative preference for one or the other word, which is then measured in terms of distance from one end.
semantic differential scale
A type of closed-ended response where two words appear on either side of a series of dashed lines. Participants place a mark on the dash indicating their relative preference for one or the other word.
interviewer bias
Intentional or unintentional influence on a respondent exerted by an interviewer, which might encourage certain responses consistent with the interviewer’s expectations
