Week 4

Question 1

What is qualitative research

Answer 1

it entails
the collection of numerical data
a deductive relationship between theory and research
is preference for the natural science approach to research (positivism)
an objectivist conception of social reality

Question 2

Define nominal

Answer 2

Describes the concept in words, much like a dictionary definition

Question 3

Define operational

Answer 3

Describes how the concept is to be measured

Question 4

Define operationalization

Answer 4

the process of converting concepts into indicators or into specific questions in a questionnaire or an interview

Question 5

What are the advantages of using more than one indicator of a concept

Answer 5

reduces the likelihood of misclassifying some people because the language of a question
ensures the definition of the underlying concept is understood correctly;
gets access to a wider range of issues related to the concept, allows distinctions
allows factor analysis (the process of sorting out the degree to which a particular concept is being measured and by which indicator).

Question 6

Define reliability

Answer 6

concerned with the consistency of measures

Question 7

Define stability over time

Answer 7

assumes that what is being measured is not changing and can be measured using the test retrest method

Question 8

Define internal consistency

Answer 8

assumes that what is being tested can be administered in one sitting