Research Methods and Academic Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real BA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Research Methods and Academic Skills flashcards as text
What is a 'literature review' in an academic research paper?
Answer: A critical survey of existing scholarship relevant to the research question
A literature review critically synthesizes existing research on a topic, identifying trends, gaps, and debates to situate a new study within the scholarly conversation.
What is the purpose of an 'Institutional Review Board' (IRB) in US academic research?
Answer: To review and approve research involving human subjects to protect their rights and welfare
An IRB is a federally required committee that reviews research proposals involving human participants to ensure ethical standards, informed consent, and minimal risk.
What does 'informed consent' mean in research ethics?
Answer: Participants voluntarily agree to participate after being fully informed of the study's risks and nature
Informed consent requires that research participants receive complete information about the study's purpose, procedures, and risks and voluntarily agree to participate before data collection begins.
Which research design involves studying the same group of subjects over an extended period of time?
Answer: Longitudinal study
A longitudinal study follows the same participants over time to track changes and developments, making it ideal for studying development, aging, or long-term trends.
What is 'triangulation' in qualitative research?
Answer: Using multiple data sources or methods to increase the validity of findings
Triangulation strengthens research credibility by cross-checking findings using multiple data sources, methods, investigators, or theoretical frameworks.
What is the difference between a 'random sample' and a 'convenience sample' in research?
Answer: A random sample gives every member of the population an equal chance of selection; a convenience sample uses whoever is easily available
Random sampling maximizes representativeness and allows generalization to a broader population, while convenience sampling (using available participants) is easier but less representative.