Research Design & Methodology Flashcards

What is the purpose of a research hypothesis?

Answer: Predict the relationship between variables

A research hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes a specific relationship or difference between two or more variables. It serves as an educated guess or prediction about the outcome of a study, guiding the research design and data collection. The purpose is to provide a clear, concise, and falsifiable statement that can be empirically investigated, forming the basis for scientific inquiry.

Which design is best for studying cause and effect?

Answer: Experimental

Experimental design is specifically structured to establish cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one or more independent variables and observing their effect on a dependent variable. This typically involves random assignment of participants to experimental and control groups, allowing researchers to isolate the impact of the intervention. By controlling extraneous variables, experimental studies provide the strongest evidence for causality.

What does validity in research refer to?

Answer: Accuracy of measurement

Validity in research refers to the extent to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure or accurately reflects the reality it aims to represent. It addresses whether the research findings are truthful and credible, ensuring that the conclusions drawn are sound. For example, if a survey claims to measure job satisfaction, its validity would depend on whether the questions truly capture that construct.

Which sampling method selects participants randomly?

Answer: Random sampling

Random sampling is a probability sampling method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the study. This technique ensures that the sample is representative of the larger population, minimizing bias and increasing the generalizability of the research findings. It is a cornerstone for achieving statistical inference, allowing researchers to draw conclusions about the entire population from the sample data.

What is the role of a control group in research?

Answer: Serve as baseline comparison

In an experimental study, the control group is a group of participants who do not receive the experimental treatment or intervention. Their purpose is to provide a baseline against which the effects of the treatment administered to the experimental group can be compared. This allows researchers to determine if the observed changes in the experimental group are truly due to the intervention or other confounding factors, thus isolating the treatment's effect.

What type of data is collected in qualitative research?

Answer: Non-numerical data

Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences, perspectives, and meanings, typically collecting non-numerical data. This type of data includes text, audio, and visual materials such as interview transcripts, observational notes, focus group discussions, and open-ended survey responses. It aims to provide rich, in-depth insights into complex phenomena rather than statistical measurements, offering a nuanced understanding of human experiences.

What does reliability in research mean?

Answer: Consistency of measurement

Reliability in research refers to the consistency and stability of a measurement tool or research finding. A reliable measure will produce the same results under the same conditions if the measurement is repeated, indicating its dependability. For instance, if a scale consistently gives the same weight for an object, it is considered reliable, even if it's not perfectly accurate (valid), ensuring that the data collected is trustworthy.

Which research method involves observing subjects in their natural environment?

Answer: Naturalistic observation

Naturalistic observation is a research method that involves observing subjects in their natural environment without any manipulation or intervention from the researcher. This approach allows for the study of spontaneous behavior in real-world settings, providing valuable insights into how individuals or groups behave organically. It helps to understand context and avoid artificiality that might occur in laboratory settings, enhancing the ecological validity of the findings.

What is the purpose of peer review in research?

Answer: To ensure research quality

Peer review is a critical process in academic publishing where a research manuscript is evaluated by independent experts in the same field before publication. The purpose is to assess the validity, methodology, significance, and originality of the research, as well as to identify any flaws or biases. This rigorous scrutiny helps to ensure the quality, credibility, and ethical soundness of published scientific work, maintaining academic standards.