Research Methods and Data Literacy Flashcards
6 cards from real MLS - Master of Library and Information Science 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 Data Literacy flashcards as text
Which research design is most appropriate when a librarian wants to understand how patrons naturally behave in the library without manipulating variables?
Answer: Observational/naturalistic study
Observational or naturalistic studies allow researchers to document behavior in real settings without introducing artificial conditions.
In library and information science research, what does 'triangulation' refer to?
Answer: Using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings
Triangulation strengthens research validity by corroborating findings through multiple methods, sources, or investigators.
A librarian conducts a usability study of the library catalog and collects think-aloud protocols from 12 participants. This is an example of:
Answer: Qualitative research
Think-aloud protocols generate narrative, non-numerical data about user cognition, making this a qualitative approach.
Which sampling technique would a researcher use when they want every member of the library's registered user base to have an equal chance of being selected?
Answer: Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling ensures each member of the population has an equal, independent probability of selection.
What is the primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in library research involving human subjects?
Answer: To protect participants from harm and ensure ethical conduct
IRBs review research protocols to safeguard participant welfare, privacy, and informed consent before studies begin.
A researcher calculates a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 for a survey measuring information literacy self-efficacy. What does this indicate?
Answer: The survey items have high internal consistency reliability
Cronbach's alpha measures internal consistency; a value above 0.80 is generally considered acceptable to high.