MASTER QUIZLET - PART 2

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1 - What are the major sections of Chapter 1?

1. Introduction

2. Purpose of the Study

3. Research Questions/Hypotheses

4. Significance of the Study

5. Delimitations

6. Limitations

7. Assumptions

8. Operational Definitions

Chapter 1 - What is the overall purpose of Chapter 1?

To explain the research problem, why it is important, what the study hopes to accomplish, and how key terms and study boundaries are defined.

Introduction - What is the purpose of the introduction section?

To provide background information, establish the importance of the topic, introduce the research problem, and stimulate the reader's interest.

Introduction - How long is the introduction section typically?

A few paragraphs to several pages in length.

Introduction - What should the introduction begin with?

General background information about the topic.

Introduction - What should the introduction end with?

A concise statement of the research problem or purpose.

Introduction - How should the introduction flow?

Like a funnel, beginning broad and gradually becoming more specific.

Introduction - Why is the introduction compared to a funnel?

Because it starts with general information and gradually narrows to the specific purpose of the study.

Introduction - What should a good introduction accomplish?

• Be well written

• Flow smoothly

• Be relatively brief

• Avoid unnecessary technical details

• Connect the broad topic to the specific research problem

Introduction - Why shouldn't the introduction be overly technical?

Because readers may not know as much about the topic as the researcher.

Introduction - What should researchers avoid when writing the introduction?

• Boring readers with information they already know

• Assuming readers have the same level of knowledge

• Reporting unnecessary statistics

Introduction - What is one of the most important writing tips for the introduction?

Reference your statements whenever possible.

Introduction - Why should statements be referenced?

Because what seems like "general knowledge" may actually be the researcher's interpretation, and readers should be able to verify those statements.

Problem Statement - Where is the problem statement located?

Near the end of the introduction as the final specific point (the tip of the funnel).

Problem Statement - What is the purpose of the problem statement?

To clearly identify the specific issue the study will investigate.

Problem Statement - How is the problem statement related to the purpose statement?

It is often the same as or closely related to the purpose of the study.

Purpose Statement - What does the purpose statement explain?

The reasons or objectives for conducting the study.

Purpose Statement - How should the purpose statement be written?

Using clear, concise, non-technical language.

Purpose Statement - What was your capstone study's purpose?

To determine the relationship between physical activity and mood in college-aged students.

Research Questions - What is a research question?

A question that clearly identifies the relationship or concept the study is investigating.

Research Questions - Where are research questions typically found?

After the purpose statement.

Research Questions - What should every research question include?

The dependent outcome measure being tested.

Research Questions - What makes a good research question?

It is specific, testable, and clearly identifies what will be measured.

Hypotheses - What is a research hypothesis (HR)?

The predicted outcome of the study.

Hypotheses - What is a null hypothesis (H₀)?

The hypothesis stating that no relationship or difference exists.

Hypotheses - Which hypothesis is actually tested statistically?

The null hypothesis.

Hypotheses - What does the alternative (research) hypothesis do?

Predicts the expected relationship or direction of the results.

Hypotheses - Why should hypotheses be based on previous studies?

Because they should be supported by existing evidence or theory.

Hypotheses - How many hypotheses should researchers write?

One for each research question or dependent variable being tested.

Hypotheses - Why are hypotheses written in pairs?

Each research hypothesis is paired with a corresponding null hypothesis.

Hypotheses - What does a directional hypothesis predict?

The direction of the expected relationship or difference.

Hypotheses - What does a non-directional hypothesis predict?

That a difference exists, but not the direction of that difference.

Hypotheses - What are the characteristics of a good hypothesis?

• Predicts a relationship between variables

• Is supported by theory or evidence

• Is testable

• Is clear and concise

Significance - What is the purpose of the significance section?

To explain why the study is important and why it should be conducted.

Significance - How is the significance section related to the purpose statement?

It expands upon the purpose and provides justification for the study.

Significance - What should researchers use to support the significance section?

The existing literature.

Significance - What should the significance section demonstrate?

• A knowledge gap exists

• Additional knowledge is needed

• Current knowledge needs validation

• Current practices need clarification

• A solution to the problem is needed

Delimitations - What are delimitations?

The boundaries, scope, or constraints intentionally placed on the study by the researcher.

Delimitations - Who determines the delimitations?

The researcher.

Delimitations - What can delimitations include?

• Participant characteristics

• Number of participants

• Variables studied

• Tests and instruments used

• Length of the study

Delimitations - According to your class notes, how should delimitations be approached?

Be detailed and clearly define the study's boundaries.

Limitations - What are limitations?

Weaknesses or factors the researcher cannot control that may influence the results.

Limitations - Who determines limitations?

They are not intentionally imposed by the researcher; they naturally exist.

Limitations - What should limitations address?

• Research design

• Sampling

• Internal validity

• External validity

• Extraneous variables

• Generalizability

Limitations - According to your class notes, how should limitations be written?

Be detailed while recognizing factors beyond the researcher's control.

Assumptions - What are assumptions?

Underlying ideas accepted as true without being directly measured.

Assumptions - Are assumptions tested during the study?

No.

Assumptions - What may assumptions include?

Instrumentation, procedures, methods, and techniques.

Operational Definitions - What are operational definitions?

Definitions explaining exactly how study variables are measured.

Operational Definitions - Where should operational definitions come from?

The research literature.

Operational Definitions - Should common words be defined?

No. Only study-specific terms should be defined.

Operational Definitions - How should operational definitions be organized?

Alphabetically and consistently throughout the study.

Operational Definitions - According to your class notes, when are operational definitions sometimes completed?

Near the end of the project after all variables and measures have been finalized.

Title - When is the title usually written?

Near the end of the project, after most of the study has been completed.

Title - What should a good research title include?

As many independent and dependent variables as possible, along with relevant participant information.

Title - What types of unnecessary words should be avoided in a title?

Phrases such as:

• "An Analysis of..."

• "A Comparison of..."

• "A Study of..."

• "The Effect of..."

• "The Relationship Between..."

Title - What kind of words should be emphasized in a title?

Specific nouns rather than adjectives.

Title - Where should the most important words appear in the title?

At the beginning.

Application - Which Chapter 1 section explains why your study should be conducted?

Significance of the Study.

Application - Which Chapter 1 section explains what your study hopes to accomplish?

Purpose of the Study.

Application - Which Chapter 1 section explains what is being investigated?

Problem Statement.

Application - Which Chapter 1 section defines exactly how variables are measured?

Operational Definitions.

Application - Which Chapter 1 section explains the study boundaries established by the researcher?

Delimitations.

Application - Which Chapter 1 section explains weaknesses beyond the researcher's control?

Limitations.

Application - Which Chapter 1 section lists ideas accepted as true but not directly tested?

Assumptions.

Delimitations vs. Limitations - What is the difference?

Delimitations are boundaries intentionally established by the researcher, while limitations are weaknesses or factors beyond the researcher's control.

Research Hypothesis vs. Null Hypothesis - What is the difference?

The research hypothesis predicts an expected relationship or difference, while the null hypothesis states that no relationship or difference exists.

Purpose Statement vs. Significance - What is the difference?

The purpose statement explains what the study will accomplish, while the significance section explains why the study is important.

Problem Statement vs. Purpose Statement - What is the difference?

The problem statement identifies the issue being investigated, while the purpose statement explains the objective of the study.