Field Methods Research and Qualitative Methods – Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering field methods, research fundamentals, design types, research methods, and qualitative designs.

What is Field Methods Research?

Practical application of research techniques outside controlled laboratory settings.

Name two benefits of Field Methods Research.

High ecological validity; real behavior in natural context.

Name two limitations of Field Methods Research.

Less control over variables; ethical and logistical constraints.

How is Research defined?

Systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; involves empirical investigations, controlled and critical methods, and hypothetical propositions.

What does 'Research = experience + reasoning' mean?

Research combines experiential observation with logical reasoning.

Why is research important?

Human advancement relies on the creation and application of new theories and knowledge through systematic research, integrating methodology, strategy, and critical inquiry.

What are the Objectives of Research?

To develop or to support a theory; to create new knowledge.

What is a Theory?

A set of statements explaining phenomena and relationships.

What is Knowledge?

Information and understanding gained by study or experience.

What are the Two Pathways to Knowledge?

Experience and Reasoning.

What is Research Methodology / Approach?

An overarching philosophical and methodological orientation; the big picture; includes Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods.

What is Research Design?

Overall strategy or blueprint for conducting research; describes what and how the research will be conducted (for example, Descriptive, Correlational).

What are Research Methods?

Specific techniques or procedures used to gather and analyze data (for example, interviews, surveys, observation).

What are the Research Design Types listed?

Experimental; Correlational; Descriptive; Phenomenology; Explanatory Sequential; Exploratory Sequential; Convergent Parallel.

What characterizes the Experimental design?

Manipulates variables to test causal relationships.

What characterizes the Correlational design?

Examines relationships between variables.

What characterizes the Descriptive design?

Describes characteristics or behaviors.

What is Phenomenology in design types?

Explores lived experiences or social phenomena deeply.

What is Explanatory Sequential design?

Combines qualitative and quantitative data, where qualitative data explains the quantitative data.

What is Exploratory Sequential design?

Combines qualitative and quantitative data, where qualitative data is used to build understanding of the quantitative data.

What is Convergent Parallel design?

Combines qualitative and quantitative data, collected simultaneously to compare and integrate results.

What are the main Research Methods?

Surveys/Questionnaires; Interviews (structured and unstructured); Observation; Experiments; Focus Groups.

What does Surveys/Questionnaires involve?

Collecting structured responses from many respondents.

What is distinctive about Interviews in research methods?

In-depth understanding of individual perspectives (structured and unstructured).

What does Observation entail as a research method?

Watching behaviors in natural and controlled settings.

What is the purpose of Experiments in research methods?

Testing hypotheses with variable manipulation.

What are Focus Groups?

Interactive group discussions for exploring perspectives.

What are the Cornerstones of Research?

Concept; Theory; Model; Construct; Variable; Proposition; Hypothesis.

What is a Concept in research?

General idea or understanding of a phenomenon; basic unit of meaning; clear conceptualization ensures correct interpretation.

What is a Theory in research?

Set of principles intended to explain facts or events; explains why something happens; provides a framework for analyzing findings.

What is a Model in research?

A representation of a problem, system, or process; can be visual, mathematical, or conceptual; demonstrates rather than explains.

What is a Construct in research?

Abstract idea created for research; often not directly observable; central in psychology; operationalizes intangible concepts.

What is a Variable in research?

Measurable component of a construct; types include Independent (cause), Dependent (effect), Mediating, Moderating, and Control.

What is a Proposition?

A statement describing a relationship between variables that can be tested.

What is a Hypothesis?

A testable prediction about relationships between variables; provides a specific direction for analysis.

What is Ethnographic Research?

Qualitative design with long-term immersion in the natural setting of the group; participant observation, field notes, and interviews; holistic understanding; researcher acts as both participant and observer.

What is Phenomenological Research?

Qualitative design that transcribes data, extracts significant statements, identifies themes, and describes the essence of the experience.

What is Grounded Theory?

Qualitative design focused on developing a theory grounded in data.

What is Case Study research?

Qualitative design with subtypes: Intrinsic (understand a unique case), Instrumental (understand a broader issue), Collective (examine several cases for similarities).

What is Narrative Research?

Qualitative design focusing on stories and personal accounts to understand phenomena.