Practical Research 2: Nature of Research and Literature Review Concepts

Flashcards covering topics from Pages 1-4 of Practical Research 2: nature of research, variables, research design, research process, topic development, literature review, citation styles, ethical standards, and conceptual framework.

What is the general definition of research?

The scientific process of obtaining information to seek solutions to problems, tentative answers to research questions, or new facts for the betterment of life.

What is qualitative research?

To seek meaning and a deeper understanding of a phenomenon as seen from the perspective of the participants.

What is quantitative research?

Focused on acquiring numerical data through use of research instruments.

Name two broad types of research mentioned.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research.

List ten areas where quantitative research is important.

Education, Business, Communication, Demographics, Economics, Sports, Medicines, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Political Science.

What are some characteristics of quantitative research?

Data gathering on variables (e.g., age, gender, educational status) with standardized instruments; data presented via figures, tables, or graphs to show trends or relationships; emphasizes proof over discovery.

What are the strengths of quantitative research?

Most reliable and valid for drawing conclusions; experiments filter external factors, making results real and unbiased; useful for testing results from qualitative research.

What are the weaknesses of quantitative research?

Can be costly, difficult and time-consuming; requires extensive statistical treatment; tends to produce proved or unproven results with little room for grey areas.

What is a variable?

Anything that has a quantity or quality that varies; a characteristic or attribute of interest that can take on different values.

What is an independent variable?

The variable hypothesized to affect the dependent variable.

What is a dependent variable?

The variable that changes as a result of an intervention or experiment.

In the vitamin C megadose example, what is the independent variable?

Megadose of vitamin C for a period of 12 weeks.

In the vitamin C megadose example, what is the dependent variable?

Cancer cells decreased.

What does research design refer to?

The overall strategy to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent way; the blueprint for selecting, measuring, and analyzing data.

What is experimental research design?

Involves manipulation of variables, an intervention, determines causal relationships, in a controlled setting.

What are the two types of experimental research design?

True Experimental and Quasi-Experimental.

What is non-experimental research design?

There’s no manipulation of variables and no intervention; aims to determine relationships in a controlled setting.

What are non-experimental designs by purpose?

Descriptive, Predictive, Explanatory.

What are non-experimental designs by time?

Cross-Sectional, Retrospective, Longitudinal.

What are the six steps in the research process?

Define the research problem; Review related literature; Formulate the hypothesis; Prepare the research design; Collect data; Analyze and interpret data.

What topics should Chapter 1 of a thesis contain?

Introduction; Statement of the Problem; Assumptions or Hypotheses; Scope and Delimitation; Significance or Importance; Definition of Terms.

What are the six steps in developing a research topic?

Choose a general topic; Add background information; Identify additional specifics; Choose a perspective and link variables; Write a problem statement; Formulate a working title.

What are the guidelines for writing the research title?

Contain subject matter, locale, population, and period; broad enough; concise; avoid phrases like 'an analysis of', 'a study of', or 'an investigation of'; if multi-line, use inverted pyramid with all words capitalized.

What is reference citation?

The process of documenting the various sources of materials and information relevant to the study; provides credibility and helps guard against plagiarism.

Name the three citation styles and where they are used.

APA Style (psychology, social sciences, natural sciences); MLA Style (language research and literature); Chicago Style (humanities like philosophy and theology).

What is an example of Chicago style bibliography entry?

Shohat, Ella, and Robert Stam. Unthinking Eurocentrism: Multiculturalism and the Media. London: Routledge, 1994.

What are ethical standards in writing the literature review?

Acknowledge owners of borrowed ideas and use quotation marks; recognize ideas, theories, and original conceptualization; be critical of the studies included.

What is a conceptual framework?

A visual summary of the review of related literature; a paradigm is a diagrammatic representation of a conceptual framework.

What is a paradigm in this context?

A diagrammatic representation of a conceptual framework.

In Chicago style, what is used to list sources instead of references and works cited?

A bibliography.