PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on practical research, including definitions, scales, research designs, and typical analyses.

Inquiry?

Act of seeking information, asking questions, or investigating for knowledge and understanding.

Validity?

The extent to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure.

Theory?

A set of principles or ideas that explain and provide a foundation for research.

Findings?

Results or outcomes of a study.

Variables?

Factors that are changed or measured in a study: independent, dependent, and controlled variables.

What is the process in quantitative research?

Collection and analysis of numerical data to produce objective and measurable conclusions.

Research?

A systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to increase knowledge.

Strength of quantitative research.

Objectivity and reliability.

Weakness of quantitative research.

Lack of depth and context.

Strength related to larger populations in quantitative research.

Generalizability

What is a strength of quantitative research in large data sets

Patterns and trends with large data sets.

What is a common weakness related to interpretation in quantitative research?

Over-simplification of complex phenomena.

What is a strength related to replication

Replicability—the study can be reproduced by others with similar results.

What is an ethical consideration in quantitative research?

Ethical concerns in conducting studies and reporting results.

What is a strength of large data sets?

Enable detection of patterns and more reliable analyses.

What is a typical data example in quantitative research?

Satisfaction ratings, class ranks, Likert scales, etc.

What is a Nominal variable?

Values that identify categories with no inherent order.

What is an Ordinal variable?

Values that are ranked or ordered; differences between ranks are not important.

What is an Interval scale?

meaningful differences between values but no true zero point.

What is a Ratio scale?

meaningful zero and meaningful ratios between values.

What is the difference between Quantitative and Qualitative research in terms of reality?

Quantitative assumes a single reality; Qualitative acknowledges multiple perspectives.

What is the difference between pre-established and emergent design?

Pre-established design is fixed before data collection; emergent design evolves during the study.

What is the difference between a detached and an immersed researcher?

Quantitative research often involves a detached researcher; qualitative research involves an immersed researcher.

What does generalize vs assess applicability refer to?

Quantitative aims to generalize findings; qualitative emphasizes assessing applicability to specific contexts.

What are the non-experimental quantitative designs?

Descriptive, Correlational, Ex Post Facto.

What are the experimental quantitative designs?

Pre-Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, True-Experimental.

What is Descriptive design?

Describe characteristics of a population, phenomenon, or situation.

What is Correlational design?

Examines the relationship between two or more variables.

What is Ex Post Facto design?

Investigates relationships after the fact, without manipulating variables.

What is True-Experimental design?

random assignment; manipulation of the independent variable; control of confounding variables to establish causal relationships.

What is Pre-Experimental design?

Study of a group before and after an intervention; no random assignment; limited control.

One-Shot Case Design (Pre-Exp)

Single Group: No Pre Test

One Group Pretest-Posttest Design (Pre-Exp)

Single group: measured before and after the treatment

Static group comparison (Pre-Exp)

Comparison of two groups; No randomisation

What is a Quasi-Experimental design?

Includes group assignment but no randomization; aims to establish causality while controlling for confounds.

Non-equivalent control group design

Comparison of two groups; May control group

Time-series design

Time points

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Give an example of a study title that illustrates an experimental approach from the notes.

Pre-Experimental Effect of Different Types of Fertilizers on the Growth Rate of Tomato Plants.