All Flashcards
When is quantitative research most appropriate?
When focusing on numerical data, counting, math, and percentages.
When is qualitative research most appropriate?
When focusing on data that can't be counted, like interviews and written responses.
Why is alignment important in research method selection?
Your method must directly answer your research question; choose a method that fits your question.
Why is it important for a research method to be detailed?
To explain every decision made during the research process, ensuring clarity and justification.
What makes a research method replicable?
Providing enough detail so another researcher can duplicate your experiment, including equipment, setup, and software.
What should you do if your research has limitations?
Acknowledge any limitations due to time or resources, and discuss their potential impact on the findings.
Describe a mixed-methods approach.
Combines quantitative and qualitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
What is the importance of a control group?
The control group allows the researcher to compare the results of the experiment group to the normal condition.
Why is it important to avoid repeating previous work?
To ensure your research is original and valuable.
What is the importance of the literature review?
Demonstrates your understanding of the topic and strengthens your credibility.
When is quantitative research most appropriate?
When focusing on numerical data, measurements, and statistical analysis to identify trends.
When is qualitative research most appropriate?
When exploring complex phenomena through interviews, observations, and textual analysis.
Why is it important for a research method to be replicable?
Replicability ensures that the results are reliable and can be verified by other researchers.
What factors should be considered when choosing a research method?
The research question, available resources, desired level of detail, and the nature of the data.
Describe a mixed-methods approach.
Combining quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
What does alignment mean in the context of research methods?
Alignment means ensuring your chosen method directly answers your research question.
Why is a detailed description of the research method important?
It allows for replication and provides transparency in the research process.
What are some limitations to acknowledge in research methods?
Time constraints, resource limitations, and potential biases.
How do you defend the alignment of a method to an inquiry?
Explain how the method's design and data collection directly address the research question and objectives.
What are the key differences between surveys and experiments?
Surveys gather data through questionnaires, while experiments manipulate variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Define 'literature review'.
A literature review provides context and roots your argument in a larger academic discussion.
What is a research gap?
A gap in existing research that your work addresses, ensuring originality and value.
Define 'quantitative research'.
Research focused on numbers, counting, math, and percentages.
Define 'qualitative research'.
Research focused on data that can't be counted, like interviews and written responses.
What is 'replicability' in research?
The ability for another researcher to duplicate your experiment and verify the results.
What is 'plagiarism'?
Presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement.
What is 'topic focus'?
Clear, narrow parameters addressed through your method and conclusion.
Define 'writing conventions'.
Enhance communication through organization, design, grammar, style, and precision.
What is a research 'method'?
Your approach to inquiry, detailing how you investigated your research question.
Define 'new understanding/conclusion'.
Justify your conclusion with a logical progression, evidence, limitations, and implications.