Deck 2: The Scientific Approach and Alternative Approaches to Investigation

Question 1

Positivists believe that the world (as we know it!)is mentally constructed.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Constructionists are often more concerned with understanding a specific case than with the generalization of their findings.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

It is impossible to test hypotheses via case studies.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

For a constructionist,science and scientific research is seen as the way to get at the truth

Question 5

Confidence as a characteristic of scientific investigation refers to:

A)The probability that our estimations are correct.
B)The idea that a simple model that explains a certain phenomenon has preference over a complex model.
C)The fact that findings are generalizable.
D)The fact that an investigation has a clear theoretical foundation.

Question 6

A deductive investigation is based on theoretically logical reasoning.

Question 7

Scientific investigation is characterized by a good theoretical base and a sound methodological design.These characteristics are both related to the of the investigation. What must be filled on the line?

A)Rigor.
B)Precision and confidence.
C)Objectivity.
D)Parsimony.

Question 8

Parsimony related to scientific investigation refers to:

A)The probability that our estimations are correct.
B)The idea that a simple model that explains a certain phenomenon is preferred to a complex model.
C)The fact that findings are generalizable.
D)The fact that an investigation has a clear theoretical base.

Question 9

Epistemology is concerned with the nature of knowledge or how we come to know.

Question 10

A manager observes that higher prices lead to more sales.The results of a focus group point out that consumers use price as an indicator for quality.This is an example of deductive research.

Question 11

The critical realist is critical of our ability to understand the world with certainty.

Question 12

A researcher who observed separate phenomena and on this basis attempts to arrive at general conclusions,works inductively.

Question 13

An inductive investigation starts with an observation of empirical data.

Question 14

In the hypothetico-deductive research method,hypotheses play an important role.

Question 15

Logically speaking inductive research comes first (before deductive research)

Question 16

Deduction is the process of drawing conclusions based on (an interpretation of)the results of data-analysis.

Question 17

Case studies are usually qualitative in nature.

Question 18

The research methods of constructionist researchers are often qualitative in nature.

Question 19

'Rigor' related to scientific investigation refers amongst others to:

A)The probability that our estimations are correct.
B)The idea that a simple model that explains a certain phenomenon has preference over a complex model.
C)The fact that findings are generalizable.
D)The fact that an investigation has a clear theoretical foundation.

Question 20

Critical realistm does not take on a particular position on what makes good research.

Question 21

Pragmatism is a combination of the belief in an external reality with the rejection of the claim that this external reality can be objectively measured.

Question 22

Knowledge of epistemology may help you to relate to and understand the research of others and the choices that were made in this research.

Question 23

The focus of pragmatism is on basic,fundamental research

Question 24

Different researchers have different ideas about the nature of knowledge or on how we come to know.