Question 1

Which of the following is most likely a statement made by a qualitative researcher?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers typically use interviews or observations to gather data and gain an understanding of participants' experiences or perspectives, rather than using standardized tests or experimental designs.

Question 2

Qualitative researchers most commonly (but not exclusively)align with which of the following philosophical approaches to research?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers often align with constructivism, which emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals' subjective experiences and meanings they attach to their experiences. Positivism and empiricism emphasize objectivity and the use of quantitative methods to test hypotheses, while postpositivism acknowledges the importance of subjectivity but still emphasizes the use of empirical evidence to support explanations.

Question 3

Which of the following is most likely a statement made by a quantitative researcher?

Accepted Answer

This statement involves a clear comparison of quantitative data (unit test scores) between two groups (those placed in cooperative groups and those who were not), which is a common approach in quantitative research. The other choices involve more qualitative methods such as observation and focus groups.

Question 4

The primary reason to seek research articles published in academic journals,rather than those posted by the author on the Internet,is that:

Accepted Answer

Research articles published in academic journals have undergone a rigorous peer-review process, which involves experts in the field reviewing and critiquing the study's methodology, results, and conclusions. This ensures that the research is of high quality and meets the standards of the scientific community. On the other hand, articles posted on the internet by the author may not go through this process and may not have been reviewed by experts.

Question 5

Research is considered cyclical because:

Accepted Answer

Research is considered cyclical because it involves a continuous process of asking questions, collecting data, interpreting results, and generating new questions which creates a cycle. This cycle helps the researcher to refine their research questions, improve their research methods, and generate new insights as they progress through the research process.

Question 6

The philosophical assumption that objective scientific research can uncover true cause-and-effect relationships in the world is known as:

Accepted Answer

Positivism is a philosophical assumption that emphasizes on the role of empirical evidence in scientific inquiry. It assumes that knowledge should only be based on observable or verifiable facts and that there are objective, universal laws governing the natural and social world that can be discovered through the scientific method. Empiricism is related to positivism, but it specifically emphasizes the central role of sense experience in generating knowledge. Experimentation is a methodological approach to scientific inquiry rather than a philosophical assumption, and realism is a broader philosophical position that encompasses different perspectives on the relationship between perception and reality.

Question 7

The primary purpose of inferential statistics is to:

Accepted Answer

Inferential statistics helps the researcher draw conclusions from the data by using probability theory and hypothesis testing. It allows researchers to make generalizations about a larger population based on a smaller sample of data.

Question 8

Which of the following examples illustrates research as it is described in your textbook?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following examples illustrates research...

Question 9

To be considered true research,a project must:

Accepted Answer

Gathering and interpreting information in a systematic fashion to increase understanding of some phenomenon is the core of research. The other options (A) simply summarize existing information, (B) focus on uncovering obscure information, and (D) make definitive conclusions, which are not always possible in research.

Question 10

Cameron is conducting a study that addresses the differences in achievement scores between schools that use block scheduling and schools that use a traditional scheduling format.He has accessed average achievement scores for 1200 schools and now is comparing the two groups.In which research step is Cameron engaged?

Accepted Answer

Cameron is analyzing the collected data, specifically the average achievement scores for 1200 schools, to compare the two groups (block scheduling vs traditional scheduling). This is part of the data analysis step in the research process.

Question 11

Do recent technological advances (e.g.,the World Wide Web,electronic databases)assure that future research will be of higher quality,or of greater utility,than past research? Support your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do recent technological advances (e.g.,the World Wide...

Question 12

Kimberly knows that teenagers often do not make good decisions in areas where they have little knowledge.She also knows that most teens have little knowledge about human sexuality.Therefore,Kimberly believes that teens are likely to make poor decisions about sexual activity.This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Kimberly is using deductive logic by starting with a general statement about teenagers' decision-making abilities, then applying that statement to a specific area where she believes teenagers may lack knowledge (human sexuality), and drawing a conclusion that those gaps in knowledge will likely lead to poor decisions in that area.

Question 13

Research methodology refers to:

Accepted Answer

Research methodology refers to the overall approach and design of a research project, including the methods and techniques used to collect and analyze data. It encompasses the research questions, hypothesis, data collection and analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. It is not specific devices, theoretical basis, or statistical tests that are employed in a research project.

Question 14

A specific mechanism or strategy the researcher uses to collect,manipulate,or interpret data is known as a:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A specific mechanism or strategy the researcher...

Question 15

Graduate professors like to insist that the completion of thesis or dissertation research is not merely an "academic exercise" or final hurdle to obtaining the desired degree.Explain at least one personal benefit that the individual derives from completing a high- quality thesis or dissertation.Then explain at least one societal benefit that follows from the individual's completion of a high-quality thesis or dissertation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Graduate professors like to insist that the...

Question 16

Kade has spent the past month carefully observing a group of third graders on the playground during recess,taking note of how the students interact with one another.On the basis of these observations,Kade is drawing conclusions about the interaction styles of boys and girls.This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Kade's observations and conclusions are based on specific instances he has witnessed, which is the foundation of inductive reasoning. He is not starting with a preconceived theory to test or using deductive reasoning to draw conclusions from general premises. While Kade's observations may be part of the scientific method, they alone do not encompass the entire process.

Question 17

Describe an example of the word research being used inappropriately.Be clear about how your example deviates from the definition of research offered in the chapter.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe an example of the word research...

Question 18

Having completed a series of studies for her dissertation,Marianela sits down to brainstorm about possible explanations for her key findings.She can see a variety of ways in which all data work together,and she prepares to write a final chapter in which she presents those ideas.We would most likely say Marianela is engaged in the process of:

Accepted Answer

Marianela is engaged in theory building, which involves analyzing data and creating a framework or concept to explain the findings. Science, constructivism, and deductive reasoning are all related to research methods and approaches, but theory building specifically focuses on creating explanations for data.

Quiz 1: The Nature and Tools of Research