The Scientific Method
The first step of the scientific method is identify the problem. What is the second step?
State the problem.
What is the only research design that can imply cause and effect?
True Experimental Designs
Provide an example of a population and a sample.
Population: Springfield College graduate students
Sample: SC grad students in RSCH 610
What is ethics?
a branch of philosophy that pertains to the study of right and wrong conduct; conforming to the standards of conduct of a given profession or group; morals, values
Define constant.
a measurement that is the same for all participants or subjects.
True or False: The scientific method is a linear process and can only be completed in one direction.
False
Name 3 differences between quantitative research and qualitative research.
research questions, sample, data collection, data analysis
Explain the difference between random selection and random assignment.
selection: selecting participants from the population in a random manner
assignment: randomly assigning participants to groups
Describe informed consent.
participants must be given adequate information and be able to give voluntary written consent before participating
Define independent variable and provide one example.
what the researcher is manipulating
Define hypothesis.
An expected result; an anticipated solution that is based upon theoretical constructs, results of previous studies or past experiences of researchers or observations; not a type of value judgement or abstract phenomenon that cannot be observed; must be testable
What research design seeks to understand the nature of relationships between two or more variables?
Correlational research designs
Define convenience sampling.
a sample that is easy (convenient) to acquire
What is the Belmont Report? Provide at least one key point from the report.
a document providing a guideline for ethical standards in research; respect for person’s right to know the nature and the purpose of the study and their right to give or withhold consent to participate; beneficence – protect persons from harm, maximize benefits & minimize harm; respect for subjects’ privacy
Define dependent variable and provide one example.
Explain the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning.
inductive: observe the situation, draw conclusions
deductive: apply theory to a current issue
In what quantitative research design is randomization not possible?
Ex-Post Facto designs
Explain systematic sampling.
First, create a list of every member of the population. From the list, randomly select the first sample element from the first k elements on the population list. Thereafter, we select every kth element on the list.
Provide 2 items that must be addressed in an informed consent form.
general statement of the background of the study and objectives; explanation of procedures; description of any risks or potential discomforts and/or potential benefits; offer to answer any inquiries; instruction that the participant is free to withdraw at any point time
constitutive: textbook statement, provided by an authority
operational: how the researcher defines the term within the context of the study
What is the definition of the scientific method?
A way of seeking knowledge that involves both inductive and deductive reasoning to develop hypotheses to rigorous and objective testing.
What is the main goal of phenomenological research?
To capture the "lived experience" of participants.
Why is sampling important?
To ensure appropriate generalizability from the results of the sample to the implications for the population.
Name 3 of the 7 areas of academic dishonesty.
1.Plagiarism—using the ideas, writings, and drawings of others as your own
2.Fabrication and falsification—making up or altering data
3.Non-publication of data, also called “cooking data”
4.Faulty data-gathering procedures; be consistent
5.Poor data storage and retention
6.Misleading authorship
7.Sneaky publication practices
Discuss the difference between internal and external validity.
internal - the extent to which the findings can be attributed to study manipulation
external - the extent to which the findings can be generalized to a greater population