exam 1 RM

Special language that is regularly used in a particular field but which may not be meaningful to people outside the field is called

Jargon

Which of the following statements is true concerning ERIC?

NOT CORRECT ERIC includes references and abstracts from doctoral dissertations.

A researcher conducts a study on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) by comparing classes that use this method with classes that do not. The researcher expects the CAI classes to show higher gains in achievement. This expectation is

a hypothesis

References to journal articles should include

author, date, article title, journal name, volume, inclusive pages, doi

References to books should include

author, date, title, city of publication, publisher's name

The abstract of a study should

be a concise summary of the study

When we say that research is empirical, we mean that the researcher

collects data on which to base decisions

A good beginning point in a literature search for the student with a very limited knowledge about a topic is

encyclopedias, textbooks, and literature reviews

The only type of research that can manipulate treatments and establish a cause and effect is

experimental research

The generalizability of the results pertains to what kind of validity?

external

Which of the following is not an important purpose for reviewing the literature?

formulating the null hypothesis

The extent to which the results of a study can be attributed to the treatments used in the study is the definition of what kind of validity?

internal

The term coined by Kuhn to denote the scientific approach that is used widely in the natural sciences is

normal science

The primary sources of a literature review are

research journal articles

In the example in chapter 1 of the experiment that compared aerobic dance with jogging, what was the dependent variable?

skinfold-measured fat

Another term that describes the unscientific method of tenacity is

superstition

Which of the following is not a common error in the review of literature sections of theses?

synthesizing and interpreting the findings of previous research

The inductive and deductive processes are important in

the statement of the problem

Compared to applied research, basic research

usually offers more control, such as that done in a laboratory

Explain the steps in the scientific method of problem solving. Briefly discuss at least two important assumptions that underlie the scientific method (10pts).

Prior to the development of the scientific method of problem solving, the methods of acquiring knowledge were ill-equipped at defining objectivity and controls that are key points in solving a problem scientifically. Step one relates to developing the problem or defining and delimiting it. The assumption here is that the person researching has preselected a topic and now intends to design and execute an investigation. In this step, it is important to identify the independent variable, or the variable that will be manipulated, and the dependent variable, or the effect of the independent variable or yield. Step two involves formulating the hypothesis, or the expected result. Generally, the researcher will have an idea as to what the outcome, or anticipated solution will be to the problem based on theoretical construct, or previous knowledge, or one's own observation, though this source is often unlikely. The hypothesis should be testable, meaning that the study should ideally be able to support or refute it. Before step 2 can be completed successfully, one must first decide on the manner of which the data will be acquired and tested, which is step 3: gathering the data. Gathering data is most often the easiest step because it involves routine, though planning the method is difficult. A good method will maximize both the internal validity, the extent to which the results can be attributed to treatments used and the external validity, or the generalizability of the results of the study. An important assumption includes that of the possible misinterpretations of results in this step. Step 4 includes analyzing and interpreting results. Though the most challenging step, it is here where the researcher must provide detailed evidence that will support or reject the research hypothesis. In doing so, they will compare their findings to similar findings and relate and integrate others results into some form of theoretical model. The use of inductive reasoning is used here as the researcher will be attempting to synthesize their data along with the results of others findings to contribute to the development or subsequent substitution of a theory. Ultimately important assumptions that underlie the scientific method include the notion that nothing is self-evident. You should not simply accept someone's word at face value; to advance knowledge one must assume something we know is wrong and if that's the case, one should test it. Comparably, the notion that knowledge is derived from acquisition of experience, or that we should learn through observation and use past behavior as a means of prediction. Also, another assumption is the notion that all phenomena have natural causes, meaning that nothing observed is unnatural. It if occurs within the bounds of nature, it is a natural occurrence and therefore obeys natural law, thus by observation we can learn from it.

Briefly discuss at least five benefits of taking a research methods course early in the graduate program (10pts).

Research is a vital part of understanding the makings of the world. The object is to determine how things really are compared to how they might be. Though difficult at first, the need for research in any profession, even in a graduate student, cannot be omitted. A research methods class will aid the student in exploring the path that they are on, meaning that, it will allow for them to gain insight into the field in which they are about to enter into. Comparably, taking a research methods course early in a graduate program will allow for one to build transferable skills thereby enhancing their resumes. Think about it. If they have the knowledge on the who, what, when and type of research there is beforehand, it will make it easier for students to better utilize the entire process down the road, cutting down on a significant amount of undue hardship in the future. Moreover, taking the course earlier on will allow for the student to become a better advocate for their field of work. Not only will they have access to readily available research articles and sources, they will be able to fully understand it and really delve into the innerworkings of the research. As a result, they will be more equipped to argue their stances and defend the findings in the research. Furthermore, getting a head start on a research course will give the student the ability to fail while expanding their knowledge. Meaning, one will be able to have ample time to be prepared for and have success throughout the entirety of a master's and subsequent doctoral program. Similar to this, taking a research methods course early on in a master's program will improve one's skills, particularly that of reasoning skills. Rather than memorize factual information, research methods teach one to reflect on the source's relevance and applicability of the material while learning how to conduct research successfully. For example, taking the course early will allow for students to gain insight into the mechanics of experimental design, survey sampling and data analysis, which in theory, will teach students that real-life thinking and reasoning skills are vital in every setting.