Research Methods 2 Ch. 5-16

The framework that contains a historical scholar's beliefs and assumptions about the world and the past as well as the scholar's own views is called a(n) _______________.

Paradigm

In a results section of a research report, the author would NOT include what type of information?

Raw Data

A basic characteristic of correlational research is that it _______________.

does not manipulate variables and hence cannot establish cause and effect.

Which of the following should be included in the discussion section of a research report?

Implications of the results.

A qualitative research technique involves interviews of small numbers of participants in a group setting. These groups are called

focus groups.

An important advantage of the qualitative method is that _______________.

it is more likely than other methods to lead to new insights about the problem.

In comparison to survey interviews, qualitative interviews tend to be _____________.

less structured.

The first step in conducting a questionnaire survey is to

list specific objectives to be achieved by questionnaire.

The lengths and contents of abstracts differ according to their intended use. The important part of an abstract for a published research paper include the _____________.

problem, methods, results, discussion

In qualitative research, sampling designed to select small groups or individuals likely to be knowledgeable and informative about the phenomenon of interest is called _______________.

purposive sampling.

Which of the following represents one way researchers can improve internal validity of an experimental design?

? The absence of confounding variables

A Master's level candidate is proposing her thesis title, "Body Image Concerns Among Male Endurance Athletes," and she is using a validated scale used in previous research. Where in the written proposal would her committee most likely find a copy of the assessment?

? Background

As required by his department, an undergraduate student just completed his thesis a few months before graduation and has been asked by his advisor to share his results with the professional community. Which of the following is the most appropriate outlet for his research findings?

? Ch. 21 Poster, journal, or oral

Which of the following is not included in historical research?

? Definition—examination of past events, people, places to arrive at account of what existed or happened in the past.It's more than facts and dates. It's interpretative. Different writers write different "histories."Goal: communicate understanding of past for current knowledge, and justify "narrative" or story through presentation of evidence.

SHORT ANSWER: What type of research often includes a control group in the methodological design? In addition, name one reason why a control group improves internal validity of the study.

? Experimental research. A control group improves internal validity because it gives a point of reference to ensure the changes observed in the DV were not caused by other factors.

A researcher is reviewing a document that is believed to be written by Jackie Robinson during his first year in Major League Baseball (MLB). The researcher works with a historical expert with expertise in that era of baseball to determine if the document is authentic. This authentication process is known as _______________.

? External Criticism

Professor X is applying for university funding through the athletic department to study the number of students that use their free tickets versus _ before the game. This type of funding project would be considered as a(n) __________.

? Internal proposal

Jan is interested in answering the question, "What has the past 20 years of concussion research provided medical and sport community?" Given she wants to systematically and empirically draw conclusions from the previous research, what would best be addressed using which research methodology?

? Interpretive or evaluative study

A group of researchers are interested in the understanding whether a new fitness program results in substantial increases in cardiorespiratory aerobic endurance (as measured by a 12-minute run test). The researchers want to ensure pre-experiment training levels do not influence post-testing results by asking participants how many days per week they typically exercise. Training frequency would therefore be considered which type of variable?

?Independent variable p.60

ESSAY: Discuss some of the reasons why a scholar would need to complete a research proposal. In addition, explain some recommendations for writing a quality proposal that captures the reader's attention.

A research proposal explains the significance of your project. It will demonstrate the quality and importance of your project as well as your ability to conduct the proposed research. This can gain approval for a research study and possible grant funding. It also provides the opportunity to refine your research project and identify challenges that may arise. The title of the research proposal should be attention-grabbing since it is the first thing that will be read. The abstract should be limited to the word count, summarize and highlight all aspects of the article, and motivate the reader to read the rest of the article. The introduction should state the novelty and impact of the research. It is the initial impression so a well-written introduction will encourage the reader to continue. Answering the reader's questions and backing up what you say are also helpful tips to keep the reader's attention.

The internal validity of an experimental design is concerned with what question?

Did the independent variable really produce a change in the dependent variable?

ESSAY: Issues of internal and external validity are important in designing good studies. Define both concepts and explain some factors that reduce or compromise internal and external validity. Finally, discuss at least one way researchers can control for internal and one way they can control for external validity.

Internal Validity is the extent to which the results of a study can be attributed to the treatments used in the study. It can be compromised by history: events occurring during the experiment that are not part of the treatment, maturation: processes within the participants that operate as a result of time passing, and testing: changes in instrument calibrations, or choosing comparison groups in a nonrandom manner, causing bias. Researchers can implement randomization in order to control internal validity by ensuring that the groups do not differ at the beginning of the experiment. Placebos, instrumentation, and blind setups can also be implemented to control internal validity. External Validity is the generalizability of the results of a study. It can be compromised because (1) the pretest may make the participant more aware of or sensitive to the upcoming treatment. Thus, the treatment is not as effective without the pretest. (2) When a group is selected on some characteristics, the treatment may only work on groups possessing those characteristics. (3) Treatments that are effective in constrained situations may not be effective in less constrained settings. (4) When participants receive more than one treatment, the effects of previous treatments may influence subsequent ones. External validity is generally controlled by selecting the participants, treatments, experimental situation, and tests to represent some larger population. Ecological validity such as performing the test in a real-world environment is also a way to control external validity.

A researcher wants to determine the percentages of time an individual teacher spends in various tasks, such a demonstration, explanation, and monitoring students. Which of the following is probably the most valid way to research this?

Observational study

To help ensure an acceptable return rate in a questionnaire study, the researcher should

both use follow-up letters or e-mails and use follow-up phone calls.

A major difference in the purpose of a meta-analysis and a review of literature for a research paper is that the meta-analysis uses the literature _______________.

for empirical and theoretical conclusions

A major limitation in the use of videotape in observational research is its

obtrusiveness.

Which of the following are most difficult to analyze in a questionnaire study?

open-ended items.