Research Skills Exam 1

Assumptions

facts or conditions presumed to be true, yet not actually verified, that become underlying basics in the planning and implementation of the research study

experimental research

type of research in which and independent variable is manipulated to observe the effect on a dependent variable for the purpose of determining a cause-effect relationship. Designed to answer "What if?..."

Descriptive questions

type of research question that seeks to describe phenomena or characteristics of a particular group of subject

Difference questions

type of research question that seeks to determine if there are differences between or within groups or conditions

relationship questions

type of research that seeks to investigate the relationship or association between two or more variables

dependent variable

variable that is expected to change as a result of the independent variable, variable that is observed or measured

a

1. All studies have some elements that are beyond the control of the researcher, things that could negatively influence the results and are considered as weaknesses of the study. In research terminology, what are these called? A. Limitations B. Delimitations C. Assumptions D. Postulates E. Parameters

b

10. A researcher predicts that there will be a positive relationship between attitude scores and grade point average. This is an example of a a. limitation b. research hypothesis c. null hypothesis d. basic assumption

C

2. An independent variable is one in which the researcher: A. Measures B. Eliminates C. Manipulates D. Observes E. Calculates

Delimitations

Characteristics specified by the investigator that define the scope of the research study, in effect, "fencing it in"

3 types of research questions

Descriptive questions Difference questions Relationship questions

Sections of a journal article (8)

Title, abstract, introduction, method, results, conclusion, discussion, references

Correlation

Type of research that seeks to investigate the extent of the relationship between 2 or more variables, non-experimental in nature

Variable

a characteristic, trait, or attribute of a person or thing that can take on more than one value and can be classified or measured

Action research

a distinct type of applied, practical research often seen in education in which the focus is on local needs, problems, or issues. Methods, techniques, and practices are tried out which may promise better results and provide the basis for improved decisions

independent variable

experimental or treatment variable in study, purposefully manipulated or selected by researcher to determine its effect on some observed phenomenon

Historical research

non experimental, qualitative and descriptive in nature, yet relationships can be explored and hypotheses testes in certain types of well-designed studies

scope of study

parameters of study (who's involved, environment)

qualitative research

research based upon nonnumerical data obtained in natural settings through extensive observations and interviews whose primary aim is the interpretation of phenomena and the discovery of meaning.

quantitative research

research involving the collection of numerical data in order to describe phenomena, investigate relationships between variables, and explore cause-and-effect relationships of phenomena interest.

Descriptive research

research that attempts to systematically describe specific characteristics or conditions related to a subject group, observational techniques used

Causal-comparative research

research that seeks to investigate cause-and-effect relationships that explain differences that already exist in groups or individuals. Independent variable is not manipulated by researcher

Applied research

research whose primary aim is toward the solution of practical problems, yet seeks to make inferences beyond the study setting.

research

systematic attempt to find solutions to a problem or to answer a question

Basic research

the discovery of new knowledge through theory development of evaluation. Can take years before the results find practical utility. Research done in highly controlled experimental settings, often using animals, variables are manipulated by researched in order to test causal relationships

Internal Validity

the validity of the finding within or internal to the research study

12-step research process

1. Identify research question 2. initial review of literature 3. distilling the question to a specific research problem 4. continued review of literature 5. formulation of hypothesis 6. determining the basic research approach 7. identifying the population and sample 8. designing data collection plan 9. selecting or developing specific data collection instruments or procedures 10. choosing the method of data analysis 11. implementing the research plan 12. interpreting results

a

11. A researcher wishes to determine the effects of an outdoor adventure summer camp on the self-concept of inner-city boys. Boys are randomly assigned to the summer camp and to a control situation. The experimental treatment is for three months. A secondary purpose is to see if age (ages 6, 9, and 12) affects the relationship of the camp effects and self-concept. The dependent variable is a. self-concept b. three months c. adventure summer camp d. age level

Characteristics of research

Empirical - based on observations and experimentation on theories. Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure. Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept constant. Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their interpretation Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical measures and are treated statistically

d

12. The researcher's statement that "the boys in the adventure program will make significantly greater gains in self-concept than the boys in the control group" is an example of a(n) a. limitation b. operational definition c. basic assumption d. research hypothesis

c

3. Compared to applied research, basic research ***** a. is of more immediate value to the practitioner b. is done in the "real world," such as the classroom c. usually offers more control, such as in a laboratory d. questions cannot be easily answered

d

4. The only type of research that can manipulate treatments and establish a cause and effect is a. descriptive research b. analytical research c. correlational research d. experimental research

b

5. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) references to journal articles should include a. author, date, article title, journal name, city of publication, publisher's name b. author, date, article title, journal name, volume, inclusive pages, doi c. author, date, article title, journal name, publisher's name, inclusive pages d. author, date, article title, journal name, issue, inclusive pages

c

6. With regard only to capitalization in APA style, which of these references is/are correct? a. (Book) Plagenhoef, S. C. Patterns of human motion. b. (Journal) Cassell, J. Ethical patterns in fieldwork. American Educational Research Journal. c. (Journal) Miller, S. I. Defining Educational Policy Studies as a Field. Educational Studies. d. a and b

c

7. The primary sources of a literature review are a. the most current indexes b. encyclopedia summaries c. research journal articles d. recent textbooks

b

8. The abstract of a study should a. dwell primarily on the theoretical bases for the study b. be a concise summary of the study c. be a lengthy summary of the study d. be mysterious to stimulate the reader to read the entire study

a

9. Recognizing that grade point average may not completely reflect success in school is an example of a a. limitation b. research hypothesis c. null hypothesis d. basic assumption

Limitations

Aspects that investigator cannot control, represents weaknesses to the study and the may negatively affect results