Chapter 5 Developing the Research Plan
Structured alternative scale
Designed to reduce the tendency to provide a socially desirable response
Delphi Technique
Questioning method to obtain a group consensus (each person respond to question and then reviews his/her position)
Reliability
Degree to which a measure is CONSISTENT
Validity
Degree to which interpretations of test scores lead to correct conclusions
Objectivity
Degree to which multiple scores agree on the values of collected measures
Qualitative Research
Describes (what is) qualitatively. Explores existing phenomenon in a natural setting
Descriptive Research
Describes (what is) quantitatively. Explores current conditions
Historical Research
Describes (what was). Helps understand past and present
Experimental Research
Describes (what will be). Seeks casual relationship.
Data collecting Methods (3)
1. Observation (direct and participant) 2. Measurement 3. Questioning
How does the researcher know what instrument to use (4)
1. Review of the literature 2. Experience 3. Appropriateness to current study 4. Ease of administration and scoring
7 Basic steps to develop an instrument
1. Review the literature 2. Develop tentative Instrument 3. Obtain opinions of experts 4. Revise the instrument as needed 5. Pilot test the instrument 6. Further revise the instrument 7. Finalize instrument
Selecting the appropriate method (3 factors to consider)
1. demands on the research participant 2. costs in terms of money, time 3. ability of the researcher to handle the selected technique
Data collecting Instrument
A tool used by researcher to collect data to answer the research question
Instrument Development
This could be a time consuming and challenging task (only undertake if there IS NO EXISTING INSTRUMENT that will suffice)
Structured interview
(close ended) - oral questionnaire - poses question once, no repetition is allowed
Structured Questionnaire
(close ended) - quick and easy - includes questions that can be answered with yes/no
Unstructured Questionnaire
(open ended) - long and time consuming - allows participants to respond in own words
Unstructured Interview
(open ended) - oral questionnaire - usually recorded
Focus group interview
- An interview with a group of people - required a skilled facilitator to guide discussion
Types of Research Hypotheses
- Directional - Non Directional - Null hypothesis
Characteristics of a research hypothesis (5)
1. Clear and simple 2. Based on theory/Research 3. State relationship between >2 variables 4. Are testable 5. Have the capability of being refuted
Measurement (3 qualities)
Almost anything can be measured: Physical Cognitive Affective
An Inventory
An instrument with a list of statements that participants mark yes/no, true/false
Physical Measurement
Body composition, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance..
Rating Scale (3)
Captured one impression or behaviour to a particular concept 1. Numerical Rating scale 2. Verbal Frequency scale 3. Forced Ranking scale
Instrument Revision
If an instrument is found, but its not quite suitable, it may be modified or revised
Common scales (4)
Likert scale Semantic Differential scale Rating scale Structured Alternative scale
Likert scale
Measures the degree to which an individual exhibits a particular attitude, belief or interest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Disagree Agree
A scale
Measures the degree to which the participant values/exhibits a concept
Cognitive Measurement
Memory, executive function, language, attention..
The researcher keeps in mind 3 things
Objectivity Reliability Validity
Affective Measurement
Opinion, attitude, personality, motivation, anxiety..
Semantic differential scale
Participants make judgements based on a list of bipolar adjectives An x is placed along the line Clean__ __ __ __ __ __ __Dirty
Rule of Thumb*
Research which asks Difference or relationship questions should ALWAYS have an hypothesis. Descriptive questions may not need one.
Observation (Direct)
Researcher directly observes research participants (participants know they are being observed)
Null Hypothesis
States that there is NO difference (or no relationship) between variables.
Questioning Techniques (5)
Structure Questionnaire Unstructured Questionnaire Structured Interview Unstructured Interview Focus group interview
Hypotheses
Tentative explanation for the relationship between >2 variables.
Directional hypothesis
The Researcher believes a relationship does exist and it IS STATED DIRECTIONALLY
Observation (participants)
The observer participates in the research setting with participants (spending time in *natural setting)
Non Directional hypothesis
The researcher has no reason to believe a relationship exists in a particular direction. (saying it will affect)
What is the purpose of Research
To increase knowledge, and is the general procedures in investigating a problem