Topic: Introduction to Research Methods

HOMEWORK THREE

Isabel Cabrera

6300.61 Foundations of Research Education

Dr. Alberto Jose Herrera

University of Texas at Brownsville

February 5, 2012

Topic 8: Operational Definitions of Variables

Which type of definition indicates physical steps?

An operational definition redefines the variable in terms of physical steps. It is more precise and narrowed down.

In practice, are operational definitions ever fully operationalized?

No, because there are an infinite number of physical characteristics that might affect or influence the definition such as the temperature in the room, the lighting, the color of the walls, so on and so forth.

Which of the following definitions of gregarious is more operational?

A. Talking on the phone with friends for at least two hours a week.

B. Being open and friendly when in social gatherings with others.

I choose definition A, because it is more detailed and specific that it provides a more operational definition. Being open and friendly could have a different meaning or definition to different people. A social butterfly versus someone who just says hi to everyone as they walk in, both are being in social but one is more engaged in conversation and make meaningful relationships.

Which of the following definitions of being computer literate is more operational?

A. Having taken at least two formal courses of instruction on the use of computers in an accredited school.

B. Having knowledge of the origins and uses of computers in modern society and their implications.

I choose definition A because it redefines the variable in terms of specificity. It describes in more detail what is considered computer literate due to the formal training this individual had versus the one that learned on his/her own.

Which of the following definitions of administering nonverbal praise (in an experiment) is more operational?

Using various positive gestures involving various body parts without speaking.

Nodding the head slightly in and up-down direction while smiling lightlywith the lips closed.

This is a tough one, but I think I am going to go with definition A, because the definition is not quite that narrow as in definition B. In definition B, it could be misleading or confusing because they are smiling lightly and may not be sure if they are really being praised as in definition A, the body language speaks volumes.

To replicate the research of others, do researchers need “operational” or “conceptual” definitions?

Researchers need operational definitions where as other scientists could replicate the study and find similar conclusions or findings. This study could be found to be valid because there is consistency and reliability in the results.

Is it possible for a definition to be highly operational, yet inadequate in other respects?

Yes, the definition could be highly operational yet inadequate in other respects because the definition could be quite too narrow as in the example provided with positive self-esteem.

Topic 9: Quantitative Versus Qualitative Research: I

Do “qualitative” or “quantitative” researchers tend to rely more on published research literature in planning research?

Quantitative researchers use literature as the basis for planning research.

Which method of research relies on the inductive approach?

Qualitative research will tend to use the inductive approach to planning the research. The researcher will begin to make observations and ask around what is happening to find preliminary answers to be used on the basis for planning the research.

Which method of research is more likely to lead to a statistical report of results?

The quantitative research is presented in quantities or numbers for example, statistics. Quantitative researchers prefer those that produce data that can be easily reduced to numbers using questionnaires or multiple-choice questions.

In which method of research would a researcher be more likely to make adjustments to the interview questions during the course of a research project?

Qualitative researchers prefer unstructured interviews or direct, unstructured observations to lead them to their preliminary findings versus quantitative research that prefers more formal types of instruments.

Which method of research tends to have smaller samples?

Qualitative research tends to use smaller samples because they want to use informed judgment in selecting participants.

Do “qualitative” or “quantitative” researchers prefer random sampling?

Quantitative researchers prefer random sampling in which all participants have an equal chance of being selected.

There are more likely to be quotations from participants in the Results sections of reports in which type of research?

Qualitative researchers tend to cite individuals’ responses by quoting individual participants.

In which type of research do researchers have more interest in generalizing the results to populations?

Quantitative researchers tend to generalize the results to one or more populations.

Topic 10: Quantitative Versus Qualitative Research: II

Which of the following lends itself more to quantitative research?

B. How do school attendance and grades earned in school differ between adolescents who use illicit drugs and those who do not use them? This question lends itself to numbers such as days of attendance or grades.

Which of the following lends itself to more qualitative research?

A. What are the differences between the social interactions of students at commuter colleges and students who live on campus? Qualitative lends itself more to the emotional aspect.

Suppose a researcher wants to conduct research on members of a secretive fraternity. According to the information in this topic, which type of researcher is more likely to be successful in conducting the research?

Qualitative research would be in favor to break down barriers to seek answers and requires considerable time to conduct informal interviews.

If little is known about a new topic, which type of research is recommended for initial use?

When little is known about a topic, qualitative research is usually preferred. Researchers can start out with broad questions and as they go through narrow the questions because it is informal.

For which type of research must participants usually be available for extensive interactions with researchers?

Qualitative researchers spend extensive time for interviews and are more likely to be successful in their research. The time spent is worthwhile.

Which type of research is more suitable for getting a quick snapshot of a problem?

The quantitative research can be used to provide quick, inexpensive snapshots of narrow aspects or research problems. It does not require extensive time.

Topic 11: Program Evaluation

Is “program evaluation” or “experimental research” almost always applied research?

Program evaluation is almost always applied research for example to decide whether to continue funding of a program or to modify it.

Is a needs assessment associated with “experimental research” or with “program evaluation”?

Program evaluations sometimes uses a needs assessment to determine whether the program is meeting the needs of the targeted population or whether changes need to be made in order to proceed with funding.

Is it acceptable to modify the treatments (programs) during the course of a program evaluation?

Yes, programs are subject to change during the course of the evaluation. Improvements can be made so the program can be successful and meet the needs of the participants.

Suppose that in a program evaluation, an evaluator asks, “How many children were reading at grade level by the end of the program?” Is this question relevant to “formative” or to “summative” evaluation?

It would be a summative evaluation because it is taking place at the end of the program to determine whether the students were reading at grade level.

Suppose that in a program evaluation, an evaluator asks, “ Are the clients in the job-placement program writing better resumes?” Is this question relevant to “formative’ or to “summative” evaluation?

It is more of a formative evaluation because they are evaluating the clients’ resumes during the job-placement program.

Suppose that in a program evaluation, an evaluator asks, “Were key program personnel hired on time?” Is this question relevant to “formative” or to “summative” evaluation?

I think it is summative because the personnel have already been hired. They are asking for future and recommendations for improving the program’s implementation.

When a researcher looks at the process of implementation of a program, is the researcher conducting “formative” or summative” evaluation?

The researcher is using formative evaluation because it is during the implementation of the program.

Is examining program participant’ progress toward attaining the ultimate goals of the program part of “formative” or “summative” evaluation?

The formative evaluation involves collecting information on the progress toward the ultimate goals.

Is the attainment by participants of the final goals of a program a topic for “formative” or for “summative” evaluation?

The summative evaluation provides the extent to which clients reached the ultimate program goals.

Topic 12: Ethical Considerations in Research

Should researchers take steps to prevent psychological harm as well as physical harm to participants?

Yes, participants must be protected from both physical and psychological harm especially when using new treatments or measuring tools.

Should participants be told that they are free to withdraw from a study at any time without penalty?

Yes, the researcher should have informed consent before the study takes place so that the participant willingly agrees to be in the study. He/she should be informed what the study is for and the purpose so that he/she is on board with the research.

Under the principle of informed consent, is it acceptable to hide the general purpose of a study from the participants?

No, information should not be hidden for the general purpose of the study from participants because you are violating the patient or client’s rights.

Should informed consent be in writing?

Yes, because you are conducting a research and we cannot predict whether there will be potential problems in the future and to protect yourself legally just in case there is physical harm or psychological harm unintended.

Is debriefingdone “before” or “after” a study is conducted?

Debriefing occurs after their participation in a study.

What does debriefing cover?

Debriefing covers the purpose of the study and the procedures used and offering to share the results with the participants when the results become available.

Should information about participants be kept confidential even if the participants freely provide it to researchers?

Yes, researchers have an obligation not to disclose the information to others unless it is through the use of statistics, but again their identities must be disguised or hidden.

Topic 13: The Role of Theory in Research

How is a theory defined in this topic?

A theory is a unified explanation for discrete observations that might otherwise be viewed as unrelated or contradictory.

Do researchers use “induction” or deduction” to derive a hypothesis from a theory?

Researchers use deduction to derive a hypothesis from a theory.

What are the two major functions of research mentioned in this topic?

One of the major functions of research is to test hypotheses derived from an existing theory. Another major function of research is to provide their observation and conclusions.

If a hypothesis derived from a theory is not confirmed, what implications does this have for the theory?

The theory may be questioned or may be considered for reformulating it to account for discrepancy.

Is grounded theory based on “induction” or on “deduction”?

Grounded theory is based on induction because it is usually developed during eh process of making observations and it is regularly revised as new observation warrant.

Is the use of grounded theory more likely to be associated with “qualitative” or with”quantitative” research?

Grounded theory is more likely to be associated with qualitative research because it may use informal instruments such as observations and may warrant changes along the way.