Data and Methodology/Choosing Methods

Data and methodology are considered to be

• inextricably intertwined

• mutually exclusive

• entirely separate considerations in research

• only somewhat related

Quantitative methodology differs from qualitative methodology in several ways. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of quantitative methodologies?

• Small samples are usually studied to derive meaning from an observed phenomenon

• Data are readily reduced to means, medians, correlations, and other summarizing statistics

• The research plan and analysis tend to rely heavily on deductive reasoning

• Methods allow the researchers to objectively measure the variables of interest

Which of the following is NOT an important consideration when deciding whether to use a qualitative methodology?

• The time it will take to conduct a mathematical analysis of the data

• The audience for the study

• The extensiveness of the related literature

• The nature of the research question

Which of the following would NOT be an approach typically employed by qualitative researchers for reporting research findings?

• Photographs

• Interpretive narratives

• Stories

• Graphs and charts

When researchers combine qualitative and quantitative methods, the research is referred to as

• mixed-methods research

• qualquant

• applied research

• quantqual

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the validity of a research project?

• The ease of completing the project

• The accuracy of the project

• The meaningfulness of the project

• The credibility of the project

Terms such as "credibility," "trustworthiness," and "confirmability" are often used in place of the concept of

• validity within a qualitative study

• validity within a quantitative study

• internal validity within experimental research

• external validity within applied research

Which of the following is a way that qualitative researchers enhance the credibility of a study?

• Collect multiple forms of data

• Replicate the study

• Discard outliers

• Control the setting

Dr. Davenport wants to conduct a study of whether high-school students learn more efficiently while seated at a desk compared to in an easy chair.  She knows there is a large research literature regarding similar influences on learning, and she wants to see if the findings hold true with a group of high school history students.  Moreover, as a researcher she is uneasy with a lack of structure.  You recommend that Dr. Davenport conduct a ________ study.

• quantitative

• qualitative

Dr. Greenhill wants to know how it is that some early adolescents come to make a connection between their personal lifestyle and environmental problems, while others don't.  Furthermore, among those who see the connection, why do some become committed to environmentalism while others do not?  Dr. Greenwald looks forward to probing the thoughts of young teens on these issues and trying to see the questions and issues through "14-year-old eyes."  You recommend that Dr. Greenhill conduct a ________ study.

• quantitative

• qualitative