Research Design

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

means a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Question 2

Qualitative data

Answer 2

is virtually any type of information that can be observed and recorded that is not numerical in nature and can be in the form of written or verbal communication.

Question 3

Quantitative data

Answer 3

is data that can be quantified and verified, and is amenable to statistical manipulation. Generally comes in the form of numbers and figures.

Question 4

Reliability

Answer 4

means the extent to which a study can be replicated in the same way. You do not need to get the same results but the process should be the same.

Question 5

Validity

Answer 5

means how well a piece of research actually measures what it sets out to, or how well it reflects the reality it claims to represent.

Question 6

Triangulation

Answer 6

means using more than one research method to improve the validity of the study.

Question 7

Correlation

Answer 7

means the relationships between two variables. It could be a positive or negative relationship.

Question 8

Longitudinal Study

Answer 8

means a study that takes place over a long period of time. It can include a number of other research methods.

Question 9

Ethnographies

Answer 9

means the scientific description of peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.

Question 10

Case Study

Answer 10

means a detailed and in-depth study of a single case, involving an event, group, individual, or organization.

Question 11

Pilot Study

Answer 11

is a small scale preliminary study conducted in order to evaluate feasibility of the key steps in a future, full-scale project.

Question 12

The Hypothetico-Deductive Model

Answer 12

Identify the issue or problem you wish to research → Gather background information →Identify an hypothesis or question →Choose a research method and sampling frame → Conduct a pilot study →Conduct your research → Analyse the data collected →Draw conclusions.

Question 13

Factors when choosing a topic

Answer 13

1 The personal interests and values of the researchers themselves 2 Theoretical perspective/ political beliefs. 3 Opportunity / Access to research population 4 Funding 5 Society and what is currently “In Vogue” 6 Ethical Considerations.