Chapter 4

Question 1

After indentifying a general research topic, what does the researcher need to do?

Answer 1

The researcher needs to develop a specific research goal and a workable research plan.

Question 2

The choice about how data will be gathered should be made:

Answer 2

Early on in the research process

Question 3

What are the 3 types of data collection studies?

Answer 3

1) Primary study
2) Secondary study
3) Tertiary study

Question 4

What is a primary study?

Answer 4

New data will be collected from individuals (Collect and analyze new data)

Question 5

What is a secondary study?

Answer 5

An existing data set (or data extracted from existing records) will be statistically analyzed. (Analyze existing data)

Question 6

What is a tertiary study?

Answer 6

The existing literature will be reviewed. (Review and synthesize the literature)

Question 7

Give 1 pro and 1 con to collecting new data (primary study).

Answer 7

Pro: The researcher has greater freedom in selecting study topic.

Con: The researcher may struggle to recruit adequate numbers of participants.

Question 8

What should the researcher be prepared to do if choosing to analyze existing data (secondary study)?

Answer 8

They must be prepared to identify a valid and pertinent source of data and select a study question based on the available data content.

Question 9

What should the researcher be prepared to do if choosing to synthesize current knowledge by conducting a literature review?

Answer 9

The researcher should be prepared to track down the full text of all relevant articles and consider the costs involved.

Question 10

Many research projects benefit from the development of what?

Answer 10

A conceptual model that will inform the design, implementation, and interpretation of the study.

Question 11

How is a conceptual framework done?

Answer 11

It’s often sketched out using boxes and arrows that illustrate the various relationships that will be evaluated during the study.

Question 12

What can inform the components and flows of the conceptual framework for a new research study?

Answer 12

A variety of established theoretical frameworks that are based on extensive reviews of the published literature.

Question 13

The literature review and consideration of a study approach should lead to ___.

Answer 13

The selection of one very specific study topic that can be stated in terms of a single overarching study goal or study question.

Question 14

A study goal often includes:

Answer 14

The specific exposure, disease, and population that will be the focus of the study.

Question 15

After finalizing the overarching study goal, the research should identify three or more ___.

Answer 15

Specific objectives, specific aims, or hypotheses that stem from the main study goal.

Question 16

Each of the specific objectives should:

Answer 16

1) Take the form of a measurable question or a “to” statement that uses action verbs.
2) Represent a logical step towards answering the main study question.

Question 17

Most published scientific papers list the study goal and objectives in the ___.

Answer 17

Last paragraph of the introduction section.

Question 18

What are often helpful resources when refining the research objectives of the new study?

Answer 18

The specific aims of already published papers related to the topic.

Question 19

What is one consideration to take when narrowing the focus and clarifying the aims of a new research project?

Answer 19

The likelihood that the project can actually be successfully completed.

Question 20

A good research project is:

Answer 20

FINER:
Feasible
Interesting
Novel
Ethical
Relevant

Question 21

Questions essential to the success of the project should cover which areas?

Answer 21

1) Purpose and significance
2) Scope and feasibility
3) Capacity and collaborators
4) Money and materials
5) Time
6) Population or data
7) Ethics
8) Target audience