Chapter 3 - Developing Research Ideas

Question 1

Basic Research

Answer 1

Research concerned with describing, predicting, and exploring fundamental principles of a field.

Question 2

Applied Research

Answer 2

Research that has direct relevance for solutions to real-world problems.

Question 3

Laboratory Research

Answer 3

Research that occurs in an environment set by the researcher; allows for greater control over study conditions.

Question 4

Field Research

Answer 4

Research that occurs in the natural environment where the behavior or event occurs.

Question 5

Quantitative Research

Answer 5

Research that uses numbers to describe the data (ex. averages, percentages, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, graphs, and tables).

Question 6

Qualitative Research

Answer 6

Research that involves non-numerical data (ex. case studies, observations, narration of findings).

Question 7

Empirical Questions

Answer 7

Are answerable with quantitative or qualitative data AND have variables that can be precisely (“operationally”) defined.

Question 8

Operational Definitions

Answer 8

Translate abstract concepts into concrete descriptions (how the concept “operates” in the experiment).

–> Allows the researcher to determine the specific technique that’ll be used to observe or quantify the variable.
–> Important for replication.
–> ALL variables in a study must have this.

Question 9

Converging Operations

Answer 9

Means that our confidence in a result INCREASES when experiments with different operational definitions and procedures converge on the same conclusion.

Question 10

Ways to Develop Research Questions

Answer 10

1. Observing behavior
2. Creative thinking
3. Serendipity (accidental discovery)
4. Using other theories
5. Using other research

Question 11

Abstract

Answer 11

Part of research articles that summarizes it at the very beginning.

Question 12

Introduction

Answer 12

Part of research articles that contains theories, cited research, and the research question and/or hypothesis.

Question 13

Methods

Answer 13

Part of research articles that discusses the participants used (demographics), materials/measures, procedure and experimental design, and main variables.

Question 14

Results

Answer 14

Part of research articles that contains data, statistics, findings, tables, figures, etc.

Question 15

Discussion

Answer 15

Part of research articles that summarizes/explains results, talks about any implications for other research or practices, presents strengths and weaknesses, as well as future directions.