lecture 2

Question 1

the research process

Answer 1

1. Find a research idea
2. Form a hypothesis
3. Measurement
4. Participant selection
5. Research strategies
6. Research designs
7. Lab
8. Statistics
9. Report the results
10. Refine ideas

Question 2

the scientific method is

Answer 2

1. Empirical: based on observation
2. Public: should be published (journals)
3. Iterative: it’s a cycle, keeping asking questions (never stops)
4. Objective:

Question 3

quantitative research

Answer 3

• conceptual basis: understanding facts
• data collection: measuring
• data analysis: statistical

Question 4

qualitative research

Answer 4

• conceptual basis: understanding from researcher’s perspective
• data collection: observation/interview
• data analysis: descriptive/thematic

Question 5

pros and cons of quantitative research

Answer 5

pros: test specific hypothesis (easy to compare), generalizable, objective
cons: miss details/depth

Question 6

pros and cons of qualitative research

Answer 6

pros: exploratory research, deeper understanding (more research)
cons: subjective (small group), time consuming

Question 7

sources of ideas for research

Answer 7

Personal interest: ex) video games
Observation: ex) a personal observation that gives you an idea
Reading: reading gives you an idea
Problem solving: ex) cyber bullying-how to stop it

Question 8

sections of an APA research paper

Answer 8

1. Abstract: summary of the article
2. Introduction: summary of literature, hypothesis & prediction
3. Method: participants, materials, procedure
4. Results: statistics, graphs/charts/tables
5. Discussion: hypothesis supported? Alternative explanations/limitations
6. References: sources of info authors used

Question 9

primary vs secondary sources

Answer 9

• ask yourself: is the info first-hand or second hand?
• whenever possible, use primary sources
  ex) primary: document (constitution), research article (own info)
  ex) secondary: movie review, news report