Midterm (Weeks 1-5)

Question 1

methods

Answer 1

the specific tools that will be used while researching

Question 2

methodology

Answer 2

the overall strategy that guides the way research will produce knowledge

Question 3

probabilistic

Answer 3

a influences the probability of b (makes it more likely)

Question 4

deterministic

Answer 4

a will determine the outcome of b 100% of the time

Question 5

ontology

Answer 5

the study of reality. What is there to know?

Question 6

epistemology

Answer 6

the study of knowledge. How do we know what we know?

Question 7

realist ontology

Answer 7

reality exists outside of us

Question 8

relativist ontology

Answer 8

we are part of the reality and there are many realities

Question 9

positivist epistemology

Answer 9

the only way to produce reliable knowledge is to find empirical evidence. Uses scientific methods

Question 10

interpretivist epistemology

Answer 10

researchers need to INTERPRET reality to understand it and gain knowledge. The world is socially constructed

Question 11

Causal claim 1

Answer 11

is there a causal mechanism that connects x to y?

Question 12

Causal claim 2

Answer 12

Can we rule out the possibility of y causing x?

Question 13

Causal claim 3

Answer 13

is there covariation between y and x?

Question 14

Causal claim 4

Answer 14

Have we controlled for all cofounding variables? (Z variables)

Question 15

Non-abstract research question

Answer 15

A very specific question that looks at one instance of why a phenomenon occurred

Question 16

Abstract question

Answer 16

A broad question that could apply to many circumstances across space and time

Question 17

Literature review

Answer 17

Summarizes what has already been researched in a field, building on the “giants”

Question 18

Causality

Answer 18

Cause and effect - x effects y

Question 19

Dependant variable

Answer 19

The effect. The outcome of the independent variable

Question 20

Independent variable

Answer 20

The cause. Effects the outcome of the dependent variable

Question 21

Cross-sectional measure

Answer 21

Measures the variable at the same time point, across all units of observation

Question 22

Time series measure

Answer 22

The variable is measured at different time points, used to observe trends

Question 23

Theory

Answer 23

A well-substantiated explanation for a phenomenon. Tested thoroughly and well-confirmed

Question 24

Hypotheses

Answer 24

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon. Usually tested to some extent and at least a probability

Question 25

A working hypothesis

Answer 25

A provisional explanation for a phenomenon. Usually untested, comes before a hypotheses or theory is formed

Question 26

Deductive approach

Answer 26

When the theory comes before the research

Question 27

Inductive approach

Answer 27

When the theory comes after the research is done

Question 28

Unfalsifiable statement

Answer 28

There is no way of proving whether a statement is true or false because there is no way of gathering evidence

Question 29

Research design

Answer 29

The overall plan for how research will be conducted

Question 30

Cross-sectional design

Answer 30

Multiple observations at one point in time

Question 31

Longitudinal design

Answer 31

observations across different time points

Question 32

Case study design

Answer 32

Analysis of one or more cases

Question 33

Experimental design

Answer 33

when participants are allocated into different testing (focus) groups for research

Question 34

Concept

Answer 34

an abstract notion or idea constructed in the mind. Not directly observable, like job satisfaction or racism

Question 35

Indicator

Answer 35

A directly observable or quantifiable measurement like income or age

Question 36

Measure

Answer 36

Measures the extent or magnitude of a phenomenon