Quantitative Methods of Data Collection Flashcards
Survey Research
The collection of information from a sample of individuals through their responses to questions.
Objectives: Large amounts of data, gather data quickly, get details about a big population, describe the characteristics of a population or of a phenomenon, and investigate the opinions and behaviours of a population.
Types of Survey Research Questions
Quantitative, close-ended questions, predetermined questions (printed or online format), self reported information.
Cross-Sectional vs Longitudinal Surveys
Cross-Sectional: Surveys that are administered at one point in time.
Longitudinal: Surveys that allow a researcher to make observations over an extended period of time.
Characteristics of Good Survey Research Questions
- Clear and obvious; one idea per question.
- Appropriate wording.
- Minimize wording; as neutral as possible and social desirability.
- Obtain feedback/pre-test the question.
Characteristics of Good Response Options
- Generally one possible answer.
- Generally close-ended; mutually exclusive.
- Examples: Yes/no questions, level of agreement (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree)
Experimental Research
A powerful tool used for understanding cause and effect relationships.
Allows to manipulate variables and observe the effects.
Dependent vs Independent Variables
Dependent (outcome): A variable that depends on other factors.
Independent (factor): A variable that stands alone and isn’t changed by other variables.
Control vs Experimental Groups
Control: The group of participants who don’t receive the variable being tested.
Experimental: The group of participants who do receive the variable being tested.
Within-Subjects vs Between-Subjects Design
Within: The same person tests all of the conditions
Between: Different people test each condition, so that each person is only exposed to a single condition.
Conditions for Both: Experimental and Control
Quasi-Experimental Research
Studies that aim to evaluate interventions, but that do not use randomization.
Non-Experimental vs Experimental Designs
Non-Experimental: Do not have any manipulations or control of any variables. Relies on descriptive, observational, or correlation data.
Experimental: Researcher must manipulate a variable in order to determine its effects on a control group.
Correlation Research
Investigates relationships between two or more variables without the researcher controlling any of them.
Allows To… Discover relationships between multiple variables, develop theories, develop hypotheses, establish reliability and validity of measurement tools.
Wording of Correlation Approaches
“Effect’ vs “Relationship”
Positive Correlation
Both variables change in the same direction.
Negative Correlation
One variable increases and the other decreases, vice versa.
