Use Of Theory And Writing Research Proposals

Question 1

What is a theory?

Answer 1

An explanation of observed patterns or speculation about a relationship
- allow us to generate new knowledge (new research, new knowledge, theories evolve)

Question 2

In quantitative research what are theories used for?

Answer 2

• impose framework on variables
• variables are looked at to answer research questions or test hypotheses generated from theories

Question 3

What is a variable in quantitative research?

Answer 3

Characteristic or attribute that can be measured/observed and varies categorically/along a continuum
IV: manipulated variable; causes/influences outcome
DV: depends on IV; outcome or result

Question 4

What’s the mediating variable?

Answer 4

Stands between/intervenes between IV and DV; explains how/why a relationship exists
-reason for effect (must be caused by IV)
Ex) how stress affects weight

Question 5

What is a moderating variable?

Answer 5

Affects direction and/or strength of IV-DV relationship; explains when a relationship exists
- Contextualizing the effect (cannot be causal result of IV)
Ex) might be relationship between stress and weight but sex explains in (sex is moderating)

Question 6

How is theory framework for your study?

Answer 6

• acts as an organizing model for research questions
• examine hypotheses derived from theory
• data is collected to test hypotheses
• reflect on results, support or refute theory

Question 7

Components of research proposals?

Answer 7

• intro with lit review and purpose statement
• proposed methods (participants, design, procedure, materials)
• proposed data analysis (how will you analyze)
• appendices (questionnaires, consent forms)

Question 8

What should the introduction do?

Answer 8

• create interest in your topic (draw reader in, narrative hook)
• establish problem needed to be researched
• situate the study in the larger pool of literature (background info)
• statement that identifies purpose or intent

Question 9

What is a literature review?

Answer 9

Synopsis of what researchers know based on studies that have already been done on similar, relevant topics

Question 10

What is the lit review important for identifying?

Answer 10

• research topic
• research problem(s)
• purpose statement
• variables and concepts of interest
• hypotheses and research questions

Question 11

Why do a lit review?

Answer 11

• find related literature on chosen topic of interest (explain what is already known)
• situated your study in the literature
• establish importance of your study

Question 12

What is a primary source?

Answer 12

First hand source of data
- e.g., journal articles, conference proceedings, dissertations
- considered gold standard

Question 13

What are secondary sources?

Answer 13

• author evaluated and summarizes previous research
• textbooks, encyclopedias, review articles