3Is second discussion Part 1

Summary

This video provides an in-depth guide to conducting mixed-method research, focusing on essential concepts such as purpose statements, research questions, hypotheses, and objectives. It explains key research terms, including variables like independent, dependent, control, treatment, and moderating variables, with relatable examples. The video offers insights into crafting effective research designs, formulating questions based on study goals, and understanding how variables influence outcomes. Aimed at helping students grasp the fundamentals of research methodology, it is a comprehensive overview for preparing for related exams.

Takeaways

• 😀 A research purpose statement is a declarative statement that explains the reason for conducting the study and helps guide the research.
• 😀 Research questions are written in an interrogative form and focus on the specific inquiries the study aims to answer based on the research design.
• 😀 A research hypothesis is an educated guess grounded in previous studies, predicting the relationship between variables in the study.
• 😀 Research objectives are specific goals outlined in a declarative form and begin with infinitives like 'to investigate,' 'to determine,' or 'to identify.'
• 😀 The purpose statement, research questions, hypothesis, and objectives are key elements to define the intent of a study.
• 😀 Variables in research are measurable characteristics or attributes that can differ among individuals or groups.
• 😀 Independent variables are those that influence or cause a change in the dependent variable and are referred to as the *causing* variables.
• 😀 Dependent variables are affected by the independent variable and represent the *effect* or outcome of the study.
• 😀 Control variables are factors naturally present in respondents that are not included in the study but must be managed to avoid affecting the results.
• 😀 Moderating variables are naturally present in respondents and can combine with other variables to influence the dependent variable.
• 😀 Treatment variables are not naturally part of the respondents but are introduced into the study to examine their potential effect on the dependent variable.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the purpose statement in research?

The purpose statement in research is written in a declarative form and outlines the focus and direction of the study. It explains why the research is being conducted and what the study aims to achieve.

How do research questions differ from research objectives?

Research questions are written in an interrogative form and seek to identify specific aspects to be explored in the study. Research objectives, on the other hand, are written in a declarative form, typically starting with an infinitive (e.g., to investigate, to determine), and specify the goals the researcher intends to achieve.

What is the role of a research hypothesis?

The research hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between variables, often based on previous studies. It suggests a potential outcome or relationship that the study aims to test.

What types of variables are commonly used in research?

In research, the most common types of variables are: independent variables (cause), dependent variables (effect), control variables (to be managed), treatment variables (introduced to test an effect), and moderating variables (secondary variables that affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variables).

What is an independent variable, and how does it influence the research study?

An independent variable is a characteristic or attribute that is manipulated or observed to see its effect on the dependent variable. It is considered the 'cause' in a cause-and-effect relationship within the research study.

Can you explain the difference between dependent and independent variables with an example?

The independent variable influences or causes a change in the dependent variable. For example, in a study on reading comprehension, the independent variable could be 'reading intervention,' while the dependent variable could be 'students' reading comprehension level,' as it is affected by the intervention.

What is a control variable, and why is it important to manage it in a study?

A control variable is a factor that naturally exists in the study population but is not the focus of the research. It must be managed because it could potentially alter the study's results. For example, student intelligence levels may influence reading comprehension, so it should be controlled for to ensure the study's outcome reflects only the intended variable.

What is the role of a treatment variable in research?

A treatment variable is an external factor or intervention introduced to the study to observe its effect on the dependent variable. It is not naturally present in the respondents but is applied to see if it causes any change in the outcome being studied.

What is the difference between a moderating variable and an independent variable?

A moderating variable is a special type of independent variable that interacts with another independent variable to influence the dependent variable. It is of secondary interest and combines with other factors to affect the outcome, whereas an independent variable is the primary factor being studied for its effect on the dependent variable.

How would you define a research objective in the context of mixed-method research?

A research objective is a statement that clearly specifies the goals the researcher intends to achieve in the study. It is written in a declarative form, often beginning with an infinitive, and outlines the specific tasks or aims the researcher plans to accomplish after conducting the research.