If the test of difference is significant, the research hypothesis is accepted.
Statistical tests for relationship are limited to two variables.
Likert-type scale response choices must be balanced at the ends of the response
continuum.
The smaller the sample, the greater the proportion of participants needed for the sample.
A negatively skewed curve represents a distribution in which there are very few scores
on the right side of the distribution.
To compute the median, the data must be arranged in order from lowest to highest
score.
The quantity of data collected in a qualitative research project makes it difficult to find
a coherent and meaningful representation.
The qualitative written research report has the same sections as the quantitative written
research report.
Anything that the researcher can observe or capture can count as data in a qualitative
study.
Researchers should rely on the one or two methods they know to answer any and all
research questions and hypotheses.
Calculating and identifying an acceptable level of intercoder reliability is fairly
straightforward.
The deductive research model moves from a known or assumed position to the
particulars of a specific case.
Quantitative research generally relies on inductive reasoning.
Measurements must be both valid and reliable.
Content analysis is especially fruitful when researchers content analyze texts or
messages without first specifying hypotheses or research questions.
Most authors of qualitative research reports will find that they have too much data
rather than not enough.
Although the null hypothesis is subjected to the statistical test, the researcher presents
the research or alternative hypothesis as the basis of the study.
In a classical experiment, the researcher:
A.controls the treatment of manipulation of the independent variable.
B.relies on natural variation in the independent variable.
C.tests only one value of the independent variable.
D.ignores the independent variable.
E.ignores the dependent variable.
Closed questions are most effectively used when:
A.the question asks for sensitive information.
B.the potential responses are known in advance.
C.the researcher needs to include an abbreviation in the question.
D.the question asks about something that is relatively new or unique.
E.multiple responses are required for the participant to fully answer the question.
In content coding, unit of analysis refers to:
A.the discrete thing that is coded and counted.
B.the standard or uniform unit that allows comparisons among categories.
C.the length of the unit.
D.the value of the unit.
E.a and b.
Analyzing qualitative data:
A.begins only after all of the observations are completed.
B.is accomplished by reading through the field notes several times.
C.is best done by focusing on one element at a time.
D.takes half as much time as collecting the data.
E.begins by focusing on points on which all interactants agree.
In the results section, the minimum information needed to be presented for each
hypothesis or questions is:
A.statistical test used.
B.statistical test used and the results of the test.
C.the significance level of the test.
D.statistical test used, the results of the test, the significance level of the test, and a
written description of the statistical test as support for or rejection of the hypothesis, or
connecting the result of the statistical test to the answering of the research question.
Communication research from the social science perspective
A.is the discovery of answers to questions through the application of scientific and
systematic procedures.
B.uses quantitative and qualitative methods.
C.is based on the assumption that research can uncover patterns.
D.is empirical.
E.all of the above.
Categories used in content analysis can be derived from theory or previous research, or
can emerge from the data.
A threat to validity or reliability is:
A.any data-related problem that could lead you to draw a false conclusion from the
data.
B.not really an issue if you’re not going to publish your research.
C.generated by research participants only.
D.generated by researchers only.
E.generated only when participants drop out of a study that collects data over a long
period of time.
Match the following terms and descriptions of non-researcher roles in qualitative
methodologies
1)Someone within the group who can validate and legitimize your presence.
2)The person who seems to be more central to the interaction than others.
3)Person who has the authority to allow you access.
A. Sponsor
B. Key informant
C. Gatekeeper
Match the following terms and descriptions:
1)Number of sources from which data were collected.
2)Describes the spread of scores
3)Describe how the majority of participants responded.
A. Number of cases
B. Measures of dispersion
C. Measures of central tendency
Ideally, participants in a focus group should:
A.have homogeneous backgrounds, but dissimilar attitudes and perspectives.
B.have different backgrounds, but similar attitudes and perspectives.
C.be selected without any prescreening.
D.know the focus group moderator.
E.be given the focus group outline before the session.
The mean:
A.is the most commonly reported measure of central tendency.
B.is the most sensitive to extremely high or low scores.
C.depends upon each and every score.
D.is also known as the average.
E.all of the above.
The results and discussion section of a qualitative research report includes:
A.all of the data the researcher collected.
B.one quote for each claim the researcher is making.
C.more description than analysis.
D.more analysis than description.
E.a balance between description and analysis.
An open question:
A.is the same as an essay question.
B.provides data from the respondent’s point of view.
C.provides data from the researcher’s point of view.
D.can create responses that are not comparable.
E.b and d.
Match the following descriptions with the terms:
1) The variable that is manipulated
2) Also known as the antecedent or predictor variable
3) Also known as the criterion variable
4) Is the cause of change in the other variable
5) May vary naturally without researcher manipulation
6) Is changed or influenced by another variable
7) The variable the research is trying to explain
A. Dependent variable
B. independent variable
Interaction analysis codes:
A.communication into categories.
B.the content of ongoing communication between two or more individuals.
C.the verbal or nonverbal features or functions of conversation.
D.communication according to a standardized coding scheme.
E.all of the above.