Chapter 2 Formulating Research Questions Flashcards Preview

Research Methods For Social Workers > Chapter 2 Formulating Research Questions > Flashcards

Flashcards in Chapter 2 Formulating Research Questions Deck (10)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Suppose Di is studying the factors that contribute to getting good grades in her research class. She wants to know whether her biological factors are a greater contributor to obtaining her grades than her excellent study habits. Would you be able to describe which type of research question is Amy using?

A

This would be a type of explanatory study as she wants to see if biological factors explain her grades more than study habits.
Explanatory, Quantitative

2
Q

You are formulating a research question about whether ethnic minorities have a more difficult time accessing social services than members of the ethnic majority. From this scenario, would you be able to formulate a solid research question?

A

In order to better formulate your research question, you should conduct a lit review
to find relevant articles pertaining to ethnic minorities and their use of social services to decide where your research question should be on the continuum of knowledge.

3
Q

Josephine is planning to perform a research study on the difference between the level of social skills among children who have divorced parents and those whose parents are still married. The purpose of her research study is to develop theory and expand the social work profession’s knowledge base. Would you know the type of research she is doing from the scenario above?

A

Descriptive, Quantitative

4
Q

Robert wants to write a research proposal. The subject he is interested in does not have a lot of preexisting knowledge surrounding it. Thus, he will be asking basic questions to research participants. What kind of research approach will he likely be taking?

A

Qualitative

Exploratory

5
Q

Mary has decided that she would like to conduct a research study on which Presidential candidate people plan to vote for in the next election. She then wants to compare the polls to determine the outcome. Using the knowledge-level continuum, can you determine her research study? For example, would it be explanatory, using a qualitative approach? Exploratory using both approaches? Etc.

A

Descriptive using quantitative

6
Q

What kind of studies does the list below describe?
• Become familiar with the basic facts, people, and concerns involved.
• Develop a well-grounded mental picture of what is occurring.
• Generate many ideas and develop tentative theories and conjectures.
• Determine the feasibility of doing additional research.
• Formulate questions and refine issues for more systematic inquiry.
• Develop techniques and a sense of direction for future research.

A

Exploratory

7
Q

Same question as above…..
• Provide an accurate profile of a group.
• Describe a process, mechanism, or relationship.
• Give a verbal or numerical picture (e.g., percentages).
• Find information to stimulate new explanations.
• Create a set of categories or classify types.
• Clarify a sequence, set of stages, or steps.
• Document information that confirms or contradicts prior beliefs about a subject.

A

Descriptive

8
Q

Same question as above….
• Determine the accuracy of a principle or theory.
• Find out which competing explanation is better.
• Link different issues or topics under a common general statement.
• Build and elaborate a theory so it becomes more complete.
• Extend a theory or principle into new areas or issues.
• Provide evidence to support or refute an explanation.

A

Explanatory

9
Q

What factors should you consider when evaluating a good research question?

A

Relevant, Researchable, Feasible, Ethical/Culturally Sensitive

10
Q

The literature review can have a variety of purposes. Do you know them?

A

Help identify a suitable topic
Help identify relevant literature for your study
Help understand the issues involved
Help inform your own ideas