FAU Research Methods — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Florida Atlantic University, what is the purpose of a literature review in research methods?
- To survey existing research and identify gaps that the current study addresses (Correct answer)
- To copy findings from other researchers
- To list all publications by a single author
- To determine the budget for the study
Correct answer: To survey existing research and identify gaps that the current study addresses
A literature review surveys and synthesizes existing research on a topic, establishing what is already known, identifying gaps or inconsistencies, and providing context and justification for the current study.
Question 2: What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research in Florida Atlantic University?
- Qualitative explores experiences and meanings; quantitative measures and counts numerical data (Correct answer)
- Qualitative is always more rigorous than quantitative
- Quantitative cannot be used in social sciences
- There is no meaningful difference between them
Correct answer: Qualitative explores experiences and meanings; quantitative measures and counts numerical data
Qualitative research explores experiences, perceptions, and meanings through methods like interviews and observation. Quantitative research measures variables numerically through surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis.
Question 3: In Florida Atlantic University, what does "statistical significance" mean?
- The result is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone (typically p < 0.05) (Correct answer)
- The result is practically important in real-world terms
- The study used a large sample size
- The findings confirm the researcher's hypothesis
Correct answer: The result is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone (typically p < 0.05)
Statistical significance indicates that an observed result is unlikely to have occurred by random chance, typically when the p-value is less than 0.05 (5% probability of occurring by chance).
Question 4: What is a "control group" in Florida Atlantic University research?
- A group that does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a baseline comparison (Correct answer)
- The group that receives the experimental treatment
- A group of researchers overseeing the study
- The largest group in any experiment
Correct answer: A group that does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a baseline comparison
The control group does not receive the experimental treatment or intervention, providing a baseline against which the experimental group's results can be compared to determine the effect of the treatment.
Question 5: In Florida Atlantic University, what is sampling bias?
- A systematic error where some members of a population are more likely to be selected than others (Correct answer)
- Selecting a perfectly representative sample
- Using the largest possible sample size
- Randomly selecting participants from the entire population
Correct answer: A systematic error where some members of a population are more likely to be selected than others
Sampling bias occurs when the method of selecting participants systematically favors certain characteristics over others, resulting in a sample that does not accurately represent the target population.
Question 6: What is the purpose of peer review in Florida Atlantic University research methods?
- To have qualified experts evaluate research quality before publication (Correct answer)
- To allow friends to proofread for spelling errors
- To speed up the publication process
- To guarantee that all research is approved
Correct answer: To have qualified experts evaluate research quality before publication
Peer review involves independent evaluation of research by qualified experts in the field, assessing methodology, validity, significance, and contribution to knowledge before publication.
