Research Design – “a comprehensive plan for data collection in an empirical research project” Three required processes in Research Design: (1) the data collection process (Chapter 5) (2) the instrument development process (3) the sampling process Two primary data collection methods: Positive Method Interpretive Method Theory testing Theory building Deductive approach (theory then data) Inductive approach (data then theory) Largely… Read more »
Measurement of Constructs- When testing a hypothesis, we must measure constructs in a scientific manner. Some constructs are easier to measure like a person’s age, height, eye color. Other constructs might be harder to measure like prejudice, discrimination, problem solving, creativity, systems thinking, etc. This chapter examines the creation of measurements for constructs that are harder to measure. Conceptualization- Conceptualization… Read more »
Scale Reliability & Validity Why must we test scales? To ensure these scales indeed measure the unobservable construct that we wanted to test – (i.e. the scales are “valid”). To ensure they measure the intended construct consistently and precisely (i.e. the scales are “reliable”) Reliability and validity are the yardsticks against which the adequacy of our measurement procedures are evaluated… Read more »
What is a theory? Theories are examples of natural or social behavior, event, or phenomenon A scientific theory is a system of constructs and propositions that collectively present a logical, systematic, and coherent explanation of a phenomenon of interest within some assumption and boundary conditions. Theories should explain why things happen. Explanations could be idiographic or nomothetic Idiographic explanations Detailed,… Read more »
Chapter 2 – Thinking Like a Researcher This chapter is largely a vocabulary / terminology chapter. There is reasonable support for the correlation between language and thought processes, so I can see the link between the chapter heading and the content. I guess! If you are really interested in the topic of the correlation between language and thought process, you… Read more »
Did this summary as a presentation, unfortunately, the video size exceeded what is allowable (10 MB) so I couldn’t embed it alone. Tried to upload the presentation, and while it is there, I can’t seem to get that link to work either. Power Point Presentation: Chapter 1 Summary So, I tried to embed the YouTube upload, and while it is… Read more »
Chapter 3 – The Research Process Paradigms of Social Research Mental models or frames of reference are called paradigms. People view social reality in different ways which can constrain their thinking and reasoning. Recognizing paradigms is important to see the difference in peoples’ perceptions of the same social phenomenon. Subconscious paradigms can interfere with research. Two popular paradigms Positivism – … Read more »