Understanding Research Methods and Ethics

How can a researcher ensure that their study maintains value neutrality, especially when the findings contradict their personal beliefs?

• By ignoring the findings that contradict their beliefs

• By accepting and reporting the findings objectively, regardless of personal views

• By altering the data to fit their beliefs

• By avoiding research topics that might challenge their beliefs

In the context of the scientific method, why is it important to review the literature before formulating a hypothesis?

• To ensure the hypothesis is unique and not previously tested

• To plagiarize existing research

• To avoid conducting any experiments

• To find shortcuts in the research process

What strategic steps should a researcher take to operationalize a concept effectively in a study?

• Define the concept vaguely to allow flexibility

• Clearly describe the concept in measurable terms

• Use complex jargon to impress peers

• Avoid defining the concept to save time

When designing an experiment, how can a researcher strategically control for variables to ensure valid results?

• By ignoring all variables except the independent variable

• By identifying and keeping constant all variables except the independent and dependent variables

• By changing all variables randomly

• By focusing only on the dependent variable

How can a researcher strategically use secondary analysis to enhance their study?

• By ignoring previous research and starting from scratch

• By synthesizing existing data to identify patterns and trends

• By using secondary data to replace primary data collection entirely

• By only using secondary data that supports their hypothesis

What reasoning should a researcher use to determine whether a correlation implies causation in their study?

• Assume correlation always implies causation

• Use additional evidence and reasoning to establish a causal link

• Ignore the correlation entirely

• Assume causation without further investigation

How can a researcher strategically plan to address potential conflicts of interest in their study?

• By hiding any conflicts from the public

• By disclosing all potential conflicts and taking steps to mitigate them

• By ignoring conflicts as they are irrelevant

• By ensuring conflicts benefit the research financially

What strategic approach should a researcher take to ensure confidentiality in their study?

• By sharing participant data freely

• By implementing strict data management and storage practices

• By using participant data for unrelated studies

• By ignoring confidentiality agreements

How can a researcher strategically use ethnography to build theories about a group or place?

• By observing superficially and making assumptions

• By conducting in-depth observations and taking detailed notes

• By relying solely on second-hand accounts

• By avoiding interaction with the group or place

What strategic reasoning should a researcher use to select the appropriate research design for their study?

• Choose the design that is most popular

• Select the design that best addresses the research question and hypothesis

• Use the design that requires the least effort

• Avoid using any structured design