The nature of quantitative research
An operational definition is:
One that bears no relation to the underlying concept
An abstract, theoretical definition of a concept
A definition of a concept in terms of specific, empirical measures
One that refers to opera singers and their work
A definition of a concept in terms of specific, empirical measures
Devising measures of concepts is shown as step 4 in the process of quantitative research (fig. 7.1, p150). Bryman points out that this step is often referred to as operationalization, in other words, the series of separate steps we will take to make our research work for us. This is very important when we think about tests of validity of the research. The operational definition is therefore, the very opposite of abstract; attempting to phrase the concept so precisely as to make it capable of being tested in the research context.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 150
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 150
A definition of a concept in terms of specific, empirical measures Devising measures of concepts is shown as step 4 in the process of quantitative research (fig. 7.1, p150). Bryman points out that this step is often referred to as operationalization, in other words, the series of separate steps we will take to make our research work for us. This is very important when we think about tests of validity of the research. The operational definition is therefore, the very opposite of abstract; attempting to phrase the concept so precisely as to make it capable of being tested in the research context.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 150
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 150
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The term ‘reverse operationism’ means that:A. The theories we devise will often hinder our attempts to measure concepts
B. The measurements we devise can sometimes help to develop a theory
C. Techniques such as factor analysis have no place in social research
D. Driving instructors always make you practice the most difficult manoeuvre
The importance of measurement in quantitative research is that:
A. It allows us to delineate fine differences between people or cases
B. It provides a consistent device or yardstick
C. It allows for precise estimates of the degree of relationship between concepts
D. All of the above
Written accounts of quantitative research rarely include the results of reliability and validity tests because:
A. Researchers are more interested in reporting their operational definitions
B. Researchers don’t really think that these tests are important
C. Journal editors have banned these kinds of articles
D. Researchers are more interested in reporting their substantive findings
The difference between measures and indicators is that:
A. Measures are unambiguous quantities, whereas indicators are devised from common sense understandings
B. Indicators have a more direct relationship to the underlying concept than measures
C. Measures are intuitively devised and then applied as if they were direct indicators of a concept
D. Indicators are unambiguous quantities, whereas measures are subjective and value-laden
Which of the following is not a form of measurement validity?
A. Concurrent validity
B. Face validity
C. Conductive validity
D. Convergent validity
One of the preoccupations of quantitative researchers is with generalization, which is a sign of:
A. External validity
B. Internal reliability
C. External reliability
D. Internal validity
Quantitative research has been criticised because:
A. The measurement process suggests a spurious and artificial sense of accuracy
B. The reliance on instruments and procedures makes it high in ecological validity
C. It underestimates the similarities between objects in the natural and social worlds
D. All of the above
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