EIDM: Quantitative & Qualitative Research (NRS502)

• What are the two main paradigms or frameworks discussed in this module?


  Quantitative and Qualitative
• What are paradigms in the context of research studies?


  They are philosophies or theories of knowledge and reality on which research studies are built.
• How can quantitative and qualitative methods be used together in research?


  They can complement one another and are sometimes used within the same study (mixed methods).
• What is more important than determining which research method is superior?


  Considering that the right type of research was used to answer the particular research question.
• What is the role of the researcher in positivist studies?


  The role is limited to data collection and interpretation in an objective way.
• What does positivism emphasize in research?


  It emphasizes the use of a scientific method through observation.
• What is the main aim of a quantitative research study?


  To classify features, count them, and construct statistical models.
• What are the classifications of quantitative research designs?


  • Descriptive: subjects usually measured once, establishes associations.
  • Experimental/Analytical: subjects measured before and after a treatment, establishes causality.
• What type of data is typically gathered in quantitative research?


  Data is usually in the form of numbers and statistics.
• What is a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)?


  A scientific experiment with random assignment of participants to groups.
• What is the purpose of blinding in RCTs?


  To ensure that the data analysis is as objective as possible and reduce the influence of the placebo effect.
• What are the types of blinding in RCTs?


  • Single blinding: The patient does not know the treatment type.
  • Double blinding: Both patients and investigators do not know the treatment type.
  • Triple blinding: The patient, investigator, and data analyst do not know the treatment type.
• What statistical data might you find when reading RCTs?


  1. values, Confidence Intervals, odds ratios, relative risk, risk differences.
• What is the main goal of a cohort study?


  To investigate the causes of disease and establish links between risk factors and health outcomes.
• What distinguishes a prospective cohort study from a retrospective cohort study?


  • Prospective: Follows groups over time to record outcomes.
  • Retrospective: Looks back in time to analyze past data.
• What is the purpose of a case control study?


  To compare patients with a disease to those without and identify potential risk factors.
• How does a survey design typically gather information?


  By obtaining information from a large number of respondents about practices, opinions, and characteristics.
• What are the two main types of survey designs?

  • Longitudinal: Undertaken over a period of time.
  • Cross-sectional: Undertaken at a single point in time.
• What is the aim of sampling in quantitative research?


  To take a sample group from a larger target population that is representative.
• What are the two main methods of sampling in quantitative research?


  • Probability sampling: Every member of the population has a chance of being selected.
  • Non-probability sampling: Not all members have a chance of being selected.
• Why is it important to identify the purpose of a study when reading research papers?


  To understand the limitations and strengths based on how it was conducted.
• What is the significance of hypothesis testing in quantitative research?


  It tests how strongly two variables are associated and involves rejecting the null hypothesis.
• What is a confounding variable?


  A variable that affects the variables being studied but cannot be controlled or recognized.
• What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?


  Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher, while dependent variables are the outcomes measured.
• Why is reliability important in quantitative research studies?


  It ensures that the study can be replicated or repeated with consistent results.
• What does a high response rate in survey designs indicate?


  It indicates that the survey results are more likely to be representative of the population.
• What does generalizability in research findings refer to?


  It refers to the extent to which results from a sample can be applied to the larger population.
• Why is it important to consider the design of the data collection instrument in research?


  Because reliability and validity may be discussed and the instrument may also be piloted.
• What should be noted regarding the response rate to any survey?


  Reported differences between respondents and non-respondents should be noted.
• What is the aim of sampling in quantitative research?


  • To take a sample group from a larger target population.
  • To ensure the sample is representative of the target population.
  • To deduce or predict outcomes for the target population.
• What is meant by a sample being generalizable to the target population?


  It means the results from the sample can be applied to the larger population of interest.
• What are the two main types of sampling methods in quantitative research?

  • Probability sampling
  • Non-probability sampling
• What is the purpose of probability sampling?

  To increase the representativeness of the sample.
• What does probability sampling ensure about the population members?

  Every member has a probability higher than zero of being selected for the sample.
• How does non-probability sampling differ from probability sampling?


  Not every element of the population has an opportunity to be selected in non-probability sampling.
• What are the types of non-probability sampling methods mentioned?


  • Convenience (accidental) sampling
  • Quota sampling
• What is convenience sampling?


  Subjects are recruited because they happen to be in the right place at the right time.
• What is quota sampling designed to do?


  Ensure inclusion of likely underrepresented participants.
• What are the data collection tools for quantitative data?


  • Closed question questionnaires/Surveys
  • Scales (e.g., Likert scales)
  • Tests/examinations
  • Measuring tools
  • Interviews with direct questions
• What is the purpose of data analysis in quantitative research?


  To input and explore numerical data relevant to the study.