Exam 1: Introduction
Write an essay answering the following question: Why care about research methods? Be sure to discuss and give examples of how studying research methods can benefit you personally as both a consumer and producer of research evidence.
Research methods are essential for both consumers and producers of research evidence. Understanding research methods allows individuals to critically evaluate the quality and reliability of research findings, as well as to conduct their own research in a rigorous and ethical manner.
As a consumer of research evidence, knowledge of research methods enables individuals to assess the credibility of research findings and make informed decisions. For example, if a person is considering a new medical treatment, understanding research methods can help them evaluate the strength of the evidence supporting the treatment's effectiveness. This can prevent individuals from being misled by poorly designed or biased studies, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes.
Additionally, as a producer of research evidence, understanding research methods is crucial for conducting high-quality research. By using appropriate research methods, researchers can ensure that their findings are valid and reliable, and that their studies adhere to ethical standards. For example, a psychologist conducting a study on the effects of therapy on depression would need to use sound research methods to ensure that their findings are trustworthy and can be used to inform clinical practice.
Furthermore, knowledge of research methods can also benefit individuals in their everyday lives. For example, understanding how to critically evaluate information and data can help people make better decisions in their personal and professional lives. Whether it's evaluating the effectiveness of a new marketing strategy at work or making informed choices about personal health and wellness, research methods can provide valuable tools for making evidence-based decisions.
In conclusion, studying research methods is important for both consumers and producers of research evidence. It allows individuals to critically evaluate the quality and reliability of research findings, make informed decisions, and conduct high-quality research. Ultimately, understanding research methods can lead to better outcomes for individuals and society as a whole.
According to the authors of your textbook,
C
One media report of Karpinski's study of Facebook use and grades used the following headline: "Sad but true: Using Facebook can lower your GPA." This headline is misleading because the study
B
According to the text's discussion of the basic approaches to social research,
Anthropological studies of remote societies in which researchers live among the
inhabitants for long periods typify field research.
An association between two phenomena (such as Facebook use and grades) implies that one is the cause of the other.
A major problem encountered by social researchers who want to use available data is finding data appropriate to address the research question.
Assessing the effect of the 9/11 attacks on helping others by using records of the Salvation Army and United Way to chart donations before and after the attacks is an example of
Which approach is best suited for studying the past and social change?
A survey researcher would study helping behavior primarily by observing people engaged in naturally occurring acts of helping.
In the experiment on social exclusion and helping, students made to feel excluded were less likely to help others.
To study the effect of mood on altruism, investigators manipulated subjects' moods by giving some of them cookies, after which all subjects were asked to donate money to a local charity. This research is an example of
A study of altruism in which members of a large group of people were questioned about their charitable acts would characterize
According to the text, altruism has the same meaning as simply helping others.
With his approach, researchers focus on what people say as opposed to what they do.
Based on your reading of this chapter, what is the best answer to the question, "Why study research methods?" Studying research methods
With this approach, researchers observe people's behavior after they systematically introduce changes into the environment.
A knowledge of research methods can benefit you both as a consumer and a producer of research evidence.
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