Understanding Independent Variable Control in Research
The core difference lies in how the independent variable (IV) is treated. In some research, the researcher actively changes or manipulates the IV. In others, the researcher observes an IV that already exists or has occurred naturally, selecting participants based on these pre-existing conditions.
Key Research Methodologies
- Experimental Method: Characterized by the direct manipulation of the independent variable by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
- Ex post facto method: Involves studying relationships between variables after the independent variable has already occurred or has been naturally established. The researcher selects or classifies subjects based on the presence or degree of the independent variable, rather than manipulating it.
- Descriptive survey method: Focuses on describing the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It typically does not involve manipulating or selecting independent variables to establish causality.
- Exegetic Method: Primarily used for textual interpretation and analysis, not typically classified as a primary research methodology involving variable manipulation.
Identifying the Correct Method
The question asks for a method where the independent variable is selected rather than manipulated. This aligns perfectly with the definition of the ex post facto method, where the researcher observes conditions that have already happened.
The experimental method is the opposite, requiring manipulation of the IV.
Therefore, the method where the independent variable has to be selected, not manipulated, is the ex post facto method.
Important Questions from Types of Research
Match the following :
List 1
List 2
a) Fundamental Research
1) To find solutions to problems faced by practitioners
b) Applied Research
2) To establish facts experimentally
c) Action Research
3) To identify right practices on the basis of established theory
d) Case study
4) To establish concepts, principles, and theories
e) Experimental Research
5) To study individuals in detail
Given below are two statements
Statement I: Qualitative research paradigm emphasizes participant perspectives and uses an empirico-inductive approach.
Statement II: In the same research project, it is neither possible nor desirable to use both Qualitative and Quantitative research paradigms.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
Match List-I with List-II :
List-I
List-II
(a)
Research studies which describe facts as they come by
(i)
Observational research
(b)
A non-experimental conceptual research based on logical thinking
(ii)
Ex-post facto research
(c)
Experience and observation-based research aiming to determine casual relationship among factors
(iii)
Philosophical research
(d)
A field of natural study of epidemics, plant growth, child growth, bird-animal or crowd behaviour
(iv)
Empirical (Experimental) research
Select the correct option :
- Retrospective studies are related to
Match List I with List II
List I
List II
Research method
Characteristic
A.
Content analysis
I.
Summarisation
B.
Social network analysis
II.
Use of bipolar adjectives
C.
Semantic differential
III.
Focus on dyadic relations
D.
Meta-analysis
IV.
Context unit
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
