Leedy & Ormrod Ch 1

Reading the professional literature in the field of interest will enhance an individual's ability to design and conduct high-quality research. By keeping up with the latest research and advancements in their field, individuals can gain valuable insights, learn from others' experiences, and stay informed about best practices. This continuous learning process helps individuals improve their research skills, stay updated with current trends, and develop innovative approaches to their work. Ultimately, this leads to the production of high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Well-designed research aims to minimize or avoid bias, which refers to any systematic error or distortion in the collection, analysis, interpretation, or publication of data. Bias can arise from various sources, such as the researcher's personal beliefs, preferences, or expectations, as well as flaws in the study design or data collection process. By minimizing or avoiding bias, researchers can increase the validity and reliability of their findings, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the reality being studied. Assumptions, predictions, and theory are all important components of research, but bias is the specific aspect that needs to be minimized or avoided.

A hypothesis is a reasonable guess or logical supposition that is used to explain a phenomenon under investigation. It is an educated prediction based on existing knowledge or observations. A hypothesis is formulated before conducting any experiments or gathering data, and it is used to guide the research process. It is a tentative explanation that can be tested and either supported or refuted through further investigation.

The correct answer is a research problem. In the process of formal research, the first step is to identify a research problem. This involves recognizing an issue or gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed through research. Once a research problem is identified, it can then be refined into research questions or hypotheses. A feasible research plan, available participants, and research hypotheses are all important components of the research process, but they come after the identification of a research problem.

A theory is defined as an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon. It is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a vast amount of evidence and has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through scientific research. Theories are used to provide a framework for understanding and predicting phenomena, and they are constantly subject to revision and refinement as new evidence emerges. Therefore, a theory is the most appropriate option among the given choices to describe an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon.

The correct answer is "gather and interpret information in a systematic fashion so as to increase understanding of some phenomenon." This answer accurately describes the main purpose of true research, which is to collect and analyze information in a structured and organized manner to enhance our understanding of a particular phenomenon. It highlights the importance of a systematic approach in research, indicating that true research involves following a logical and well-defined process to gather data and draw meaningful conclusions.

The correct answer is that the information is found in a juried (or refereed) research report. This is because juried or refereed research reports undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field, ensuring that the information is of high quality and meets certain standards. This process helps to eliminate biases and errors, making the information more reliable and trustworthy.

Assumptions are an integral part of every research study as they shape the researcher's perspective and influence the design, methodology, and interpretation of the study. Assumptions help to guide the research process by providing a foundation for the research question, hypotheses, and data collection methods. They also influence the researcher's beliefs about the subject matter and potential outcomes. Therefore, it can be inferred that assumptions come into play in regard to nearly every aspect of every research study.

A well-designed and well-conducted study is expected to provide answers to certain questions in the field. However, it is also likely to generate new questions or raise further inquiries that may require additional research or investigation. This is because the process of conducting a study often uncovers new insights, complexities, or areas that need further exploration. Therefore, a study that both answers some questions and raises other questions demonstrates its effectiveness in advancing knowledge and understanding in the field.

The researcher analyzes the data by considering the study hypothesis/hypotheses, the logical reasoning process, and assumptions. Preferences for certain outcomes, however, do not come into play during the data analysis. This means that the researcher does not base their analysis on personal preferences or biases towards specific results. Instead, they rely on the other factors mentioned to objectively analyze the data and draw conclusions.

Researchers make inferences about their phenomenon of interest on the basis of data analysis. Inferences are conclusions or interpretations drawn from the available data. By analyzing the data, researchers are able to draw meaningful conclusions and make educated guesses about the phenomenon they are studying. This allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the subject and make predictions or hypotheses about it.

Ian's actions align with the definition of research in Leedy and Ormrod (2010) because he is conducting a systematic investigation to understand the decline in the songbird population. He collects soil and water samples, surveys the area for predators, and analyzes his findings to gain insights into the problem. This process involves gathering data, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions, which are key components of research.

Good economy of expression can be achieved through using short words, as they are concise and get the point across quickly. Short sentences also contribute to economy of expression by eliminating unnecessary information and keeping the message clear and to the point. Direct, simple declarative sentences further enhance economy of expression by avoiding complex sentence structures or excessive use of modifiers. Lastly, using short paragraphs helps to break up the information into manageable chunks, making it easier for the reader to follow and comprehend. Therefore, all of the options mentioned contribute to achieving good economy of expression.

The primary function of the methodology is to guide and control the acquisition of data, as well as extract meaning from the data that have been gathered. This means that the methodology not only helps in collecting data but also in analyzing and interpreting it to derive meaningful insights. Therefore, the correct answer is "both a and b".

The purpose of formal research is to support or fail to support the study hypotheses. Formal research involves a systematic and structured approach to collect and analyze data in order to test the validity of the hypotheses. By conducting research, researchers aim to gather evidence that either supports or contradicts the proposed hypotheses. This process helps to advance knowledge and understanding in a particular field by providing empirical evidence to support or reject the study hypotheses.

The correct answer is a and c. Using pronouns such as this, that, these, and those can lead to vagueness if the writer does not clarify what is being referred to. To avoid this, the writer should use these pronouns to modify a noun, providing more specific information about what is being referred to. This helps to eliminate any confusion or ambiguity for the reader.