Chapter 3

Learning Objectives 

After reading this chapter, one should be able to answer the following questions: 

1. Why do we do research?  
2. What are some of the common considerations for correlational and experimental research? How are correlational and experimental research works different in what they attempt to find?  
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a qualitative study?  
4. How does Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) differ from traditional studies? Why do we do this type of research?  
5. Why might network analysis and epidemiology fit into the study of community life?  
6. What are some of the issues in doing program evaluation?  
7. How do cultural and systems’ considerations fit into doing research in the community?   

Test your knowledge of this chapter with this quiz!  

Question 1

The idea of “falsifiability” is that any theory:

can be shown to be false

cannot be shown to be false

is shown to be false

both b and c

None

Question 2

In research, a population ” is defined as:”

a sample that is equally male and female

the group which the study is attempting to understand

all those not in the study

an equivalent group from the majority culture

None

Question 3

Correlational methods are used to look at:

cause and effect

causative demonstrations over time

associations between variables

all of the above

None

Question 4

Quasi-experimental designs usually try to:

approximate a correlational design more than an experimental design

approximate an experimental deisgn, but violate one of the rules

use community data without manipulation of individuals

not use a sample

None

Question 5

Network analyses…

link data and location on a map

see geography as an important variable to community phenomena

examine patterns of interaction

all of the above

None

Question 6

In participant observation, the researcher:

becomes engaged in the lives of the participants they are studying

records their own impressions of the community they are studying

does not worry about keeping a detached distance between herself and those under her study

all of the above

None

Question 7

Kelly believes showing up can be an important part of the research process in the community. By this he means

using the locals’ sense of time” for dealing with deadlines”

becoming an engaged member in the community under study

having a good sense of timing

None

Question 8

Qualitative studies are valued for their

focus on subjective experience

contextual sensitivity

normative accuracy

both a and b

None

Question 9

Issues that may arise regarding resistance to data collection or willingness to participate in a study may be related to differences in goals, values or practices of the target population and the researcher. This calls for

cultural sensitivity in the research process.

flexibility in program implementation.

willingness to examine differences that may occur as a function of different group membership.

All of the above

None

Question 10

External validity is the

reliability of data within a given situation.

the generalizability of the findings to everyday events.

the trustworthiness of the data.

how well controls for confounds have been implemented.

None

Time’s up

Study Questions

1. Give an example of population and sample in your community.  
2. Distinguish between findings related to probability and effect.  
3. How would you set up an experiment with a sample of 40 students?  
4. What are the advantages of a qualitative study?  
5. How might you conduct a community participation action research study?  
6. Draw out what a network analysis might look like. What could you tell from that analysis?  
7. Why is informed consent so important?  
8. Discuss some of the cultural issues related to consent.  
9. What is multilevel research?