Study Questions
 

On Galvan, Chapter 4:

1.    What is the importance of pre-reading in this process?

2.    How should you "organize yourself" before reading?

3.    Why is it important to use a consistent format in your notes?

4.    Why is it important to look for explicit definitions?

5.    Why are review articles particularly helpful?

6.    Why is it helpful to keep usable quotations on notecards?

7.    Your paper for this class will require that you critically evaluate articles on the basis of their methodological strengths and methodological weaknesses.  During your reading, how can you prepare to do this?

8.    What is the difference between "assertion" and "evidence" and why is it essential that you distinguish between the two?

9.    In your reading, how can you a) identify the major trends or patterns; b) identify gaps in the literature; and c) identify relationships among studies?

On Galvan, Chapter 5:

1.    What are the 5 elements of quantitative research?

2.    What are the 6 elements of qualitative research?

3.    How will these elements be important when you critically evaluate articles on the basis of the methodological strengths and methodological weaknesses?

4.    Define experimental study and non-experimental study.

5.    Define "true experiment."

6.    Define "causal-comparative (or ex post facto) study.

7.    Define "instrumentation," "reliability," and "validity."

8.    Explain: "....the validity of an instrument is relative to the purposes of the study."

On Galvan, Chapter 6:

1.    Why is it important to note whether the qualitative research was done by an individual or by a team?

2.    When there is a research team, why is it important that the qualitative data first be analyzed independently?

3.    Why does qualitative research emphasize "realities as perceived by the participants" rather trying to "establish a so-called 'objective reality'"?

4.    Define "purposive sample" and "sample of convenience." Which is the more trustworthy? Why?

5.    Why is it important to describe the demographics of the sample in a qualitative study?

6.    Why is it important to adequately describe the method used in a qualitative study? (Note Example 6.7.1 especially.)

Notes on the Reading #3:

1.    In Galvan's "Activities" on p. 42, do #1, based on any two articles you have read so far, and post in BlackBoard.

2.    In Galvan's "Activities" on pp. 53 - 54, answer all questions, and pos tin BlackBoard.

3.    In Galvan's "Activities" on p. 61, answer all questions, and post in BlackBoard.