Learning Objectives

Chapter 2

  • Explain what constitutes a “good” theory.
  • Distinguish between independent and dependent variables and quantitative and qualitative variables.
  • Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research and provide examples of each.
  • Propose a research strategy given a particular topic or question, including specifying independent and dependent variables, conducting a literature review, selecting an appropriate research method, and planning how to collect and analyze data.
  • Compare various research methods and determine which method would be most appropriate given a particular research situation.
  • Identify possible ethical issues in a particular research study and explain why ethical considerations are important.