Name: MARY CECILLE P. AUXTERO COURSE: MAT P.

E
Advance Methods of Research

1. What are the measures of good research questions?

Research questions are the foundation upon which successful research endeavors are
built. A well-crafted research question not only guides the study's direction but also determines
the quality and impact of the research outcomes. The process of formulating research questions
is a critical step in the research design, influencing the overall effectiveness and significance of
the study. This essay explores the essential measures that define good research questions,
drawing upon extensive literature from various academic disciplines.

A fundamental characteristic of a good research question is clarity and specificity.

According to Creswell (2014), a clear and specific research question provides a clear focus for
the study, making it easier to design the research methodology, gather relevant data, and
analyze results. Ambiguous or vague research questions can lead to confusion, hindering the
research process (Punch, 2013). A well-defined research question enables researchers to
address a specific problem, leading to more meaningful and conclusive findings.

The alignment between the research question and the research purpose is crucial for a
successful study. Saunders et al. (2018) emphasize that research questions should be directly
tied to the study's objectives and goals. A research question that lacks alignment with the
research purpose can lead to a disjointed study that fails to provide relevant insights.
Researchers must critically evaluate the relationship between their research question and the
overall research agenda to ensure coherence and relevance.

A good research question is one that can be feasibly investigated within the constraints
of the available resources and time frame. Robust research questions are those that can be
answered through empirical investigation (Crotty, 1998). Researchers should assess the
practicality of conducting research to address the question, considering factors such as data
availability, ethical considerations, and methodological limitations (Bryman, 2016). An overly
ambitious or unattainable research question can hinder the study's progress and undermine its
validity.

Research questions should contribute to the existing body of knowledge by addressing

gaps, extending theories, or challenging assumptions. According to Bhattacherjee (2012), a
research question's significance lies in its potential to advance scholarly understanding. A well-
constructed research question not only seeks to answer existing queries but also generates new
insights, leading to the evolution of a particular field. Researchers should conduct a
comprehensive literature review to identify gaps in the current knowledge landscape and
formulate questions that address these gaps.

Research questions should invite investigation and analysis rather than leading to
predetermined answers. As argued by Kvale (1996), closed-ended questions with predetermined
outcomes limit the scope for critical thinking and exploration. Open-ended questions encourage
researchers to explore multiple perspectives, consider alternative explanations, and engage in
rigorous analysis. This approach enhances the depth and richness of the study's findings,
fostering intellectual growth within the research community.
Name: MARY CECILLE P. AUXTERO COURSE: MAT P.E
Advance Methods of Research

In conclusion, the measures of good research questions encompass several critical

dimensions that collectively contribute to the quality and impact of research endeavors. Clarity,
alignment with research purpose, feasibility, contribution to knowledge, and openness to
investigation are key attributes that define effective research questions. As researchers embark
on their scholarly journeys, they must meticulously craft research questions that reflect these
measures, ensuring that their studies are well-structured, insightful, and capable of advancing
the boundaries of knowledge.

References:

Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices.

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches.
Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the
research process.
Kvale, S. (1996). Interviews: An introduction to qualitative research interviewing.
Punch, K. F. (2013). Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative
approaches.
Saunders, M. N., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2018). Research methods for business
students.

2. How important is literature review in coming up with your research study?

A literature review is a critical component of the research process, serving as the
foundation upon which a well-informed and effective study is built. It involves an extensive
examination of existing scholarly works relevant to the research topic, enabling researchers to
gain insights, identify gaps, and formulate research questions. This comprehensive discussion
explores the importance of a literature review in shaping research studies across various
academic disciplines.
Establishing context and rationale are some of the goals of conducting literature review.
By doing such, it allows the researcher to explore the environment where problem existed and
the nature of the problem. By reviewing prior research, scholars can situate their study within
the broader academic landscape, showcasing the evolution of ideas, concepts, and theories
related to the topic (Hart, 2018).
Through a comprehensive literature review, it allows the researcher to identify gaps and
enrich research questions. As noted by Ridley (2012), these gaps represent opportunities for
researchers to contribute new insights, challenge prevailing assumptions, or extend existing
theories. The process of reviewing literature enables researchers to formulate well-structured
and researchable questions that address these gaps (Webster & Watson, 2002). By skipping this
crucial step, it risks the researcher to commit redundancy of research problems.
Name: MARY CECILLE P. AUXTERO COURSE: MAT P.E
Advance Methods of Research

Another reason to conduct literature review is it offers methodological guidance by

showcasing how previous studies have been designed, conducted, and analyzed. Researchers
can learn from the successes and limitations of prior research to refine their own
methodological approach (Boote & Beile, 2005). This guidance is especially valuable for novice
researchers who may benefit from the experiences of seasoned scholars. By critically evaluating
various methodologies, researchers can make informed decisions about the most appropriate
methods for their study.
Lastly, a literature review allows researchers to identify and assess different theoretical
perspectives that pertain to their research topic. Theoretical frameworks are essential for
grounding research studies and guiding the interpretation of findings. This process aids in
constructing a robust theoretical framework that underpins the study's hypotheses, concepts,
and relationships (Ragin, 1994). A well-developed theoretical framework enhances the study's
conceptual clarity and contributes to its overall coherence.
In conclusion, the literature review plays a pivotal role in shaping research studies
across academic disciplines. It offers a range of benefits, including establishing context,
identifying research gaps, guiding methodology, building theoretical frameworks, and ensuring
originality. A thorough and well-executed literature review sets the stage for a rigorous and
impactful research study, enabling scholars to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and
advance the boundaries of knowledge.
References:

Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation
literature review in research preparation. Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3-15.
Hart, C. (2018). Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science research imagination.
Neuman, W. L. (2016). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Ragin, C. C. (1994). Constructing social research: The unity and diversity of method.
Ridley, D. (2012). The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students.
Webster, J., & Watson, R. T. (2002). Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: Writing a
literature review. MIS Quarterly, 26(2), xiii-xxiii.

3. Provide at least three common ethical issues that a researcher can encounter in gathering the
data. How are you going to address those issues you cited?
Ethical issues in research are unavoidable especially if the study involves human beings
as respondents or participants. Common encounters are issues on informed consent and
confidentiality, bias and subjectivity, and conflicts of interest.
One way to uphold research ethics is to respect the participant's private information
and answers by observing informed consent and confidentiality. Obtaining informed consent
from participants is a fundamental ethical principle in research. Researchers must ensure that
participants fully understand the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study
before agreeing to participate.
Second ethical issue is bias and subjectivity. This is common to qualitative research as
researchers tend to fraternize with their respondents. This incident could lead to sabotaging of
answers and compromising with the results. As researchers, they must uphold objectivity in
their judgment and must cultivate a professional relationship with their respondents.
Name: MARY CECILLE P. AUXTERO COURSE: MAT P.E
Advance Methods of Research

Last is a conflict of interest which occurs when an individual's personal, financial, or

professional interests potentially compromise their objectivity, judgment, or decision-making in
a particular situation. In the context of research, conflicts of interest can significantly affect
research ethics by introducing biases, undermining the integrity of the research process, and
potentially harming the participants or the credibility of the study. To address this, the
researcher must uphold integrity in the conduct of research
Ethical issues in data gathering are of paramount importance for researchers.
Addressing these issues involves a combination of careful planning, clear communication,
adherence to established guidelines, and ongoing reflection on one's ethical responsibilities. By
prioritizing informed consent, confidentiality, participant well-being, and objectivity, researchers
can conduct studies that uphold the highest ethical standards and contribute meaningfully to
their respective fields.

4. In quantitative research, how does the sample size affect the validity and reliability of the study?
Explain.
Sample size is a crucial consideration in quantitative research as it directly influences the
validity and reliability of study findings. Validity refers to the extent to which a study accurately
measures or reflects the concept it intends to assess, while reliability refers to the consistency
and stability of measurements or results.
In sampling, the researcher needs to get the correct sample size for the population to be
well-represented. However, it's important to note that while larger sample sizes generally
contribute to improved validity and reliability, there is a point of diminishing returns.
Enormously large samples might not significantly enhance these qualities and could lead to
practical challenges, increased costs, and excessive time requirements.

Researchers should carefully balance the benefits of a larger sample with practical
considerations and research objectives. Decisions about sample size should also consider the
research design, available resources, statistical power requirements, and the effect size being
studied.

In conclusion, sample size plays a critical role in quantitative research by influencing

both the validity and reliability of study findings. A larger sample size generally contributes to
more accurate, stable, and generalizable results, enhancing the overall quality of the research.
However, researchers should strike a balance between the advantages of a larger sample and
practical constraints to ensure that their study is both scientifically robust and feasible.

5. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Quantitative and Qualitative researches serve different purposes and are used for
specific reasons. Both types of research are different based on the nature of how they gather
the data and how results are interpreted. There are existing advantages and disadvantages of
both types of research.
Quantitative research is known for its ability to provide precise, numerical data.
Statistical analyses allow researchers to draw conclusions that are generalizable to larger
populations, enhancing the external validity of findings. It means that in data gathering and
Name: MARY CECILLE P. AUXTERO COURSE: MAT P.E
Advance Methods of Research

analysis, quantitative research methods provide ease of data gathering and data analysis.
However, quantitative methods may overlook contextual nuances and complex human
experiences that are better captured by qualitative approaches.
Qualitative data analysis can be complex, requiring researchers to navigate subjective
interpretations and identify themes, patterns, and relationships. This could potentially lead to
bias and subjectivity. Also, Qualitative research captures the holistic nature of social
phenomena, considering multiple dimensions and the interplay of various factors. On the other
side, qualitative methods are time consuming and can compromise generalizations.
In summary, both quantitative and qualitative research methods have their merits and
limitations. Researchers should carefully consider the research questions, objectives, and
available resources when selecting the appropriate method or employing a mixed-methods
approach to maximize the strengths of each approach and mitigate their respective weaknesses.

6. A quantitative study was conducted on developing a tool to measure the decision-making

process among men who have sex with men anchored on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).
Explain extensively the steps on how to do with face to face validity and reliability (internal
consistency) of the closed-ended tool with a five-point Likert scale.

Developing a tool to measure the decision- making process among men who have
engaged in homosexual activities which is based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is no easy
feat. It entails rigorous planning and evaluating.
Face validity in research is achieved when a test appears to measure what it's supposed
to measure. This type of validity is concerned with whether a measure seems relevant and
appropriate for what it's assessing only on the surface. To achieve validity in the context of the
problem, these steps must be followed:
1. Select Participants: Choose a small sample of MSM who are representative of the
target population.
2. Administer the Tool: Have the participants complete the tool. Ensure that the Likert
scale responses are set up in a way that makes sense to the participants (e.g., strongly
disagree to strongly agree).
3. Feedback and Revisions: After they've completed the tool, conduct individual
interviews or focus group discussions to gather their feedback. Ask them about the
clarity, comprehensibility, and relevance of the items. Identify any ambiguous or
confusing items.
4. Item Deletion/Revision: Based on participant feedback, revise or eliminate items that
are unclear or seem irrelevant. Ensure that the remaining items reflect the intended
constructs and are easily understandable.
Now, to establish Internal consistency measures the extent to which the items in your tool
consistently measure the same underlying construct. One common method to assess internal
consistency is Cronbach's alpha coefficient. To assess internal consistency:

Administer the Tool: Administer the revised tool to a larger sample of MSM.
Name: MARY CECILLE P. AUXTERO COURSE: MAT P.E
Advance Methods of Research

Data Collection: Collect responses and code them numerically according to the Likert scale
(e.g., 1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree).

Calculate Cronbach's Alpha: Use statistical software to calculate Cronbach's alpha

coefficient. This coefficient should ideally be above 0.70 to indicate acceptable internal
consistency.

Item Deletion: If the Cronbach's alpha is below the desired threshold, consider deleting
items that are dragging down the internal consistency. However, be cautious not to delete too
many items as that could compromise the tool's content validity.

Retest and Reanalyze (if necessary): If items are deleted or revised, repeat the analysis to
ensure that the internal consistency improves without sacrificing the content validity.

By following these steps, you'll develop a tool that has both face validity and acceptable
internal consistency, making it a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the decision-making
process among MSM based on the Protection Motivation Theory.