1. Research Frameworks & Definitions
Q: Differentiate between Research Methodology and Research Design. [cite: 75, 168]
Research Methodology: The broad philosophical approach and theoretical underpinnings that guide the research process (e.g., Qualitative vs. Quantitative)[cite: 78, 175].
Research Design: The specific blueprint or plan of action used to collect and analyze data to answer the research question[cite: 78].
Q: Define Concepts, Variables, and Attributes with examples. [cite: 39, 121, 223]
- Concept: An abstract idea or mental image (e.g., "Cybersecurity Awareness")[cite: 48, 94].
- Variable: A measurable version of a concept that can take on different values (e.g., "Number of security breaches per year")[cite: 58, 102].
- Attribute: A specific value or characteristic of a variable (e.g., "High," "Medium," or "Low" level of risk)[cite: 58, 102].
2. Variables in a Conceptual Framework [cite: 41, 123, 202]
Describe the roles of different variable types.
- Independent Variable (IV): The presumed cause that influences or predicts change in another variable[cite: 43, 126, 206].
- Dependent Variable (DV): The outcome or effect being measured[cite: 44, 127, 207].
- Moderating Variable: A variable that affects the strength or direction of the relationship between the IV and DV[cite: 45, 129, 208].
- Intervening (Mediating) Variable: Explains the process or mechanism through which the IV influences the DV[cite: 46, 131, 210].
3. Literature Review & Scholarly Writing
Q: What are the purposes of a Literature Review? [cite: 143, 177]
Identifies gaps in existing knowledge, provides theoretical background, justifies the research problem, helps refine research questions, and avoids duplication of effort[cite: 30, 177, 187].
Q: Define Systematic Review and Scoping Review. [cite: 27, 146, 225]
Systematic Review: A structured, rigorous method to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant research on a specific topic to minimize bias[cite: 29, 149].
Scoping Review: A technique used to map the existing literature in a broad field to identify key concepts and types of evidence available[cite: 148].
Q: Why is Scholarly Writing and publication necessary? [cite: 71, 153, 172]
It allows for peer review to ensure quality, contributes to the global body of knowledge, enables other researchers to replicate or build on findings, and establishes the researcher's credibility[cite: 12, 71, 153].
4. Statistical Methods & Error Testing
Q: Compare Type I and Type II Errors. [cite: 170, 245, 279]
Type I Error: Rejecting a true null hypothesis (a "false positive")[cite: 279].
Type II Error: Failing to reject a false null hypothesis (a "false negative")[cite: 170, 245].
Q: When should the following statistical models be used? [cite: 259]
- T-test: To compare the means of exactly two groups[cite: 263].
- ANOVA: To compare the means of three or more groups[cite: 254, 260].
- Linear Regression: To predict the value of a continuous dependent variable based on one or more independent variables[cite: 261].
- Logistic Regression: To analyze data where the outcome is binary or categorical (e.g., Success/Failure)[cite: 264].
- Factor Analysis: To reduce a large number of variables into a smaller set of underlying factors[cite: 262].
5. Measurement Quality & Sampling
Q: Reliability vs. Validity. [cite: 37, 119, 221]
Reliability: The consistency of a measurement tool (getting the same result repeatedly)[cite: 37, 221].
Validity: The accuracy of a measurement tool (actually measuring what it is supposed to measure)[cite: 37, 221, 279].
Q: Define Triangulation. [cite: 273]
The use of multiple methods, data sources, or researchers to study the same phenomenon to enhance the credibility and validity of the findings[cite: 273, 274].