Methodology for Premaster CIS
SUMMARY FOR THE FINAL EXAM
This summary is written according to the practice exam that was posted on Blackboard. This
means that not all information of the course is included, only the material that you need to
learn for the final exam!
Content
The exam.....................................................................................................................................2
Research methods.......................................................................................................................3
Quantitative vs. qualitative research methods.....................................................................3
Quantitative research methods............................................................................................3
Qualitative research methods..............................................................................................7
Ethics.........................................................................................................................................10
Validity......................................................................................................................................10
Internal validity.....................................................................................................................10
External validity....................................................................................................................11
Reliability..................................................................................................................................11
Measurement levels...................................................................................................................12
Sampling methods.....................................................................................................................13
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, 2
The exam
The exam will have the following questions;
1. Identify the variables in [this study] (you receive a description of the study and its
hypothesis/hypotheses). Think of independent variables, dependent variables,
mediators (the relationship between an independent and dependent variable can be
explained by a third variable, the mediator) and moderators (the relationship between
an independent and dependent variable is influenced by a third variable, the
moderator).
2. Choose the most appropriate research method for [this research question] by
discussing advantages and disadvantages of two different methods. Describe the:
a. Who (population, sample)
b. What (question, hypothesis, variables and questions asked)
c. How (offline, online, medium, structure etc.)
and describe the reliability, validity, potential ethical issues and feasibility of both
methods and choose the best one.
3. Describe how to conduct a study with [this method and research question]. Apply the
research method to the RQ.
4. Identify aspects of [this study] and evaluate [this study].
a. What type of method is used?
b. What are the independent, dependent, mediating and moderating variables in
this study?
c. Evaluate this study based on reliability and validity.
d. Evaluate this study based on ethical aspects.
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