Short Answer

Suppose a research team is studying how first-year college students cope with stress. They want to apply a qualitative research design instead of a quantitative one. How should they construct their initial research question, select their sample size, and analyze their data to meet this goal?

Question: Suppose a research team is studying how first-year college students cope with stress. They want to apply a qualitative research design instead of a quantitative one. How should they construct their initial research question, select their sample size, and analyze their data to meet this goal?

Sample answer: The team should formulate a broad, less focused research question rather than a specific hypothesis. They should recruit a small number of students to gather large amounts of unfiltered, nonnumerical data (such as diary entries or interview transcripts). Finally, they must use nonstatistical analysis techniques to deeply understand the detailed coping experiences of the participants.

Key points:

  • Formulate a broad, less focused research question rather than a focused hypothesis.
  • Collect unfiltered, nonnumerical data from a small sample size.
  • Use nonstatistical techniques to analyze the data and achieve a deep understanding of detailed experiences.

Rubric: To earn full credit: - 3 points: Apply the qualitative framework by formulating a broad, less focused research question rather than a focused hypothesis. - 3 points: Propose collecting unfiltered, nonnumerical data from a small number of individuals. - 4 points: Apply nonstatistical analysis techniques to deeply understand the detailed experiences of the participants rather than aiming for statistical generalizations.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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