Unit 8: Theory…and Research…and Methods (oh my!)
32 Variable oh variable! Wherefore art thou o’ variable?
Another chapter where you’re stuck with DocMC as sole author.
Learning Objectives
Figure out how to find those pesky variables.
Variable oh variable! Wherefore art thou o’ variable?
I mean, technically, this title would better suit in your operation/conceptualization chapter or even your skepticism chapter [Why???? variable? Whhhyyyyyy?] but let’s pretend that it actually means where.
I’ve talked about where to find the research questions in a few different videos and chapters, so let’s look at those same examples, shall we? (and yes, alas, you’re again stuck with just me as an author this chapter). There is not a specific video for this chapter (don’t want you frantically hunting for it) but there should be Super Fun games! If the add in works, I guess we’ll see about that, hmm?
For this chapter we’re only going to focus on locating the variables in the RQs and HYs. If you watched the “article navigation” video in a previous unit, you know that later on we’re going to talk about where to find the variables in the Methods section. But, baby steps, people. Baby steps. I know that it’s hard to contain your excitement for learning about methods but just pace yourselves.
Howz about this image? Look familiar? [if your answer is no, go re-watch most of the videos the last unit. For realz.] Here is the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6249115/pdf/nihms-1501678.pdf
Let’s make it a little easier to read:
RQ1A-B: (A) How is patient relational quality associated with partner reports of patient response patterns? (B) How is partner relational quality associated with patient reports of partner response patterns?
RQ2A-B: (A) How are patient reports of partner response patterns associated with partner ongoing disclosure (depth and breadth)? (B) How are partner reports of patient response patterns associated with patient going disclosure (depth and breadth)?
RQ3A-C: What is the relationship between patient and partner reports of (A) relational quality, (B) response patterns, and (C) ongoing disclosure?
Better? Excellent. Now let’s play a game. The game is: Find the variables. It’s like an Easter egg hunt only without the eggs or the candy or the commercialized holiday. These research questions are admittedly complicated, like most things I do (my partner would say), so focus on the two words that describe the main thing.
Did you win??
Don’t worry if you’re confused by the “patients report of” and phrases like that. We’ll get to that part when we dive into our survey unit. For now, we’re only focusing on the variables.
Now, let’s play another game. We’re going to see how much you retained from the Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research [brief overview] chap.
Alright, kids, that’s the show for this chapter. Baby steps, remember? Baby steps.
Got ideas for questions to include on the exam?
Click this link to add them!
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VIII. Unit 8: Theory…and Research…and Methods (oh my!)
28. Logical Systems: Induction and Deduction
29. Variables; Operational and Conceptual Definitions
30. Variable oh variable! Wherefore art thou o’ variable?
31. On being skeptical [about concepts and variables]