A research query in naturalistic inquiry may have which of the following characteristics?
A It is a broad statement that identifies both a particular phenomenon and a context for a study.
B It cannot be changed once the investigator enters the field.
C It asks if a sample represents the population from which it was selected.
D It suggests causality between a set of variables.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A: It is a broad statement that identifies both a particular phenomenon and a context for a study.
In naturalistic inquiry, the research query typically reflects a broad, exploratory approach. Unlike experimental research, which often seeks to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables, naturalistic inquiry focuses on understanding a phenomenon in its natural context. The research question in this type of study is designed to provide insight into a particular phenomenon by exploring how it occurs in a real-world setting, without manipulating the environment or variables.
Naturalistic inquiry is grounded in qualitative research methods, and the goal is to uncover the complexity of human experiences, behaviors, or social phenomena. This research query is open-ended and flexible, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the subject matter. It helps guide the study while remaining open to new information and insights that emerge during data collection.
The key characteristic of a naturalistic inquiry question is that it addresses a phenomenon in its natural context. For example, a study on how teachers interact with students in a classroom setting would explore the dynamics of teacher-student relationships within the context of the classroom. The research question would aim to understand this interaction in its natural environment rather than isolating variables or attempting to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
The other options do not align with naturalistic inquiry:
- B is incorrect because research questions in naturalistic inquiry are flexible and can evolve as the study progresses.
- C is more aligned with quantitative research, where the goal is to generalize findings from a sample to a broader population.
- D is also incorrect because naturalistic inquiry does not typically focus on causality, but rather on describing and understanding phenomena in their context.
Thus, the correct characteristic of a research query in naturalistic inquiry is its broad, contextual nature, aimed at understanding rather than predicting or controlling outcomes.