A research query in naturalistic inquiry may have which of the following characteristics?
It is a broad statement that identifies both a particular phenomenon and a context for a study.
It cannot be changed once the investigator enters the field.
It asks if a sample represents the population from which it was selected.
It suggests causality between a set of variables.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
It is a broad statement that identifies both a particular phenomenon and a context for a study.
Explanation:
In naturalistic inquiry, the research question is typically open-ended and focuses on understanding the phenomenon in its natural context, without the intent of controlling or manipulating variables. Naturalistic inquiry is rooted in qualitative research methods and is aimed at exploring real-world situations as they occur in their natural settings.
A key characteristic of a research query in naturalistic inquiry is its broad nature. These questions often focus on understanding how people experience a phenomenon, how a phenomenon emerges or unfolds in real-life contexts, and the relationships between different elements within that context. Rather than posing a narrow, hypothesis-driven question that predicts or tests a relationship between variables, the query seeks to explore the complexity of the phenomenon as it occurs organically in its natural environment.
Such research queries do not necessarily seek to test causality, as is common in experimental or quantitative research. They tend to avoid making specific predictions or establishing direct cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Instead, they are often exploratory, aiming to describe or understand the experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of people involved in the study.
Additionally, naturalistic inquiries allow flexibility and adaptability in the research process. The question may evolve or shift as the researcher gains more understanding or insight into the phenomenon being studied. Therefore, the assertion that it cannot be changed once the researcher enters the field is not true. In fact, the research question can and often does adapt in response to new findings and perspectives that emerge during the study.
In summary, a research query in naturalistic inquiry aims to capture the complexity of real-world situations and understand phenomena within their specific context. It is not a rigid, causality-driven question, but one that allows for discovery and deeper understanding of human experiences.