7/1/25, 8:12
PM
TXST Empirical Research Methods Exam 1 COMM 3301
[Chilton] Exam Questions and answers with complete
solutions verified latest update 2025/2026
Empirical research Refers to observations or experiences;
empirical methodologies in communication are
based on or are derived from experiences
with observable phenomena
Quantitative: Research that relies on numerical
measurement
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
research Qualitative: Research in which the researcher is
the primary observer, or data collector
Replicable Design of current study to follow the
procedures of other studies that have
investigated the same topic, often using the
same methods or procedures.
Heuristic Characteristic of research; results of one study lead to
more questions
Extent to which conclusions developed from
Generalizability data collected from a sample can be extended
to the population; the extension of the
findings to similar situations or to similar
others.
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8
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Inductive: Reasoning process in which
researchers work from what emerges from the
data to formulate hypotheses and eventually
Inductive vs. Deductive develop theories; generally used with
Reasoning qualitative research methods
Deductive: Reasoning process in which
researcher begins with a theory and then
gathers evidence, or data, to assess
whether the theory is correct
Problem (purpose) Trying to find/show? Value? Not already known?
Statement
Conceptual Definition The specific way each variable (quantitative) or
(for problem statement) phenomenon (qualitative) is defined for YOUR
study
Be able to recognize computerized
databases for locating research
Theory is our attempt to explain, describe or predict:
- WHAT we do (pattern)
Theory and its role in - HOW we do it (specific behaviors)
research - WHY we do it (motivation)
Understanding -> Improvement
- Literature Review (past)
Four primary sections of - Methods Section (how)
a Quantitative report - Results Section (what)
- Discussion Section (why)
2/
8
PM
TXST Empirical Research Methods Exam 1 COMM 3301
[Chilton] Exam Questions and answers with complete
solutions verified latest update 2025/2026
Empirical research Refers to observations or experiences;
empirical methodologies in communication are
based on or are derived from experiences
with observable phenomena
Quantitative: Research that relies on numerical
measurement
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
research Qualitative: Research in which the researcher is
the primary observer, or data collector
Replicable Design of current study to follow the
procedures of other studies that have
investigated the same topic, often using the
same methods or procedures.
Heuristic Characteristic of research; results of one study lead to
more questions
Extent to which conclusions developed from
Generalizability data collected from a sample can be extended
to the population; the extension of the
findings to similar situations or to similar
others.
1/
8
, 7/1/25, 8:12
PM
Inductive: Reasoning process in which
researchers work from what emerges from the
data to formulate hypotheses and eventually
Inductive vs. Deductive develop theories; generally used with
Reasoning qualitative research methods
Deductive: Reasoning process in which
researcher begins with a theory and then
gathers evidence, or data, to assess
whether the theory is correct
Problem (purpose) Trying to find/show? Value? Not already known?
Statement
Conceptual Definition The specific way each variable (quantitative) or
(for problem statement) phenomenon (qualitative) is defined for YOUR
study
Be able to recognize computerized
databases for locating research
Theory is our attempt to explain, describe or predict:
- WHAT we do (pattern)
Theory and its role in - HOW we do it (specific behaviors)
research - WHY we do it (motivation)
Understanding -> Improvement
- Literature Review (past)
Four primary sections of - Methods Section (how)
a Quantitative report - Results Section (what)
- Discussion Section (why)
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