Exploring Research Methods Quiz
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
A good research plan, according to Leedy and Ormrod (2010), includes:
- A.
Specific procedures and data sources, but does not lock the researcher into an analysis plan.
- B.
Initial procedures and key data sources, but is also open to modification as the project progresses.
- C.
A specific plan regarding data sources and analyses, although information regarding the specific research sample is best left open.
- D.
Includes specific sampling plan, procedures, data sources, and analysis plan.
Correct Answer
D. Includes specific sampling plan, procedures, data sources, and analysis plan.Explanation
A good research plan should include specific sampling plan, procedures, data sources, and analysis plan. This means that the researcher should have a clear plan in place for how they will select their sample, the procedures they will follow, the sources they will gather data from, and the methods they will use to analyze the data. This comprehensive approach ensures that the research is well-organized and can be replicated by others.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The basic format of the quantitative research process includes (in part), in chronological order:
- A.
Pose the question, pose a hypothesis, search the literature, collect the data.
- B.
B. clearly state the research question, collect data, review the literature, write up the findings.
- C.
Review the literature, identify a question, collect data, analyze data.
- D.
Pose a hypothesis, collect data, analyze data, review the literature.
Correct Answer
A. Pose the question, pose a hypothesis, search the literature, collect the data.Explanation
The correct answer is "pose the question, pose a hypothesis, search the literature, collect the data." This sequence is commonly followed in the quantitative research process. First, the researcher formulates a question that they want to investigate. Then, they develop a hypothesis, which is a tentative explanation for the question. Next, they conduct a thorough literature review to gather existing knowledge and research on the topic. Finally, they collect the necessary data through various methods such as surveys, experiments, or observations. This sequence ensures that the research process is systematic and logical.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When considering general criteria for high-quality research projects, universality refers to the fact that:
- A.
The research design allows the researcher to control those factors that are central to the success of the project.
- B.
Another researcher in the same field, using the same procedures under the same circumstances to research the same question, would obtain comparable results
- C.
A well-designed research project could be carried out by any competent researcher; it does not rely on a specific individual.
- D.
The phenomena of interest must be quantified in some systematic way.
Correct Answer
C. A well-designed research project could be carried out by any competent researcher; it does not rely on a specific individual.Explanation
Universality in high-quality research projects refers to the ability for any competent researcher to carry out a well-designed research project, without relying on a specific individual. This means that the project is not dependent on the skills or expertise of a particular researcher, and can be replicated by others in the same field using the same procedures and circumstances. This ensures that the results obtained are comparable and can be verified by different researchers, increasing the reliability and validity of the research findings.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When considering general criteria for high-quality research projects, replicability refers to the fact that:
- A.
The research design allows the researcher to control those factors that are central to the success of the project.
- B.
Another researcher, using the same procedures under the same circumstances to research the same question, would obtain comparable results.
- C.
A well-designed research project could be carried out by a specific individual conducting research in the same field.
- D.
The phenomena of interest must be quantified in some systematic way.
Correct Answer
B. Another researcher, using the same procedures under the same circumstances to research the same question, would obtain comparable results.Explanation
Replicability in high-quality research projects refers to the ability of another researcher to obtain comparable results by using the same procedures and conducting research under the same circumstances to investigate the same question. This means that the research methods and conditions are clearly defined and can be replicated by others, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings. Replicability is crucial in scientific research as it allows for the verification and confirmation of results, enhancing the overall credibility and trustworthiness of the research.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Three of the following accurately characterize data. Which one does NOT necessarily characterize data?
- A.
Data may be elusive.
- B.
Data can be volatile.
- C.
Data are ever changing.
- D.
Data reveal truth.
Correct Answer
D. Data reveal truth.Explanation
The statement "Data reveal truth" does not necessarily characterize data because data can be manipulated or misrepresented to support a certain narrative or agenda. While data can provide valuable insights and evidence, it is important to critically analyze and interpret the data to ensure its accuracy and reliability. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that all data will reveal the truth without proper scrutiny.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Charlotte, an anthropologist, has been living in an Incan village for three years. During that time Charlotte has become expert in Incan weaving by observing and imitating the master weavers in the community. For Charlotte, observing weaving constitutes:
- A.
Primary data.
- B.
Secondary data.
- C.
Informal data.
- D.
Nonempirical data.
Correct Answer
A. Primary data.Explanation
Observing and imitating the master weavers in the Incan village is considered primary data for Charlotte because she is directly collecting information from her own observations and experiences. Primary data refers to data that is collected firsthand by the researcher for a specific research purpose, and in this case, Charlotte is gathering firsthand knowledge about Incan weaving through her direct observations and interactions with the master weavers.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Charlotte wrote a book about her experience as an anthropologist living in an Incan village for three years and becoming an expert weaver. Her book was widely read by other anthropologists, including Mira, who is an expert in Navaho weaving. For Mira, Charlotte’s book constitutes:
- A.
Hearsay data.
- B.
Secondary data.
- C.
Informal data
- D.
Primary data.
Correct Answer
B. Secondary data.Explanation
Charlotte's book is considered secondary data because it is based on her own experiences and observations as an anthropologist living in an Incan village. It is not firsthand or primary data, as it is not collected specifically for the purpose of Mira's research. Instead, Mira is using Charlotte's book as a source of information to supplement her own expertise in Navaho weaving.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Sean, a high school wrestler, has agreed to participate in a study of cardiovascular conditioning. He is left somewhat confused when, at the first research session, he is asked to complete a questionnaire about commonly purchased grocery items. Sean’s confusion indicates a lack of ______ regarding the task.
- A.
Construct validity
- B.
Content validity
- C.
Criterion validity
- D.
Face validity
Correct Answer
D. Face validityExplanation
Sean's confusion indicates a lack of face validity regarding the task. Face validity refers to the extent to which a task or measure appears to assess what it is intended to assess. In this case, the questionnaire about commonly purchased grocery items does not appear to be related to cardiovascular conditioning, which is the focus of the study. Sean's confusion suggests that he does not see the relevance or connection between the questionnaire and the study, indicating a lack of face validity.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A researcher decides to use a high school sample to test the relationship between her new measure of empathy and a well-established measure of interpersonal sensitivity. She finds that the two instruments are highly related, which supports the ______ of the new instrument.
- A.
Predictive validity
- B.
Content validity
- C.
Criterion validity
- D.
Face validity
Correct Answer
C. Criterion validityExplanation
The researcher's use of a well-established measure of interpersonal sensitivity as a comparison for her new measure of empathy suggests that she is interested in determining whether her new instrument accurately measures what it intends to measure. Criterion validity refers to the extent to which a measure is able to predict or correlate with a specific criterion or outcome. In this case, the researcher is testing the relationship between her new measure of empathy and the well-established measure of interpersonal sensitivity, which suggests that she is examining whether her new instrument accurately predicts or correlates with the criterion of interpersonal sensitivity. Therefore, the finding that the two instruments are highly related supports the criterion validity of the new instrument.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A researcher designed a new questionnaire to measure political conservatism. To test out his new instrument, he asks people leaving their polling place on election day to report their degree of political conservatism on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) and then complete his questionnaire. Results show that people who identified themselves as political conservatives also had the highest scores on his questionnaire. This is an indication of the ______ of the new instrument.
- A.
Criterion validity
- B.
Content validity
- C.
Face validity
- D.
Predictive validity
Correct Answer
A. Criterion validityExplanation
The researcher's new questionnaire is shown to have criterion validity because it is able to accurately measure the degree of political conservatism. The results of the questionnaire align with the self-identification of the participants, indicating that the questionnaire is measuring what it is intended to measure. Criterion validity is concerned with how well a measurement tool correlates with an external criterion, in this case, the self-identification of political conservatism.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Dick and Jane are studying aggression among preschool children. Separately, they each watch a videotape of four children interacting in a playroom and then rate each child on the level of aggression displayed during the play session. They compare their completed ratings and are pleased to note they are highly similar. This is an example of ______ reliability.
- A.
Interrater
- B.
Internal consistency
- C.
Equivalent form
- D.
Test–retest
Correct Answer
A. InterraterExplanation
The scenario describes Dick and Jane watching the same video and independently rating the level of aggression displayed by each child. The fact that they compare their ratings and find them to be highly similar indicates that they have achieved interrater reliability. Interrater reliability refers to the consistency or agreement between different raters or observers when assessing the same phenomenon. In this case, the high similarity in their ratings suggests that they are reliable in their assessment of aggression among preschool children.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Dr. Drive is testing a 10-question measure of achievement motivation. He notes that if his respondents agree with the first question, they tend to also agree with the other nine. Likewise, if his respondents disagree with the first question, they tend of disagree with the other nine. This is an indication of good ______ reliability.
- A.
Interrater
- B.
Internal consistency
- C.
Equivalent form
- D.
Test–retest
Correct Answer
B. Internal consistencyExplanation
The given scenario describes a situation where respondents consistently agree or disagree with all the questions in the test. This indicates that the test has good internal consistency reliability. Internal consistency reliability refers to the extent to which all items in a test measure the same construct and produce consistent results. In this case, the respondents' consistent agreement or disagreement with all the questions suggests that the test items are measuring the same construct of achievement motivation consistently.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Professor Pickle is studying civic-mindedness among senior citizens. She administers a survey of civic mindedness to a senior citizens group in early April, then again in early May. By comparing the two sets of scores, the professor can assess the ______ reliability of her measure of civic-mindedness.
- A.
Interrater
- B.
Internal consistency
- C.
Equivalent form
- D.
Test–retest
Correct Answer
D. Test–retestExplanation
The correct answer is "test-retest." Test-retest reliability refers to the consistency of scores obtained from the same measure when administered to the same group of individuals at two different points in time. In this scenario, the professor administers the survey in early April and then again in early May to assess the consistency of scores on civic-mindedness over time. By comparing the two sets of scores, the professor can determine the test-retest reliability of her measure of civic-mindedness among senior citizens.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Three of the following are associated with quantitative research methods. Which one is NOT?
- A.
The purpose is to explain or predict.
- B.
It is assumed that the findings will generalize to similar others.
- C.
Deductive reasoning is applied to data analysis and interpretation.
- D.
Statistical analyses are the primary source of findings.
Correct Answer
C. Deductive reasoning is applied to data analysis and interpretation.Explanation
Quantitative research methods involve the use of statistical analyses to gather and interpret data. The purpose of quantitative research is to explain or predict phenomena, and it is assumed that the findings will generalize to similar others. However, deductive reasoning is not typically applied to data analysis and interpretation in quantitative research. Deductive reasoning involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles or theories, whereas quantitative research typically involves inductive reasoning, where specific observations are used to develop general principles or theories.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Three of the following are associated with qualitative research methods. Which one is NOT?
- A.
The purpose is to describe or explain.
- B.
No data are gathered as part of this approach.
- C.
Textual data are gathered from a small number of participants.
- D.
The study is context bound.
Correct Answer
B. No data are gathered as part of this approach.Explanation
The correct answer is "No data are gathered as part of this approach." This is because qualitative research methods involve gathering and analyzing textual data from a small number of participants in order to describe or explain a phenomenon. The study is also context-bound, meaning that it is focused on a specific context or setting. However, the statement that no data are gathered as part of this approach is incorrect, as data collection is a fundamental component of qualitative research methods.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Three of the following are techniques for strengthening the internal validity of a study. Which one is NOT?
- A.
Conduct the study in a controlled laboratory setting.
- B.
Conduct a double-blind experiment.
- C.
Make participants fully aware of your expected findings.
- D.
Build in opportunities for triangulation.
Correct Answer
C. Make participants fully aware of your expected findings.Explanation
Making participants fully aware of your expected findings is not a technique for strengthening the internal validity of a study. In fact, it can introduce bias and influence participants' responses, potentially compromising the validity of the study. Strengthening internal validity involves techniques such as conducting the study in a controlled laboratory setting, conducting a double-blind experiment to minimize bias, and building in opportunities for triangulation to enhance the reliability and validity of the findings.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Three of the following are techniques for strengthening the external validity of a study. Which one is NOT?
- A.
Conduct the study in a real-life setting.
- B.
Assure that you have a representative sample.
- C.
Replicate the study under a variety of relevant conditions.
- D.
Allow flexibility in procedures and instruments.
Correct Answer
D. Allow flexibility in procedures and instruments.Explanation
Allowing flexibility in procedures and instruments does not strengthen the external validity of a study. External validity refers to the generalizability of the study findings to the larger population or real-world settings. Conducting the study in a real-life setting, assuring a representative sample, and replicating the study under a variety of relevant conditions are all techniques that enhance external validity. Allowing flexibility in procedures and instruments may introduce bias and decrease the ability to generalize the findings to other settings or populations.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Three of the following are techniques for strengthening the credibility or dependability of a qualitative study. Which one is NOT?
- A.
End extensive time in the field studying the phenomenon of interest.
- B.
Acquire rich and detailed descriptions of the phenomena being studied.
- C.
Exclude participants who have experiences or opinions that are very different from those of others in the study.
- D.
Ask participants to comment on the conclusions being drawn from the study.
Correct Answer
C. Exclude participants who have experiences or opinions that are very different from those of others in the study.Explanation
The technique of excluding participants who have experiences or opinions that are very different from those of others in the study does not strengthen the credibility or dependability of a qualitative study. In fact, including diverse perspectives and experiences can enhance the richness and validity of the study findings.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The requirement to keep information provided by research participants confidential applies:
- A.
To legal minors (children under the age of 18), but not adults.
- B.
Only in cases where it is specifically requested by the participant.
- C.
To all persons under almost all conditions.
- D.
Only in cases where participants divulge information that is potentially illegal.
Correct Answer
C. To all persons under almost all conditions.Explanation
The correct answer is "to all persons under almost all conditions." This means that the requirement to keep information provided by research participants confidential applies to everyone, regardless of age or specific requests, in almost all situations. There may be some exceptional circumstances where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, but generally, researchers are obligated to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all participants.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The altering of data is allowable:
- A.
When it is clear that the participant marked a response in error.
- B.
When the researcher suspects a participant of being careless.
- C.
When the researcher suspects a participant of misunderstanding the question.
- D.
Under no circumstances.
Correct Answer
D. Under no circumstances.Explanation
The correct answer is "under no circumstances." This means that regardless of the situation, altering data is not allowed. It is important to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the data collected during research. Any errors or misunderstandings should be addressed through proper procedures such as clarifying questions or seeking additional information from the participant, rather than altering the data itself.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Dr. Davenport wants to conduct a study of whether high school students learn more efficiently while seated at a desk compared to in an easy chair. Participants will be seniors in local high school history classes. She hopes to publish her findings in the History Teacher Quarterly. Does Dr. Davenport need internal review board (IRB) approval for this study?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
Only if the study is accepted for publication
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Yes, Dr. Davenport needs internal review board (IRB) approval for this study. Conducting research involving human participants, particularly students, requires ethical considerations and protection of their rights. IRB approval ensures that the study adheres to ethical guidelines, protects the participants' welfare, and maintains confidentiality. Even if the study is not accepted for publication, IRB approval is still necessary to ensure the ethical conduct of the research.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Dr. Davenport wants to conduct a study of whether high school students learn more efficiently while seated at a desk compared to in an easy chair. She knows there is a large research literature regarding similar influences on learning, and she wants to see if the findings hold true with a group of high school history students. Moreover, as a researcher she is uneasy with a lack of structure. You recommend that Dr. Davenport conduct a ______ study.
- A.
Quantitative
- B.
Qualitative
Correct Answer
A. QuantitativeExplanation
Dr. Davenport should conduct a quantitative study because she wants to examine the efficiency of learning in different seating arrangements among high school history students. A quantitative study involves the collection of numerical data and the use of statistical analysis to draw conclusions. This type of study would allow Dr. Davenport to measure and compare the learning outcomes of students seated at a desk versus in an easy chair, providing objective and measurable results. Additionally, a quantitative study would provide structure and help establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the seating arrangements and learning efficiency.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Dr. Greenhill wants to know how it is that some early adolescents come to make a connection between their personal lifestyle and environmental problems, while others don’t. Furthermore, among those who see the connection, why do some become committed to environmentalism while others do not? Dr. Greenwald looks forward to probing the thoughts of young teens on these issues and trying to see the questions and issues through “14-year-old eyes.” You recommend that Dr. Greenhill conduct a ______
- A.
Quantitative
- B.
Qualitative
Correct Answer
B. QualitativeExplanation
Dr. Greenhill should conduct a qualitative study because he wants to understand the thoughts and perspectives of young teens regarding the connection between their personal lifestyle and environmental problems. A qualitative study would allow him to gather in-depth insights and explore the nuances of their experiences and beliefs. This approach would be more suitable for understanding the reasons behind why some adolescents become committed to environmentalism while others do not. Quantitative research, on the other hand, focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, which may not provide the same level of depth and understanding in this context.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Physical measurements should be expressed in
- A.
Metric units.
- B.
Traditional nonmetric units.
- C.
Units of the original measurement.
- D.
Physical units.
Correct Answer
A. Metric units.Explanation
Physical measurements should be expressed in metric units because the metric system is a standardized system of measurement used worldwide. It provides a consistent and uniform way of expressing measurements, making it easier for scientists, engineers, and researchers to communicate and compare data. Metric units are based on powers of 10, which makes conversions between different units simple and straightforward. Additionally, most scientific journals and publications require measurements to be reported in metric units. Using traditional nonmetric units or units of the original measurement can lead to confusion, inconsistency, and difficulties in understanding and interpreting data.Rate this question:
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- 25.
When writing a report of original research, the sections should reflect the
- A.
Order of importance.
- B.
Relation to each other.
- C.
Stages of the research process.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
C. Stages of the research process.Explanation
When writing a report of original research, the sections should reflect the stages of the research process. This means that the report should be structured in a way that follows the logical progression of the research, starting with the introduction and background information, followed by the methodology, results, and conclusion. By organizing the report according to the stages of the research process, the reader can easily understand the flow of the study and how each section contributes to the overall findings.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 15, 2012Quiz Created by
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