The Process Of Research Quiz

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| By Patricia Whalen
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Patricia Whalen
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  • 1/25 Questions

    In general, when selecting factors for a study, you want to be sure of which of these?

    • They have been investigated before.
    • They are available to investigate.
    • They are not of interest to you.
    • They do not lead to another question.
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About This Quiz

The Process of Research Quiz is designed to evaluate and enhance your understanding of the comprehensive steps involved in conducting effective research. This quiz covers every critical phase of the research process, including planning, hypothesis formulation, data collection, analysis, and presentation. By answering a series of thoughtfully crafted questions, you will gain insights into the essential methodologies and techniques required for successful research.

This quiz is not just a test of knowledge but a valuable tool to help you refine your research skills. Whether you are a student, academic, or professional, understanding the process of research is crucial for producing reliable and impactful results. The questions will guide you through the practical aspects of developing a research plan, selecting appropriate methods for data collection, analyzing data accurately, and presenting your findings clearly and effectively.

The Process Of Research Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following is a good way to find a research topic?

    • Personal experience

    • Getting an idea from your advisor

    • looking for the next step in the research process

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    A good way to find a research topic includes personal experience, getting an idea from your advisor, and looking for the next step in the research process. Personal experiences can provide unique insights and questions worth exploring. Advisors often have valuable knowledge and can suggest relevant and feasible topics based on their expertise. Additionally, examining current research to identify gaps or the next logical steps can lead to meaningful and impactful studies. Using all these approaches can help in choosing a research topic that is interesting, relevant, and contributes to the field.

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  • 3. 

    Hannah assigns children to different teaching method groups and tests their math performance after six weeks. This is an example of what type of research?

    • Descriptive

    • Historical

    • Experimental

    • Uncontrolled

    Correct Answer
    A. Experimental
    Explanation
    Hannah's study is an example of experimental research. In this type of research, the researcher manipulates one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. Hannah assigns children to different teaching method groups, which is the manipulation of the independent variable. She then tests their math performance after six weeks, which is the measurement of the dependent variable. This setup allows her to determine if the teaching method has a direct effect on math performance. Experimental research is useful for establishing cause-and-effect relationships by controlling and changing specific factors while observing the outcomes.

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  • 4. 

    Experimental methods can typically be described by which of the following?

    • Descriptive

    • Cause-and-effect

    • Correlational

    • Qualitative

    Correct Answer
    A. Cause-and-effect
    Explanation
    Experimental methods can typically be described as cause-and-effect because they involve manipulating variables to determine their effect on other variables. In an experimental study, researchers intentionally manipulate one variable (the independent variable) and measure the effect it has on another variable (the dependent variable). This allows researchers to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the variables, as they can control for confounding factors and determine if changes in the independent variable directly lead to changes in the dependent variable.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-written research hypothesis?

    • Asks a pertinent question

    • Based on the researcher’s instinct

    • Should be long and detailed

    • Is testable

    Correct Answer
    A. Is testable
    Explanation
    A well-written research hypothesis is testable. This means it can be examined and measured through experiments or observations. A testable hypothesis clearly states a prediction that can be supported or refuted by data. It provides a specific, concise statement that guides the research process, helping researchers to focus on gathering and analyzing relevant information. Unlike hypotheses based on instinct or those that are overly detailed and complex, a testable hypothesis is straightforward and can be empirically evaluated. This allows for the scientific investigation to determine its validity, contributing to the advancement of knowledge.

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  • 6. 

    Which source should NOT be cited in a formal academic literature review?

    • Newsweek

    • Review of Educational Research

    • Handbook of Child Psychology

    • Journal of Educational Finance

    Correct Answer
    A. Newsweek
    Explanation
    Newsweek should not be cited in a formal academic literature review. While it is a well-known magazine, it is considered a popular source rather than a scholarly one. Formal academic literature reviews rely on peer-reviewed journals and authoritative books, such as the Review of Educational Research, the Handbook of Child Psychology, and the Journal of Educational Finance. These sources provide rigorously researched and reviewed information that meets academic standards. Popular magazines like Newsweek are more suited for general information and public opinion, lacking the scientific rigor required for scholarly work. Using credible academic sources ensures the reliability and validity of the literature review.

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  • 7. 

    The null hypothesis represents which of the following statements?

    • No relationship between the variables under study

    • A positive relationship between the independent and dependent variables

    • A negative relationship between the independent and dependent variables

    • A difference between the variables under study

    Correct Answer
    A. No relationship between the variables under study
    Explanation
    The null hypothesis represents the statement that there is no relationship between the variables under study. It is a default position that suggests any observed effect or relationship is due to chance rather than a true association. In research, the null hypothesis is tested statistically to determine if there is enough evidence to reject it. If the null hypothesis is rejected, it suggests that there is a significant relationship between the variables. If not, it means that the data do not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that a relationship exists. This helps ensure that findings are not due to random variation.

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  • 8. 

    Which of the following is true of the scientific method of inquiry?

    • Complete once the hypothesis has been tested

    • Will vary depending on the specific research question

    • Systematic process that is used to answer questions

    • Different in basic research than in applied research

    Correct Answer
    A. Systematic process that is used to answer questions
    Explanation
    The scientific method of inquiry is a systematic process used to answer questions. It involves several steps: making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This method ensures that research is carried out in an organized and logical way, allowing scientists to investigate questions and test ideas thoroughly. It is not complete once the hypothesis is tested, as further testing and refinement may be needed. While the specifics may vary slightly depending on the research question, the overall process remains consistent across different types of research, whether basic or applied.

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  • 9. 

    Samantha is interested in studying the relationship between gender differences and verbal ability. This is an example of what type of research?

    • Descriptive

    • Quasi-experimental

    • Correlational

    • Gender research

    Correct Answer
    A. Correlational
    Explanation
    Samantha's study is an example of correlational research. This type of research aims to identify and measure the relationship between two variables without manipulating them. In this case, Samantha is interested in understanding how gender differences are related to verbal ability. Correlational research helps to determine if there is an association between these variables and the strength of that relationship. Unlike experimental research, it does not establish cause and effect, but it can show whether a relationship exists and how strong it is, providing a basis for further investigation.

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  • 10. 

    How are research questions most often described?

    • Arising within a laboratory setting

    • Posed after important factors are identified

    • May arise from our everyday life experiences

    • Always answered if we follow a scientific method of inquiry

    Correct Answer
    A. May arise from our everyday life experiences
    Explanation
    Research questions often come from our daily life experiences. These questions are about things we observe and want to understand better. While some research questions can start in a laboratory or after identifying key factors, many begin with simple curiosity about the world around us. By asking questions about everyday experiences, researchers can investigate and find answers through scientific methods. This process helps to discover new knowledge and improve our understanding of different subjects. Not all research questions can be answered easily, but they guide the direction of scientific inquiry.

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  • 11. 

    Factorial designs are experiments that can best be defined by which of these statements?

    • Have one independent variable

    • Have one dependent variable

    • Have more than one independent variable

    • Are tested on math problems

    Correct Answer
    A. Have more than one independent variable
    Explanation
    Factorial designs are experiments that have more than one independent variable. This type of experimental design allows researchers to study the effects of multiple factors simultaneously and to understand how these factors interact with each other. By including more than one independent variable, factorial designs can reveal complex relationships and interactions that might be missed in simpler experimental setups. This approach is powerful because it provides a more comprehensive understanding of how different variables influence the dependent variable, making the findings more robust and insightful. It is commonly used in various fields to explore intricate cause-and-effect relationships.

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  • 12. 

    There will be no relationship between children's time in day care and later academic achievement. This is an example of which of the following?

    • A research question

    • A factorial design

    • A correlation

    • A null hypothesis

    Correct Answer
    A. A null hypothesis
    Explanation
    The statement "There will be no relationship between children's time in day care and later academic achievement" is an example of a null hypothesis. A null hypothesis asserts that there is no effect or no relationship between the variables being studied. It serves as a starting point for statistical testing, where researchers aim to gather evidence to support or refute this claim. If the data show a significant relationship, the null hypothesis is rejected. This process helps to ensure that any observed effects are real and not due to random chance, providing a basis for scientific conclusions.

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  • 13. 

    In a study of the effect of the amount of TV viewing on children's aggressiveness, what amount of TV viewing would be what type of variable?

    • Independent variable

    • Dependent variable

    • Control variable

    • Extraneous variable

    Correct Answer
    A. Independent variable
    Explanation
    In this study, the amount of TV viewing is the independent variable. The independent variable is the one that researchers manipulate or change to observe its effects on another variable. Here, the researchers are changing the amount of TV that children watch to see how it affects their aggressiveness. The children's aggressiveness would be the dependent variable because it is the outcome being measured. Independent variables are the cause, and dependent variables are the effect in an experiment. This setup helps researchers understand the relationship between different factors by controlling and observing changes systematically.

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  • 14. 

    What does a good research question usually pursue?

    • A small part of a broad topic

    • A topic unrelated to any other topics

    • The same thing as the null hypothesis

    • A broad topic

    Correct Answer
    A. A small part of a broad topic
    Explanation
    A good research question usually pursues a small part of a broad topic. This focus allows researchers to delve deeply into a specific aspect, making the study more manageable and the results more meaningful. By narrowing down a broad topic, researchers can formulate clear, concise questions that are easier to investigate and answer. This approach helps in collecting detailed data and provides more precise insights. Broad topics can be overwhelming and too general, while focusing on a smaller part ensures that the research is thorough and contributes valuable information to the larger field of study.

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  • 15. 

    Michael hands out a survey to find out the average age and schooling level of his class. What type of research is this?

    • Historical

    • Cause-and-effect

    • Quasi-experimental

    • Descriptive

    Correct Answer
    A. Descriptive
    Explanation
    Michael's survey is an example of descriptive research. Descriptive research aims to gather information about a specific group or situation. In this case, Michael is collecting data about the age and schooling level of his classmates. He is not trying to find a cause-and-effect relationship or test a hypothesis. Instead, he wants to describe the characteristics of his class. This type of research helps to provide a clear picture of a population or phenomenon by collecting and analyzing factual information. It is often used as a starting point for further research.

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  • 16. 

    Nonexperimental research methods consist of which of the following?

    • Test causal relationships between variables

    • Only describe characteristics of an existing phenomenon

    • Can be descriptive, historical, or correlational

    • Examine factors that are not related

    Correct Answer
    A. Can be descriptive, historical, or correlational
    Explanation
    Nonexperimental research methods can be descriptive, historical, or correlational. These methods do not involve manipulating variables to test causal relationships. Instead, they focus on observing and describing characteristics of existing phenomena, examining past events, or studying the relationships between variables without interference. Descriptive research gathers detailed information about a subject, historical research analyzes past events to understand current issues, and correlational research investigates the connections between variables to see if they are related. These methods provide valuable insights and help in understanding patterns and trends without manipulating the study conditions.

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  • 17. 

    What is the major difference between applied and basic research?

    • Basic research takes longer to complete

    • Applied research is less important

    • Basic research is more traditional

    • Basic research has no immediate application

    Correct Answer
    A. Basic research has no immediate application
    Explanation
    The major difference between applied and basic research is that basic research has no immediate application. Basic research is conducted to increase our understanding of fundamental principles and theories without focusing on practical applications. It aims to expand knowledge for its own sake. In contrast, applied research is designed to solve specific, practical problems and is intended to have immediate real-world applications. While both types of research are important, basic research lays the foundation for new knowledge, which can later be used in applied research to develop solutions to practical issues.

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  • 18. 

    What type of variable has an unpredictable impact on the dependent variable?

    • Wild variable

    • Independent variable

    • Extraneous variable

    • Moderator variable

    Correct Answer
    A. Extraneous variable
    Explanation
    An extraneous variable has an unpredictable impact on the dependent variable. These are variables that are not the focus of the study but can influence the outcome. They can introduce variability and potentially confound the results if not controlled properly. Unlike independent variables, which are deliberately manipulated, and dependent variables, which are measured, extraneous variables are not intended to be part of the experiment. Their impact is unpredictable because they can affect the dependent variable in various ways, making it difficult to isolate the effect of the independent variable. Proper experimental design aims to minimize the influence of extraneous variables.

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  • 19. 

    Our job as researchers is to eliminate ___________ as a factor contributing to differences between groups.

    • Chance

    • Change

    • The hypothesis

    • An average score

    Correct Answer
    A. Chance
    Explanation
    Our job as researchers is to eliminate chance as a factor contributing to differences between groups. This means ensuring that any observed differences are due to the variables being studied and not random variation. By carefully designing experiments, using proper controls, and employing statistical methods, researchers can minimize the influence of chance. This makes the results more reliable and valid, providing stronger evidence for the conclusions drawn. Eliminating chance helps to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between variables and ensures that findings are not due to random or accidental factors.

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  • 20. 

    The interpretation of “differences are significant” means that the differences found are_________________.

    • Probably not due to chance

    • Due to chance

    • Creative outcomes

    • Not dictated by the hypothesis

    Correct Answer
    A. Probably not due to chance
    Explanation
    The interpretation of “differences are significant” means that the differences found are probably not due to chance. In statistical terms, significant differences indicate that the observed effect or relationship is likely to be real and not a result of random variation. This is determined through hypothesis testing, where a low probability value (p-value) suggests that the results are unlikely to occur by chance alone. Therefore, significant differences provide strong evidence that the variables under study have a true association or impact, making the findings more reliable and meaningful for drawing conclusions.

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  • 21. 

    When variables compete to explain the same effects, what are they sometimes called?

    • Contradictory

    • Intertwining

    • Confounding

    • Interdependent

    Correct Answer
    A. Confounding
    Explanation
    When variables compete to explain the same effects, they are sometimes called confounding variables. A confounding variable is an outside influence that changes the effect of a dependent and independent variable. This can make it difficult to understand the true relationship between the variables being studied because the confounding variable may be providing an alternative explanation for the observed results. Identifying and controlling for confounding variables is crucial in research to ensure that the results are accurate and the conclusions drawn are valid. This helps to clarify the true relationships between the primary variables of interest.

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  • 22. 

    Which type of study may NOT have an implied null hypothesis?

    • Correlational

    • Descriptive

    • Quasi-experimental

    • Experimental

    Correct Answer
    A. Descriptive
    Explanation
    A descriptive study may not have an implied null hypothesis. Descriptive research aims to accurately describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon without testing specific hypotheses about relationships or effects. It focuses on gathering detailed information and providing a clear picture of what is being studied. Unlike correlational, quasi-experimental, or experimental studies, which often test hypotheses to determine relationships or causal effects between variables, descriptive research does not typically involve formulating or testing a null hypothesis. Its primary goal is to observe, describe, and document aspects of a subject as they naturally occur.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

    • Statement that you set out to prove

    • Tested by collecting only the data that support it

    • Proposed before a good research question can be developed

    • Posits a clear relationship between different factors

    Correct Answer
    A. Posits a clear relationship between different factors
    Explanation
    A hypothesis is a statement that suggests a clear relationship between different factors. It is a prediction that can be tested through research and experiments. Instead of trying to prove the hypothesis directly, researchers collect data to see if the evidence supports or refutes it. A good hypothesis is specific and based on existing knowledge. It is proposed after forming a good research question, not before. By clearly stating how two or more factors are related, a hypothesis guides the direction of the study and helps in drawing meaningful conclusions.

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  • 24. 

    What is the term often associated with the random variability introduced into every study as a function of the group of subjects participating, as well as many other unforeseen factors?

    • Systematic error

    • Non-normality

    • Biased sampling

    • Chance

    Correct Answer
    A. Chance
    Explanation
    The term "chance" is often associated with the random variability introduced into every study due to the group of subjects participating and many other unforeseen factors. This random variability can affect the results and make it difficult to determine if the observed effects are due to the variables being studied or simply due to random fluctuations. Researchers use statistical methods to account for and minimize the impact of chance, helping to ensure that the study's findings are more reliable and valid. By recognizing and controlling for chance, researchers can draw more accurate conclusions from their data.

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  • 25. 

    Which of the following is NOT a step in the research process?

    • Formulating a research question 

    • Collecting data 

    • Drawing conclusions 

    • Ignoring contradictory evidence

    Correct Answer
    A. Ignoring contradictory evidence
    Explanation
    Ignoring contradictory evidence is a violation of the principles of sound research. The research process involves systematically gathering and analyzing data to answer a research question or test a hypothesis. This includes considering all available evidence, even if it contradicts initial expectations or beliefs.

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  • Jan 10, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 27, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Patricia Whalen
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