The Process Of Research Quiz
Are you ready to take the process of the research quiz that we have made here for you? Did you know you could help make the world a better place through research? With some well-designed questions, this quiz will help test your knowledge on the essential steps involved in conducting effective research. Dive into the world of research methodologies, data collection techniques, and more. Challenge yourself with thought-provoking questions that will assess your understanding, inform, and teach you the basic things you need to know about research. Try and learn!
- 1.
How are research questions most often described?
- A.
Arising within a laboratory setting
- B.
Posed after important factors are identified
- C.
May arise from our everyday life experiences
- D.
Always answered if we follow a scientific method of inquiry
Correct Answer
C. May arise from our everyday life experiencesExplanation
Research questions are most often described as arising from our everyday life experiences. This means that research questions can be inspired by observations or problems encountered in our daily lives. They do not necessarily have to be limited to a laboratory setting or posed after important factors are identified. Additionally, research questions are not always answered if we follow a scientific method of inquiry, as the outcome of research can vary and may not always provide a definitive answer.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In general, when selecting factors for a study, you want to be sure of which of these?
- A.
They have been investigated before.
- B.
They are available to investigate.
- C.
They are not of interest to you.
- D.
They do not lead to another question.
Correct Answer
B. They are available to investigate.Explanation
When selecting factors for a study, it is important to ensure that they are available to investigate. This means that the factors should be accessible and measurable within the scope of the study. Factors that are not available to investigate cannot be studied or analyzed, making them irrelevant for the research. Therefore, it is crucial to choose factors that can be easily accessed and studied in order to conduct a comprehensive and valid study.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?
- A.
Statement that you set out to prove
- B.
Tested by collecting only the data that support it
- C.
Proposed before a good research question can be developed
- D.
Posits a clear relationship between different factors
Correct Answer
D. Posits a clear relationship between different factorsExplanation
A hypothesis is a statement that posits a clear relationship between different factors. It is a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through research and data collection. Unlike the other options, a hypothesis does not necessarily aim to prove something or collect only supporting data. It is developed before a research question and serves as a basis for conducting further investigation.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Experimental methods can typically be described by which of the following?
- A.
Descriptive
- B.
Cause-and-effect
- C.
Correlational
- D.
Qualitative
Correct Answer
B. Cause-and-effectExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Michael hands out a survey to find out the average age and schooling level of his class. What type of research is this?
- A.
Historical
- B.
Cause-and-effect
- C.
Quasi-experimental
- D.
Descriptive
Correct Answer
D. DescriptiveExplanation
This research is descriptive because it aims to gather information about the average age and schooling level of Michael's class. It does not involve manipulating variables or establishing cause-and-effect relationships, making it different from quasi-experimental and cause-and-effect research. Additionally, it is not focused on studying past events or historical data, ruling out the historical research option.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is true of the scientific method of inquiry?
- A.
Complete once the hypothesis has been tested
- B.
Will vary depending on the specific research question
- C.
Systematic process that is used to answer questions
- D.
Different in basic research than in applied research
Correct Answer
C. Systematic process that is used to answer questionsExplanation
The scientific method of inquiry is a systematic process that is used to answer questions. It involves making observations, formulating a hypothesis, conducting experiments or gathering data, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions. This method is not complete once the hypothesis has been tested, as further experimentation and analysis may be required. The scientific method can be applied to various research questions and is not limited to a specific type of research, whether it is basic or applied.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Nonexperimental research methods consist of which of the following?
- A.
Test causal relationships between variables
- B.
Only describe characteristics of an existing phenomenon
- C.
Can be descriptive, historical, or correlational
- D.
Examine factors that are not related
Correct Answer
C. Can be descriptive, historical, or correlationalExplanation
Nonexperimental research methods refer to approaches that do not involve manipulating variables or controlling conditions. Instead, they aim to describe or understand existing phenomena without establishing cause-and-effect relationships. These methods can be descriptive, providing detailed information about a particular subject or population. They can also be historical, investigating events or trends that have occurred in the past. Additionally, nonexperimental research methods can be correlational, focusing on the relationship between variables without determining causality. Therefore, the correct answer is that nonexperimental research methods can be descriptive, historical, or correlational.Rate this question:
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- 8.
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?
- A.
Descriptive
- B.
Historical
- C.
Experimental
- D.
Uncontrolled
Correct Answer
C. ExperimentalExplanation
This is an example of experimental research because the researcher is manipulating the independent variable (teaching method groups) and measuring the effect on the dependent variable (math performance). By assigning children to different teaching method groups and testing their math performance after six weeks, the researcher is able to determine the causal relationship between the teaching method and math performance.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the major difference between applied and basic research?
- A.
Basic research takes longer to complete
- B.
Applied research is less important
- C.
Basic research is more traditional
- D.
Basic research has no immediate application
Correct Answer
D. Basic research has no immediate applicationExplanation
The major difference between applied and basic research is that basic research has no immediate application. Applied research focuses on solving specific problems and finding practical solutions, whereas basic research is driven by curiosity and aims to expand knowledge without an immediate practical purpose. Basic research often forms the foundation for applied research, as it provides a deeper understanding of the subject matter.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Samantha is interested in studying the relationship between gender differences and verbal ability. This is an example of what type of research?
- A.
Descriptive
- B.
Quasi-experimental
- C.
Correlational
- D.
Gender research
Correct Answer
C. CorrelationalExplanation
This is an example of correlational research because Samantha is interested in studying the relationship between gender differences and verbal ability. In correlational research, the researcher examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. Samantha wants to determine if there is a relationship between gender and verbal ability, without manipulating or controlling any variables.Rate this question:
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- 11.
When variables compete to explain the same effects, what are they sometimes called?
- A.
Contradictory
- B.
Intertwining
- C.
Confounding
- D.
Interdependent
Correct Answer
C. ConfoundingExplanation
When variables compete to explain the same effects, they are sometimes called confounding. This means that the relationship between the variables is not clear, and it becomes difficult to determine the true cause of the observed effects. Confounding variables can lead to inaccurate or misleading conclusions in research studies if they are not properly accounted for or controlled.Rate this question:
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- 12.
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?
- A.
Independent variable
- B.
Dependent variable
- C.
Control variable
- D.
Extraneous variable
Correct Answer
A. Independent variableExplanation
The amount of TV viewing in this study would be considered the independent variable because it is being manipulated by the researchers to see how it affects children's aggressiveness. The independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable, which is the variable being measured or observed.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Factorial designs are experiments that can best be defined by which of these statements?
- A.
Have one independent variable
- B.
Have one dependent variable
- C.
Have more than one independent variable
- D.
Are tested on math problems
Correct Answer
C. Have more than one independent variableExplanation
Factorial designs are experiments that involve manipulating multiple independent variables simultaneously. This allows researchers to examine the effects of each independent variable separately as well as their interactions. By including multiple independent variables, factorial designs enable a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the dependent variable. Therefore, the statement "factorial designs have more than one independent variable" accurately describes this type of experimental design.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What type of variable has an unpredictable impact on the dependent variable?
- A.
Wild variable
- B.
Independent variable
- C.
Extraneous variable
- D.
Moderator variable
Correct Answer
C. Extraneous variableExplanation
An extraneous variable is a type of variable that has an unpredictable impact on the dependent variable. It is a variable that is not intentionally manipulated in an experiment, but can still influence the results. This variable can introduce bias or confounding effects, making it difficult to determine the true relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Therefore, an extraneous variable is the correct answer as it has an unpredictable impact on the dependent variable.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The null hypothesis represents which of the following statements?
- A.
No relationship between the variables under study
- B.
A positive relationship between the independent and dependent variables
- C.
A negative relationship between the independent and dependent variables
- D.
A difference between the variables under study
Correct Answer
A. No relationship between the variables under studyExplanation
The null hypothesis represents the assumption that there is no relationship between the variables under study. It is the default position that there is no effect or difference between the variables being investigated. In other words, it suggests that any observed relationship or difference between the variables is due to chance or random variation. The null hypothesis is typically tested against an alternative hypothesis, which proposes a specific relationship or difference between the variables.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which type of study may NOT have an implied null hypothesis?
- A.
Correlational
- B.
Descriptive
- C.
Quasi-experimental
- D.
Experimental
Correct Answer
B. DescriptiveExplanation
Descriptive studies are designed to describe and summarize data, rather than test specific hypotheses or relationships. They do not involve comparing groups or variables, so there is no need for an implied null hypothesis. In contrast, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies all involve comparing variables or groups, and therefore require a null hypothesis to test for the absence of a relationship or difference.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Our job as researchers is to eliminate ___________ as a factor contributing to differences between groups.
- A.
Chance
- B.
Change
- C.
The hypothesis
- D.
An average score
Correct Answer
A. ChanceExplanation
As researchers, our main objective is to ensure that any differences observed between groups are not due to random chance. By eliminating chance as a factor, we can be more confident that the differences we find are actually meaningful and not just a result of random variation. This involves carefully designing our studies, controlling for confounding variables, and using appropriate statistical tests to determine the significance of our findings.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What does a good research question usually pursue?
- A.
A small part of a broad topic
- B.
A topic unrelated to any other topics
- C.
The same thing as the null hypothesis
- D.
A broad topic
Correct Answer
A. A small part of a broad topicExplanation
A good research question usually pursues a small part of a broad topic. This means that the question focuses on a specific aspect or subtopic within a larger subject area. By narrowing down the scope of the question, researchers can effectively explore and analyze a specific area of interest, leading to more focused and meaningful research outcomes.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The interpretation of “differences are significant” means that the differences found are_________________.
- A.
Probably not due to chance
- B.
Due to chance
- C.
Creative outcomes
- D.
Not dictated by the hypothesis
Correct Answer
A. Probably not due to chanceExplanation
The phrase "differences are significant" indicates that the observed differences are likely not a result of random chance. This suggests that there is a meaningful and likely causal relationship between the variables being compared.Rate this question:
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- 20.
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.
A research question
- B.
A factorial design
- C.
A correlation
- D.
A null hypothesis
Correct Answer
D. A null hypothesisExplanation
This statement suggests that there is no relationship between children's time in day care and later academic achievement. A null hypothesis is a statement that assumes there is no relationship or difference between variables being studied. In this case, the null hypothesis would be that there is no relationship between time in day care and academic achievement.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The significance level reported in a research study can be explained by which of the following?
- A.
Importance of the results to the benefit of society
- B.
a statistical method
- C.
Risk associated with not being 100% confident the difference is due to the treatment
- D.
Importance of the results to the benefit of an individual
Correct Answer
C. Risk associated with not being 100% confident the difference is due to the treatmentExplanation
The significance level reported in a research study refers to the risk associated with not being 100% confident that the observed difference in the results is solely due to the treatment being studied. It is a statistical method used to determine the likelihood of obtaining the observed results by chance alone. A lower significance level indicates a lower risk of obtaining the observed results by chance, thereby providing more confidence in the treatment's effectiveness. The importance of the results to the benefit of society or an individual is not directly related to the significance level.Rate this question:
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- 22.
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?
- A.
Systematic error
- B.
Non-normality
- C.
Biased sampling
- D.
Chance
Correct Answer
D. ChanceExplanation
Chance refers to the random variability introduced into every study as a result of various factors such as the group of subjects participating and unforeseen circumstances. It represents the element of unpredictability in research and is often associated with the inherent uncertainty and variability in data collection and analysis.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-written research hypothesis?
- A.
Asks a pertinent question
- B.
Based on the researcher’s instinct
- C.
Should be long and detailed
- D.
Is testable
Correct Answer
D. Is testableExplanation
A well-written research hypothesis should be testable, meaning that it can be empirically evaluated and verified through data collection and analysis. This characteristic ensures that the hypothesis can be subjected to scientific scrutiny and that its validity can be determined. By being testable, the hypothesis allows for the formulation of research methods and the collection of evidence to support or refute it, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which of the following is a good way to find a research topic?
- A.
Personal experience
- B.
Getting an idea from your advisor
- C.
looking for the next step in the research process
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the options mentioned are good ways to find a research topic. Personal experience can provide insights and inspiration for a research topic. Getting an idea from your advisor is beneficial as they have expertise and can guide you in selecting a relevant and feasible research topic. Looking for the next step in the research process helps to build upon existing knowledge and identify gaps that can be explored further. Therefore, considering all of these options can lead to finding a good research topic.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which source should NOT be cited in a formal academic literature review?
- A.
Newsweek
- B.
Review of Educational Research
- C.
Handbook of Child Psychology
- D.
Journal of Educational Finance
Correct Answer
A. NewsweekExplanation
Newsweek should not be cited in a formal academic literature review because it is a popular news magazine rather than a scholarly source. Literature reviews require credible and peer-reviewed sources that contribute to the academic discourse in the specific field of study. Newsweek, being a popular publication, may not undergo the same rigorous peer-review process and may not provide the depth of analysis required in an academic literature review.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Aug 10, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 27, 2010Quiz Created by
Patricia Whalen
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