1.
Which of the following is an excellent source for a research topic?
Correct Answer
E. All of these
Explanation
All of the options listed are excellent sources for a research topic. Theory provides a framework and concepts to explore and analyze. Personal experience can offer unique perspectives and insights that can be studied and analyzed. Replication allows for the verification and validation of previous research findings. Library searches provide access to a wide range of scholarly articles, books, and other resources that can serve as a foundation for research. Therefore, considering all of these options can lead to a comprehensive and well-rounded research topic.
2.
What is the reason for consulting handbooks, yearbooks, encyclopedias, or reviews in the initial stages of identifying a research topic?
Correct Answer
B. They provide an overview of the issues related to a topic.
Explanation
Handbooks, yearbooks, encyclopedias, and reviews are useful in the initial stages of identifying a research topic because they provide an overview of the issues related to a topic. These sources offer comprehensive information and summaries on various subjects, allowing researchers to gain a broad understanding of the topic they are interested in. By consulting these references, researchers can familiarize themselves with key concepts, theories, and debates surrounding the subject matter, which can help them refine their research focus and develop more specific research questions.
3.
A researcher identified his research topic as "classroom assessment." He recognized quickly that this topic was too broad. Which of the following is likely to have led to that conclusion?
Correct Answer
B. It was difficult to organize the material he was collecting in an effective manner.
Explanation
The researcher likely concluded that the topic of "classroom assessment" was too broad because it was difficult for him to organize the material he was collecting in an effective manner. This suggests that there was an overwhelming amount of information available on the topic, making it challenging to categorize and structure the research findings.
4.
If the researcher wanted to narrow his topic from "classroom assessment," which strategy would you advise him to follow?
Correct Answer
D. All of these.
Explanation
The researcher should follow all of these strategies to narrow his topic from "classroom assessment." Talking to a researcher familiar with the literature and the issues in this area will provide valuable insights and guidance. Consulting a good secondary source will give an overview of the area and help identify specific aspects to focus on. Choosing an aspect of classroom assessment related to his expertise will allow the researcher to leverage his knowledge and skills. By combining these strategies, the researcher can effectively narrow down his topic.
5.
Which is NOT a characteristic of a good research topic?
Correct Answer
B. It focuses on a pHilosopHical or ethical issue.
Explanation
A good research topic should have the potential to be investigated through the collection and analysis of data, be theoretically or practically significant, and be ethical. However, focusing on a philosophical or ethical issue is not a characteristic of a good research topic. This is because philosophical or ethical issues are subjective and can be open to interpretation, making it difficult to conduct objective research on them. Good research topics should be objective and measurable, allowing for the collection and analysis of data.
6.
Which of the following is NOT a legitimate research problem, as stated?
Correct Answer
B. Should competitive games be banned from elementary schools?
Explanation
The question asks for a research problem that is NOT legitimate. The first three options all present legitimate research problems, as they address specific topics that can be investigated and analyzed. However, the fourth option, "Should competitive games be banned from elementary schools?" is not a research problem as stated. It is a subjective question that does not provide a clear focus or objective for research. Research problems should be specific and measurable, whereas this question is more of a policy or opinion-based inquiry.
7.
Which of the following is the least appropriate research problem?
Correct Answer
D. Should students have access to controversial novels in school?
Explanation
The question asks for the least appropriate research problem. While all of the other options are focused on studying the impact of certain factors on students' academic performance or attitudes, the question about access to controversial novels does not directly relate to academic performance or educational outcomes. It is more of a policy or societal question rather than a research problem that can be studied in a controlled and measurable way. Therefore, it is the least appropriate research problem among the options given.
8.
Which of the following provides the BEST formal statement of a quantitative problem statement?
Correct Answer
D. The use of portfolios affects students' writing skills.
Explanation
The given answer, "The use of portfolios affects students' writing skills," provides the best formal statement of a quantitative problem statement because it clearly specifies the relationship between the use of portfolios and students' writing skills. It identifies the variables involved (portfolios and writing skills) and suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between them. This statement allows for the formulation of a research question and the design of a study to investigate the impact of portfolios on students' writing skills in a quantitative manner.
9.
Which is NOT an example of a qualitative research topic?
Correct Answer
D. Does an understanding of the history of curriculum development in Louisiana help explain some of the difficulties in moving to a standards-based curriculum?
Explanation
The question asks for a topic that is NOT an example of qualitative research. Qualitative research focuses on understanding and interpreting subjective experiences, meanings, and perspectives. The other three options are all examples of qualitative research topics as they involve exploring the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of individuals or groups. In contrast, the history of curriculum development in Louisiana topic is more focused on historical analysis and explanation, which falls under quantitative research. Therefore, it is not an example of a qualitative research topic.
10.
Which of the following is a consequence of stating the research topic at the beginning of a report?
Correct Answer
D. All of these.
Explanation
Stating the research topic at the beginning of a report is important because it serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it gives direction to all aspects of the research, ensuring that the study remains focused and on track. Secondly, it provides background information on the topic, giving readers a context and understanding of the subject matter. Lastly, it justifies the study by highlighting its significance and why it is worth conducting. Therefore, all of these consequences are a result of stating the research topic at the beginning of a report.