Research Design: A Comprehensive Guide for Graduate Students in Social Sciences and Psychology

Question 1

In research involving human participants, which ethical factor should be prioritized when choosing a research design?

Accepted Answer

Potential risks and benefits to participants

Answer

Availability of funding

Answer

Researcher's personal preferences

Question 2

Which of the following sampling methods does NOT involve randomly selecting participants from the population?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 3

Which of the following is not a sampling method used in research?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 4

In non-probability sampling, researchers choose participants based on their knowledge or expertise. Which of the following is an example of this method?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 5

What type of research design involves manipulating one or more independent variables to observe their effects on dependent variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Correlational research

Answer

Historical research

Answer

Observational research

Question 6

Which of the following is a potential source of bias in survey research?

Accepted Answer

Leading or ambiguous questions

Answer

Sample size

Answer

Data analysis methods

Answer

Confounding variables

Question 7

What is the **first** step in the research process?

Accepted Answer

Identifying a research problem

Answer

Data collection

Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Writing the research report

Question 8

Which of the following is a type of non-probability sampling method?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Question 9

What is the main purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

Outline the research design and justify the need for the study

Answer

Summarize the research literature

Answer

Evaluate the impact of the research study

Answer

Present the research findings

Question 10

Which sampling method randomly selects subjects from the entire population?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 11

Which research design involves observing subjects in their natural settings without manipulating variables?

Accepted Answer

Observational research

Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Quasi-experimental research

Answer

Correlational research

Question 12

What is the primary objective of data analysis in a research study?

Accepted Answer

To interpret, summarize, and draw meaningful conclusions from collected data.

Answer

To determine the appropriate sample size for the study.

Answer

To identify the most suitable research design.

Answer

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data.

Question 13

Which statistical test is typically used to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

Question 14

What is the primary function of a literature review in research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge and identify research gaps.

Answer

To define the research question and objectives.

Answer

To design the research methodology.

Question 15

When selecting a research design, which factor should be given primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

The nature of the research question and objectives.

Answer

The time constraints imposed on the research.

Answer

The researcher's personal preferences and biases.

Answer

The availability of funding and resources.

Question 16

What is the fundamental distinction between qualitative and quantitative research approaches?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research emphasizes subjective experiences and interpretations, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.

Answer

Qualitative research is typically exploratory, while quantitative research is always confirmatory.

Answer

Qualitative research uses small sample sizes, while quantitative research requires large sample sizes.

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the well-being and rights of research participants and safeguard against harm.

Answer

To improve the quality and validity of research findings.

Answer

To promote the dissemination and accessibility of research results.

Question 18

Which combination of elements is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of a research study?

Accepted Answer

A well-designed research plan, appropriate data collection methods, and rigorous data analysis techniques.

Answer

A large sample size and advanced statistical software.

Answer

A comprehensive literature review and experienced researchers.

Question 19

Which of the following is a primary consideration in defining the target population of a research study?

Accepted Answer

Establishing the characteristics and boundaries of the group to be studied

Answer

Selecting a data collection method

Answer

Obtaining consent from potential participants

Answer

Identifying a specific individual or organization as the subject of investigation

Question 20

When designing a survey questionnaire, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and technical terms

Answer

Refrain from using Likert scale questions to avoid bias

Answer

Employ open-ended questions exclusively for in-depth responses

Answer

Prioritize question order based on assumed importance

Question 21

Which type of research design involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its impact on a dependent variable, allowing for causal inferences?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Correlational research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Answer

Descriptive research

Question 22

The process of organizing, summarizing, and interpreting data into meaningful patterns and categories to draw inferences is known as:

Accepted Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Data interpretation (implied meaning)

Answer

Data presentation

Answer

Data collection

Question 23

In qualitative research, the primary objective is to:

Accepted Answer

Gain a deep understanding of individual experiences, perspectives, and contexts, focusing on subjective meanings and interpretations

Answer

Test hypotheses using statistical analysis and generalize findings to a larger population

Answer

Collect numerical data and analyze it using statistical methods

Question 24

The primary purpose of a research proposal is to:

Accepted Answer

Outline the research plan, justify its significance, and secure funding or support

Answer

Disseminate research findings to a wider audience

Answer

Evaluate the success or impact of a completed research study

Answer

Present the final research findings and conclusions

Question 25

Which of the following is a key advantage of employing random sampling in research?

Accepted Answer

It promotes representativeness by ensuring that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, reducing bias

Answer

It is less time-consuming and resource-intensive compared to other sampling methods

Answer

It automatically guarantees the accuracy and validity of the study findings

Answer

It simplifies the data collection process

Question 26

The type of data gathered through non-numerical means, such as observations, interviews, or open-ended responses, is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data, emphasizing subjective experiences and meanings

Answer

Quantitative data, focusing on numerical measurements and statistical analysis

Answer

Mixed data, combining both qualitative and quantitative elements

Answer

Numerical data, consisting solely of numbers and statistics

Question 27

Which data collection method involves direct, face-to-face interactions between the researcher and participants?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Behavioral observations

Answer

Document analysis

Answer

Surveys

Question 28

Which measure is used to assess the reliability of a research instrument?

Accepted Answer

Cronbach's alpha

Answer

Specificity

Answer

Sensitivity

Answer

Validity

Question 29

What is the primary function of a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Predicting the outcome of a research study.

Answer

Justifying the research design

Answer

Providing a research question

Answer

Describing the research topic

Question 30

Which action is considered the initial step in the research process?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the research problem

Answer

Collecting data

Answer

Disseminating findings

Answer

Analyzing data

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of a research report?

Accepted Answer

Communicating research findings to others.

Answer

Securing research funding

Answer

Justifying the research design

Answer

Storing research data

Question 32

When using a stratified sampling method, the researcher divides the population into subgroups (strata) based on:

Accepted Answer

Characteristics relevant to the research question

Answer

The geographical location of the subgroups

Answer

The size of the subgroups

Answer

The time period over which the subgroups were formed

Question 33

Which type of research design is most appropriate when the researcher wants to observe and describe a phenomenon without manipulating variables?

Accepted Answer

Non-experimental design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Mixed methods design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Question 34

The process of collecting data by interacting with participants and asking them questions is known as:

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Structured observation

Answer

Survey research

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a key assumption of parametric statistical tests?

Accepted Answer

The sample size is small

Answer

The data is normally distributed

Answer

The data is ordinal or interval level

Answer

The variances of the groups being compared are equal

Question 36

The process of formulating a hypothesis that is then tested through research is known as:

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Interpretation of results

Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Research design

Question 37

The ethical principle that requires researchers to ensure that participants are aware of the risks and benefits of participating in research is known as:

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Anonymity

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 38

When selecting an appropriate research design, which key factor should be carefully considered?

Accepted Answer

Close alignment with the research objectives and questions being investigated

Answer

External time constraints or deadlines

Answer

Researcher's personal preference or convenience

Answer

Immediate availability of resources

Question 39

In research, what type of sampling technique aims to select a representative subset of the population based on random selection principles?

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling, where participants recruit other participants based on shared characteristics

Answer

Quota sampling, which ensures specific population subgroups are represented in the sample

Answer

Convenience sampling, where participants are chosen based on their easy accessibility

Question 40

For gathering rich, in-depth, and subjective data, which data collection method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys, similar to questionnaires but often larger in scale and scope

Answer

Questionnaires, which provide structured, closed-ended questions for quantitative data

Question 41

In a research study, what is the fundamental purpose of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To present a tentative prediction about the relationship between variables being studied

Answer

To offer a conclusive explanation for the research findings

Answer

To provide a detailed description of the research participants

Answer

To gather data for the research study

Question 42

Distinguish between descriptive and inferential statistics, highlighting their key differences.

Accepted Answer

Descriptive statistics summarize and describe data, while inferential statistics draw conclusions and make predictions about a larger population based on a sample.

Answer

Descriptive statistics are presented numerically, while inferential statistics are presented graphically.

Question 43

Within experimental research designs, which type involves randomly assigning participants to different treatment groups?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Answer

Longitudinal study, which collects data from the same participants over time

Answer

Cross-sectional study, which examines data from a sample at one point in time

Answer

Case study, which focuses on an in-depth analysis of a single individual or small group

Question 44

In mixed methods research, what is a primary advantage of combining qualitative and quantitative approaches?

Accepted Answer

It provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the research topic by triangulating data and perspectives.

Answer

It eliminates the possibility of bias in the research findings

Answer

It reduces the overall research costs

Answer

It speeds up the data collection process

Question 45

In research, explain the distinction between reliability and validity, highlighting their key characteristics.

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of a measurement, while validity refers to the accuracy and relevance of the measurement in capturing what it intends to measure.

Answer

Reliability is a more important concept than validity in research

Answer

Reliability is a quantitative concept, whereas validity is a qualitative concept

Question 46

Which sampling method involves selecting participants based solely on their easy accessibility and availability to the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 47

Which research design involves directly manipulating an independent variable and measuring its effect on a dependent variable while controlling for extraneous factors?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Question 48

Which data collection method involves gathering information through structured conversations with participants, either face-to-face or over the phone?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Survey

Answer

Document analysis

Answer

Observation

Question 49

In research, a hypothesis serves primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Make a testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Answer

Explain the results of a study after data analysis.

Answer

Summarize the existing literature on a topic.

Answer

Describe the overall research process in detail.

Question 50

Which type of validity focuses on the extent to which a research instrument accurately measures the underlying construct it is designed to assess?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Face validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Internal validity

Question 51

Which type of data analysis method is appropriate for quantitative data that exhibits a symmetrical bell-shaped distribution?

Accepted Answer

Parametric tests

Answer

Qualitative analysis

Answer

Mixed-methods analysis

Answer

Non-parametric tests

Question 52

What is the key difference between independent and dependent variables in research?

Accepted Answer

The researcher manipulates the independent variable to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which is measured.

Answer

Independent variables are measured first, followed by dependent variables.