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Research Methodology

Description: practice questions to enhance understanding on research process
Number of Questions: 25
Created by:
Tags: research Analysis and Research Statistics Ph.D. Research Process Sampling Quantitative Research
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Which of the following research methods has its roots in the philosophy?

  1. Phenomenology

  2. Grounded theory

  3. Ethnography

  4. Action research


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Phenomenology was originaly used in philosophy to understand phenomenon. Thus, its roots are considered to be in philosophy.

Which of the following approaches is also known as the bottom up approach?

  1. Deductive

  2. Supportive

  3. Directive

  4. Inductive


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Inductive reasoning is more open specially in the begining and proceeds from specific observation to broader generalisation. Thus, this approach is also called 'bottom-up' approach.

Which of the following terms is used for a methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches into one research?

  1. Blending

  2. Triangulation

  3. Mix method research

  4. Multi method research


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The term Triangulation is used for a study that uses mutiple appraoches to a research question in an attempt to double check the results obtained by one method.

What type of questions are included in a structured interview schedule?

  1. Non-modifiable closed ended questions

  2. A mix of closed and open ended questions

  3. Open ended questions

  4. Multiple choice questions


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A structured interview schedule includes closed ended questions, which can not be modified and has no scope for eliciting information other than the one in the set questions. This type of interview schedule helps in collecting quick information from the respondents.

Which of the following type of qualitative researches focuses on the cultures of groups?

  1. Phenomenology

  2. Grounded theory

  3. Ethnography

  4. Case study


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

This type of qualitative research is aimed at learning and understanding cultural phenomena which reflect the knowledge and system of meanings guiding the life of a cultural group. Thus, this is the right option.

Which type of validity is affected when there are inappropriate statistical procedures and/or variables that are not connected with independent variable?

  1. Internal validity

  2. Construct validity

  3. External validity

  4. Ecological validity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

As the internal validity depends on degree of accuracy in statistical procedures or connection of variables with independent variables, so the change in each of these aspects can result into lack of internal validity.

What type of sampling should a researcher use when he requires a sample that is highly representative of the issues involved in the research or which are likely to have expertise in the required matter of research?

  1. Quota sampling

  2. Purposive sampling

  3. Simple random sampling

  4. Snowball sampling


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Purposive sampling is the one in which the researcher chooses the sample on the basis of subject being appropriate for the study. This is used primarily when there is a limited number of people who have expertise in the area being researched. Thus, this is the most appropriate choice.

Incorrect acceptance of a true null hypothesis leads to which type of research error?

  1. Bias

  2. Type 1

  3. Type 2

  4. Type 3


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type 2 error is opposite of the type 1 error in the sense that, it occurs when the researcher does not reject the null hypothesis, when it should have been rejected or when the researcher accepts a false null hypothesis. It may be considered as a false negative result. Thus, this is the correct answer

Which of the following ethical components is difficult to be acheived in qualitative research?

  1. Informed consent

  2. Avoiding physical harm

  3. Anonymity

  4. Consent from the child's parents


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Since qualitative researches have small sample sizes, it is easy to identify them from the research report and thus, maintaining anonymity in qualitative researches may be difficult

Which of the following measures are used for descriptive analysis of data?

  1. Mean, Chi-square test and t-test

  2. Mean, median and mode

  3. Median, ANOVA and chi-square test

  4. ANOVA, Chi-square test and t-test


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This is the correct option as these three measures describe the data.

In which qualitative research approach the primary goal is to gain access to individuals' inner world of experience?

  1. Phenomenology

  2. Ethnography

  3. Grounded theory

  4. Case studies


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This is the correct option because it focuses on the individuals' interpretation of their experiences and the ways in which they express themselves.

A sample of children is tested on certain type of problems, when children are 4, 6 and 8 years old. Which of the following designs will be used for the study?

  1. Longitudinal design

  2. Action research

  3. Qusi-experimental

  4. True experiment design


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

It is longitudinal design because it examines the phenomenon at more than one point in time i.e. at the age of 4 years, 6 years and 8 years.

Which type of sampling is used when a researcher selects the sample by a chain referral from the key samples that have his/her own experience with the required matter of the research?

  1. Snowball sampling

  2. Quota sampling

  3. Cluster sampling

  4. Simple random sampling


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances. Thus, the sample group appears to grow like a rolling snowball. This is also called chain referral sampling.

Which of the following tests cannot be used to test the reliability of a research tool?

  1. Test-retest

  2. Duplication test

  3. Split-half

  4. Parallel-form


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

There is no such test used for testing the reliability of a research tool.

Statistical hypothesis is also known as

  1. null hypothesis

  2. research hypothesis

  3. directional hypothesis

  4. scientific hypothesis


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Null hypothesis is another name for statistical hypothesis which implies that there is no relationship between the two variables under study.

What are the other names for dependent and independent variables?

  1. Externous and control variables

  2. Continuous and descrete variables

  3. Causal and explanatory variables

  4. Cause and effect variables


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Independent variable is also known as the cause or causal variable and dependent variable is also known as effect variable.

in a study entitled effect of salt restricted diet on the blood pressure of hypertensive males, the dependent variable is

  1. salt restricted diet

  2. blood pressure

  3. hypertensive males

  4. salt


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Since blood pressure is dependent on salt restricted diet in this study, this will be considered as the dependent variable. Thus, this is the correct option.

Which of the following is a primary research report?

  1. Meta analysis

  2. Phenomenological report

  3. Metasynthesis

  4. Systematic review


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Phenomenology is qualitative research approach used for understanding the experiences of people who have experienced a particular phenomenon. Thus, this is a primary research report.

What is the correct order of the research steps listed below?

  1. Specify research purpose, identification of research problem, review of literature, hypothesis, methodology, data collection, data analysis and research communication

  2. Specify research purpose, hypothesis, identification of research problem, review of literature, methodology, data collection, data analysis and research communication

  3. Identification of research problem, review of literature, specify research purpose, hypothesis, methodology, data collection, research communication and data analysis

  4. Identification of research problem, review of literature, specify research purpose, hypothesis, methodology, data collection, data analysis and research communication


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Research process should progress in a systematic way so that appropriate solution to the raised query can be generated. Steps listed in this option are the most appropriately arranged in the order in which they should be conducted.

Which type of research design is considered when more than one independent variable is studied?

  1. Qualitative design

  2. multivariate design

  3. Factorial design

  4. Experimental design


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A factorial design is a special type of design in which the effect of more than one indipendent variable is observed on a single dependent variable.

Which of the following softwares is commonly used in quantitative data analysis?

  1. NVivo

  2. XSight

  3. Coding analysis toolkit (CAT)

  4. SPSS


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This software is considered highly efficient in analysing quantitative data. Due to ease in handling, this tool is used very frequently.

Which of the following terms is used in relation to randomised control trials, to describe allocation of treatment in such away that the treatment which will be allocated to a specific subject is unclear before he/she is entered into the study?

  1. Blinding

  2. Allocation concealment

  3. Random sampling

  4. Covariate-adaptive randomisation


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This term is used in randomised controll trials to mean that decision regarding allocation of a research participant is unknown before he is entered into the study. This strategy is used to avoid bias in the research study.

What does CAQDAS stands for in relation to research analysis

  1. Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software

  2. Computer Assisted Quantitative Data Analysis Software

  3. Company Authorized Quantitative Data Analysis Software

  4. Company Authorized Qualitative Data Analysis Software


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This is the correct expantion of CAQDAS

While doing statistical analysis, what does p < 0.05 mean?

  1. p < 0.05 implies that there are less than 5% chances of making a type 1 error

  2. p < 0.05 indicates the power of sample in predicting the population characterestics.

  3. p < 0.05 indicates that the null hypothsis is true

  4. p < 0.05 implies that there are less than 5% chances of making a type 2 error


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

p value indicates the chances of rejecting a null hypothsis when it should have been accepted. Thus, a 'p'  value less than 0.05 indicates that there are less than 5% chances of making type 1 error.

Which term is used to explain the marking of data with symbols, words, indicators or catagories?

  1. Symbolising

  2. Data analysis

  3. Coding

  4. Categorisation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Coding is the process of giving symbols as codes to the data for the purpose of analysis.

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