Research Methodology Fundamentals - Intermediate Level

Question 1
Which of the following best describes the role of a control group in an experiment?

(A) It amplifies the effect of the experimental variable so the treatment can be clearly seen.

(B) It eliminates the need for random assignment by matching subjects perfectly.

(C) It provides a baseline for comparing the effects of the experimental treatment.

(D) It ensures that any observed effect is exclusively due to the treatment.

Question 2
Which of the following best practices minimizes sampling bias in survey research?

(A) Utilizing a random selection process to choose participants from the target population.

(B) Relying solely on voluntary responses from interested individuals.

(C) Choosing respondents based on their ease of access or convenience.

(D) Selecting respondents who already exhibit similar opinions.

Question 3
What is the primary purpose of using a double-blind design in experiments?

(A) To increase the sample size without needing additional subjects.

(B) To reduce observer bias, though it may not impact participants’ behavior.

(C) To minimize bias by preventing both subjects and researchers from knowing the treatment assignments.

(D) To allow researchers to control participants’ responses by being aware of group assignments.

Question 4
In research, what does operationalization refer to?

(A) Turning abstract concepts into measurable variables.

(B) Using an alternative method of data analysis to validate findings.

(C) Selecting participants based on convenience or availability.

(D) Conducting preliminary tests before the main study.

Question 5
Which of the following is a key feature of a well-designed survey questionnaire?

(A) Ambiguous wording to allow for multiple interpretations.

(B) Leading phrasing that presupposes the answer.

(C) Clear, unbiased, and specific questions that avoid leading language.

(D) Questions filled with technical jargon to impress respondents.

Question 6
What is the purpose of conducting a pilot study in research?

(A) To gather final data for conclusive research findings.

(B) To generate a large sample for statistical analysis.

(C) To test and refine research instruments and procedures before the full-scale study.

(D) To replace the main study if significant results are obtained.

Question 7
In the context of experimental design, what does 'confounding' refer to?

(A) Using a control group that subtly overlaps with treatment outcomes to enhance results.

(B) The deliberate introduction of errors to test the robustness of a hypothesis.

(C) The mixing of effects between the independent variable and extraneous variables, making it unclear which is causing the observed effect.

(D) The process of randomizing subjects to eliminate systematic biases.

Question 8
Which of the following best describes a cross-sectional study?

(A) A study that compares different groups across multiple time periods.

(B) A study that observes a particular population or phenomenon at a single point in time.

(C) A study that follows the same group of participants over an extended period.

(D) A study that involves random assignment of subjects to different conditions.

Question 9
Imagine you are conducting a survey and notice that responses consistently favor a particular answer due to the specific wording of the questions. This issue is an example of:

(A) Measurement bias resulting from poorly constructed survey questions.

(B) Sampling error due to a non-representative participant group.

(C) Data fabrication by respondents to fit presumed expectations.

(D) An effect of the survey administration method appearing to be random.

Question 10
When would a researcher most appropriately choose qualitative methods over quantitative methods?

(A) When the objective is to test a hypothesis through controlled experiments.

(B) When seeking statistical precision to generalize findings to a large population.

(C) When exploring complex phenomena where detailed, contextual insights are needed.

(D) When the primary goal is to measure numerical data for statistical analysis.

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