Chapter IV&V Short Quiz

The chief aim of analysis is to distinguish between:

• an event occurring as either reflecting a true effect versus a one occurring by chance

• right from wrong

• quality control and quality assurance

• misrepresentation and plagiarism

Answer explanation

The chief aim of analysis is to distinguish between events occurring that either reflecting a true effect versus one occurring by chance.

The following can consist an appendix except:

• Raw Data

• Personal Data

• Sample Questionnaires

• Figures

Answer explanation

The appendix is a section that is placed at the end of the thesis and may contain material such as tables, figures, maps, photographs, raw data, computer programs, musical examples, interview questions, sample questionnaires, CDs, and many other types of material. Do not include vague or irrelevant information in an appendix.

Statistical analysis advice should be obtained at the stage of initial planning in a study:

• so that attribution of authorship can be decided

• so that conflicts of interest could be identified

• to better coordinate the selection of appropriate sampling methods and data collection instruments

• how data will be archived can be planned

Answer explanation

It is important to determine the appropriate method of sampling and design of instruments at an early state.

Data analysis is defined as the:

• process to ensure that research data, digital and traditional, is stored in a secure manner to ensure that procedural controls are in place and adhered to in order to protect the integrity of data.

• convention whereby research findings are prepared and disseminated to the scientific community.

• process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.

• the process of systematically applying statistical and/or logical techniques to describe and illustrate, condense, recap, and evaluate data.

Answer explanation

Data analysis is defined as the process of systematically applying statistical and/or logical techniques to describe and illustrate, condense, recap, and evaluate data.

____________ is an example of a strategy used to reduce the likelihood of committing statistical error.

• Filling in missing data

• Excluding outliers in analysis

• Altering or otherwise changing the data

• Including outliers in analysis

Answer explanation

Including outliers in analysis is an example of a strategy used to reduce the likelihood of committing statistical error.

Lack of clearly defined and objective outcome measurements can be overcome by sophisticated and robust statistical analysis tools

• True

• False

Answer explanation

No amount of statistical analysis, regardless of the level of sophistication, will correct poorly defined objective outcome measurements.

A common practice among investigators is to defer the selection of statistical analytic procedures to ____________:

• Statisticians

• Graduate assistants

• IRB committees

• Funding agency

Answer explanation

The determination of the appropriate data type and source is often discipline specific and is primarily driven by the nature of the investigation. Issues may arise when misunderstandings occur between researchers who have designed the study and statisticians who are asked to select appropriate analyses.

If one chooses to use a statistical procedure that reflects unconventional norms for one`s field:

• it is crucial to state in a report that this is being done

• it is unnecessary to show how this new and possibly unaccepted method of analysis is being used

• It is irrelevant to discuss how the procedure differs from more traditional methods.

• One should assume the reader will understand the implications this procedure has the conclusions drawn from the findings.

Answer explanation

It is important for readers to understand how an unconventional procedure might affect the findings.

The optimal stage for determining appropriate analyses procedures occurs late in the research process.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The optimal stage for determining appropriate analytic procedures occurs early in the research process.

What tense of verb should be used in presenting the Summary of Findings?

• Past Tense

• Present Tense

• Future Simple Tense

• Past Perfect Tense

Answer explanation

In this stage of thesis writing, you have already completed your study, so you should use past tense in your methodology section to record what you did, and in your results section to report what you found.