Research

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

• A) To collect new data

• B) To evaluate the research design

• C) To summarize and synthesize existing research

• D) To conduct statistical analysis

Answer explanation

Answer: C) To summarize and synthesize existing research

Explanation: A literature review aims to provide an overview of the existing research on a topic, highlighting key findings, trends, and gaps in the literature.

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

• • A) A factual statement based on previous research

• B) An educated guess or prediction that can be tested

• C) A detailed description of a research method

• D) A random observation

Answer explanation

Answer: B) An educated guess or prediction that can be tested

Explanation: A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables, guiding the direction of research.

What is a null hypothesis?

• A) A statement that there is no effect or relationship

• B) A statement predicting a significant effect or relationship

• C) A hypothesis based on empirical data

• D) A hypothesis that has been disproven

Answer explanation

Answer: A) A statement that there is no effect or relationship

Explanation: The null hypothesis posits that there is no significant effect or relationship between variables, serving as a baseline for testing.

What type of research method involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships?

• A) Descriptive research

• B) Correlational research

• C) Experimental research

• D) Qualitative research

Answer explanation

Answer: C) Experimental research

Explanation: Experimental research involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on other variables, allowing researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

In research, what is meant by 'sampling bias'?

• A) The sample is too large

• B) The sample is not representative of the population

• C) The sample is too small

• D) The sampling method is random

Answer explanation

Answer: B) The sample is not representative of the population

Explanation: Sampling bias occurs when the sample selected is not representative of the population, leading to skewed or invalid results.

Which statistical measure is used to describe the average score in a dataset?

• A) Mean

• B) Mode

• C) Median

• D) Range

Answer explanation

Answer: A) Mean

Explanation: The mean is the arithmetic average of a dataset, calculated by summing all values and dividing by the number of values.

What does 'validity' refer to in research?

• A) The consistency of measurement

• B) The generalizability of findings

• C) The ease of replicating the study

• D) The accuracy of measurement

Answer explanation

Answer: D) The accuracy of measurement

Explanation: Validity refers to whether the research measures what it claims to measure, ensuring that the results are accurate and relevant.

What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experiment?

• A) To test the hypothesis

• B) To receive the treatment or intervention

• C) To compare with the experimental group

• D) To collect data from multiple sources

Answer explanation

Answer: C) To compare with the experimental group

Explanation: The control group does not receive the treatment or intervention, allowing researchers to compare its outcomes with those of the experimental group to assess the effect of the treatment.

Which type of variable is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment?

• A) Dependent variable

• B) Independent variable

• C) Control variable

• D) Extraneous variable

Answer explanation

Answer: B) Independent variable

Explanation: The independent variable is the one that the researcher manipulates to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

It provides a detailed examination of a single case or a small group,

often used to explore complex issues in depth.