Research

What is the primary purpose of conducting research?

• To prove a hypothesis
• To gather data
• To gain knowledge and understanding
• To receive funding

Answer explanation

Rationalization: The primary purpose of conducting research is to gain knowledge and understanding about a particular phenomenon or topic. While data collection and hypothesis testing are important aspects of research, they serve the broader goal of increasing knowledge and understanding.

Which of the following is an important component of research writing?

• Including only positive results
• Using complex and technical language
• Citing sources accurately
• Overgeneralizing findings

Answer explanation

Rationalization: Citing sources accurately is essential in research writing because it demonstrates the author's credibility and avoids plagiarism. While using technical language can be necessary in certain fields, clear and concise language is generally preferred. Including only positive results and overgeneralizing findings are both unethical practices that can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

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

• To summarize the author's own research findings
• To provide background information on the topic
• To argue for a particular point of view
• To describe the research methods used

Answer explanation

Rationalization: A literature review is a critical analysis of existing research on a particular topic. Its purpose is to provide background information, summarize key findings, and identify gaps in knowledge that the current study aims to address.

What is a hypothesis in research writing?

• A proven fact
• A tentative explanation for a phenomenon
• A summary of research findings
• A statistical test

Answer explanation

Rationalization: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a phenomenon or relationship between variables. It is based on limited existing knowledge and serves as a starting point for further research.

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?

• Surveys
• Experiments
• Observations
• Correlation studies

Answer explanation

Rationalization: Qualitative research methods involve collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as observations, interviews, and focus groups. Surveys, experiments, and correlation studies are examples of quantitative research methods that involve collecting and analyzing numerical data.

Which of the following is an example of a primary source in research writing?

• A textbook
• A news article
• A peer-reviewed journal article
• An encyclopedia entry

Answer explanation

Rationalization: Primary sources are original sources of information, such as journal articles, research reports, and data sets. They provide firsthand information and data that have not been interpreted or summarized by others. Textbooks, news articles, and encyclopedia entries are examples of secondary sources that summarize or interpret primary sources.

Which of the following is NOT a common research method?

• Surveys
• Case studies
• Interviews
• Personal opinions

Answer explanation

Rationalization: Personal opinions are not a valid research method as they are subjective and lack empirical evidence.

Which of the following is a common style guide used in research writing?

• MLA
• Chicago
• APA
• All of the above

Answer explanation

Rationalization: MLA, APA, and Chicago are all commonly used style guides in research writing, each with its own set of guidelines for formatting and citation.

Which of the following is an example of plagiarism in research writing?

• Paraphrasing a source and citing the original author
• Using a direct quote without citation
• Writing an original sentence with no citation
• None of the above

Answer explanation

Rationalization: Plagiarism involves using someone else's words or ideas without proper citation. While paraphrasing a source and citing the original author is acceptable, using a direct quote without citation is considered plagiarism.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

• Qualitative research is based on numerical data, while quantitative research is based on non numerical data.
• Qualitative research involves collecting data through surveys, while quantitative research involves collecting data through interviews.
• Qualitative research seeks to explore the meaning behind the data, while quantitative research seeks to measure the data.
• Qualitative research is more objective than quantitative research.

Answer explanation

Rationalization: Qualitative research seeks to explore the meaning behind the data, while quantitative research seeks to measure the data. The other options are not accurate descriptions of the differences between qualitative and quantitative research.