ap research review

What is the main characteristic of an observational study?

• Data is manipulated to observe effects

• Data is collected by observing participants without interference

• Participants are randomly assigned to groups

• Variables are controlled for accuracy

When would researchers typically choose an observational study?

• When they want to manipulate independent variables

• When they seek to find a cause-and-effect relationship

• When they want to observe natural behavior without interference

• When a hypothesis requires statistical analysis

Which of the following is a potential challenge of correlational studies?

• Ability to predict exact causes

• Missed or ignored variables

• Guaranteed accurate relationships

• Control over experimental conditions

What is the primary goal of ethnography?

• To manipulate variables in a controlled setting

• To observe and understand people and cultures within their context

• To test hypotheses using quantitative methods

• To create surveys and analyze data statistically

When is ethnography typically used?

• When studying large datasets for statistical significance

• To explore social interactions, rituals, and cultural beliefs in depth

• For quick, quantitative analysis of group behavior

• When performing lab-based controlled experiments

Which of the following is a potential challenge of ethnography?

• Ethical dilemmas and the need for informed consent

• Large sample sizes required for generalization

• Quantitative data analysis is always possible

• Direct causal relationships are easy to determine

What defines a natural experiment?

• The researcher manipulates the independent variable

• Groups are created naturally, without the researcher’s intervention

• Data is collected from controlled environments only

• The study involves random assignment of participants

When would researchers choose a natural experiment?

• To manipulate the environment and control variables

• When no random assignment is needed, and natural variations are observed

• To establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship

• When seeking precise, quantitative data

Which is a potential challenge of natural experiments?

• Lack of time and preparation

• Strict control over variables

• Ability to make causal predictions

• Fully predictable outcomes

What is a characteristic of mixed methods research?

• It uses only qualitative data

• It combines both qualitative and quantitative data

• It is purely experimental

• It focuses on observational data only