Business Research Methods Quiz

What are nominal scales primarily used for?

• Labeling or naming

• Measuring exact differences

• Determining order

• Calculating ratios

Answer explanation

Nominal scales are primarily used for labeling or naming categories without any quantitative value. They do not measure differences, order, or ratios, making 'labeling or naming' the correct choice.

Which scale indicates that the order of values is significant but the differences are unknown?

• Ratio

• Interval

• Ordinal

• Nominal

Answer explanation

The ordinal scale indicates that while the order of values is significant, the exact differences between them are not known. This distinguishes it from interval and ratio scales, where differences are meaningful.

What type of scale provides exact differences between values?

• Interval

• Ratio

• Ordinal

• Nominal

Answer explanation

The interval scale provides exact differences between values, allowing for meaningful comparisons. Unlike ordinal scales, which only indicate order, interval scales have consistent intervals without a true zero point.

Which scale is considered the most comprehensive in measurement?

• Ratio

• Ordinal

• Interval

• Nominal

Answer explanation

The ratio scale is the most comprehensive as it includes all properties of nominal, ordinal, and interval scales, plus a true zero point, allowing for meaningful comparisons and calculations of ratios.

What does construct validity refer to?

• The consistency of responses

• The correlation between two variables

• The measurement of order

• The fit of results to the underlying theory

Answer explanation

Construct validity refers to how well a test or measurement aligns with the underlying theory it is based on. Thus, the correct answer is 'The fit of results to the underlying theory', as it captures this essential relationship.

What is convergent validity?

• When two instruments measuring the same concept are correlated

• The measurement of absolute zero

• When two variables are uncorrelated

• The consistency of responses across items

Answer explanation

Convergent validity refers to the degree to which two instruments measuring the same concept are correlated, indicating that they are assessing the same underlying construct.

Discriminant validity is based on what principle?

• Two variables should be correlated

• Two variables should be uncorrelated

• The measurement of order is important

• The exact differences between values

Answer explanation

Discriminant validity ensures that two variables are uncorrelated, indicating they measure different constructs. This principle helps confirm that the measures are distinct and not overlapping.

What does inter-item consistency reliability measure?

• The correlation between two halves of an instrument

• The consistency of responses across all items

• The fit of results to the theory

• The measurement of absolute zero

Answer explanation

Inter-item consistency reliability measures how consistently respondents answer all items on a test. The correct choice, 'The consistency of responses across all items,' reflects this concept, ensuring that items are measuring the same underlying construct.

What is split-half reliability?

• The correlation between two halves of an instrument

• The consistency of responses across all items

• The measurement of order

• The correlation of different instruments

Answer explanation

Split-half reliability refers to the correlation between two halves of an instrument, assessing its internal consistency. This means it evaluates whether both halves yield similar results, confirming the reliability of the instrument.

Which scale does NOT have an absolute zero?

• Nominal

• Ratio

• Ordinal

• Interval

Answer explanation

The interval scale does not have an absolute zero, meaning it does not represent a true absence of the quantity being measured. In contrast, ratio scales do have an absolute zero, allowing for meaningful comparisons.