Experimental Research Quiz

Which of the following accurately defines a directional hypothesis?

• A directional hypothesis predicts the expected outcome of a study.

• A null hypothesis predicts that there will be a difference between the variables.

• A research hypothesis is an educated guess that states the expected outcome of a study and is not based on literature review.

• A nondirectional hypothesis states that there will be no difference between variables.

What is the primary purpose of experimental research?

• To determine cause-and-effect relationships.

• To predict future trends based on past data.

• To explore the relationship between variables without manipulating them.

• To gather descriptive information about a phenomenon.

In experimental research, the primary variables being manipulated and measured are called the:

• Treatment groups and control groups

• Independent variable and dependent variable

• Qualitative data and Quantitative data

• Extraneous variables and control variables

What is the key purpose of random assignment in experimental research?

• Random assignment helps to ensure that groups are comparable at the beginning of the study.

• Random assignment ensures the results generalize to the larger population by minimizing biases and promoting equal group representation.

• Random assignment is necessary for an A-B-A design.

• Random assignment is not necessary if a pretest is used.

What is the distinction between a pretest and a posttest in experimental studies?

• A pretest checks group comparability before treatment, while a posttest measures differences afterward.

• A posttest is given only if treatment has a significant effect.

• A pretest is unnecessary if groups are randomly assigned, as random assignment minimizes pre-existing differences.

• A pretest is used in observational studies only.

What are internal validity and external validity in the context of experimental research?

• Both internal and external validity are determined by the sample size.

• External validity is only important in quantitative studies.

• Internal validity refers to whether the treatment caused the observed effect. External validity refers to the generalizability of the effect.

• Internal validity is not important in experimental studies.

What is the principal function of a control group in experimental research?

• To meet ethical considerations in research.

• To control extraneous variables that could affect the results.

• To ensure the treatment is effective, its impact must be assessed to confirm desired outcomes.

• To make the study more manageable.

What is precisely meant by the operational definition of a variable?

• Operational definition describes a variable's relationship to other variables.

• Operational definition clarifies how a variable will be measured in the study.

• Operational definition defines the dependent variable, but not the independent variable.

• Operational definition is the same as a correlational definition.

What is the specific function of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in data analysis?

• Analysis of covariance adjusts posttest scores for differences in pretest scores.

• Analysis of variance is primarily used to compare means of two or more groups.

• Analysis of covariance is used only in qualitative studies.

• Analysis of covariance is a tool used in qualitative studies exclusively.

Which of the following properly summarizes threats to internal and external validity in experimental research?

• Threats to validity are only relevant in quantitative studies.

• Threats to internal validity concern whether the treatment caused the observed change, while threats to external validity concern whether findings generalize beyond the specific study.

• Internal validity is less important than external validity in experimental research.

• Threats to validity are focused solely on the design of the study itself, specifically addressing issues within the research framework, methodology, or procedures, rather than external factors that might influence the results.