Observations and experiments

Question 1

What is an observational study?

Answer 1

An observational study is a type of research where the investigator observes subjects without manipulating any variables.

Question 2

True or False: Randomised control trials (RCTs) involve random assignment to experimental or control groups.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: In a randomised control trial, participants are randomly assigned to either the _____ group or the control group.

Answer 3

experimental

Question 4

What is the main advantage of randomisation in RCTs?

Answer 4

Randomisation helps eliminate bias and ensures that the groups are comparable.

Question 5

What does the term ‘control group’ refer to in RCTs?

Answer 5

The control group is the group that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used for comparison.

Question 6

Which type of study design is generally considered the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention?

Answer 6

Randomised control trial (RCT)

Question 7

True or False: Observational studies can establish causality.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

Fill in the blank: In RCTs, the _____ effect refers to changes in participants’ behaviour due to their awareness of being in a study.

Answer 8

Hawthorne

Question 9

What does the term ‘randomised’ imply in the context of RCTs?

Answer 9

It implies that participants are assigned to experimental or control groups by chance, reducing selection bias.

Question 10

Define ‘placebo’.

Answer 10

A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment designed to mimic a real treatment but has no therapeutic effect.

Question 11

What is an example of a disadvantage of observational studies?

Answer 11

Observational studies cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship due to potential confounding variables.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The _____ effect occurs when participants in a study change their behavior due to the study itself.

Answer 12

observer

Question 13

What is the purpose of a sample size calculation in RCTs?

Answer 13

Sample size calculation determines the number of participants needed to detect a significant effect if it exists.

Question 14

What is the main purpose of conducting evaluations in research?

Answer 14

The main purpose of evaluations is to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of interventions or programs.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Randomised control trials are often considered more _____ than observational studies.

Answer 15

reliable

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of structured/formal observations?

Answer 16

To systematically collect data in a controlled environment to assess specific behaviors or outcomes.

Question 17

True or False: Structured observations are less reliable than unstructured observations.

Answer 17

False

Question 18

Fill in the blank: In structured observations, observers use a __________ checklist/framework to guide their data collection.

Answer 18

standardised

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of structured observations? A) Flexibility in data collection B) Use of standardised measures C) Subjective interpretation

Answer 19

B) Use of standardised measures

Question 20

What is one advantage of using structured observations in research?

Answer 20

They allow for replication and comparison of results across different studies.

Question 21

What is the primary characteristic of unstructured observations?

Answer 21

They are informal and do not follow a standardised format or structure.

Question 22

True or False: Unstructured observations can provide rich qualitative data.

Answer 22

True

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Unstructured observations are often used in _____ research to gather insights.

Answer 23

qualitative

Question 24

Which of the following is a disadvantage of unstructured observations? A) Flexibility B) Subjectivity C) Depth of information D) Cost-effectiveness

Answer 24

B) Subjectivity

Question 25

What type of situations are unstructured observations particularly useful in?

Answer 25

Naturalistic settings where behaviors occur spontaneously.

Question 26

What is the primary difference between covert and overt observations?

Answer 26

Covert observations are conducted without the subjects' knowledge, while overt observations are done with the subjects' awareness.

Question 27

True or False: Covert observations can lead to ethical concerns.

Answer 27

True

Question 28

Fill in the blank: Overt observations are often used in ________ research.

Answer 28

quantitative

Question 29

Which type of observation is more likely to alter the behavior of the subjects?

Answer 29

Overt/structured/formal observation

Question 30

Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of covert observation? A) Classroom behavior study B) Hidden camera surveillance C) Public opinion polls

Answer 30

B) Hidden camera surveillance

Question 31

What is a potential advantage of using covert/unstructured observations?

Answer 31

They allow researchers to collect data without influencing participants' behavior.

Question 32

True or False: Overt observations are always more reliable than covert observations.

Answer 32

False

Question 33

What ethical consideration must researchers keep in mind when conducting covert observations?

Answer 33

Informed consent and the right to privacy.

Question 34

Fill in the blank: In overt observations, researchers typically inform participants about ________ of the study.

Answer 34

the purpose

Question 35

Short answer: Name one situation where covert observation might be necessary.

Answer 35

Studying sensitive behaviors that participants might conceal if they knew they were being observed.