Quiz_Questions_and_Answers Flashcards
Explain the steps involved in the scientific method. How does it guide research activities?
Steps of the Scientific Method: Ask a question, identify important factors, formulate a hypothesis, collect data, test the hypothesis, work with the hypothesis, reconsider the theory, and ask new questions. It ensures systematic investigation and reduces bias.
Differentiate between descriptive, correlational, qualitative, and experimental research. Provide examples of each.
Types of Research: Descriptive observes phenomena, correlational examines relationships, qualitative explores behaviors, experimental tests cause-effect relationships.
What is the difference between dependent and independent variables? Provide an example for each.
Dependent vs. Independent Variables: Dependent is the outcome measured, independent is manipulated (e.g., test scores vs. hours of study).
Define the null hypothesis and the research hypothesis. Why are both important in scientific research?
Null Hypothesis vs. Research Hypothesis: Null states no effect (e.g., ‘Drug has no effect’), research states an effect exists (e.g., ‘Drug improves recovery’).
How does a directional hypothesis differ from a non-directional hypothesis? Give examples.
Directional vs. Non-Directional Hypothesis: Directional predicts a specific relationship (e.g., A increases B), non-directional predicts an effect without specifying direction.
What are the primary and secondary sources in research? How do they differ?
Primary Sources are original data/research (e.g., studies), secondary sources summarize primary data (e.g., reviews).
Describe the role of peer-reviewed journals in the research process. Why is peer review important?
Peer Review ensures quality and credibility by having experts evaluate research before publication.
Discuss the ethical principles that researchers must follow to protect participants in a study.
Ethical Principles: Informed consent, confidentiality, protection from harm, privacy.
What is the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in ensuring ethical research practices?
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) oversee research to ensure ethical standards and participant protection.
Describe the differences between random sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling. Provide an example of when each might be used.
Random sampling gives equal chance, stratified ensures proportional subgroups, cluster selects clusters like cities/schools.
What is sampling error, and how does it affect the generalizability of research findings?
Sampling error is the difference between the sample’s results and the true population, limiting generalizability.
List and explain the four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Provide examples for each.
Levels of Measurement: Nominal (categories, e.g., gender), Ordinal (rankings, e.g., race positions), Interval (equal intervals, e.g., temperature), Ratio (true zero, e.g., weight).
What is the relationship between reliability and validity? Can a measure be reliable but not valid? Explain.
Reliability ensures consistency, validity ensures accuracy. Measures can be reliable but not valid (e.g., consistent but wrong scale).
What is a Likert scale, and how is it used in research? Provide an example.
Likert Scale measures attitudes using ranges (e.g., Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree).
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using questionnaires to measure behavior.
Strengths of Questionnaires: Cost-effective, wide reach. Weaknesses: Limited depth, possible misinterpretation.
