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.
What are measures of central tendency, and why are they important in data analysis?
Central Tendency: Mean is average, median is the middle value, mode is the most frequent value.
Explain the difference between range and standard deviation as measures of variability.
Range shows the difference between highest/lowest values; standard deviation measures spread around the mean.
What does a normal distribution curve represent in statistical analysis?
Normal Curve represents a bell shape with most values near the mean.
What is statistical significance, and how is it determined in research?
Statistical Significance determines if results are due to chance (e.g., p < 0.05).
Explain the differences between Type I and Type II errors in hypothesis testing. Provide examples.
Type I Error rejects a true null hypothesis; Type II fails to reject a false null hypothesis.
What role does the critical value play in determining the outcome of a statistical test?
Critical Value determines the threshold for rejecting the null hypothesis.
What are the key differences between survey research and correlational research?
Survey gathers descriptive data; correlational examines relationships.
Why can’t correlational studies establish causation? Use an example to illustrate your point.
Correlation doesn’t imply causation (e.g., ice cream sales and drowning both increase in summer).
What are the strengths and weaknesses of using focus groups in qualitative research?
Focus Groups: Strengths are rich data, weaknesses are groupthink, low generalizability.
Describe the role of case studies in understanding complex behaviors or phenomena.
Case Studies offer in-depth exploration of unique phenomena.
What is the main difference between quasi-experimental and true experimental research?
Quasi-Experimental lacks random assignment; true experimental has it.
Explain the advantages and limitations of longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs.
Longitudinal follows the same individuals over time; cross-sectional studies groups at one time.
What are the key components of a research manuscript? Briefly describe the purpose of each section.
Components: Title, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, references.
Why is it important to follow APA formatting guidelines when preparing a research manuscript?
APA Formatting ensures consistency and credibility in research presentation.
