Educational Research: Nature, Purpose, and Significance

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a primary purpose of educational research?

Accepted Answer

To create a permanent record of educational practices

Answer

To generate new knowledge

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions

Answer

To inform educational policy and practice

Question 2

Quantitative research methodologies in education typically involve:

Accepted Answer

Collecting and analyzing numerical data

Answer

Conducting interviews and observations

Answer

Interpreting historical records

Answer

Using qualitative methods like grounded theory

Question 3

The main difference between basic and applied research in education lies in their:

Accepted Answer

Focus on theory development versus practical applications

Answer

Use of qualitative versus quantitative methods

Answer

Setting (academic versus field)

Answer

Level of generalizability

Question 4

A key strength of experimental research designs is their:

Accepted Answer

High internal validity

Answer

Ability to generalize results

Answer

Holistic understanding of the phenomenon

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Question 5

The primary purpose of a literature review in educational research is to:

Accepted Answer

Summarize existing knowledge and identify gaps

Answer

Develop new theories and models

Answer

Justify the need for further research

Answer

Demonstrate the researcher's knowledge

Question 6

Imagine an educational challenge you've faced in your work. How would you use educational research principles to investigate it?

Accepted Answer

Review literature, design the research, choose a method, collect data, analyze it, and interpret the results.

Answer

Identify the research question and create a hypothesis.

Answer

Choose a research method and gather data.

Question 7

Identify the option that is NOT a characteristic of educational research.

Accepted Answer

Subjective and influenced by researcher's biases

Answer

Systematic and rigorous

Answer

Data-driven and objective

Answer

Empirical and evidence-based

Question 8

What is the primary goal of educational research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance educational practices and outcomes

Answer

To generate new educational theories

Answer

To solve educational challenges and problems

Answer

To solely inform policymaking

Question 9

Which type of educational research is focused on深入 exploring a particular phenomenon or issue?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research, relying on non-numerical data such as observations and interviews

Answer

Quantitative research, using numerical data and statistical analysis

Answer

Experimental research, involving controlled experiments

Answer

Survey research, gathering data from a large sample through questionnaires

Question 10

How are research and evidence-based practices interconnected in the field of education?

Accepted Answer

Both statements are accurate

Answer

Research findings inform and support evidence-based practices

Answer

Evidence-based practices provide direction for research and identify areas for further inquiry

Answer

Neither statement is accurate

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of conducting educational research?

Accepted Answer

To gather evidence to inform educational decision-making

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of new educational interventions

Answer

To develop innovative educational theories

Answer

To prove or disprove existing educational practices

Question 12

Educational research is primarily conducted by:

Accepted Answer

Educators of all levels

Answer

Only university professors

Answer

Only educational researchers

Answer

Anyone interested in improving education

Question 13

Which of the following is not a fundamental principle of scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Validity

Question 14

What is the main goal of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To secure funding and approval for the proposed research

Answer

To present the final results of the completed research

Answer

To publish the research findings in a journal

Answer

To provide a detailed summary of the research process

Question 15

How does a research hypothesis differ from a research question?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction, while a research question is more general.

Answer

A research question is a question that the research aims to answer, while a hypothesis is an answer to that question.

Answer

A hypothesis is more testable, while a research question is more exploratory.

Answer

A research question is more specific, while a hypothesis is more general.

Question 16

Which of the following is not a primary objective of educational research?

Accepted Answer

To advocate for a particular educational ideology

Answer

To inform educational practices

Answer

To generate new knowledge and theories

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a major goal of educational research?

Accepted Answer

To support existing practices without critical examination

Answer

To generate new knowledge

Answer

To inform policymaking

Answer

To improve educational practices

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of exploratory research in education?

Accepted Answer

To gain preliminary insights and formulate hypotheses

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions

Answer

To test hypotheses and draw definitive conclusions

Answer

To precisely describe educational phenomena

Question 19

Which characteristic distinguishes qualitative research methods from quantitative methods?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on subjective interpretation of data

Answer

Exclusive use of statistical analysis

Answer

Generalizability of findings to a larger population

Answer

Focus on objective measurement and numerical data

Question 20

What is the fundamental role of theory in educational research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a conceptual framework for understanding and interpreting research findings

Answer

To replace the need for empirical data collection entirely

Answer

To serve as an absolute guarantee of the validity of research conclusions

Question 21

What is a key advantage of employing mixed methods research?

Accepted Answer

It enhances the comprehensiveness and depth of understanding of the research topic

Answer

It eliminates the need for triangulation of findings from multiple methods

Answer

It significantly reduces the time and financial resources required for research

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in educational research?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the rights, well-being, and privacy of research participants

Answer

To arbitrarily restrict the scope and nature of research inquiries

Answer

To guarantee the accuracy and reliability of research findings

Question 23

What is the primary distinction between quantitative and qualitative data in educational research?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data is numerical and statistical, while qualitative data is descriptive and narrative.

Answer

Quantitative data is generalizable, while qualitative data is context-specific

Answer

Quantitative data is objective, while qualitative data is subjective

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a key factor that influences the choice of research methods in educational research?

Accepted Answer

Researcher's personal biases and preferences

Answer

Available resources and constraints

Answer

Research question and objectives

Answer

Ethical considerations

Question 25

What is the ultimate objective of educational research?

Accepted Answer

To contribute to the advancement and improvement of educational practices and policies.

Answer

To gain recognition and accolades within the research community

Answer

To satisfy the intellectual curiosity of researchers