Research Design: A Comprehensive Guide for Doctoral Students in English

Question 1

An experimental research design involves:

Accepted Answer

Manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable

Answer

Gathering data from large groups of participants using surveys

Answer

Observing participants in their natural settings without manipulating variables

Answer

Establishing correlations between two or more variables

Question 2

The process of converting raw data into a usable format for analysis is known as:

Accepted Answer

Data coding

Answer

Data interpretation

Answer

Data entry

Answer

Data reduction

Question 3

The ethical principle that emphasizes obtaining participants' informed agreement before conducting research is:

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 4

Which research design provides the strongest evidence for establishing causality?

Accepted Answer

True experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Non-experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Question 5

Which data analysis tool is used to visualize the distribution of data?

Accepted Answer

Histogram

Answer

Scatterplot

Answer

Line graph

Answer

Bar chart

Question 6

The research hypothesis that states there is an absence of a relationship between two variables is called the:

Accepted Answer

Null hypothesis

Answer

Alternative hypothesis

Answer

Research hypothesis

Answer

Statistical hypothesis

Question 7

Which data gathering technique is most appropriate for collecting personal opinions and experiences?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Observations

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of hypothesis testing in research?

Accepted Answer

To validate a prediction

Answer

To develop new theories

Answer

To describe a phenomenon

Answer

To gather data

Question 9

Which statistical test is typically used to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

T-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 10

What is the primary role of reliability in research design?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the consistency of results over time

Answer

To enhance the accuracy of findings

Answer

To increase the generalizability of the study

Answer

To minimize bias

Question 11

What is a major advantage of using mixed methods research designs?

Accepted Answer

Increased validity and reliability

Answer

Comprehensive data analysis

Answer

Enhanced generalizability

Answer

Reduced research costs

Question 12

In research exploring the lived experiences of marginalized communities, which approach is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative Analysis

Answer

Quantitative Analysis

Answer

Mixed Methods

Answer

Experimental Design

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary component of research design?

Accepted Answer

Literature review

Answer

Sampling

Answer

Data collection

Answer

Data analysis

Question 14

In probability sampling, each individual in the population has an ____ probability of being selected.

Accepted Answer

Equal

Answer

Unequal

Answer

Proportional

Answer

Random

Question 15

Which data collection method is primarily employed to gather in-depth, qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Survey

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Observation

Question 16

To compare the average values between two independent groups, which statistical test is typically used?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 17

A research hypothesis represents:

Accepted Answer

A tentative explanation or prediction about a phenomenon

Answer

A statement of fact

Answer

A research question

Answer

A data analysis plan

Question 18

Which ethical principle requires researchers to maintain the privacy of participants' information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Anonymity

Question 19

The mixed methods research approach involves:

Accepted Answer

Combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis

Answer

Using only quantitative data collection and analysis

Answer

Using only qualitative data collection and analysis

Answer

Integrating only experimental and correlational research designs

Question 20

When determining sample size, which factor should NOT be considered?

Accepted Answer

Target population size

Answer

Statistical power

Answer

Margin of error

Answer

Confidence level

Question 21

Which research design investigates changes in variables over an extended period?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal research

Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Cross-sectional research

Answer

Qualitative research

Question 22

What is the primary objective of a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

Testing the feasibility and refining research procedures

Answer

Providing evidence to support a research hypothesis

Answer

Collecting preliminary data for analysis

Question 23

Which sampling method does NOT rely on random selection?

Accepted Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 24

How are dependent and independent variables related?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable influences the dependent variable, while the dependent variable is affected by the independent variable.

Answer

The independent variable is affected by the dependent variable, while the dependent variable influences the independent variable.

Question 25

Which data analysis method is used to uncover patterns and trends within data?

Accepted Answer

Exploratory data analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Inferential statistics

Question 26

What is the essential purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To present the research question, methodology, and anticipated outcomes of a study

Answer

To showcase the final results of a completed study

Answer

To summarize existing literature pertaining to a research topic

Question 27

How does a literature review contribute to research design?

Accepted Answer

By offering a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, and informing research questions

Answer

By presenting the methodologies and results of previous studies

Answer

By introducing the research question and background