Introduction to Research Methods in English: A Comprehensive Guide for PhD Students

Question 1

What is the primary emphasis of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Subjective interpretation of data

Answer

Numerical data analysis

Answer

Generalizability of findings

Answer

Statistical inference

Question 2

Which of the following is a quantitative research design?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study

Answer

Interview

Answer

Focus group

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on statistical analysis

Answer

Emphasis on lived experiences

Answer

In-depth exploration of a phenomenon

Answer

Subjective interpretation

Question 4

The primary objective of quantitative research methods is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide numerical data

Answer

Explore individual perspectives

Answer

Develop hypotheses

Answer

Understand social contexts

Question 5

Which research method involves the collection and analysis of numerical data?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Answer

Action research

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of designing a research project?

Accepted Answer

To define the research question and methods

Answer

To gather data

Answer

To analyze data

Answer

To write a research report

Question 7

Which data collection method falls under qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Survey

Answer

Statistical analysis

Answer

Experiment

Question 8

How do a hypothesis and a research question differ?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction, while a research question is a broader inquiry.

Answer

A research question is a specific prediction, while a hypothesis is a broader inquiry.

Answer

They are essentially the same.

Answer

There's no difference between them.

Question 9

Which characteristic distinguishes qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Identification of patterns and themes

Answer

Reliance on numerical data

Answer

Emphasis on statistical significance

Answer

Focus on generalizability of findings

Question 10

Which research method is most suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of a new language teaching program?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Ethnographic study

Answer

Single-case study

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 12

In qualitative research, what are the key differences between grounded theory and phenomenology?

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory focuses on theory development, while phenomenology explores experiences.

Answer

Grounded theory uses deductive reasoning, while phenomenology uses inductive reasoning.

Answer

Grounded theory is appropriate for large sample sizes, while phenomenology is appropriate for small sample sizes.

Answer

Grounded theory is a quantitative method, while phenomenology is a qualitative method.

Question 13

Which of the following accurately describes qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on subjective interpretation

Answer

Emphasis on objective data

Answer

Focus on numerical analysis

Answer

Use of statistical software

Question 14

What is the primary aim of utilizing quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Testing hypotheses

Answer

Exploring intricate phenomena

Answer

Obtaining in-depth personal accounts

Answer

Developing abstract theories

Question 15

Which research approach is most suitable for examining the correlation between employee motivation and job satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative survey

Answer

Case study

Answer

Qualitative interview

Answer

Mixed methods

Question 16

What is the main purpose of a proposal in a research study?

Accepted Answer

Provide a detailed outline of the project and seek funding

Answer

Present the final research findings and conclusions

Answer

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of chosen methodologies

Answer

Secure ethical approval for the research

Question 17

Can you differentiate between validity and reliability in research?

Accepted Answer

Validity measures accuracy, while reliability measures consistency

Answer

Reliability measures accuracy, while validity measures consistency

Answer

Validity and reliability are synonymous concepts

Answer

Reliability indicates generalizability, while validity refers to specificity

Question 18

Which of the following is not a recognized step in the research process?

Accepted Answer

Promoting findings

Answer

Developing research questions

Answer

Gathering data

Answer

Analyzing data

Question 19

What is a primary benefit of employing mixed methods research designs?

Accepted Answer

Increased validity and reliability

Answer

Reduced research costs

Answer

Simplified data analysis

Answer

Elimination of researcher bias

Question 20

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on numerical data and statistical analysis

Answer

Holistic approach to understanding phenomena

Answer

Focus on subjective experiences and interpretations

Answer

Use of inductive reasoning

Question 21

What is the primary goal of a literature review?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize and critically evaluate existing research on a specific topic

Answer

To present original research findings

Answer

To identify gaps in knowledge

Question 22

Which of the following is a method of data collection commonly used in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Statistical analysis

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Surveys

Question 23

How does theory contribute to the research process?

Accepted Answer

It provides a framework for understanding the research topic and guiding data collection and interpretation

Answer

It is only relevant for quantitative research

Answer

It guarantees that the research findings will be valid and reliable

Question 24

What is a key benefit of adopting a mixed methods research approach?

Accepted Answer

It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a research topic by combining qualitative and quantitative data

Answer

It simplifies the research process and reduces the need for triangulation

Answer

It eliminates the potential for bias in the research findings

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the research plan, justify its significance, and secure funding or approval

Answer

To obtain ethical clearance for the research

Answer

To present the final results of a research study

Question 26

How are dependent and independent variables related in a research study?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable

Answer

The dependent variable influences the independent variable

Answer

Both variables are independent of each other

Question 27

What is the overarching goal of a research report?

Accepted Answer

To clearly communicate the research findings, their implications, and the study's limitations

Answer

To impress other researchers with the complexity of the research design

Answer

To fulfill the requirements of a degree or publication