Deck 7: Thinking Critically About the Research Process

Question 1

A large, identifiable group of people is called a population, while representatives of that group are called a .

Answer 1

Truearget, sample

Question 2

Which of the following is not an example of a Web-based only resource?

A) e-libraries.
B) periodical databases.
C) discussion forums.
D) periodicals.
E) wikis.

Answer 2

periodicals.

Question 3

Subject directories are indexes compiled by editors and others who sift through Web sites and compile the most useful links.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Which of these statements about Web-based research is most accurate?

A) The more design elements on a site, the more reliable the information there.
B) Since Web sites are always accessible, you do not need to save any of the material you find on them.
C) No single search engine indexes everything on the Web.
D) Web sites with the domains .gov and .edu will most likely not contain reliable information.
E) You may download anything from the Web and use it without permission.

Question 5

A survey is an example of secondary research.

Question 6

Sometimes the most reliable material resides in less attractive, text-only sites.

Question 7

Conducting research means getting information directly from the source.

Question 8

Thinking critically about research depends on all of the following except

A) finding a definite answer.
B) looking at the research from many viewpoints.
C) achieving sufficient depth.
D) asking the right questions.
E) evaluating the reliability and completeness of sources.

Question 9

A(n) is a controlled form of observation designed to verify an assumption.

Question 10

Commercial sites never should be used as reliable sources of information since they are inherently biased.

Question 11

Blogs can be sources of relevant and reliable information.

Question 12

Hard-copy materials are still important sources for research.

Question 13

Key words and search phrases should be as general as possible.

Question 14

Direct observation is the surest way to eliminate bias in research.

Question 15

A is a community encyclopedia that allows readers to edit the content.

Question 16

In informational interviews,

A) try to write down everything the respondent says.
B) deviate from your interview plan to allow for interesting material to emerge.
C) invite the respondent to review your version of any material to be published.
D) you should do most of the talking.
E) ask yes/no questions.

Question 17

When creating a survey,

A) phrase questions ambiguously.
B) do not include an introduction.
C) use only close-ended questions.
D) use loaded questions.
E) keep it simple and brief.

Question 18

scan for Web sites containing key words.

Question 19

Questionnaires use only closed-ended questions, not open-ended questions.

Question 20

Reference works include all of the following except

A) encyclopedias.
B) indexes.
C) abstracts.
D) conference papers.
E) almanacs.