Question 1

Which of the following represents the first step of the research process?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the problem area is the first step in the research process, as it sets the direction for the entire project by defining what the researcher aims to investigate or resolve.

Question 2

Social workers not planning to be researchers or evaluators still need to understand the research process for which of the following reasons?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the research process helps social workers critically evaluate information and assess the effectiveness of their practice, even if they do not conduct research themselves. NASW membership does not specifically require knowledge of research methods.

Question 3

Problems are socially constructed. This means:

Accepted Answer

Problems are socially constructed because they are identified and defined as problems through social processes, rather than existing inherently.

Question 4

Social workers typically identify research problems through which of the following means?

Accepted Answer

Social workers often identify research problems through their direct experiences with problematic situations in their professional practice (A) and their personal interests or experiences related to specific issues (B). Funding sources (C) may influence research, but they are not a primary means through which social workers identify research problems.

Question 5

In a resource-scare environment, which of the following factors determine what problem areas warrant research attention over other problem areas?

Accepted Answer

All of the factors listed - the frequency of the problem, the extent of human suffering it causes, and its cost to society - are important considerations in determining research priorities in a resource-scarce environment.

Question 6

Based on the framework for evaluating the credibility of information on the Internet, which of the following sources of information is likely the most credible?

Accepted Answer

C is the most credible because it demonstrates a balanced approach to presenting information, includes proper citations, and thus indicates a higher level of reliability and objectivity.

Question 7

Cultural competence is:

Accepted Answer

Cultural competence involves the ability to function effectively in multicultural settings, which requires understanding both one's own and others' cultures, including language, customs, values, and beliefs.

Question 8

Striving to achieve culturally proficient research requires doing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Achieving culturally proficient research involves assessing bias in the literature, involving members of the cultural group in the research process, and differentiating between "researching for" a community and "researching on" it. These practices ensure that the research is respectful, inclusive, and accurately represents the cultural group being studied.

Question 9

Which of the following does NOT represents a value-laden research question?

Accepted Answer

Choice C is a descriptive research question focusing on the experiences of women who have experienced abortion, without implying a moral or ethical judgment, unlike the other options which are value-laden, asking about the moral acceptability of certain actions.

Question 10

The purpose of exploratory research is:

Accepted Answer

Exploratory research is aimed at gaining an initial understanding of a problem area, especially when the issue is not well understood. It helps in identifying the nature, context, and scope of the problem by exploring it without aiming to provide conclusive solutions.

Question 11

The purpose of descriptive research is:

Accepted Answer

Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation, or phenomenon, focusing on the characteristics and details of the subject being studied.

Question 12

The purpose of explanatory research is:

Accepted Answer

Explanatory research aims to explain the reasons behind a phenomenon, focusing on understanding the cause-and-effect relationships and how and why things happen.

Question 13

Which of the following represent explanatory research questions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following represent explanatory research...

Question 14

Which of the following represent the purpose of a literature review in social work research?

Accepted Answer

A literature review in social work research serves multiple purposes: it helps identify gaps in the current research that need further exploration, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of existing knowledge on a topic, and highlights any controversies within the field.

Question 15

Theory can guide the development of research questions in which of the following ways?

Accepted Answer

Theory provides a foundation for understanding the phenomena being studied, guiding the formulation of research questions by clarifying the rationale behind them (A) and influencing how they are phrased (C).

Question 16

Operationalizing a concept accomplishes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Operationalizing a concept involves defining it in such a way that it is clearly distinguishable and measurable, thereby providing conceptual clarity and removing ambiguity about its meaning. This process is crucial in research to ensure that everyone understands exactly what is being discussed or measured.

Question 17

The ecological fallacy is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The ecological fallacy occurs when conclusions about individual-level processes are drawn from group-level data, which means making inferences about individuals based on analyses of group data.

Question 18

Which of the following represents a longitudinal research study?

Accepted Answer

A longitudinal research study involves repeated observations of the same variables over a long period of time. Option C describes a study that follows a group of older women as they age, which fits this definition.

Question 19

Which of the following represents a research hypothesis:

Accepted Answer

A research hypothesis is a specific, clear, and testable proposition or predictive statement about the possible outcome of a scientific research study based on a particular property of a population, such as presumed differences between groups on a particular variable or relationships between variables. Option B, "The higher a juvenile's self esteem, the less likely he or she will become an offender," is a clear predictive statement that suggests a relationship between two variables (juvenile's self-esteem and likelihood of becoming an offender), making it a research hypothesis.

Question 20

In striving to achieve cultural proficiency in formulating research questions and hypotheses, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Concepts may have different meanings in different cultural contexts, making it essential to consider these variations when formulating research questions and hypotheses to ensure cultural proficiency.

Quiz 3: Research Problems and Research Questions