Question 1

Multiple regression is a statistical method to study the manner in which multiple predictor variables influence each other.

Accepted Answer

Multiple regression is a statistical method used to study the relationship between one dependent variable and two or more independent variables, not how the predictor variables influence each other.

Question 2

Person-centered approaches to research design explain aggregated patterns between variables.

Accepted Answer

Person-centered approaches focus on individuals or groups within a population, rather than aggregated patterns between variables. Person-centered research designs seek to identify subgroups or clusters based on similar characteristics, rather than examining the relationships between variables across an entire population.

Question 3

One of the most critical decisions in cluster analysis is to select appropriate instruments because the instruments are the tools for measuring the similarity between objects.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. Selecting appropriate instruments is crucial in cluster analysis because they are used for measuring the similarity between objects, which is the basis for grouping them into clusters. Choosing the wrong instruments can lead to erroneous results and invalid conclusions.

Question 4

Which of the following statistical methods reduces data by identifying and then classifying similar entities into subgroups?

Accepted Answer

Cluster analysis is a statistical method that groups similar entities together into subgroups based on a set of variables. This method reduces the data by simplifying the analysis and highlighting patterns and relationships within the data. Multiple regression, survey research, and simple correlation do not involve the classification of similar entities into subgroups.

Question 5

Descriptive studies can suggest possible causal connections among variables that can be examined in experimental designs.

Accepted Answer

Descriptive studies can identify possible relationships between variables, which can then be further tested through experimental designs to determine causality.

Question 6

Cathy conducted a survey on the relationship between substance abuse and average annual income of an individual. She divided the annual incomes into three ranges, labelled them as low income, middle income, and high income, and found the groups to be present in the target population in the ratio of 4:5:1. Cathy needed a sample of 100 participants. She selected 40, 50, and 10 people from each income group in a manner such that each individual in a subgroup had equal chance of getting selected into the respective subsample. Which of the following sampling techniques has Cathy used in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Cathy divided the target population into three income ranges (strata) and selected a sample from each stratum in proportion to its presence in the population. This is an example of stratified random sampling, which ensures that each stratum is well-represented in the sample and reduces sampling error. Convenience sampling, cluster sampling, and quota sampling do not involve dividing the population into strata and selecting a sample from each stratum in proportion to its presence in the population.

Question 7

The need to collect new set of data can be minimized by making maximum possible utilization of existing data from large national data sets.

Accepted Answer

By utilizing existing national data sets, researchers can save time and resources by avoiding the need to collect new data. However, it is important to ensure that the existing data is relevant and appropriate for the research question at hand.

Question 8

_____ is used when a researcher wants to determine the amount of variability of each predictor variable that uniquely contributes to the prediction of the criterion variable.

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous regression is used to determine the unique contribution of each predictor variable in explaining the variance in the criterion variable, by entering all predictors into the model at once.

Question 9

A mediator variable affects the direction and strength of the relationship between a predictor variable and a criterion variable.

Accepted Answer

A mediator variable explains the mechanism through which the predictor variable influences the criterion variable, rather than affecting the direction and strength of their relationship.

Question 10

In a study, all the participants were grouped according to the extent of their uncertainty avoidance. The groups were labelled risk averse, moderates, and adventurous in the decreasing order of uncertainty avoidance. One participant was found to have 20, 10, and 70 percent probabilities of belonging to risk averse, moderates, and adventurous groups respectively. Which of the following types of analyses was most likely to be carried out in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

The scenario involves grouping individuals based on a latent construct (uncertainty avoidance) and identifying the probability of belonging to each group. This is a typical scenario for latent profile analysis, where individuals are classified into mutually exclusive groups based on their scores on multiple measured variables. Cluster analysis and multiple regression analysis do not directly deal with latent constructs, while latent class analysis is used for grouping individuals based on categorical variables.

Question 11

A 30% return rate of a sample is enough to generalize the results of a survey from a mailed or online questionnaire.

Accepted Answer

A 30% return rate is generally considered a low response rate, and therefore may not accurately represent the entire population. It is generally recommended to have a response rate of at least 50% to ensure the results are representative.

Question 12

Identify a development in the use of correlation designs proposed by Cole, Lazarick, and Howard (1987).

Accepted Answer

Cole, Lazarick, and Howard (1987) proposed the use of latent variables in more sophisticated correlation designs that provide true estimates of constructs. This approach allows researchers to account for measurement error and obtain more accurate estimates of relationships between constructs. This development is often referred to as structural equation modeling (SEM) and has become a widespread technique in psychology and other social sciences.

Question 13

Which of the following is recommended for a researcher while developing survey inventories?

Accepted Answer

It is highly recommended for researchers to carefully review and consider the psychometric properties of existing inventories before developing new survey inventories. This ensures that the new inventory is reliable and valid, which is important for generating accurate and meaningful results. Administering surveys in a single language, investing minimum time, or not conducting pilot tests for understudied populations are not recommended approaches and can compromise the quality of the survey data.

Question 14

In person-centered research designs, when the indicators used to make the classification are categorical, latent class analysis is used to identify natural groupings or subtypes of people.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Latent class analysis is a statistical method used in person-centered research designs to identify natural groupings or subtypes of individuals based on categorical indicators.

Question 15

Which of the following is true of the mediators in multiple regression analysis?

Accepted Answer

Mediators establish the "how" or "why" one variable predicts or causes a criterion variable by identifying the underlying mechanisms, processes or variables that explain the relationship between the predictor and outcome variables in multiple regression analysis. A and D are incorrect because they do not fully capture the definition and role of a mediator in the context of regression analysis. C is incorrect because mediators are typically continuous variables.

Question 16

Cross-sectional survey studies are like filming a video that documents how changes occur over time.

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies are conducted at one point in time and do not follow individuals over time, unlike longitudinal studies which do document changes over time.

Question 17

Which of the following is true of survey research designs?

Accepted Answer

Survey research designs typically use self-reports to obtain information about the facts, opinions, attitudes, and behavior of individuals. This is done through the use of questionnaires, interviews, or other forms of data collection. While survey research designs can be tailored to specific populations or groups, they do not maintain uniformity as each study is designed to fit the unique purpose of the research. Additionally, mobile positioning techniques are not commonly used in survey research designs.

Question 18

Which of the following is recommended for a researcher when analyzing the data obtained from a survey?

Accepted Answer

It is important for a researcher to check how closely the sample obtained from the survey resembles the general population. This will help to determine if the results obtained from the survey are generalizable to the larger population. Additionally, checking for important dimensions such as socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity can help to identify potential biases in the sample. Option B is not accurate as online surveys can have a lower participation rate historically while still being considered valid. Option C is not recommended as using existing national data sets can be a very cost-effective and efficient way to analyze data. Option D is not recommended as filtering out data from nonrespondents can lead to biased results.

Question 19

Which of the following is true of descriptive studies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is true of...

Question 20

When a pilot test is administered in a survey research, the respondents should be interviewed to make sure that the questions asked were meaningful, clear, and appropriate for the purpose of the survey.

Accepted Answer

This is true. A pilot test helps ensure that the questions are understandable and relevant to the survey's purpose before the survey is administered on a larger scale. This can help increase the quality and accuracy of the data collected.

Quiz 13: Quantitative Descriptive Designs: Describing, Explaining, and Predicting Phenomenon