Question 1

Experimental studies are always better than other types of studies.

Accepted Answer

Experimental studies are not always better; the appropriateness of a study design depends on the research question, ethical considerations, and practical constraints. Other types of studies, such as observational studies, can be more suitable in certain contexts.

Question 2

Randomized control trial research designs are often considered the "gold standard" of experimental research.

Accepted Answer

Randomized control trials (RCTs) are considered the "gold standard" because they minimize bias and allow for the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships by randomly assigning participants to either the treatment or the control group.

Question 3

Logical validity is all-or-nothing; a research study is either logically valid or it is not.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Logical validity is all-or-nothing; a research study...

Question 4

The specific sample identified in a research study is an irrelevant factor in the evaluation of logical validity.

Accepted Answer

The specific sample identified in a research study is relevant because the sample's characteristics can significantly influence the generalizability and applicability of the study's findings, affecting the logical validity of conclusions drawn from the research.

Question 5

Undergraduate students cannot have their names included on published research studies.

Accepted Answer

Undergraduate students can have their names included on published research studies if they have made a significant contribution to the research.

Question 6

One of the best ways to establish the construct validity of a new measure is to test its relation with other existing measures of the same construct.

Accepted Answer

Establishing construct validity involves demonstrating that a test measures the concept it's intended to measure. Comparing a new measure with existing measures of the same construct (convergent validity) is a key method to establish this form of validity.

Question 7

There can be contradictory evidence found across different research studies when looking at group differences as evidence of construct validity.

Accepted Answer

Different research studies can yield contradictory evidence regarding group differences, which can complicate the interpretation of construct validity. This is because various factors such as sample characteristics, measurement tools, and contextual variables can influence the outcomes of studies, leading to inconsistencies in evidence.

Question 8

There is always a clear answer to the question "Is construct validity supported?"

Accepted Answer

Construct validity is complex and involves multiple forms of evidence; therefore, the support for construct validity can vary in strength and clarity, often requiring ongoing assessment and interpretation.

Question 9

If a particular exercise training intervention only works with a very specific sample under very specific laboratory conditions, the external validity would necessarily be very low.

Accepted Answer

External validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations and to other people. If an exercise training intervention only works under very specific conditions and cannot be easily replicated outside the laboratory or with different populations, its external validity is indeed low.

Question 10

If a particular exercise training intervention only works with a very specific sample under very specific laboratory conditions, the internal validity would necessarily be very low.

Accepted Answer

High internal validity means the study is well-designed and shows a clear cause-and-effect relationship within the specific context it was tested in, even if it's under very specific conditions.

Question 11

Knudson, Elliott, and Ackland (2012) provide an overview of principles that researchers can use to accurately cite research evidence when writing their own research manuscripts. List five of their principles.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Knudson, Elliott, and Ackland (2012) provide an...

Question 12

Provide a research example of "blinding", and using your example discuss why blinding is so important to high quality experimental research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Provide a research example of "blinding", and...

Question 13

Describe why non-random selection of participants (e.g., volunteers) poses such a high threat to the external validity of research studies in kinesiology.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe why non-random selection of participants (e.g.,...

Question 14

What is a "WEIRD" sample, and why is a reliance on WEIRD samples a potential concern to researchers in kinesiology?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a "WEIRD" sample, and why...

Question 15

How do we know if a measure of a construct is reliable and valid?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do we know if a measure...

Question 16

Within your area of research interest, identify a theoretical construct that you would need to measure in a quantitative study. Next, identify a measure or instrument that you might use to assess that theoretical construct. Lastly, provide specific examples of three types of construct validity evidence that you could evaluate to support your use of that measure or instrument.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Within your area of research interest, identify...

Question 17

A researcher was interested in studying the effects of 60 minutes of flexibility training per day on enjoyment of exercise. To recruit participants she put up a poster in the university fitness centre; thirty women subsequently volunteered for her study. Her research design included a pre-test of enjoyment of exercise followed by her intervention in which she asked all participants to participate in a three month long flexibility training program (i.e., each participant completed the 60 minutes of flexibility training on her own in the fitness centre after her regular workout each day). At the end of the training program, twenty-six participants completed a post-test of enjoyment of exercise (four participants dropped out of the study half-way through due to the time commitment required). Based on the changes between the pre-test and post-test on participants' enjoyment scores, the researcher concluded that 60 minutes per day of flexibility training was effective in increasing enjoyment of exercise. Based on the research design described, is the researcher's conclusion justified? Clearly justify your answer with particular reference to internal validity and external validity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A researcher was interested in studying the...

Question 18

A researcher is interested in knowing whether or not a revolutionary dynamic strength-training program aids in developing general flexibility beyond standard daily flexibility exercises alone for individuals above 65 years of age living in Edmonton. She has hypothesized that this effect might be different for males and females because of the specific exercises that are used in the dynamic strength-training program. Describe a study design that would best enable her to answer her research question. This description should include participant selection and data analysis, as well as the specific design strategy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A researcher is interested in knowing whether...

Quiz 6: Evaluating the Merits of Quantitative Research Studies in Kinesiology