Question 1

The most reliable form of knowledge is knowledge from:

Accepted Answer

Research provides objective, evidence-based information that has been tested and replicated. It is less subjective than intuition and personal experience, and less reliant on authority figures or faith.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about scholarly research is true?

Accepted Answer

Scholarly research is characterized by its systematic and precise approach, distinguishing it from everyday research which might not adhere to the same rigorous standards. Statements A and B accurately reflect these aspects. Statements C and D are identical and suggest a limitation in scholarly research that is not accurate; scholarly research often considers multiple explanations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Question 3

When a baseball player gains knowledge about how to hit a curve ball by actually trying to hit curve balls, his knowledge will come from:

Accepted Answer

The player's knowledge about hitting a curve ball comes from his experience of actually trying to hit them.

Question 4

All of the following steps are part of the research process, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Analyzing and interpreting data using personal intuition is not a part of the research process as it introduces subjectivity and bias. Research findings should be analyzed objectively using data analysis methods and statistical tools to draw conclusions.

Question 5

Consider the following hypothesis: Everyone either avoids or embraces interpersonal conflict. This hypothesis is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Consider the following hypothesis: Everyone either avoids...

Question 6

All of the following criteria can be used to evaluate research, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

While all of the other criteria can be used to evaluate research, the idea that research should be "appropriately simple" is not a universally accepted criterion. Some research may be complex and still be valid and informative.

Question 7

When there are competing explanations for a finding, the explanation with the fewest assumptions should be preferred. This principle refers to:

Accepted Answer

This principle is specifically known as Occam's razor or parsimony. It does have heuristic value, but that is not the specific term for this principle. Therefore, the answer is A and B only.

Question 8

In a research study of group leadership, a scholar specifies that "direct commands, corrections of members, and statements of personal opinion count as evidence of an authoritarian style of leadership." This statement is a(an)

Accepted Answer

This statement is an operational definition because it specifies the exact criteria (direct commands, corrections of members, and statements of personal opinion) that the researcher is using to measure or identify an authoritarian style of leadership in the study.

Question 9

Some scholars have criticized social exchange theories for failing to generate interesting or useful questions beyond those that the theory was designed to answer. In this instance, scholars are using which criterion for evaluating theories?

Accepted Answer

Scholars are using the criterion of heuristic value, which refers to the theory generating new ideas, questions, or insights that go beyond the original theory.

Question 10

Dr. Kory Floyd's affection exchange theory helps us understand how expressing and receiving affection produces physiological and psychological benefits. His theory is a prime example of a _______ theory.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dr. Kory Floyd's affection exchange theory helps...

Question 11

After reading about a communication theory of texting in class, Micaela tells her professor that "the theory is so specific it has little value for explaining mediated communication." In this instance, Micaela is using which criterion for evaluating theories?

Accepted Answer

Scope is the criterion Micaela is using, as she is commenting on the breadth or range of situations a theory can explain. A theory with "little value for explaining mediated communication" due to its specificity suggests it has a narrow scope.

Question 12

When compared with everyday research, scholarly research is:

Accepted Answer

Scholarly research is more systematic and more precise than everyday research. However, it is not less scrutinized than everyday research, as scholarly research undergoes a more rigorous peer review process. Therefore, the best choice is E, as it accurately reflects the differences between scholarly research and everyday research.

Question 13

Whereas a(n) ___________ definition provides an explanation of what variables mean, a(n) _______ definition tells how the variables will be observed or measured.

Accepted Answer

A conceptual definition gives a theoretical meaning of a concept, while an operational definition specifies how that concept will be measured or observed in the research.

Question 14

After completing her undergraduate honors thesis, Cailin prepares a manuscript and submits it for possible publication in the Journal of Family Communication. Which step of the research process has Cailin just completed?

Accepted Answer

Submitting a manuscript for publication is part of inviting and responding to scrutiny, as it involves peer review and critique from the academic community.

Question 15

All of the following statements about the connection between research and theory are true, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

An inductive approach begins with data and then develops a theory to explain the data.

Question 16

For his final research project, Lavonte derived three hypotheses from uncertainty reduction theory, tested his hypotheses through research, and found that only two of his hypotheses supported the theory. In this instance, Lavonte used what kind of an approach to communication research?

Accepted Answer

Lavonte used a deductive approach to communication research because he started with the theory and derived hypotheses from it, then tested those hypotheses through research. He used his findings to determine whether or not they supported the theory.

Question 17

Two scholars observed saleswomen at Victoria Secrets and wrote an ethnography of how these women generated a sense of rapport with their customers. Their study is an example of _______ research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Two scholars observed saleswomen at Victoria Secrets...

Question 18

Quantitative researchers seek to make claims that are ______, whereas qualitative researchers may attempt to show how their results are ______.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research aims for generalizability, meaning the results can be applied to larger populations beyond the study sample. Qualitative research, on the other hand, often focuses on transferability, allowing findings to be relevant in similar contexts rather than universally.

Question 19

All of the following methods are qualitative research methods, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The question asks for methods that are NOT qualitative research methods, but all the options (A, B, and C) describe characteristics or focuses of qualitative research rather than specific methods. Therefore, none of the options listed are correct as they all pertain to qualitative research, making D (All of the above) the correct answer by indicating that none of the statements are exceptions to qualitative research methods.

Question 20

The epistemological position that scholars take is important because it helps to determine the questions they ask and the methods they use to answer them.

Accepted Answer

The epistemological position influences the scholars' worldview, perspectives, and assumptions, which in turn guide their research questions and methodologies.

Quiz 3: Communication Theory and Research