Question 1

Being able to generalize your findings to a larger group of schools or individuals is an advantage of ______.
A) quantitative methods only
B) qualitative methods only
C) both quantitative and qualitative methods
D) neither quantitative nor qualitative methods

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods are designed to collect numerical data that can be generalized to larger populations, allowing for broader applicability of the findings.

Question 2

Researchers who use quantitative methods must be particularly careful to assure ______.
A) the validity of their questions
B) the reliability of their questions
C) that their questions establish causality
D) the validity of their questions and the reliability of their questions

Accepted Answer

Researchers who use quantitative methods must assure both validity and reliability of their questions. Validity refers to the extent to which a question accurately measures what it is intended to measure. Reliability refers to the consistency of results obtained from a question or set of questions. These two factors are essential in ensuring the credibility and accuracy of research findings. While establishing causality is important, it is not specific to the use of quantitative methods and therefore not the best answer to this question.

Question 3

Something that quantitative research designs must consider that qualitative researcher designs do not typically address is issues surrounding ______.
A) validity
B) reliability
C) generalizability
D) theory

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research designs typically aim for generalizability, meaning that the findings can be applied to a larger population beyond the sample studied. Qualitative research designs, on the other hand, do not prioritize generalizability and instead focus on in-depth understanding of the experiences and perspectives of the participants. While both quantitative and qualitative research designs must address issues of validity and reliability to ensure the accuracy and consistency of their findings, concerns about generalizability are unique to quantitative research designs. Theory can be addressed by both quantitative and qualitative research designs, depending on their respective research questions and goals.

Question 4

A study examining why African American children succeed in school by interviewing children and their teachers is an example of ______ research.
A) statistical
B) quantitative
C) qualitative
D) theoretical

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research involves gathering in-depth information through methods like interviews, observations, and focus groups. The study described involves interviewing children and their teachers to gain insight into why African American children succeed in school, which is an example of qualitative research. Statistical research involves analyzing quantitative data, while theoretical research focuses on developing and testing theories.

Question 5

Following children for 4 years, from entering high school until graduation is an example of ______.
A) quantitative research
B) qualitative methods
C) longitudinal analysis
D) generalizability

Accepted Answer

Following children for 4 years, from entering high school until graduation, is an example of longitudinal analysis because it involves studying a specific group of individuals over an extended period of time to observe changes in their behavior or experiences. Quantitative research refers to the use of numerical data and statistical analysis, whereas qualitative methods involve collecting non-numerical data such as observations, interviews, and case studies. Generalizability refers to the extent to which results can be applied to a larger population beyond the specific individuals or group being studied.

Question 6

One advantage of field experiments according to Biddle and Berliner is that researchers can ______.
A) conduct research in less time than is typical of most research
B) easily interpret the results
C) assign their subjects randomly to different conditions
D) provide a definitive answer to the dilemma of class size

Accepted Answer

Field experiments allow for random assignment to different conditions, which increases the reliability and validity of the results. While they may take longer to conduct than other research methods, they often provide more authentic results as they are conducted in real-world settings. However, interpretation of the results can still be challenging depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the study design and data analysis. Field experiments can also contribute to answering important educational questions, but they may not be able to provide a definitive answer in all cases.

Question 7

Research on class size finds ______.
A) class size has no effect on children's achievement at the elementary school level
B) class size impacts children's achievement at the high school level
C) research on class size consistently finds no effect of class size on children's achievement at all levels of education
D) none of these

Accepted Answer

Research on class size often finds that smaller class sizes can have a positive impact on children's achievement, especially at the elementary school level. This contradicts options A, B, and C, which either deny any effect of class size or make overly broad claims about the lack of impact at all educational levels.

Question 8

According to the Tennessee STAR Project, standard classes are those with ______.
A) one certificated teacher and less than 20 students
B) one certificated teacher and more than 20 students
C) one certificated teacher and one full-time aide
D) one full-time aide with 20 or more students

Accepted Answer

According to the Tennessee STAR Project, standard classes are those with one certificated teacher and more than 20 students.

Question 9

If a researcher collects observational data in natural settings this research is ______.
A) qualitative
B) quantitative
C) hierarchical
D) equitable

Accepted Answer

Observational data in natural settings is typically qualitative, meaning it involves the collection and interpretation of non-numerical data such as observations or interviews.

Question 10

According to Biddle and Berliner, a major difference between previous research on class size and more reliable research was the use of ______.
A) larger studies with more schools, classrooms, and children
B) comparisons of children in different class size settings
C) studying children over time, not just for 1 year
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Biddle and Berliner noted that more reliable research on class size involved larger studies with more schools, classrooms, and children, comparisons of children in different class size settings, and studying children over time, not just for 1 year. Therefore, the best choice is D, which includes all of these factors.

Question 11

Which of the following is true?
A) Validity is more of a problem in qualitative methods than quantitative methods.
B) Statistics are commonly used in qualitative methods.
C) Reliability is never an issue in quantitative methods.
D) Large-scale longitudinal studies are likely to use quantitative methodology.

Accepted Answer

Large-scale longitudinal studies typically involve collecting numerical data from a large sample over an extended period of time. Such studies are best suited for quantitative methods. Option A is incorrect as validity is a concern in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Option B is incorrect as statistics are primarily used in quantitative methods. Option C is incorrect as reliability is just as important in quantitative methods as it is in qualitative methods.

Question 12

According to Bracey, which of the following statistics are most effective in understanding how well children are performing in schools ______.
A) rates
B) scores
C) mutant statistics
D) longitudinal statistics

Accepted Answer

Bracey argues that scores are the most effective statistic for understanding how well children are performing in schools.

Question 13

In their study, Allan and Madden explained quantitative methods employed to study behaviors may fail to produce valid results because ______.
A) errors in survey design can cause skewed results
B) certain behaviors studied go unnoticed because they are normally socially accepted
C) researchers often code their quantitative data differently
D) they have increased reliability

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods may fail to produce valid results if certain behaviors are socially accepted and thus go unnoticed, leading to incomplete data collection.

Question 14

Inductive analysis is used when ______.
A) a research study is based on what is known about a subject
B) the method of analyzing data is chosen after observation
C) a mix of research methods will be employed
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Inductive analysis involves choosing the method of analyzing data after observing patterns or themes in the data, rather than starting with a predetermined method.

Question 15

Which of the following does Bracey suggest is a basic principle of data interpretation using statistics ______.
A) beware of selectivity
B) ensure groups are comparable
C) know differences between rates and scores
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Bracey suggests that not only should we beware of selectivity and ensure groups are comparable, but we should also know the differences between rates and scores. Therefore, all of these options are basic principles of data interpretation using statistics according to Bracey.

Question 16

If you can generalize your findings beyond those you collect data from, your research is valid.

Accepted Answer

Generalizing findings beyond the data collected is not valid as it can lead to bias and unreliable conclusions. Valid research should only make conclusions that are supported by the data collected.

Question 17

Many large data sets relating to schools and education are collected by the U.S. government.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. government collects a variety of data sets relating to schools and education, such as standardized test scores, graduation rates, and demographic information. These data sets are often used to inform policy decisions and identify areas where improvement is needed.

Question 18

Qualitative data are typically more valid than quantitative data because researchers are not imposing their own meaning on the data as it is collected.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. The validity of data is not determined by the type of data (qualitative or quantitative) but rather by the quality of the research methods used to collect and analyze the data. Both qualitative and quantitative data can be valid or invalid depending on the rigor of the research process. Additionally, qualitative data can be subject to researcher bias in interpretation and analysis, just like quantitative data can be affected by researcher bias in selecting and measuring variables.

Question 19

Participants in a quantitative study can also be used as participants in qualitative research.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Participants in a quantitative study can also be used as participants in a qualitative study. In fact, using the same participants can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic being researched. However, it's important to ensure that participants' identities and responses are kept confidential and that their participation in both studies is voluntary.

Question 20

Causal statements are those that attempt to explain what caused something such as student achievement.

Accepted Answer

Causal statements try to provide a cause-and-effect relationship between an event or phenomenon and its consequences, outcomes or effects. Therefore, they attempt to explain why something happened or how it happened.

Quiz 2: Studying Schools: Research Methods in Education

Being able to generalize your findings to a larger group of schools or individuals is an advantage of ______.

Researchers who use quantitative methods must be particularly careful to assure ______.

Something that quantitative research designs must consider that qualitative researcher designs do not typically address is issues surrounding ______.

A study examining why African American children succeed in school by interviewing children and their teachers is an example of ______ research.

Following children for 4 years, from entering high school until graduation is an example of ______.

One advantage of field experiments according to Biddle and Berliner is that researchers can ______.

Research on class size finds ______.

According to the Tennessee STAR Project, standard classes are those with ______.

If a researcher collects observational data in natural settings this research is ______.

According to Biddle and Berliner, a major difference between previous research on class size and more reliable research was the use of ______.

Which of the following is true?

According to Bracey, which of the following statistics are most effective in understanding how well children are performing in schools ______.

In their study, Allan and Madden explained quantitative methods employed to study behaviors may fail to produce valid results because ______.

Inductive analysis is used when ______.

Which of the following does Bracey suggest is a basic principle of data interpretation using statistics ______.

If you can generalize your findings beyond those you collect data from, your research is valid.

Many large data sets relating to schools and education are collected by the U.S. government.

Qualitative data are typically more valid than quantitative data because researchers are not imposing their own meaning on the data as it is collected.

Participants in a quantitative study can also be used as participants in qualitative research.

Causal statements are those that attempt to explain what caused something such as student achievement.