Question 1

Three of the following statements about measurement in the research setting are accurate.Which one is NOT accurate?
A)The purpose of measurement is to systematically limit the data in a way that makes it quantifiable.
B)Measurement is applied by researchers only to insubstantial phenomena.
C)Measurement is a tool that aids researchers in interpreting their observations.
D)Systematic measurement assists researchers in obtaining objectivity in their researcher.

Accepted Answer

Measurement is not limited to insubstantial phenomena and can be applied to a wide range of variables and constructs in the research setting.

Question 2

______ allows researchers to personally correspond practically instantly with other users around the world.
A)A search engine
B)E-mail
C)A list server
D)A Web browser

Accepted Answer

E-mail allows researchers to personally correspond practically instantly with other users around the world.

Question 3

A well-designed and well-conducted study:
A)answers questions of importance in the field.
B)raises questions of importance to the field.
C)answers some questions and raises other questions.

Accepted Answer

A well-designed and well-conducted study should answer some questions and raise other questions. By answering some questions, it builds on existing knowledge and provides insights, while also raising new questions and opening up new avenues of research, contributing to the advancement of the field.

Question 4

Sonya is a college freshman who has just been assigned her first research paper, and she doesn't know how to get started finding information.Sonya should:
A)search the World Wide Web.
B)consult an online or electronic database.
C)consult a reference librarian.
D)browse the shelves in the library.

Accepted Answer

Consulting a reference librarian is the best choice as they are trained professionals who can guide Sonya in locating relevant and credible sources for her research paper. They can also help her navigate library resources and provide access to academic databases and journals that may not be available on the World Wide Web or through browsing the library shelves. While searching the World Wide Web and electronic databases can be helpful, it can also be overwhelming and unreliable if Sonya is not familiar with how to evaluate sources for credibility and bias. Browsing the library shelves may also be time-consuming and may not necessarily lead to finding the most current or relevant sources.

Question 5

To be considered true research, a project must:
A)gather together a body of existing information and communicate it in a clear and concise way.
B)uncover obscure or esoteric information and bring it to the consideration of the broader research community.
C)gather and interpret information in a systematic fashion so as to increase understanding of some phenomenon.
D)produce definitive conclusions regarding the subject of study.

Accepted Answer

Research involves the systematic gathering and interpretation of information in order to increase our understanding of a particular phenomenon. While A and B can be aspects of research, they are not sufficient for a project to be considered true research. Option D is also incorrect because research does not always produce definitive conclusions, as some phenomena may be complex and require ongoing investigation.

Question 6

Kade has spent the past month carefully observing a group of third graders on the playground during recess, taking note of how the students interact with one another.On the basis of these observations, Kade is drawing conclusions about the interaction styles of boys and girls.This is an example of:
A)hypothetical logic.
B)deductive logic.
C)inductive logic.
D)propositional logic.

Accepted Answer

Kade is using inductive logic because they are drawing conclusions based on specific observations of a group of third graders, rather than starting from a general principle and deriving conclusions.

Question 7

Researchers ______ their phenomenon of interest on the basis of data analysis.
A)make inferences about
B)know facts about
C)define
D)identify

Accepted Answer

Researchers make inferences about their phenomenon of interest based on the analysis of data. Inferences are logical deductions or conclusions drawn from data, which helps researchers understand the underlying patterns or relationships in the data. Hence, option A is the best choice. Choice B (know facts about) and choice C (define) are not appropriate in this context. While choice D (identify) could be a valid option, it does not encompass the entire process of data analysis and inference-making.

Question 8

John wants to begin using e-mail.Which of the following steps is NOT necessary for John to get started as an email user?
A)Request an e-mail account
B)Obtain necessary software from the e-mail provider and load it onto a computer
C)Learn to use a Web browser to explore the Internet
D)Learn how to access and use the e-mail provider's services

Accepted Answer

Learning to use a web browser to explore the internet is not necessary for John to get started as an email user. While web browsers are commonly used to access email services, there are also standalone email client programs that do not require a web browser. Therefore, John may be able to use email without ever using a web browser.

Question 9

One indication that a piece of information is of high quality is that the information:
A)is found on the Internet.
B)is found in a juried (or refereed)research report.
C)resulted from a project that received corporate funding.
D)is the firsthand account of a personal experience.

Accepted Answer

Information that is found in a juried (or refereed) research report is reviewed by experts in the relevant field before it is published. This indicates that the information has undergone a rigorous evaluation process, which can bolster its quality and credibility. In contrast, information found on the Internet can vary widely in terms of quality and reliability, and corporate funding can sometimes influence the findings of a study. Firsthand accounts of personal experiences may be valuable, but they do not necessarily meet the standards of rigor and objectivity that are typically required for high-quality information.

Question 10

A primary function of the methodology is to:
A)guide and control the acquisition of data.
B)extract meaning from the data that have been gathered.
C)both a and b
D)neither a nor b

Accepted Answer

Methodology serves the purpose of guiding and controlling the acquisition of data as well as extracting meaning from the data that have been gathered. Therefore, both options a and b are correct.

Question 11

Which of the following examples illustrates research as it is described in your textbook?
A)Sally is writing a paper about the effects of the Harry Potter books on the reading habits of fourth graders in the United States and United Kingdom.She goes to a research library to find information to include in her paper.
B)Ian wants to know why the population of songbirds has declined in recent years in the Sutton Wilderness Area.He carefully collects soil and water samples, systematically surveys the entire area for predators, and then sits down to make sense of his findings.
C)Leonard is starting a woodworking business and is not sure how to calculate the cost of his labor so he can be both profitable and fair to the customers.He asks several established business owners how they calculate labor changes.
D)Bill is doing a report on the sonnets of Shakespeare.He carefully reads a number of sonnets and then carefully reads scholarly reviews of those same sonnets written by various Shakespeare scholars.He synthesizes all of this information in his report.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following examples illustrates research...

Question 12

______ allows a researcher to receive news in an area of special interest and discuss that news with others.
A)A search engine
B)E-mail
C)A list server
D)A Web browser

Accepted Answer

A list server is designed to distribute information and allow users to discuss topics of interest among themselves through a mailing list. It is often used by researchers to receive news updates and engage in discussions with others who share similar interests. A search engine, e-mail, and a web browser may be used in conjunction with a list server, but they do not provide the same level of interaction and targeted information exchange.

Question 13

Research methodology refers to:
A)the general approach the researcher takes to conducting a research project.
B)a specific device the researcher uses to collect data.
C)the specific theoretical basis of the research project.
D)the statistical tests to be employed in a research project.

Accepted Answer

Research methodology refers to the general approach the researcher takes to conducting a research project. It includes the overall strategy, the methods used, and the techniques applied in the research. It also involves the selection of participants, the sampling methods, and the data analysis techniques. It is a crucial aspect of any research project as it determines the quality and validity of the research findings.

Question 14

Well-designed research manages to minimize or avoid:
A)assumptions.
B)predictions.
C)theory.
D)bias.

Accepted Answer

Well-designed research should aim to minimize or avoid bias in order to increase the reliability and validity of the results. Assumptions, predictions, and theory are all important in developing research questions and hypotheses, but they should be tested objectively through rigorous methods and data collection.

Question 15

Reading the professional literature in the field of interest:
A)will enhance an individual's ability to design and conduct high-quality research.
B)will stifle creativity and constrain the individual to the status quo.
C)will make little difference to the quality and impact of the individual's work.
D)is necessary only for the leaders in the field.

Accepted Answer

Reading the professional literature in the field of interest allows an individual to gain knowledge and expertise, which can enhance their ability to design and conduct high-quality research. It can also help them stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends, which can lead to innovation and creativity in their work.

Question 16

Sam wants to find high-quality research reports related to attribution theory that have been published in professional journals.Sam's best approach would be to:
A)consult the library catalog.
B)consult an online or electronic database.
C)search the World Wide Web.
D)browse the shelves in the library.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sam wants to find high-quality research reports...

Question 17

Assumptions come into play:
A)for nearly every research study.
B)in qualitative research but not in quantitative research.
C)when research is not well thought out.
D)rarely, if ever.

Accepted Answer

Assumptions are inherent in research studies, regardless of whether they are qualitative or quantitative. It is important for researchers to acknowledge and address their assumptions in order to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.

Question 18

A ______ is a specific mechanism or strategy the researcher uses to collect, manipulate, or interpret data.
A)research tool
B)research methodology
C)statistical test
D)theory

Accepted Answer

A research tool is a specific mechanism or strategy used by researchers to collect, manipulate, or interpret data.

Question 19

The purpose of formal research is to:
A)prove or disprove the study hypotheses.
B)support or fail to support the study hypotheses.
C)identify alternative hypotheses.
D)move beyond the need for hypotheses.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The purpose of formal research is to:
A)prove...

Question 20

Which of the following is defined as an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon?
A)Theory
B)Inference
C)Hypothesis
D)Interpretation

Accepted Answer

A theory is an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon.

Quiz 1: The Nature and Tools of Research

Three of the following statements about measurement in the research setting are accurate.Which one is NOT accurate?

______ allows researchers to personally correspond practically instantly with other users around the world.

A well-designed and well-conducted study:

Sonya is a college freshman who has just been assigned her first research paper, and she doesn't know how to get started finding information.Sonya should:

To be considered true research, a project must:

Kade has spent the past month carefully observing a group of third graders on the playground during recess, taking note of how the students interact with one another.On the basis of these observations, Kade is drawing conclusions about the interaction styles of boys and girls.This is an example of:

Researchers ______ their phenomenon of interest on the basis of data analysis.

John wants to begin using e-mail.Which of the following steps is NOT necessary for John to get started as an email user?

One indication that a piece of information is of high quality is that the information:

A primary function of the methodology is to:

Which of the following examples illustrates research as it is described in your textbook?

______ allows a researcher to receive news in an area of special interest and discuss that news with others.

Research methodology refers to:

Well-designed research manages to minimize or avoid:

Reading the professional literature in the field of interest:

Sam wants to find high-quality research reports related to attribution theory that have been published in professional journals.Sam's best approach would be to:

Assumptions come into play:

A ______ is a specific mechanism or strategy the researcher uses to collect, manipulate, or interpret data.

The purpose of formal research is to:

Which of the following is defined as an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon?