Research MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Research - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is ​a - iii, b - i, c - iv, d - ii.

Key Points a) Ordinal scale:Shows the order of items but without equal intervals.
An ordinal scale is used to rank items in order, but the intervals between the rankings are not necessarily equal. For example, rankings like "1st, 2nd, 3rd" show order but don't define how much better or worse one is compared to another.

b) Ratio scale: Has a true zero point.
A ratio scale not only has ordered categories and equal intervals between values, but it also has a true zero point, meaning zero indicates a complete absence of the quantity being measured. Examples include height, weight, and income.

c) Interval scale: Measures the exact distance between values.
An interval scale has ordered categories with equal intervals between values, but it lacks an absolute zero. Temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit is a good example: we know the exact difference between values, but zero doesn’t represent an absence of temperature.

d) Nominal scale: Represents categories with no specific order.
A nominal scale categorizes items without any order or ranking. It is used for labeling variables into distinct categories that do not have a quantitative value. Examples include gender, nationality, and hair color.

The correct answer is 'Complaining'

Key Points

• Management Functions:
  • Management is a systematic method to achieve organizational goals with limited resources.
  • It involves several key functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
• Planning:
  • Planning involves setting objectives and determining the best course of action to achieve them.
  • It is the foundational step in the management process, providing direction and a framework for decision-making.
• Organizing:
  • Organizing involves arranging resources and tasks to implement the plan effectively.
  • This includes creating a structure, allocating resources, and assigning responsibilities.
• Controlling:
  • Controlling is the process of monitoring and evaluating performance to ensure that organizational goals are being met.
  • This includes setting performance standards, measuring actual performance, and taking corrective actions if necessary.

Additional Information

• Complaining:
  • Complaining is not a recognized step or function in the management process.
  • Effective management focuses on proactive problem-solving and constructive feedback, rather than complaining.
• Leadership:
  • Though not listed in the options, leadership is another crucial function of management, involving guiding and motivating employees to achieve organizational goals.
  • Effective leaders inspire and influence their teams, fostering a positive work environment.

The ability to produce findings with conceptual or theoretical values is known as Validity

Key Points

• Validity:
  • Validity refers to the extent to which a concept, conclusion, or measurement is well-founded and corresponds accurately to the real world.
  • In research, validity ensures that the findings truly represent the phenomenon being studied.
  • There are several types of validity, including internal validity, external validity, construct validity, and content validity.
  • Internal validity refers to the degree to which an experiment accurately establishes a causal relationship between variables.
  • External validity concerns the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations and to other people.

Additional Information

• Sensitivity:
  • Sensitivity refers to the ability of a test to correctly identify those with the condition (true positive rate).
  • It is an important aspect in medical testing but not directly related to the conceptual or theoretical value of research findings.
• Reliability:
  • Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure. A test is reliable if it produces the same results under consistent conditions.
  • While reliability is crucial for research, it does not ensure that the findings have conceptual or theoretical value.
• Variability:
  • Variability refers to how spread out or dispersed the values of a dataset are.
  • While variability is an important statistical concept, it does not pertain to the theoretical or conceptual value of research findings.

The correct answer is 'A - IV, B - I, C - II, D - III'

Key Points

• Classical Conditioning:
  • Defined as a form of associative learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the ability to elicit a similar response.
  • Example: Pavlov's dogs, where the sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) was associated with food (meaningful stimulus) to eventually produce salivation (response).
• Operant Conditioning:
  • A form of learning in which the consequences of behavior produce changes in the probability that the behavior will occur.
  • Example: B.F. Skinner's experiments with pigeons and rats where behaviors were shaped by rewards and punishments.
• Reinforcement:
  • A consequence that increases the probability that a behavior will occur.
  • Can be positive (adding a desirable stimulus) or negative (removing an undesirable stimulus).
• Punishment:
  • A consequence that decreases the probability that a behavior will occur.
  • Can be positive (adding an undesirable stimulus) or negative (removing a desirable stimulus).

Additional Information

• Option 2:
  • Incorrect as it mismatches the concepts with their descriptions. For example, Reinforcement is not associated with Classical Conditioning.
• Option 3:
  • Incorrect as it incorrectly matches the descriptions. For example, Operant Conditioning is not about decreasing the probability of behavior.
• Option 4:
  • Incorrect as it incorrectly places Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning descriptions.

All units available in population must be known

Key Points

• Simple Random Sampling:
  • Simple random sampling is a technique where each unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
  • This method ensures that the sample is representative of the population, thereby minimizing bias.
  • To achieve this, it is essential that all units in the population are known and accessible.

Additional Information

• It is not essential to know all units available in population:
  • This statement is incorrect because, without knowing all units, it is impossible to ensure that each unit has an equal chance of being selected.
• All units must be classified in different strata before sampling:
  • This refers to stratified sampling, not simple random sampling. In stratified sampling, the population is divided into strata, and samples are drawn from each stratum.
• Choice of investigator while sample selection is considered:
  • This is incorrect as it introduces bias. Simple random sampling requires that the selection process be free from any investigator influence.

The correct answer is 'Inferential statistic'.

Key Points

• Inferential statistic:
  • Inferential statistics involves making inferences about populations based on samples of data drawn from those populations.
  • Testing a hypothesis is a fundamental aspect of inferential statistics, as it allows researchers to make conclusions about a population parameter.
  • Hypothesis testing involves formulating a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis, then using sample data to determine whether to reject the null hypothesis.

Additional Information

• Descriptive statistic:
  • Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the features of a dataset without making inferences about a larger population.
  • Examples include measures of central tendency like mean, median, and mode, and measures of variability like range and standard deviation.
• Data preparation:
  • Data preparation involves cleaning, transforming, and organizing raw data into a usable format for analysis.
• Data analysis:
  • Data analysis encompasses a broader range of techniques used to examine, transform, and model data to discover useful information.

The ability to produce findings with conceptual or theoretical values is known as Validity

Key Points

• Validity:
  • Validity refers to the extent to which a concept, conclusion, or measurement is well-founded and corresponds accurately to the real world.
  • In research, validity ensures that the findings truly represent the phenomenon being studied.
  • There are several types of validity, including internal validity, external validity, construct validity, and content validity.
  • Internal validity refers to the degree to which an experiment accurately establishes a causal relationship between variables.
  • External validity concerns the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations and to other people.

Additional Information

• Sensitivity:
  • Sensitivity refers to the ability of a test to correctly identify those with the condition (true positive rate).
  • It is an important aspect in medical testing but not directly related to the conceptual or theoretical value of research findings.
• Reliability:
  • Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure. A test is reliable if it produces the same results under consistent conditions.
  • While reliability is crucial for research, it does not ensure that the findings have conceptual or theoretical value.
• Variability:
  • Variability refers to how spread out or dispersed the values of a dataset are.
  • While variability is an important statistical concept, it does not pertain to the theoretical or conceptual value of research findings.

The correct answer is 'Concurrent validity'.

Key Points

• Concurrent validity:
  • Concurrent validity refers to the extent to which the results of a particular test or measurement correspond to those of a previously established measurement for the same construct.
  • It is assessed by comparing the test results with other measures that are taken at the same time.
  • This form of validity is essential in determining how well a new test compares with an existing, well-established test.
  • For example, if a new depression inventory is developed, its scores might be compared with scores from an existing, validated depression inventory to establish concurrent validity.

Additional Information

• Content validity:
  • Content validity refers to the extent to which a measure represents all facets of a given construct. It evaluates whether the test covers the entire range of the concept being measured.
  • Unlike concurrent validity, content validity does not involve comparing the test to other measures but rather ensuring comprehensive coverage of the content area.
• Predictive validity:
  • Predictive validity is the extent to which a score on a scale or test predicts future performance on a related task.
  • For example, the predictive validity of a college entrance exam would be determined by how well the exam scores predict future college performance.
• Criterion-related validity:
  • Criterion-related validity encompasses both concurrent and predictive validity. It refers to the extent to which a measure is related to an outcome.
  • Criterion-related validity is broader than concurrent validity and is often used as an umbrella term for both concurrent and predictive validity.

The correct answer is 'Ethnocentric'.

Key Points

• Ethnocentric:
  • Ethnocentrism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture.
  • This attitude often leads to viewing other cultures as inferior or less important.
  • In the given context, if 'A' thinks that his culture is naturally superior to that of 'B's, 'A' is displaying an ethnocentric attitude.

Additional Information

• Anthrocentric:
  • Anthrocentric refers to considering human beings as the central or most significant entities in the universe.
• Ethnographic:
  • Ethnographic pertains to the systematic study and recording of human cultures.
  • It involves observation and description of cultural practices. 
• Entomological:
  • Entomological relates to the scientific study of insects.
  • This term is entirely unrelated to human cultural attitudes and superiority.

The correct answer is 'Data is qualitative'

Key Points

• Data is qualitative:
  • Action research typically involves qualitative data, which includes detailed descriptions, observations, and interviews.
  • This type of data is crucial for understanding the context, experiences, and perspectives of the participants involved in the research.
  • Qualitative data allows researchers to explore complex issues in-depth and develop a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena being studied.

Additional Information

• Variables are controlled:
  • In action research, the primary focus is not on controlling variables but on understanding and improving practices within a specific context.
  • Controlling variables is more characteristic of experimental research, where the aim is to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Results demonstrate cause and effect relationship:
  • Action research does not primarily aim to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Instead, it focuses on understanding and improving practices through iterative cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.
• Results are generalizable:
  • Action research is typically context-specific and aims to address particular issues within a specific setting.
  • The results are often not intended to be generalizable to other contexts but to provide insights and improvements for the specific situation being studied.

Research conducted by controlling one or more variables and comparing control and experimental groups is known as 'Experimental Research'

Key Points

• Experimental Research:
  • Involves the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe the effect on a dependent variable.
  • Utilizes control and experimental groups to compare outcomes and establish causality.
  • Often conducted in controlled environments to minimize external factors.
  • Widely used in scientific studies to test hypotheses and theories.

Additional Information

• Evaluation Research:
  • Focuses on assessing the effectiveness of programs, policies, or products.
  • Uses various methods, including surveys and case studies, rather than experimental control.
• Descriptive Research:
  • Aims to describe characteristics or functions of a phenomenon or population.
  • Does not involve manipulation of variables or comparison between groups.
• Business Research:
  • Encompasses a broad range of research methods to solve business-related issues.
  • Can include market research, financial analysis, and operational studies, but not necessarily experimental design.

The correct answer is 'Do not reject a false null hypothesis'.

Key Points

• Type II Error:
  • A Type II error, also known as a "false negative," occurs when a statistical test fails to reject a null hypothesis that is actually false.
  • This means that the test concludes there is no effect or difference when, in reality, there is one.
  • The probability of committing a Type II error is denoted by beta (β), and the power of a test (1-β) is the probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis.

A research initiated to solve an immediate problem

Key Points

• Action Research:
  • Action research is a type of research that is conducted with the aim of solving an immediate, specific problem.
  • It is often used in educational settings, health care, and organizational development to implement changes and improvements.
  • The process involves a cycle of identifying the problem, planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.
  • It is participatory in nature, involving the stakeholders who are directly affected by the problem.

Additional Information

• Longitudinal Research:
  • Longitudinal research involves studying the same subjects over an extended period of time to observe changes and developments.
  • It is not focused on solving immediate problems but on understanding long-term trends and patterns.
• Applied Research:
  • Applied research aims to solve practical problems but may not be immediate. It applies scientific methods to address real-world issues.
  • While it is related to action research in its practical application, it does not necessarily involve immediate problem-solving or stakeholder participation.
• Socio-economic Objective Research:
  • This type of research focuses on achieving socio-economic goals, such as reducing poverty or improving education.
  • It is broader in scope and may not be directed at solving an immediate problem.

The correct answer is 'B, D, E'

Key Points

• Research Design:
  • Research design is a comprehensive plan or blueprint for conducting research. It outlines the procedures for every step of the research process, from data collection to analysis.
  • It is crucial for ensuring that the research problem is addressed effectively and that the results are valid and reliable.
• Functions of Research Design:
  • Provides blue print (B): Research design acts as a blueprint for the entire research process, ensuring that the study is systematically conducted and that each step logically follows the previous one.
  • Dictates boundaries of Research activity (D): It sets clear boundaries for the research, specifying what will and will not be included in the study, thus ensuring that the research remains focused and manageable.
  • Enables investigation to anticipate potential problems (E): A well-constructed research design helps researchers foresee potential issues and plan for contingencies, thereby minimizing disruptions during the research process.

Additional Information

• Incorrect Options:
  • Promotes complexities (A): While research can be complex, a good research design aims to simplify and streamline the process, not promote complexities.
  • Expands boundaries of Research activity (C): Expanding the boundaries of research activity is generally not a function of research design. Instead, it aims to define and focus the scope of the research.

The correct answer is 'A, D, E only'

Key Points

• Value of scientific research:
  • Reduces uncertainty: Scientific research helps in reducing uncertainty by providing evidence-based insights and reliable data that can guide decision-making processes.
  • Improves decision making: With accurate and precise information derived from scientific research, individuals and organizations can make more informed and effective decisions.
  • Helps in ascertaining trends: Scientific research allows for the analysis of data over time, helping to identify patterns and trends that can be critical for forecasting and planning.

Additional Information

• Encourages traditional mindset:
  • This is incorrect because scientific research often challenges traditional mindsets and encourages innovation and new ways of thinking.
• Ensures rigidity:
  • This is incorrect as well because scientific research promotes flexibility and adaptability by continuously updating knowledge and understanding based on new findings.