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

The Correct answer is the Pretest-post test control group design.

Key Points

• The Solomon Four group design is related to the pretest-posttest control group design.
• In research methodology, the Solomon Four group design is an extension of the pretest-posttest control group design.
• It is utilized to evaluate the impact of an intervention or treatment by comparing groups that receive different combinations of pretests and posttests.
• This design allows researchers to examine the effects of pretesting on the outcomes of interest and to control for potential biases introduced by pretest sensitization.
• In a Solomon Four group design, participants are divided into four groups:
  • Group 1: Receives both pretest and posttest.
  • Group 2: Receives only the pretest.
  • Group 3: Receives only the posttest.
  • Group 4: Serves as a control group and does not receive any pretest or posttest.
• By comparing the outcomes across these four groups, researchers can assess the effects of pretesting, the intervention, and their interaction on the dependent variables of interest.
• This design helps to strengthen the internal validity of the study by controlling for potential confounding variables and testing the robustness of the treatment effects.

The Correct answer is Null Hypothesis.

Key Points

• The Null Hypothesis (denoted H₀) is a central concept in statistical hypothesis testing.
• It is the hypothesis that there is no effect, no difference, or no relationship between the variables under study.
• When you “state a hypothesis negatively,” you formulate it as the null hypothesis. 

Additional Information

• Relational Hypothesis:
  • Definition: Proposes that two (or more) variables are related, without specifying direction or causality.
  • Form: H₁: X is associated with Y
  • Example: “There is a relationship between hours studied and exam scores.”
  • Use: Common in correlational research where you look for patterns or associations (e.g., a survey showing that higher job satisfaction relates to lower turnover).
• Situational Hypothesis:
  • Definition: Predicts an outcome under specific conditions or context.
  • Form: H₁: Under Situation S, X will occur
  • Example: “When ambient noise exceeds 70 dB, workers’ typing accuracy decreases.”
  • Use: Useful in field or applied studies where context (environment, task, timing) is critical.
• Causal Hypothesis:
  • Definition: States that one variable (the cause) produces an effect on another.
  • Form: H₁: X causes (or influences) Y
  • Example: “Introducing a plant-based diet will reduce cholesterol levels.”
  • Use: Core to experimental research, where you manipulate X (the independent variable) to observe changes in Y (the dependent variable).

The Correct answer is Experimental research.

Key Points

• A control group in experimental research refers to a group that is not exposed to the experimental treatment or variable, used for comparison with the experimental group.
• This helps determine whether observed changes in the experimental group are truly due to the treatment, rather than other factors.
• Purpose: The control group acts as a baseline to isolate the effects of the treatment.
• How it works: Researchers keep all conditions the same for both groups, except for the treatment being tested, ensuring that any differences observed are due to the treatment itself.

Additional Information

• Case study: This refers to a detailed investigation of a particular individual or group, often used to explore certain phenomena in depth. It doesn't typically involve control groups.
• Historical research: This involves studying past events and is not typically associated with controlled groups, which are more commonly used in experimental designs.
• Experimental research: This is the correct answer. In experimental research, a "controlled group" is used to compare with the experimental group to test the effect of an independent variable.
• Descriptive research: This type of research aims to describe characteristics of a phenomenon but does not generally use controlled groups for comparison.

The Correct answer is Applied Research.

Key PointsChain Indexing:

• ​Chain Indexing or Chain Procedure is a systematic approach used to generate subject index entries or subject headings based on the class number of a document.
• Dr. S.R. Ranganathan pioneered this method, which was introduced in his book "Theory of Library Catalogue" in 1938.
• Chain Indexing is the Applied form of Research. 
• According to Ranganathan, chain indexing is a:
  • “procedure for deriving class index entry (i.e., subject index entry) which refers from a class to its class number in a more or less mechanical way.”
• Chain indexing was used in the British National Bibliography (BNB) in the 1950s and 1960s until it was replaced by PRECIS-indexing.
• Steps in Chain Indexing:
  • Construction of the Class Number of the Subject of the Document
  • Representation of the Class Number in the form of a Chain
  • Determination of Links
  • Preparation of Specific Subject Heading
  • Preparation of Subject Reference Headings
  • Preparation of Subject Reference Entries
  • Preparation of Cross References, if any
  • Alphabetisation

Additional Information

• Basic Research:
  • ​Basic research refers to fundamental or pure research aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding without a direct application.
  • It's typically exploratory, focused on theoretical understanding rather than practical use.
• Applied Research:
  • Applied research focuses on practical applications of scientific knowledge.
  • It seeks to solve specific problems using the findings from basic research.
  • The Chain Procedure of Ranganathan would be considered applied research if it aims to solve practical problems in library science.
• Pure Research:
  • Pure research is another term for basic research.
  • It is research conducted without any immediate practical application in mind, purely to expand knowledge in a field.
• Solo Research:
  • ​Solo research refers to research conducted by a single individual, without collaboration or teamwork.
  • This is a less common term in the context of types of research, as most research is collaborative.

The Correct answer is (A) is true and (R) is false.

Key Points

• Assertion (A): In survey research, the commonly used techniques for gathering data are questionnaires, interviews, and observational techniques.
  • This statement is true.
  • In survey research, commonly used techniques for gathering data include questionnaires, interviews, and observational techniques.
  • These methods are widely recognized and employed for collecting various types of information from respondents.
• Reason (R): These are the least effective for collecting data about perceptions, attitudes, etc. of persons.
  • This statement is false.
  • Contrary to the assertion in Reason (R), questionnaires, interviews, and observational techniques are quite effective for collecting data about perceptions, attitudes, and other subjective aspects.
  • Each of these methods has its strengths:
  • Questionnaires: Useful for gathering large amounts of data from many respondents efficiently. They can include both closed and open-ended questions to capture a range of data.
  • Interviews: Provide depth and context, allowing researchers to explore complex issues and gain insights into respondents' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Observational techniques: Allow researchers to see how people behave in natural settings, providing rich qualitative data that can complement the more structured data from questionnaires and interviews.

The correct answer is "Experimental".

Key Points

• Qualitative Research -
  • Qualitative Research is the method that aims to gather and analyze non-numerical descriptive data (qualitative in nature) in order to gain an understanding of individuals' social realities, attitudes, beliefs, and motivations.
  • This method is used to explore complex phenomena or to gain insight into people's experiences and perspectives in a specific context on a particular topic.
  • The procedures adopted in Qualitative Research are of humanistic nature and are used for phenomena involving sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, communication studies, social work, folklore, educational research, and software engineering research.
  • QualitativeResearch Methodologies include -
    • Ethnography Methodology
    • Grounded Theory Methodology 
    • Hermeneutics Methodology
    • Discourse Analysis Methodology, and 
    • interpretative phenomenological analysis

​ Additional Information

• Grounded Theory -
  • This is a kind of Qualitative Research Methodology that aims at the construction of hypotheses and generating theories through the collection and analysis of data.
  • The methodology was developed by two sociologists named Barney Glaser, and Anselm Strauss.
  • For example -  the researcher studies the complexities involved in the teaching-learning processes where the sole responsibilities of such processes are shared by learners under the guidance of a teacher.
• Ethnography - 
  • This is a kind of Qualitative Research Methodology that aims at the description and interpretation of a cultural or social group or system.
  • The method involves prolonged observation of events, one-to-one interviews with the members of the group, and participation of the researcher in the day-to-day lives of the people. corroborated with participant observation can form the base of such a method. 
  • For Example - the educational processes of a particular tribe or a rural village can be studied by applying ethnography.
• Hermeneutics - 
  • This is a kind of Qualitative Research Methodology that aims at exploring the interrelationships between the interpreter, the text, and the context.
  • It is concerned with researchers perceiving, making meaning from, and interpreting the text being studied.
• Experimental - 
  • This is a kind of Quantitative Research Methodology that aims at conducting the study with a scientific approach using two sets of variables.
  • The study involves establishing the cause and probability relation among variables.

The correct answer is The topic being investigated

Key Points

• A research problem also called a research issue, is a statement about an area or field of concern that professionals aim to understand and address.
• The characteristics of a research issue include:
  • Having a clear problem variable
  • Being specific and limited in scope
  • Having a goal
  • Usually being free from ethical constraints
  • Typically generating research questions.

Additional Information

•  The population:
  • In research, the term "population" refers to the entire group of individuals, objects, or events that the researcher is interested in studying and drawing conclusions about.
  • A research population is also known as a well-defined collection of individuals or objects known to have similar characteristics. All individuals or objects within a certain population usually have a common, binding characteristic or trait.
• Hypothesis:
  • A hypothesis is a tentative and testable statement that proposes a possible explanation for a particular observation, phenomenon, or scientific question.
  • Types of hypotheses:
    • Null hypothesis
    • Alternative Hypothesis 
    • Directional (One-tailed) Hypothesis:
    • Non-Directional (Two-tailed) Hypothesis:
    • Associative Hypothesis: 
    • Causal Hypothesis
• ​Research approach:
  • ​A research approach is the procedure selected by the researcher to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
  • Some common research approaches include
    • Quantitative Research Approach.
    • Qualitative Research Approach.
    • Mixed-Methods Research Approach:
    • Deductive Research Approach.
    • Inductive Research Approach.
    • Action Research Approach.
    • Case Study Research Approach.

The correct answer is the Collection and preparation of data.

Key Points

• Non-sampling errors, which can be observed in various types of surveys, including censuses and administrative data collection, originate from factors like incomplete frames, inaccuracies in respondent data reporting, and the absence of data for certain respondents.
• Non-sampling errors occur during the collection and preparation stages of data in a research or survey process. These errors are distinct from sampling errors, which are related to the process of selecting a subset (sample) from a larger population for analysis. 
• Non-sampling errors come in two types: random and systematic.
  • Random Errors: These errors tend to balance out with a larger sample, causing increased variability.
  • Systematic Errors: They consistently affect data in the same way, leading to a bias that doesn't diminish with a larger sample. Systematic errors are the primary concern for data quality, but they are challenging to measure accurately
• Non-sampling errors can manifest throughout the entire survey process and fall into several categories: coverage error, measurement error, nonresponse error, and processing error.

Additional Information

• Sampling errors:
  • ​Sampling errors happen when a sample doesn't fully represent the entire population. Researchers routinely account for this by including a margin of error in their findings as a statistical standard.
• Types of Sampling Errors:

  • Population-Specific Error: This error arises when researchers don't properly identify the population to be surveyed.

  • Selection Error: It occurs when survey participants self-select or only those interested in the survey respond. Researchers can address this by encouraging broader participation.

  • Sample Frame Error: This error happens when a sample is drawn from the incorrect population data.

  • Non-response Error: Non-response error occurs when researchers can't obtain useful responses because potential respondents were either unreachable or declined to participate.

The correct answer is Purposive Sampling.

Key PointsDeliberate sampling

• It is a non-probability sampling procedure.
• It is also called purposive sampling or deliberate sampling or judgment sampling.
• The researcher selects the sample based on his/her judgment.
• The researcher believes that the selected sample elements are representative of the population.

Additional InformationRandom Sampling

• It is the basic sampling procedure where each unit in the population gets an equal chance of being included in the sample.
• It is chance sampling or probability sampling.

Systematic Sampling

• In this case, one selects the units in a fixed interval.
• The most practical way of sampling is to select every 15th name on a list, every 10th house on one side of a street, and so on.
• In such a design the selection process starts by picking some random point in the list and then every nth element is selected until the desired number is secured.

Quota Sampling

• In this procedure, the population is divided into groups based on some characteristics such as gender, age, education, religion, income group, etc.
• A quota of units from each group is determined and the actual selection of items for the sample is done through the researcher’s judgment.

Snowball Sampling:

• ​Also known as network or chain referral sampling, snowball sampling begins with the identification of a small number of respondents with specific characteristics of interest.
• After collecting data from these respondents, they are then asked to identify others with similar characteristics.
• This method is often used in sensitive studies like those involving drug addicts or rape victims.

The correct answer is Fundamental Research.

Key Points

• Fundamental Research:
  • ​Fundamental research is primarily concerned with formulating theories and generalizations.
  • Its objective is to uncover facts with diverse applications, complementing existing knowledge within a specific field or industry.
  • This type of research is connected to multiple domains, aiming to challenge conventional practices or introduce novel concepts.
  • It seeks to present its findings in everyday language, applying logical conclusions derived from the research.
  • Examples of fundamental research include studies on generalizing human behavior or research in the realm of pure mathematics.

Additional Information

• Qualitative Research:
  • ​Qualitative research involves non-numerical aspects of research, serving as a valuable approach when numerical data is insufficient.
  • While it may not offer the same level of reliability as quantitative research, it aids in forming comprehensive theoretical summaries from the available data.
• Analytical research:
  • ​Analytical research is built on established facts, using supporting data to reinforce and authenticate initial findings.
  • It aids in the development of new concepts within the research subject, combining intricate details to produce more robust hypotheses.
  • This type of research can be conducted through methods such as meta-analysis, literary or scientific trials, and the study of public opinion.
• Applied Research:
  • ​Applied research focuses on addressing specific issues encountered by society, businesses, or industrial organizations.
  • It typically deals with one domain and generalizes its findings.
  • This type of research treats variables as constant, making the methods easily identifiable.
  • Applied research is often conducted in a non-systematic manner by businesses, government bodies, or individuals seeking to resolve particular challenges.
  • For example, a study analyzing marketing tactics to appeal to the goals of Millennials in China would be considered applied research.

The Correct answer is (D), (E), (A), (C), (B).

Key Points

• The experimental research process involves systematic steps to generate valuable knowledge on a specific topic.
• Here are a few steps in the research process:
  • Identify the Problem
  • Selection of setting
  • Create Hypotheses/ Pilot study
  • Research Design:
  • Describe Population:
  • Data Collection:
  • Data Analysis:
  • Conducting the experiment

Additional Information

• Experimental research is a scientific method employed to explore the cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
• This approach entails conducting controlled experiments, often in a laboratory environment, where independent variables are deliberately manipulated, and the resulting impact on one or more dependent variables is observed.
• The primary objective of experimental research is to ascertain whether alterations in the independent variable(s) lead to corresponding changes in the dependent variable(s).
• The aim is to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship through rigorous investigation.
• Three main categories of experimental designs include:
  • Pre-experimental Research Design
  • True Experimental Research Design
  • Quasi-experimental Research Design

The correct answer is A, C, B, D, E.

Key Points

• The process of conducting historical research is the same as for other kinds of research. The process involves the following steps:
  • Identification of research topic: The first step is to decide on the specific topic or research question you want to explore in your historical research. This step sets the direction and focus for your study.
  • Collection of background information: This helps you understand what has already been studied, what gaps exist in the current knowledge, and how your research fits into the broader historical context.
  • Identify and locate primary/secondary sources: Once you have a clear understanding of your research topic, you can start searching for relevant primary and secondary sources. 
  • Evaluate the authenticity and accuracy of sources: It's crucial to critically assess the sources you've gathered. 
  • Analyze the data and develop a narrative exposition of the findings: After collecting and evaluating your sources, you can begin analyzing the data they provide. This involves organizing, synthesizing, and interpreting the information to answer your research question. 

Additional Information

• Types of Research
  • Action Research: 
    • It refers to the application of research to educational problems in a particular classroom setting.
    • Its primary aim is to improve practice (ameliorating the prevailing situations).
    • According to Kurt Lewin, the founder of the term Action Research, it is an ongoing strategy; the cycle is repeated to form a spiral; reformulated plan, revised action, more fact-finding, and reanalysis. 
  • Applied Research​
    • Aapplied research discovers ways of applying them to solve social problems. Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving social problems.
    • It is called field research.
    • It is that type of research work the results of which find direct application in the field.
  • Historical research
    • It is “the systematic collection and objective evaluation of data related to past occurrences in order to test hypotheses concerning causes, effects, or trends of those events which may help to explain present events and anticipate future events”

The correct answer is ​B, C, and D only.

Key Points

• A categorical variable comprises values categorized into distinct groups based on a characteristic.
• A categorical variable, also known as a qualitative variable, can assume a fixed number of distinct values.
• These values categorize individuals or units based on qualitative properties.
• Types of categorical variables:
  • Constant Variable:
    • ​A constant variable is a type of categorical variable that has only one category or value.
    • In other words, all observations or units in the dataset have the same value for this variable.
    • It does not vary among different individuals or units and is, therefore, considered a constant.
  • A polytomous variable:
    • A polytomous variable, in statistical terms, denotes a categorical variable with more than two potential categories or levels.
    • This variable can assume more than two distinct values or groupings and is alternatively referred to as a multi-category, multi-class, or multi-level variable..
  • Dichotomous Variable:
    • A dichotomous variable is a specific type of categorical variable that has exactly two categories or levels.
    • These categories are often binary, such as "yes" or "no," "true" or "false," or "0" or "1."
    • Dichotomous variables are used to represent situations where there are only two possible outcomes or groups.
    • This is also called a binary variable.

The correct answer is "Null hypothesis".

Key Points

• Null Hypothesis - 
  • The null hypothesis is a neutral type of hypothesis, indicating 'no difference' or 'no relationship' between variables.
  • The Null hypothesis represents the hypothesis we are trying to reject and thus wishes to be disapproved.In the Null hypothesis, the researcher tries to explain the relationship between the variables by chance even though there might be no statistical relation between the two variables and the relationship is occurring just by chance.

Additional Information

•  Alternative Hypothesis ​-
  • The alternative Hypothesis (denoted by (Ha), is the substitute for the null hypothesis which states the opposite of the null hypothesis. 
  • The alternative Hypothesis represents all other possibilities and wishes to be proved.
• Working Hypothesis -
  • The working hypothesis is a tentative assumption accepted as a basis for further ongoing research.
  • The working hypothesis is generated to direct inquiry into channels in which new material, factual and conceptual, is disclosed, and thus provides the focal point for research.
• Explanatory Hypothesis -
  • The hypothesis that tries to explain a certain fact is the Explanatory hypothesis.
  • This hypothesis is used to test the cause-and-effect relationship between two or more two variables.

The correct answer is A and C only.

Key Points

• Non-probability sampling is a sampling approach where the researcher chooses samples based on their own judgment and expertise, rather than relying on random selection.
• This method is less rigid and depends on the researcher's subjective decisions.
• Non-probability sampling is often employed in qualitative research and is conducted through observational methods. 
• Types of Non-Probability Sampling:
  • Convenience sampling:
    • ​Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling method in which samples are selected from the population simply because they are readily accessible to the researcher.
    • Researchers opt for this approach primarily because of the convenience and ease of recruiting these samples, without necessarily ensuring that they accurately represent the entire population.
  • Consecutive sampling:
    • ​​In consecutive sampling, the researcher selects an initial person or group of participants, conducts their research over a specific period, analyzes the gathered results, and subsequently proceeds to select another subject or group, if necessary.
    • This approach allows the researcher to work with multiple subjects or topics sequentially, enabling them to refine their research by collecting insights from the accumulated data.
  • Quota sampling:
    • In Quota Sampling, the researcher is guided by some visible characteristic, such as gender or race, of the study population that is of interest to him.
    • The sample is selected from a location that is convenient and easily accessible to the researcher and whenever a person with this visible relevant characteristic is seen that person is asked to participate in the study.
  • Judgment/Purposive Sampling: 
    • ​The primary consideration in purposive sampling is the researcher’s judgment as to who can provide the best information to achieve the objectives of your study.
    • The researcher will only go to those people who in his opinion are likely to have the required information and will be willing to share it.
  • Snowball Sampling: 
    • ​It is also called a network or chain referral sampling. To start with, the researcher identifies a small number of respondents having a set of characteristics of interest to the researcher.
    • After collecting the required data from those respondents, the same respondents are asked to identify others having the same characteristics set. E.g., collecting data from drug addicts, rape victims, etc.

Additional Information

• Random/Probability Sampling: In this type, each element in the population has an equal and independent chance of selection in the sample.
  • Simple Random Sampling: It is the most popular of the probability sampling methods. The idea of randomization implies that sample selection is independent of human judgment.
  • Systematic sampling is a statistical method that researchers use to zero down on the desired population they want to research. Researchers calculate the sampling interval by dividing the entire population size by the desired sample size.
  • Cluster Sampling: It is based on the ability of the researcher to divide the sampling population into groups, called clusters, and then to select elements within each cluster, using the simple random sampling technique. It is appropriate when the population is large.
  • Stratified random sampling:
    • ​Stratified random sampling is a systematic sampling method used in research and statistics to ensure that a representative sample is drawn from a larger population.
    • It involves dividing the population into smaller, non-overlapping subgroups called strata.
    • These strata are created based on specific shared attributes or characteristics that are of interest to the researcher.