Research Design- Meaning, Function and Phases

Model MCQ's Research Methodology

1. The term "Research Design" refers to:

(A) The procedure for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data

(B) The set of methods used to collect data

(D) The final results of a research study

(A) The procedure for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data

Explanation: Research design is the overall strategy that researchers use to integrate the different components of a study in a coherent and logical way, ensuring that they address the research problem effectively.

2. Which phase of research design involves defining the research problem and formulating hypotheses?

(A) Data Collection

(B) Research Problem Definition

(D) Literature Review

(B) Research Problem Definition

Explanation: The first phase of research design is to define the research problem clearly and formulate hypotheses that guide the investigation.

3. In research design, the term "sampling" refers to:

(A) Collecting data from every member of the population

(B) Testing hypotheses

(D) Selecting a representative subset of the population

Explanation: Sampling involves selecting a portion of the population to study, which should represent the whole population to make generalizable conclusions.

4. The main function of a research design is to:

(A) Solve the research problem

(B) Provide a blueprint for data collection and analysis

(D) Determine the funding for the research

(B) Provide a blueprint for data collection and analysis

Explanation: The main function of research design is to ensure that the data collected can effectively address the research problem by providing a systematic plan for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

5. In a research design, which of the following is part of the data collection phase?

(A) Identifying the research problem

(B) Analyzing the results

(D) Reviewing the literature

Explanation: Designing tools like questionnaires is a critical step in the data collection phase to ensure that the data gathered addresses the research problem accurately.

6. A cross-sectional study in research design means:

(A) Collecting data at a single point in time

(B) Collecting data over an extended period

(D) Studying a single case in depth

(A) Collecting data at a single point in time

Explanation: Cross-sectional research collects data at one point in time, providing a snapshot of a population or phenomenon at a specific moment.

7. The term "research design" is often considered as:

(A) A framework for understanding research findings

(B) The blueprint for conducting the research process

(D) A written report based on the findings

(B) The blueprint for conducting the research process

Explanation: Research design is essentially a plan or blueprint outlining the procedures for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.

8. In which research design phase do researchers decide how to analyze and interpret the collected data?

(A) Data Collection

(B) Literature Review

(D) Data Analysis

Explanation: The data analysis phase involves organizing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from the data collected during the research.

9. Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal study in research design?

(A) Studying the same group of people over a period of time

(B) Collecting data from participants at a single point in time

(D) Analyzing historical data

(A) Studying the same group of people over a period of time

Explanation: A longitudinal study involves repeatedly measuring the same subjects over an extended period of time to observe changes.

10. Which type of research design is most suitable when testing cause-and-effect relationships?

(A) Descriptive Design

(B) Experimental Design

(D) Correlational Design

(B) Experimental Design

Explanation: Experimental research design is ideal for testing cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables and observing the outcomes.

11. In a research design, which phase involves reviewing the literature related to the topic?

(A) Literature Review

(B) Data Collection

(D) Hypothesis Testing

(A) Literature Review

Explanation: The literature review phase involves reviewing existing studies, theories, and findings related to the research problem to inform the research process.

12. The term "research methodology" refers to:

(A) The steps taken during the research process

(B) The theoretical framework for the research

(D) The statistical techniques used in data analysis

Explanation: Research methodology refers to the methods, techniques, and tools used for data collection, analysis, and interpretation within the research process.

13. Which of the following is NOT typically a function of research design?

(A) Providing a clear framework for data collection

(B) Ensuring that data analysis is objective and reliable

(D) Determining the financial resources required for the study

Explanation: While financial planning is important for any research project, determining financial resources is not typically considered a function of the research design itself.

14. In research design, the term "experimental group" refers to:

(A) A group of participants who do not receive the treatment or intervention

(B) A group of participants who receive the treatment or intervention

(D) A group that provides feedback on the research methods

(B) A group of participants who receive the treatment or intervention

Explanation: In experimental research, the experimental group is the group that receives the treatment or intervention being tested, while the control group does not.

15. Which of the following is an advantage of using a mixed-methods research design?

(A) It focuses on a single data source for simplicity

(B) It simplifies data collection by using a single method

(D) It combines both qualitative and quantitative data for a comprehensive analysis

Explanation: A mixed-methods design uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods, which allows for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the research problem.

16. In research design, the hypothesis is:

(A) A detailed review of the literature

(B) A testable prediction or statement about the relationship between variables

(D) A method for collecting data

(B) A testable prediction or statement about the relationship between variables

Explanation: A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested and predicts the relationship between two or more variables.

17. Which of the following best defines "random sampling" in research design?

(A) Selecting participants based on specific criteria

(B) Choosing participants from a group who are easily accessible

(D) Selecting participants who volunteer for the study

Explanation: Random sampling ensures that every individual in the population has an equal probability of being included in the sample, minimizing bias.

18. The phase of research design that involves testing the hypotheses and analyzing the results is:

(A) Literature Review

(B) Data Collection

(D) Hypothesis Testing

Explanation: Data analysis is the process where researchers test the hypotheses and analyze the data to make conclusions.

19. Which of the following is true about a control group in experimental research design?

(A) It receives the treatment being tested

(B) It does not receive the treatment and serves as a baseline comparison

(D) It is always the group that provides the best results

(B) It does not receive the treatment and serves as a baseline comparison

Explanation: The control group does not receive the experimental treatment and is used as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment on the experimental group.

20. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative research design?

(A) Uses numerical data and statistical analysis

(B) Focuses on understanding phenomena from a subjective perspective

(D) Relies on non-numerical data

(A) Uses numerical data and statistical analysis

Explanation: Qualitative research focuses on exploring phenomena in-depth using non-numerical data, while quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis.

21. The concept of "internal validity" in a research design refers to:

(A) The ability to generalize the findings to other settings

(B) The accuracy with which the study measures what it intends to measure

(D) The degree to which participants are randomly assigned

(B) The accuracy with which the study measures what it intends to measure

Explanation: Internal validity refers to the degree to which the results of a study accurately reflect the relationship between the variables being studied, without interference from external factors.

22. Which type of research design is most appropriate when a researcher seeks to describe a phenomenon in its natural setting?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Cross-sectional Design

(D) Descriptive Design

Explanation: Descriptive research design aims to describe phenomena as they occur naturally, without manipulating variables or introducing interventions.

23. Which of the following is a key advantage of using a case study in research design?

(A) It allows for broad generalizations across populations

(B) It provides in-depth analysis of a particular case or small group

(D) It uses a large sample size for statistical analysis

(B) It provides in-depth analysis of a particular case or small group

Explanation: Case studies offer detailed, in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases, which helps to explore complex issues in a real-life context.

24. Which of the following statements is true about "external validity" in research design?

(A) It ensures that the research study accurately measures what it intends to measure

(B) It ensures that the research findings are not biased

(D) It refers to the ability of a study's results to be generalized to other settings or populations

Explanation: External validity concerns the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other populations, settings, or times.

25. Which of the following is a key feature of an experimental research design?

(A) Observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation

(B) Manipulating one or more variables to observe their effect on other variables

(D) Using historical data to draw conclusions

(B) Manipulating one or more variables to observe their effect on other variables

Explanation: Experimental research involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on other variables, typically under controlled conditions.

26. In a research design, which of the following is the primary goal of the "sampling" phase?

(A) To ensure the sample is representative of the population

(B) To collect data from every participant in the population

(D) To define the research problem

(A) To ensure the sample is representative of the population

Explanation: The purpose of sampling is to select a subset of the population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the entire population, ensuring valid conclusions.

27. In research design, which of the following is most likely to be used for hypothesis testing?

(A) Descriptive Research

(B) Correlational Research

(D) Observational Research

Explanation: Experimental research is designed to test hypotheses by manipulating variables and observing the effects on other variables, providing evidence for cause-and-effect relationships.

28. Which of the following research designs focuses on observing a phenomenon as it occurs naturally, without intervention?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Descriptive Design

(D) Longitudinal Design

(B) Descriptive Design

Explanation: Descriptive research design involves observing and recording the characteristics of a phenomenon without manipulating variables, allowing for an accurate depiction of its natural state.

29. What type of research design is best suited for studying a single phenomenon in-depth over a long period?

(A) Cross-sectional Design

(B) Experimental Design

(D) Case Study Design

Explanation: Longitudinal research design studies the same phenomenon over a period of time, allowing for the observation of changes and developments.

30. Which of the following research designs would most likely be used to investigate the relationship between two variables over time?

(A) Descriptive Research

(B) Correlational Research

(D) Observational Research

(B) Correlational Research

Explanation: Correlational research design investigates the relationship between two or more variables to see if they change in a consistent pattern over time, without implying causality.

31. Which of the following describes a "cross-sectional study"?

(A) Data is collected at a single point in time

(B) Data is collected over an extended period of time

(D) Data is collected from a specific group at multiple points in time

(A) Data is collected at a single point in time

Explanation: A cross-sectional study collects data at one point in time from different subjects, providing a snapshot of a population or phenomenon.

32. The research design phase where researchers test the hypothesis using statistical tools is known as:

(A) Data Collection

(B) Data Analysis

(D) Problem Definition

(B) Data Analysis

Explanation: The data analysis phase involves using statistical tools to test hypotheses, analyze data, and derive conclusions about the research problem.

33. A study that involves manipulating one variable to observe its effect on another is typically called:

(A) Correlational Research

(B) Observational Research

(D) Case Study Research

Explanation: Experimental research involves manipulating one or more independent variables to observe their effect on dependent variables, helping establish cause-and-effect relationships.

34. Which of the following is a key feature of qualitative research design?

(A) The use of statistical analysis

(B) The collection of non-numerical data

(D) Generalization of results to a larger population

(B) The collection of non-numerical data

Explanation: Qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and content analysis, to explore deeper meanings and insights.

35. Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method?

(A) Conducting interviews to understand personal experiences

(B) Analyzing textual data from social media

(D) Using surveys with numerical scales to measure attitudes

Explanation: Quantitative research involves collecting numerical data that can be statistically analyzed, such as through surveys with rating scales or experiments measuring measurable outcomes.

36. Which research design is focused on understanding the context or setting of a research problem?

(A) Exploratory Design

(B) Experimental Design

(D) Cross-sectional Design

(A) Exploratory Design

Explanation: Exploratory research design is used when there is little existing knowledge about a topic. It aims to gain an understanding of the context or setting of the problem.

37. Which of the following is the main purpose of the "data collection" phase in research design?

(A) To analyze the collected data using statistical methods

(B) To define the research problem clearly

(D) To conduct a literature review on the topic

Explanation: The data collection phase is when the researcher gathers information using various methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments to address the research problem.

38. What is a key characteristic of "non-experimental research design"?

(A) It manipulates independent variables to observe their effects on dependent variables

(B) It does not involve any manipulation of variables

(D) It always uses large samples for statistical analysis

(B) It does not involve any manipulation of variables

Explanation: Non-experimental research designs observe variables without manipulating them, such as in observational or descriptive studies, where the researcher does not interfere with the natural state of things.

39. What is the purpose of using "randomization" in experimental research design?

(A) To eliminate all possible errors in the data collection process

(B) To ensure the validity of the hypotheses

(D) To randomly assign participants to control and experimental groups

Explanation: Randomization helps reduce bias by ensuring that participants are randomly assigned to groups, making the results more reliable and generalizable.

40. In research design, the "dependent variable" is:

(A) The variable that is being measured or observed

(B) The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on another variable

(D) The variable that does not influence the outcome of the research

(A) The variable that is being measured or observed

Explanation: The dependent variable is the outcome or response that is measured in an experiment. It is affected by changes in the independent variable.

41. The phase in research design that involves reviewing existing research and theories is known as:

(A) Data Collection

(B) Literature Review

(D) Problem Definition

(B) Literature Review

Explanation: The literature review phase involves examining existing research, theories, and findings on a topic to inform the design and focus of the current study.

42. Which of the following research designs is most useful when a researcher wants to study the effect of an intervention over time?

(A) Cross-sectional Design

(B) Case Study Design

(D) Experimental Design

Explanation: Longitudinal research design tracks the same subjects over a period of time, allowing researchers to study the effects of an intervention or treatment over time.

43. What is the focus of "descriptive research design"?

(A) To establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables

(B) To describe characteristics of a phenomenon or population

(D) To test hypotheses based on a theory

(B) To describe characteristics of a phenomenon or population

Explanation: Descriptive research design focuses on describing the characteristics or behaviors of a population or phenomenon, without manipulating variables.

44. Which of the following research designs would be most appropriate to study the effectiveness of a new drug on a medical condition?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Case Study Design

(D) Correlational Design

(A) Experimental Design

Explanation: Experimental research design is the most appropriate for testing the effectiveness of an intervention, such as a drug, by manipulating the treatment and observing its effects.

45. The research design phase where data is categorized, coded, and analyzed is known as:

(A) Data Collection

(B) Data Analysis

(D) Hypothesis Testing

(B) Data Analysis

Explanation: Data analysis involves organizing and interpreting the collected data using statistical or qualitative methods to draw conclusions and answer the research questions.

46. Which of the following best defines "external validity" in research design?

(A) The degree to which the findings can be generalized to other settings, populations, or times

(B) The degree to which the study accurately measures what it intends to measure

(D) The ability to manipulate variables in a study

(A) The degree to which the findings can be generalized to other settings, populations, or times

Explanation: External validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized to other settings, populations, or times beyond the sample studied.

47. Which type of research design would be best suited for exploring a new phenomenon with little existing research?

(A) Descriptive Design

(B) Experimental Design

(D) Case Study Design

Explanation: Exploratory research design is useful for investigating new or little-known phenomena where there is limited prior research or theory to guide the study.

48. The "research design" phase that involves defining the problem, selecting the research methods, and developing hypotheses is:

(A) Data Collection

(B) Research Problem Definition

(D) Hypothesis Formulation

(B) Research Problem Definition

Explanation: In the research problem definition phase, the researcher clearly defines the problem, selects the research methods, and develops hypotheses to guide the study.

49. Which research design is focused on the in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or event?

(A) Cross-sectional Design

(B) Experimental Design

(D) Case Study Design

Explanation: Case study research involves an in-depth, detailed examination of a single case, such as a person, group, or event, in its real-life context.

50. Which of the following is a limitation of using observational research in the research design process?

(A) It allows for controlled manipulation of variables

(B) It may introduce researcher bias

(D) It is generally less time-consuming

(B) It may introduce researcher bias

Explanation: Observational research can lead to researcher bias because the researcher’s presence or personal interpretations may influence the observations.

51. In a research design, the "control group" is used to:

(A) Serve as a baseline comparison to the experimental group

(B) Measure the effects of the intervention on the experimental group

(D) Select participants for the study

(A) Serve as a baseline comparison to the experimental group

Explanation: The control group does not receive the experimental treatment, providing a baseline for comparing the effects of the treatment on the experimental group.

52. Which of the following is a feature of a "longitudinal study" in research design?

(A) Data is collected at one point in time

(B) It is used to study a phenomenon over a long period of time

(D) Participants are not followed over time

(B) It is used to study a phenomenon over a long period of time

Explanation: Longitudinal studies follow participants over time, allowing researchers to observe changes or effects over an extended period.

53. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a "quantitative" research design?

(A) Focuses on collecting non-numerical data

(B) Is concerned primarily with exploring personal meanings and experiences

(D) Utilizes surveys, experiments, and statistical methods to gather numerical data

Explanation: Quantitative research involves gathering numerical data through methods such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis to test hypotheses or answer research questions.

54. In the research design, the "independent variable" is:

(A) The variable that is observed and measured during the study

(B) The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect

(D) The variable that is irrelevant to the hypothesis

(B) The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect

Explanation: The independent variable is the one that is deliberately changed or manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable in an experiment.

55. What is a key advantage of using a "mixed-methods" research design?

(A) It provides a comprehensive understanding by combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches

(B) It simplifies the data collection process

(D) It eliminates the need for hypothesis testing

(A) It provides a comprehensive understanding by combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches

Explanation: Mixed-methods research design combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem by addressing both numerical and descriptive aspects.

56. The phase of research design that focuses on determining how the data will be analyzed is called:

(A) Data Collection

(B) Data Analysis Plan

(D) Sampling

(B) Data Analysis Plan

Explanation: The data analysis plan outlines how the collected data will be processed and analyzed using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods to test hypotheses or answer research questions.

57. Which of the following is true about "correlational research design"?

(A) It involves studying the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation

(B) It manipulates variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships

(D) It does not involve any data collection

(A) It involves studying the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation

Explanation: Correlational research design examines the relationship between two or more variables, but does not involve manipulating them, making it useful for identifying patterns or associations.

58. Which of the following is most likely to be the result of "experimenter bias" in research design?

(A) Accurate interpretation of data

(B) Unbiased and objective conclusions

(D) Influence of the researcher’s expectations on the study’s results

Explanation: Experimenter bias occurs when the researcher’s expectations or beliefs about the outcome influence how they conduct the study or interpret the data, leading to biased results.

59. In research design, the term "sampling bias" refers to:

(A) The process of selecting participants at random

(B) The effect of the sample not being representative of the population

(D) Using a large sample size to increase accuracy

(B) The effect of the sample not being representative of the population

Explanation: Sampling bias occurs when the sample selected for the research is not representative of the broader population, which can lead to inaccurate or non-generalizable results.

60. Which type of research design would most likely involve the manipulation of variables to observe their effect on other variables?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Descriptive Design

(D) Observational Design

(A) Experimental Design

Explanation: Experimental research design involves manipulating independent variables to observe their effects on dependent variables, making it ideal for testing cause-and-effect relationships.

61. Which of the following is true about a "double-blind" experimental design?

(A) Both the participants and the experimenters know who is receiving the treatment

(B) Only the participants know who is receiving the treatment

(D) The experimenters have no involvement in the experiment

Explanation: In a double-blind study, both the participants and experimenters are unaware of who is receiving the treatment to minimize bias in the results.

62. Which of the following is NOT a function of research design?

(A) To guide the collection and analysis of data

(B) To establish hypotheses and research questions

(D) To ensure that the researcher has prior knowledge of the outcomes

Explanation: Research design is intended to structure the study systematically and objectively, not to ensure that the researcher already knows the outcomes.

63. The "control variable" in an experimental research design is:

(A) A variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable

(B) A variable that remains constant throughout the experiment

(D) A variable that has no effect on the study’s results

(B) A variable that remains constant throughout the experiment

Explanation: Control variables are factors that are kept constant to ensure that the effect of the independent variable can be measured accurately, without interference from other variables.

64. Which research design method is most appropriate when the goal is to study the same participants over an extended period?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Cross-sectional Design

(D) Descriptive Design

Explanation: Longitudinal research design follows the same participants over an extended period of time to observe changes or developments in the variables being studied.

65. Which of the following is an example of a "descriptive" research design?

(A) A study where participants are randomly assigned to treatment and control groups

(B) A study that surveys a population to determine its characteristics

(D) A study that observes behavior in a controlled setting

(B) A study that surveys a population to determine its characteristics

Explanation: Descriptive research design aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon, often through surveys or observational methods without manipulating variables.

66. In research design, "random assignment" is used to:

(A) Ensure participants are selected in a way that reflects the population

(B) Test the reliability of the research instruments

(D) Assign participants to different experimental conditions randomly

Explanation: Random assignment helps ensure that participants are randomly placed in experimental conditions, reducing the likelihood of bias and making the groups comparable.

67. Which of the following is true about "validity" in research design?

(A) It ensures that the research findings are reliable over time

(B) It refers to the extent to which a research study accurately measures what it intends to measure

(D) It focuses on the accuracy of the data collection process

(B) It refers to the extent to which a research study accurately measures what it intends to measure

Explanation: Validity refers to how accurately a study measures what it aims to measure, ensuring the results are meaningful and relevant.

68. In a research design, which of the following is an example of a "qualitative" data collection method?

(A) Surveys with numerical scales

(B) Experiments with controlled conditions

(D) Statistical analysis of large datasets

Explanation: Qualitative data collection methods involve gathering non-numerical data through techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and content analysis to explore perceptions, experiences, and meanings.

69. In research design, "external validity" refers to:

(A) The consistency of the results across different settings and populations

(B) The degree to which the findings accurately reflect the relationship between the studied variables

(D) The accuracy of the research instruments used

Explanation: External validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized to other settings, populations, or times beyond the study sample.

70. In research design, the "sampling frame" refers to:

(A) The total population from which the sample will be drawn

(B) A detailed list of all the possible data collection methods

(D) A group of participants who have already completed the study

(A) The total population from which the sample will be drawn

Explanation: The sampling frame is the list of all individuals or elements from which the sample will be drawn. It is essentially the "population" available for the study.

71. Which of the following is an advantage of a "cross-sectional" research design?

(A) It provides a detailed examination of a phenomenon over time

(B) It allows for the study of cause-and-effect relationships

(D) It is time-efficient and cost-effective for studying multiple variables at once

Explanation: Cross-sectional studies are time-efficient because data is collected at one point in time, making them less costly and faster than longitudinal studies.

72. A research design that uses multiple data collection methods, such as surveys and interviews, is known as:

(A) Quantitative Design

(B) Mixed-Methods Design

(D) Experimental Design

(B) Mixed-Methods Design

Explanation: A mixed-methods design combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as surveys (quantitative) and interviews (qualitative), to provide a more comprehensive view of the research problem.

73. Which of the following is an example of "internal validity" in research design?

(A) Ensuring that the research findings accurately reflect the relationship between the variables being studied

(B) Ensuring that the research findings can be applied to other populations

(D) Ensuring the research participants are aware of the hypotheses being tested

(A) Ensuring that the research findings accurately reflect the relationship between the variables being studied

Explanation: Internal validity refers to the accuracy of the study’s findings in terms of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, ensuring that the observed effects are due to the variables being studied.

74. In experimental research design, a "dependent variable" is:

(A) The variable that is manipulated by the researcher

(B) The variable that changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable

(D) The variable used to control other variables in the experiment

(B) The variable that changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable

Explanation: The dependent variable is the outcome that is measured in an experiment, and it changes in response to the manipulation of the independent variable.

75. A "reliability test" in research design is used to:

(A) Ensure that the research findings are valid

(B) Ensure that the research methods are reliable and consistent

(D) Measure the extent to which a sample is representative of the population

(B) Ensure that the research methods are reliable and consistent

Explanation: Reliability tests measure the consistency and stability of the research methods and instruments over time, ensuring that the results are reproducible under similar conditions.

76. In research design, "random sampling" is used to:

(A) Select participants based on their specific characteristics

(B) Collect data from a specific group of participants

(D) Ensure that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected

Explanation: Random sampling is a technique used to select participants randomly from the population, ensuring that each individual has an equal chance of being included, reducing bias.

77. The "research hypothesis" in a study is:

(A) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables

(B) The conclusion drawn from the data analysis

(D) A method used to collect data from participants

(A) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables

Explanation: A research hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables, guiding the direction of the research.

78. In research design, the "literature review" phase involves:

(A) Collecting data from participants

(B) Analyzing the data collected from the study

(D) Reviewing existing research and theories related to the research problem

Explanation: The literature review involves examining existing research, theories, and studies related to the research problem to inform the study's direction and methodology.

79. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a "longitudinal" research design?

(A) It is cost-effective and time-efficient

(B) It provides a snapshot of data at one point in time

(D) It is useful for studying cause-and-effect relationships

Explanation: Longitudinal studies can be time-consuming and costly, and they may suffer from participant dropout over the study period, which can affect the study's validity.

80. In research design, the "sampling error" refers to:

(A) The error that occurs in the analysis phase of the study

(B) The error that occurs due to the sample not being representative of the population

(D) The error that occurs in hypothesis testing

(B) The error that occurs due to the sample not being representative of the population

Explanation: Sampling error occurs when the sample selected does not accurately represent the population, leading to potential biases in the study's conclusions.

81. Which of the following is an example of a "descriptive" research design?

(A) A study that surveys a population to understand its characteristics

(B) A study that tests cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables

(D) A study that analyzes experimental data through hypothesis testing

(A) A study that surveys a population to understand its characteristics

Explanation: Descriptive research is used to describe characteristics or phenomena without manipulating variables. Surveys are often used to gather data about a population.

82. In research design, which of the following is true about "reliability"?

(A) It refers to the consistency and stability of the research measurements

(B) It ensures that the research findings are accurate

(D) It refers to the degree to which a study measures what it intends to measure

(A) It refers to the consistency and stability of the research measurements

Explanation: Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the measurements used in a study. If the study were repeated, it should yield similar results.

83. Which research design focuses on studying a phenomenon at a specific point in time?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Cross-sectional Design

(D) Case Study Design

(B) Cross-sectional Design

Explanation: Cross-sectional research is conducted at one point in time and provides a snapshot of the phenomenon being studied, without considering its changes over time.

84. In the context of research design, "external validity" refers to:

(A) The degree to which the study's findings can be generalized to other settings or populations

(B) The accuracy of the measurement tools used

(D) The validity of the hypotheses being tested

(A) The degree to which the study's findings can be generalized to other settings or populations

Explanation: External validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized beyond the study sample to other populations, settings, or times.

85. The phase of research design that involves identifying the key variables and deciding how to measure them is called:

(A) Problem Definition

(B) Data Collection

(D) Hypothesis Testing

Explanation: Operationalization involves defining the variables in a way that they can be measured. It translates abstract concepts into specific, measurable factors.

86. Which of the following research designs is most appropriate for establishing cause-and-effect relationships?

(A) Descriptive Design

(B) Experimental Design

(D) Correlational Design

(B) Experimental Design

Explanation: Experimental research design is ideal for establishing cause-and-effect relationships because it involves manipulating variables to observe their effects on other variables.

87. Which of the following is a key feature of "qualitative" research design?

(A) The use of surveys and statistical analysis

(B) The collection of non-numerical data

(D) The use of large sample sizes

(B) The collection of non-numerical data

Explanation: Qualitative research focuses on exploring and understanding phenomena through non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and content analysis.

88. In research design, which of the following refers to the process of selecting a subset of individuals from a larger population for the study?

(A) Hypothesis Testing

(B) Operationalization

(D) Sampling

Explanation: Sampling refers to the process of selecting a representative subset of the larger population to participate in the study. This helps make the study manageable and ensures that the sample reflects the population.

89. In a research design, a "control group" is typically used to:

(A) Measure the effects of the independent variable

(B) Provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group

(D) Analyze the reliability of the research instruments

(B) Provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group

Explanation: The control group does not receive the experimental treatment and is used as a comparison group to evaluate the effects of the treatment on the experimental group.

90. Which of the following is the primary function of "random sampling" in research design?

(A) To minimize biases in the selection of participants

(B) To ensure every participant is exposed to the same conditions

(D) To control the dependent variable

(A) To minimize biases in the selection of participants

Explanation: Random sampling ensures that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, reducing biases and increasing the likelihood that the sample is representative of the population.

91. Which of the following best describes a "longitudinal" research design?

(A) It collects data from participants at a single point in time

(B) It follows the same group of participants over a long period

(D) It involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships

(B) It follows the same group of participants over a long period

Explanation: Longitudinal research involves studying the same participants over time to observe changes and developments in variables of interest.

92. Which research design is best suited for identifying patterns and relationships between variables?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Descriptive Design

(D) Correlational Design

Explanation: Correlational research design explores the relationships between two or more variables, determining whether changes in one variable correspond with changes in another.

93. Which of the following is a limitation of a "case study" research design?

(A) It provides in-depth analysis but lacks generalizability

(B) It uses large sample sizes for statistical analysis

(D) It eliminates researcher bias in the analysis

(A) It provides in-depth analysis but lacks generalizability

Explanation: Case studies provide detailed insights into a specific case or small group but lack generalizability to a larger population due to the small sample size.

94. In research design, which of the following is an example of a "control variable"?

(A) The variable that is being measured in the experiment

(B) The variable that is manipulated to observe its effects

(D) The variable that changes in response to the independent variable

Explanation: A control variable is one that is kept constant throughout the study to prevent it from influencing the outcome of the experiment.

95. Which research design is used to study the effectiveness of an intervention by comparing a treatment group to a non-treatment group?

(A) Descriptive Design

(B) Experimental Design

(D) Observational Design

(B) Experimental Design

Explanation: Experimental research design is used to assess the effect of an intervention or treatment by comparing a treatment group with a control or non-treatment group.

96. The main difference between "qualitative" and "quantitative" research designs is:

(A) Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data

(B) Qualitative research always uses large sample sizes, while quantitative research uses small samples

(C) Qualitative research is concerned with statistical analysis, while quantitative research deals with subjective experiences

(D) There is no difference between qualitative and quantitative research

(A) Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data

Explanation: Qualitative research aims to understand phenomena in depth, focusing on personal experiences and meanings, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.

97. Which of the following is an example of a "control group" in an experimental design?

(A) A group that receives the treatment being tested

(B) A group that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison

(D) A group that participates in the research without any restrictions

(B) A group that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison

Explanation: A control group is a baseline group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment, allowing for comparison with the treatment group to assess the effects of the intervention.

98. What is a key advantage of using a "randomized controlled trial" (RCT) in research design?

(A) It allows researchers to make definitive cause-and-effect conclusions

(B) It eliminates the need for random sampling

(D) It reduces the time needed for data collection

(A) It allows researchers to make definitive cause-and-effect conclusions

Explanation: RCTs are considered the gold standard for determining cause-and-effect relationships because they involve randomly assigning participants to treatment and control groups, minimizing bias.

99. Which research design is used to understand the social context of a particular group or phenomenon?

(A) Experimental Design

(B) Case Study Design

(D) Observational Design

(B) Case Study Design

Explanation: Case study design is used to explore a particular group, individual, or event in-depth, with a focus on understanding the social context or unique aspects of the case.

100. Which phase of research design involves choosing appropriate methods for data collection?

(A) Data Analysis

(B) Sampling

(D) Data Collection

Explanation: The data collection phase involves selecting and implementing appropriate methods (such as surveys, interviews, or experiments) to gather the necessary information to address the research problem.

Research Design- Meaning, Function and Phases

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