Research Quiz 1

T/F - The potential for a research study to contribute to practice and/or to theory is the main criterion for evaluating its significance.

TRUE

"Students taught first aid by programmed instruction will achieve at a higher level than those taught first aid by the traditional method." The independent variable in this hypothesis is: a. the level of achievement. b. the students. c. programmed instruction. d. the method of instruction

d

A mediator variable is one that: a. has a possible causal effect on another variable. b. provides an alternative explanation for a relationship. c. modifies or influences the strength of a relationship between two other variables. d. helps to explain a relationship between two other variables.

d

A researcher drew a sample by selecting every tenth name in a telephone directory. Which of the following types of sampling did she use? a. simple random b. stratified c. convenience d. systematic

d

Informed consent to serve as a subject in research requires signing a document that states: a. the probable risks involved. b. the purpose of the study. c. that the subject may end participation at any time. d. All of these answers are correct.

d

The dependent variable is so called because: a. scores on this variable depend on how they are manipulated by the researcher. b. the outcome of an experiment is hypothesized to depend on the effect that this variable has on the independent variable. c. scores on this variable can be expected not to vary in an experiment. d. scores on this variable are hypothesized to depend on, and vary with, the value of the independent variable.

d

When a convenience sample is used, the researcher should NOT: a. describe it thoroughly. b. draw any conclusions. c. replicate the study. d. generalize to a specified population.

d

Which of the following factors should NOT influence the decision when one is selecting a topic or problem for research? a.Will the study lead to the development of other investigations? b. Is the topic or problem amenable to research? c. Will the solution of the problem advance knowledge in my field? d. Will I be able to prove that my previously held beliefs are true?

d

T/F - The larger the sample, the more likely it is to represent the population from which it comes, provided it is randomly selected.

True

"Students taught first aid by programmed instruction will achieve at a higher level than those taught first aid by the traditional method." The dependent variable in this hypothesis is: a. the level of achievement. b. programmed instruction. c. the method of instruction. d. the students.

a

A ________ indicates the specific direction (such as higher, lower, more, or less) that a researcher expects to emerge in a relationship. a. directional hypothesis b. research question c. nondirectional hypothesis d. conclusion

a

A moderator variable is one that: a. is considered as a secondary independent variable. b. makes a relationship meaningless. c. weakens the strength of a relationship. d. provides an alternative explanation for a relationship.

a

Good research questions often investigate ________, which means that two qualities or characteristics are tied together or connected in some way. a. relationships b. the intentions of researchers c. morality d. opinions

a

In random sampling, it is necessarily true that: a. each sampling unit has an equal probability of being selected. b. a representative sample with a normal distribution will result. c. the sample will have low variability. d. precisely similar samples will be obtained with each replication.

a

Operational definitions are encouraged in research in order to: a. make terms used in a study as explicit as possible. b. make educational research more easily understood by laypersons. c. conform to the requirement of statistical analysis. d. increase the probability that experiments will succeed.

a

Random sampling is least effective when: a. the sample size is very small. b. the population size is small. c. a purposive sample is used. d. a convenience sample is used.

a

The use of convenience samples is generally to be avoided because: a. they are unlikely to be representative of the intended population. b. they are difficult to stratify. c. volunteers are hard to get. d. replication is difficult.

a

Which of the following is an example of a categorical variable? a. eye color b. blood pressure c. body weight d. language proficiency

a

Research with minors presents special ethical concerns because: a. they are more likely to be harmed. b. they are less likely to understand what is being asked of them. c. they are less likely to cooperate. d. they are harder to get information from.

b

The ethical behavior of educational researchers is guided primarily by: a. laws governing research practices. b. ethical standards established by the profession. c. the nature of the research study. d. rules established by local school districts or other local agencies.

b

T/F - Using a table of random numbers guarantees that the sample chosen is representative of the population being studied.

false

t/f - If a subject in a study confesses to a researcher that he or she has committed a crime, the researcher is not legally obligated to notify the proper authorities due to confidentiality laws that also protect doctors, lawyers, and clergy members.

false

T/F - An extraneous variable that is not controlled can be likened to a rival hypothesis in terms of possibly explaining the results of a study.

true

A purposive sample is used when: a. volunteers are desired. b. the researcher has a clear purpose for the study. c. the individuals to be chosen are believed to have the desired information. d. the population cannot be specified.

c

A stratified random sample is used when: a. a large simple random sample becomes a possibility. b. the researcher wants to apply less effort in the sampling process. c. the researcher wants to guarantee representativeness on specified variables. d. the study focuses on smaller groups as samples rather than individual subjects.

c

Once investigators state a hypothesis, they may be tempted to arrange the procedures or manipulate the data in such a way as to bring about a desired outcome. This disadvantage of stating a hypothesis is referred to as ________. a. research proposition b. moderator variable influence c. researcher bias d. nondirectional hypothesis

c

Statements or predictions of the possible outcomes of a study are called: a. indicators. b. premises. c. hypotheses. d. conclusions.

c

The best way to obtain a representative sample is to: a. use a purposive sample. b. use a stratified random sample—with a total of 30. c. use a large simple random sample. d. use cluster random sampling—with five clusters.

c

The first step in selecting a sample should be to: a. determine how to randomize. b. decide how to stratify the population. c. define the population of interest. d. compile a list of the population.

c

Whether or not a given federally funded study has the possibility of causing harm to participants: a. depends on the sample size. b. is determined by examining the pertinent legal documents. c. is determined by institutional review boards. d. depends on the researcher's definition of harm.

c