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

The Correct answer is (i) and (iv) are correct.

Key Points

• The Introduction chapter of a research report generally includes:
  • Objectives of the research 
  • Scope and limitations
• A Research Report: A research report is the culmination of the research process. It is a comprehensive presentation of a researcher's activities and the results of the study.
• A research report comprises several sections such as the Title, the Abstract, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Analysis, Conclusion, Bibliography, etc.

FORMAT OF RESEARCH REPORTS 

• Title: Be specific. Tell what, when, where, etc. In one main title and a subtitle, give a clear idea of what the paper investigated.
• Acknowledgment: Include only if special help was received from an individual or group.
• Abstract: Summarizes the report including the hypotheses, procedures, and major findings.
• Introduction: Sections may be combined in short reports.
• Statement of the Problem: This is a general introduction to the topic.
• Significance of the Problem: Comment on why this question merits investigation.
• Purpose: What is the goal to be gained from a better understanding of this question?
• Statement of the Hypothesis: In one statement (not a question) declare the question which is investigated and the expected results.
• Assumptions: Explain everything that is assumed in order for the investigation to be undertaken.
• Limitations: Explain the limitations that may invalidate the study or make it less than accurate.
• Definition of Terms: Define or clarify any term or concept that is used in the study in a non-traditional manner or in only one of many interpretations.
• Ethical Considerations: Discusses the ethical issues related to the study and explains the processes and status of the review by the Institutional Review Board.
• Budget: Outlines and discusses the budget for the study. This is usually only in the proposal.
• Proposed Timeline: Outlines the expected schedule for beginning and ending each part of the research project.
• Review of Related Literature: Gives the reader the necessary background to understand the study by citing the investigations and findings of previous researchers and documents the researcher's knowledge and preparation to investigate the problem.
• Design of the Study: Gives the reader the information necessary to exactly replicate (repeat) the study with new data or if the same raw data were available, the reader should be able to duplicate the results. This is written in past tense but without reference to or inclusion of the results determined from the analysis.
• Description of the Research Design and Procedures Used: Completely explain step-by-step what was done.
• Sources of Data: Give complete information about who, what, when, where, and how the data were collected.
• Sampling Procedures: Explain how the data were limited to the amount which was gathered. 
• Methods and Instruments of Data Gathering: Explain the procedures for obtaining the data collected. Include the forms or manner by which it was recorded.
• Statistical Treatment: Explain the complete mathematical procedures used in analyzing the data and determining the significance of the results.
• Analysis of Data: Describe the patterns observed in the data. Use tables and figures to help clarify the material when possible.
• Summary and Conclusions: This section condenses the previous sections, succinctly presents the results concerning the hypotheses, and suggests what else can be done.
• Restatement of the Problem: This is a short reiteration of the problem.
• Description of the Procedures: This is a brief reiteration of important elements of the design of the study.
• Major Findings: The final results from the analysis are presented, the hypothesis stated, and the decision about the rejection or the failure to reject the hypothesis is given.
• Conclusions: Comments about the implication of the findings are presented.
• Recommendations for Further Investigation: From the knowledge and experience gained in undertaking this particular study, how might the study have been improved or what other possible hypotheses might be investigated?
• End Notes: These are like footnotes but are located at the back rather than the bottom of each page. These would include all of the references for all works cited in the Review of Related Literature or any other sections of the report as well as the references for quotations, either direct or indirect, taken from other sources, or any footnote comments that might have been included. These are listed in numeric order as presented in the text.
• Bibliography or Literature Cited: These are the bibliographic reference for each of the works cited in the End Notes.
• Appendix: Any tables, figures, forms, or other materials that are not totally central to the analysis but that need to be included are placed in the Appendix.

The Correct answer is (i) - (b) , (ii) - (d) , (iii) - (c) , (iv) - (a)

Key Points

• Content Analysis:
  • Content analysis is a method used for systematically analyzing the content of media (like books, articles, advertisements, etc.) and understanding the trends, patterns, and meanings in the content.
  • It is a qualitative method of analysis because it involves interpreting the meaning behind various contents, often to analyze how certain themes are presented in media.
  • It goes beyond simple counting and requires interpretation of content.
• Questionnaire:
  • A questionnaire is a tool used to collect data from respondents through a series of written questions.
  • It is a data collection tool that can be used in various types of research to gather information from a large sample.
• Observation:
  • Observation is a direct method of data collection where the researcher directly observes and records behaviors or events as they occur.
  • It is an empirical method and involves little to no intervention.
  • Observation involves a researcher directly seeing or hearing a phenomenon or behavior, which makes it a direct method of collecting information.
  • It's a form of data collection without manipulation or inference.
• Case Study:
  • ​A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth investigation of a single subject, group, or event to explore its underlying principles and causes.
  • It is often used in qualitative research.
  • A case study is often used as one of the methods of research, typically focusing on a specific subject, group, or event to gather detailed data.
  • It is used to understand and analyze complex issues in depth.

The Correct answer is All of the above

Key Points

• A researcher should embody the spirit of free inquiry, which encourages independent thinking, curiosity, and the willingness to challenge established norms or beliefs.
• Reliance on observation and evidence is essential for conducting meaningful research. Evidence-based approaches ensure that conclusions are drawn from empirical data rather than assumptions.
• Systematization or theorizing of knowledge is vital as it organizes observations and evidence into structured frameworks, theories, or models that help explain phenomena and predict outcomes.
• All these qualities combined are essential for a researcher to contribute effectively to advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems.
• The option "All of the above" is correct because it includes all the key qualities necessary for rigorous and impactful research work.

 Additional Information

• Spirit of free inquiry
  • Encourages the questioning of established ideas and promotes intellectual freedom.
  • Critical for innovation, as it allows researchers to explore uncharted territories.
  • Famous researchers like Galileo Galilei and Charles Darwin exemplified the spirit of free inquiry by challenging traditional beliefs.
• Reliance on observation and evidence
  • Observation and evidence form the backbone of the scientific method.
  • Data collection through methods like experiments, surveys, and field studies ensures accuracy and objectivity.
  • Examples include the use of clinical trials in medicine to test drug efficacy.
• Systematization or theorizing of knowledge
  • Helps in organizing scattered information into coherent frameworks.
  • For example, the Periodic Table in chemistry organizes elements systematically based on their properties.
  • Theorizing provides predictive power, allowing researchers to foresee outcomes or trends.

The Correct answer is Zenith.

Key Points

• In the spiral of the scientific method, the deductive phase, where laws are deduced with the help of deductive logic, is related to the zenith

Additional Information

• To demonstrate that librarianship is a science S.R. Ranganathan (1892-1972) in the second edition of his classic Five Laws of Library Science (1957) added a chapter entitled “Spiral of Scientific Method”
• Structure of the Spiral
  • The spiral moves forward in a clockwise direction.
  • The lowest end of the vertical line is called the nadir – literally means the lowest point.
  • The upper end of the vertical line is called Zenith –the highest point.
  • The left horizontal line is called Ascendency i.e., going upwards.
  • The right end of the horizontal line is called descendent – which means going downwards.
•  In this first quadrant (called the empirical phase) data is collected empirically and the problem may be refined further.
• In the second quadrant (called the hypothesis phase) the data is collected, tabulated, classified, and analyzed.
• In the third quadrant (called the deductive phase) laws are deduced with the help of deductive logic.
• The fourth quadrant is also known as the verification phase. Here the laws formulated in the third quadrant are tested and verified, and further, some higher generalizations may be drawn.

The Correct answer is A - ii, B - i, C - iv, D - iii

Key PointsA. Content Analysis - (ii) Qualitative Methods of Analysis:

• Content Analysis is a research method used to interpret and analyze the content of textual, visual, or audio data through a systematic classification process of coding and identifying themes or patterns.
• It is primarily qualitative because it involves examining and interpreting non-numerical data to understand meanings, themes, and concepts.

B. Questionnaire - (i) Data Collection Tool:

• The questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts to gather information from respondents.
• Questionnaires are used for data collection and can be designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.
• They are typically used in surveys to gather information from a large number of respondents efficiently.

Observation - (iv) Direct Method:

• Observation is a method of collecting data by directly watching and recording the behavior and characteristics of individuals or groups.
• It is considered a direct method because the researcher directly observes and records information without intermediaries.
• Observation can be structured or unstructured and can be used in both qualitative and quantitative research.

D. Case Study - (iii) Methods of Research:

• A Case Study is a research method that involves an in-depth, detailed examination of a single case or a small number of cases within their real-life context.
• Case studies are used to explore complex issues, understand phenomena in their context, and generate insights.
• They often involve multiple data sources, including interviews, observations, and document analysis, and are widely used in qualitative research.

The correct answer is More attention to the subjective aspects of human behavior:

Key Points

• Quantitative research methods are primarily focused on objective data and the quantification of variables.
• They involve collecting and analyzing numerical data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships.
• This approach aims to be systematic, highly structured, and minimize subjectivity. In contrast, qualitative research methods are more concerned.

Additional InformationOther types of Research:

• Qualitative Research: Qualitative research aims to understand human behavior, experiences, and meanings through in-depth interviews, observations, and textual analysis. It does not rely on numerical data but focuses on rich descriptions and interpretations.
• Mixed Methods Research: Mixed methods research combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Researchers use both numerical data and textual information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
• Experimental Research: In experimental research, researchers manipulate one or more variables to study their effects on other variables under controlled conditions. It allows for causal inferences.
• Descriptive Research: Descriptive research aims to describe and document the characteristics of a population or phenomenon without manipulating any variables. It is often used to gather preliminary data.
• Correlational Research: Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It assesses the degree of association between variables.

The Correct answer is ​A ‐ IV, B ‐ III, C ‐ I, D ‐ II.

Key Points

• Member Checking:
  • Member checking is a research validation technique used in qualitative research.
  • It involves returning research findings or interpretations to participants (members) to confirm their accuracy.
  • Researchers seek feedback from participants to ensure that the data collected and the conclusions drawn align with the participants' perspectives and experiences.
• Likert scale:
  • ​A Likert scale is a commonly used psychometric scale in research surveys and questionnaires.
  • The Likert scale, introduced to survey research in 1930 and named after Rensis Likert is a bipolar scale with equidistant intervals.
  • This means that the scale encompasses two opposing viewpoints or attitudes at its extremes, and the intervals between the scale points are equal in length, allowing for the measurement of respondent attitudes and opinions in a structured and standardized manner.
• Thurstone Equal Appearing Interval Scale:
  • The Thurstone Scale measures attitudes toward clear, single-dimension concepts using various opinion-expressing statements. The process is as follows:
    • Determine the concept for measurement.
    • Generate multiple statements about the concept that could be agreeable or disagreeable.
    • Have respondents rate each statement's favorability towards the concept on a scale of 1 (extremely favorable) to 11 (extremely unfavorable).
    • Compute and sort the median and interquartile range of each statement.
    • Select items for the final scale at equal median intervals, preferring those with lower variability and ensuring the statements remain clear.
• Synchronous:
  • ​Synchronous communication refers to communication that occurs in real-time, where participants engage in an interaction simultaneously.
  • Virtual conversation, in the context of the matching, implies that such communication is taking place in an online or digital environment.
  • In virtual conversations, participants can engage in discussions, share information, and exchange messages or voice/video calls in real-time, even if they are physically distant from each other.

The correct answer is ​(A), (B), (E) only

Key Points

• John W. Creswell states that "research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue"
• The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research  as "studious inquiry or examination; especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.
• Objectives of Research:
  • Academic Objectives: To gain knowledge of a phenomenon or to attain new insights into it.
  • Utilitarian objectives: The main objective is usually to have an understanding of the company culture, social life, social environment, problem solving processes etc and thereby achieve a higher measure of control over human behavior in the organization and social context.
  • It contributes greatly in testing a hypothesis or a casual relationship between variables to discover the cause and effect impacts.
  • Research can be useful for representing precisely the features of a specific individual, situation or a group in the organization and results in organization redesign, and design of strategies of improvement.
  • Research enables you to figure out the rate at which a particular thing happens or with which it is related to something else.

Additional Information

• The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to go about seeking".
• The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.
• Forms of research:
  • ​Original research  also called primary research,
  • Scientific research is a systematic way of gathering data and harnessing curiosity.
  • Artistic research, also seen as 'practice-based research'.
  • Historical research.
  • Documentary research.

The correct answer is More attention to the subjective aspects of human behavior:

Key Points

• Quantitative research methods are primarily focused on objective data and the quantification of variables.
• They involve collecting and analyzing numerical data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships.
• This approach aims to be systematic, highly structured, and minimize subjectivity. In contrast, qualitative research methods are more concerned.

Additional InformationOther types of Research:

• Qualitative Research: Qualitative research aims to understand human behavior, experiences, and meanings through in-depth interviews, observations, and textual analysis. It does not rely on numerical data but focuses on rich descriptions and interpretations.
• Mixed Methods Research: Mixed methods research combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Researchers use both numerical data and textual information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
• Experimental Research: In experimental research, researchers manipulate one or more variables to study their effects on other variables under controlled conditions. It allows for causal inferences.
• Descriptive Research: Descriptive research aims to describe and document the characteristics of a population or phenomenon without manipulating any variables. It is often used to gather preliminary data.
• Correlational Research: Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It assesses the degree of association between variables.

The Correct answer is A - ii, B - i, C - iv, D - iii

Key PointsA. Content Analysis - (ii) Qualitative Methods of Analysis:

• Content Analysis is a research method used to interpret and analyze the content of textual, visual, or audio data through a systematic classification process of coding and identifying themes or patterns.
• It is primarily qualitative because it involves examining and interpreting non-numerical data to understand meanings, themes, and concepts.

B. Questionnaire - (i) Data Collection Tool:

• The questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts to gather information from respondents.
• Questionnaires are used for data collection and can be designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.
• They are typically used in surveys to gather information from a large number of respondents efficiently.

Observation - (iv) Direct Method:

• Observation is a method of collecting data by directly watching and recording the behavior and characteristics of individuals or groups.
• It is considered a direct method because the researcher directly observes and records information without intermediaries.
• Observation can be structured or unstructured and can be used in both qualitative and quantitative research.

D. Case Study - (iii) Methods of Research:

• A Case Study is a research method that involves an in-depth, detailed examination of a single case or a small number of cases within their real-life context.
• Case studies are used to explore complex issues, understand phenomena in their context, and generate insights.
• They often involve multiple data sources, including interviews, observations, and document analysis, and are widely used in qualitative research.

The Correct answer is ​A ‐ IV, B ‐ III, C ‐ I, D ‐ II.

Key Points

• Member Checking:
  • Member checking is a research validation technique used in qualitative research.
  • It involves returning research findings or interpretations to participants (members) to confirm their accuracy.
  • Researchers seek feedback from participants to ensure that the data collected and the conclusions drawn align with the participants' perspectives and experiences.
• Likert scale:
  • ​A Likert scale is a commonly used psychometric scale in research surveys and questionnaires.
  • The Likert scale, introduced to survey research in 1930 and named after Rensis Likert is a bipolar scale with equidistant intervals.
  • This means that the scale encompasses two opposing viewpoints or attitudes at its extremes, and the intervals between the scale points are equal in length, allowing for the measurement of respondent attitudes and opinions in a structured and standardized manner.
• Thurstone Equal Appearing Interval Scale:
  • The Thurstone Scale measures attitudes toward clear, single-dimension concepts using various opinion-expressing statements. The process is as follows:
    • Determine the concept for measurement.
    • Generate multiple statements about the concept that could be agreeable or disagreeable.
    • Have respondents rate each statement's favorability towards the concept on a scale of 1 (extremely favorable) to 11 (extremely unfavorable).
    • Compute and sort the median and interquartile range of each statement.
    • Select items for the final scale at equal median intervals, preferring those with lower variability and ensuring the statements remain clear.
• Synchronous:
  • ​Synchronous communication refers to communication that occurs in real-time, where participants engage in an interaction simultaneously.
  • Virtual conversation, in the context of the matching, implies that such communication is taking place in an online or digital environment.
  • In virtual conversations, participants can engage in discussions, share information, and exchange messages or voice/video calls in real-time, even if they are physically distant from each other.

The correct answer is ​(A), (B), (E) only

Key Points

• John W. Creswell states that "research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue"
• The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research  as "studious inquiry or examination; especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.
• Objectives of Research:
  • Academic Objectives: To gain knowledge of a phenomenon or to attain new insights into it.
  • Utilitarian objectives: The main objective is usually to have an understanding of the company culture, social life, social environment, problem solving processes etc and thereby achieve a higher measure of control over human behavior in the organization and social context.
  • It contributes greatly in testing a hypothesis or a casual relationship between variables to discover the cause and effect impacts.
  • Research can be useful for representing precisely the features of a specific individual, situation or a group in the organization and results in organization redesign, and design of strategies of improvement.
  • Research enables you to figure out the rate at which a particular thing happens or with which it is related to something else.

Additional Information

• The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to go about seeking".
• The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.
• Forms of research:
  • ​Original research  also called primary research,
  • Scientific research is a systematic way of gathering data and harnessing curiosity.
  • Artistic research, also seen as 'practice-based research'.
  • Historical research.
  • Documentary research.

The Correct answer is (i) and (iv) are correct.

Key Points

• The Introduction chapter of a research report generally includes:
  • Objectives of the research 
  • Scope and limitations
• A Research Report: A research report is the culmination of the research process. It is a comprehensive presentation of a researcher's activities and the results of the study.
• A research report comprises several sections such as the Title, the Abstract, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Analysis, Conclusion, Bibliography, etc.

FORMAT OF RESEARCH REPORTS 

• Title: Be specific. Tell what, when, where, etc. In one main title and a subtitle, give a clear idea of what the paper investigated.
• Acknowledgment: Include only if special help was received from an individual or group.
• Abstract: Summarizes the report including the hypotheses, procedures, and major findings.
• Introduction: Sections may be combined in short reports.
• Statement of the Problem: This is a general introduction to the topic.
• Significance of the Problem: Comment on why this question merits investigation.
• Purpose: What is the goal to be gained from a better understanding of this question?
• Statement of the Hypothesis: In one statement (not a question) declare the question which is investigated and the expected results.
• Assumptions: Explain everything that is assumed in order for the investigation to be undertaken.
• Limitations: Explain the limitations that may invalidate the study or make it less than accurate.
• Definition of Terms: Define or clarify any term or concept that is used in the study in a non-traditional manner or in only one of many interpretations.
• Ethical Considerations: Discusses the ethical issues related to the study and explains the processes and status of the review by the Institutional Review Board.
• Budget: Outlines and discusses the budget for the study. This is usually only in the proposal.
• Proposed Timeline: Outlines the expected schedule for beginning and ending each part of the research project.
• Review of Related Literature: Gives the reader the necessary background to understand the study by citing the investigations and findings of previous researchers and documents the researcher's knowledge and preparation to investigate the problem.
• Design of the Study: Gives the reader the information necessary to exactly replicate (repeat) the study with new data or if the same raw data were available, the reader should be able to duplicate the results. This is written in past tense but without reference to or inclusion of the results determined from the analysis.
• Description of the Research Design and Procedures Used: Completely explain step-by-step what was done.
• Sources of Data: Give complete information about who, what, when, where, and how the data were collected.
• Sampling Procedures: Explain how the data were limited to the amount which was gathered. 
• Methods and Instruments of Data Gathering: Explain the procedures for obtaining the data collected. Include the forms or manner by which it was recorded.
• Statistical Treatment: Explain the complete mathematical procedures used in analyzing the data and determining the significance of the results.
• Analysis of Data: Describe the patterns observed in the data. Use tables and figures to help clarify the material when possible.
• Summary and Conclusions: This section condenses the previous sections, succinctly presents the results concerning the hypotheses, and suggests what else can be done.
• Restatement of the Problem: This is a short reiteration of the problem.
• Description of the Procedures: This is a brief reiteration of important elements of the design of the study.
• Major Findings: The final results from the analysis are presented, the hypothesis stated, and the decision about the rejection or the failure to reject the hypothesis is given.
• Conclusions: Comments about the implication of the findings are presented.
• Recommendations for Further Investigation: From the knowledge and experience gained in undertaking this particular study, how might the study have been improved or what other possible hypotheses might be investigated?
• End Notes: These are like footnotes but are located at the back rather than the bottom of each page. These would include all of the references for all works cited in the Review of Related Literature or any other sections of the report as well as the references for quotations, either direct or indirect, taken from other sources, or any footnote comments that might have been included. These are listed in numeric order as presented in the text.
• Bibliography or Literature Cited: These are the bibliographic reference for each of the works cited in the End Notes.
• Appendix: Any tables, figures, forms, or other materials that are not totally central to the analysis but that need to be included are placed in the Appendix.

The Correct answer is (i) - (b) , (ii) - (d) , (iii) - (c) , (iv) - (a)

Key Points

• Content Analysis:
  • Content analysis is a method used for systematically analyzing the content of media (like books, articles, advertisements, etc.) and understanding the trends, patterns, and meanings in the content.
  • It is a qualitative method of analysis because it involves interpreting the meaning behind various contents, often to analyze how certain themes are presented in media.
  • It goes beyond simple counting and requires interpretation of content.
• Questionnaire:
  • A questionnaire is a tool used to collect data from respondents through a series of written questions.
  • It is a data collection tool that can be used in various types of research to gather information from a large sample.
• Observation:
  • Observation is a direct method of data collection where the researcher directly observes and records behaviors or events as they occur.
  • It is an empirical method and involves little to no intervention.
  • Observation involves a researcher directly seeing or hearing a phenomenon or behavior, which makes it a direct method of collecting information.
  • It's a form of data collection without manipulation or inference.
• Case Study:
  • ​A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth investigation of a single subject, group, or event to explore its underlying principles and causes.
  • It is often used in qualitative research.
  • A case study is often used as one of the methods of research, typically focusing on a specific subject, group, or event to gather detailed data.
  • It is used to understand and analyze complex issues in depth.

The Correct answer is All of the above

Key Points

• A researcher should embody the spirit of free inquiry, which encourages independent thinking, curiosity, and the willingness to challenge established norms or beliefs.
• Reliance on observation and evidence is essential for conducting meaningful research. Evidence-based approaches ensure that conclusions are drawn from empirical data rather than assumptions.
• Systematization or theorizing of knowledge is vital as it organizes observations and evidence into structured frameworks, theories, or models that help explain phenomena and predict outcomes.
• All these qualities combined are essential for a researcher to contribute effectively to advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems.
• The option "All of the above" is correct because it includes all the key qualities necessary for rigorous and impactful research work.

 Additional Information

• Spirit of free inquiry
  • Encourages the questioning of established ideas and promotes intellectual freedom.
  • Critical for innovation, as it allows researchers to explore uncharted territories.
  • Famous researchers like Galileo Galilei and Charles Darwin exemplified the spirit of free inquiry by challenging traditional beliefs.
• Reliance on observation and evidence
  • Observation and evidence form the backbone of the scientific method.
  • Data collection through methods like experiments, surveys, and field studies ensures accuracy and objectivity.
  • Examples include the use of clinical trials in medicine to test drug efficacy.
• Systematization or theorizing of knowledge
  • Helps in organizing scattered information into coherent frameworks.
  • For example, the Periodic Table in chemistry organizes elements systematically based on their properties.
  • Theorizing provides predictive power, allowing researchers to foresee outcomes or trends.