🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books

Descriptive Research Quiz 19 (10 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of descriptive research, including data collection, feedback analysis, and current status description. It covers observational methods, archival research, and survey techniques, assessing skills in identifying factors, summarizing data, and analyzing existing data.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. A non-experimental inquiry is also called as .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Observational Study.

Exam Relevance: GRE, MCAT, Psychology exams, Public Health exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A non-experimental inquiry involves observing and recording data without manipulating variables. This aligns with the definition of an observational study.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing observational studies with experimental studies, where variables are manipulated.

Explanations: In descriptive research, an observational study is a non-experimental method where researchers observe and record behaviors, characteristics, or phenomena without intervening. This method is used to describe the current state of affairs, patterns, or relationships without establishing causality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Clinical Trial - This involves manipulating variables and is an experimental method, not a non-experimental inquiry.
Option B: Observational Study - This is a non-experimental method where researchers observe and record data without manipulating variables, fitting the description of a non-experimental inquiry.
Option C: Comparative Study - This can involve both experimental and non-experimental methods, but it is not specifically defined as a non-experimental inquiry.
Option D: Epidemiology Research - While it often involves observational studies, it is a broader field and not specifically defined as a non-experimental inquiry.

2. A non-experimental study design that follows a group of people and then looks at how events differ among people within the group. this type of study is useful for trying to ascertain whether exposure is likely to cause specified events.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Cohort study.

Exam Relevance: Epidemiology exams, Public Health exams, Biostatistics exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: A cohort study is a type of observational study that follows a group of individuals over time to assess the relationship between an exposure and an outcome.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing a cohort study with a case-control study. While both are observational, a cohort study follows individuals forward in time, whereas a case-control study looks backward in time.

Explanations: A cohort study is the correct answer because it involves following a group of people over time to observe how different exposures affect the occurrence of specific events. This design is useful for identifying potential causal relationships between exposures and outcomes, which aligns with the description provided in the question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A randomized controlled trial involves random assignment to treatment and control groups, which is not described in the question.
Option B: A controlled clinical trial typically involves randomization and control groups, which is not mentioned in the question.
Option C: A cohort study follows a group of people over time to observe outcomes, which matches the description in the question.
Option D: A case-control study compares individuals with a specific outcome to those without the outcome, looking backward in time, which does not match the description.
Option E: A case series involves a detailed description of a group of individuals with a particular condition, but does not follow them over time to observe outcomes.

Mnemonic: Cohort: "Cohort" sounds like "cohort" in "cohort of time," indicating a study that follows over time.

3. When a property developer conducts a survey research to obtain feedback about the design and pricing of the the properties, it is an example of:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Descriptive research.

Exam Relevance: Market Research Exams, Business Research Methods, Social Science Research Methods

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. It often involves collecting data through surveys, questionnaires, or interviews to understand the current status of a situation.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing descriptive research with exploratory research, which is more about generating hypotheses and understanding the underlying reasons for a phenomenon.

Explanations: The property developer's survey research to obtain feedback about the design and pricing of the properties is an example of descriptive research. This type of research is used to describe the current state of the properties and gather specific information about customer preferences and opinions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Exploratory research is used to generate new ideas or hypotheses, not to describe current characteristics.
Option B: Observational research involves observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention, which is not the case here.
Option C: Secondary data research involves using existing data, not collecting new data through surveys.
Option D: Descriptive research is used to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon, which aligns with the survey research conducted by the property developer.

4. A market analyst would like to do market research to determine the top choice of products of their potential clients. Which quantitative research design he/she must use?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Descriptive.

Exam Relevance: Market Research Exams, Business Analytics Exams, MBA Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon by gathering data and reporting it in a detailed manner. It is often used to understand the current state of affairs, such as the top choice of products among potential clients.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that descriptive research involves making causal inferences or testing hypotheses, which it does not. Descriptive research is purely about describing the data collected.

Explanations: Descriptive research is the most appropriate design for the market analyst's goal of determining the top choice of products among potential clients. This type of research focuses on gathering and summarizing data to provide a clear picture of the current situation without making inferences or testing hypotheses.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables, which is not the primary goal of the market analyst in this scenario.
Option B: Descriptive research is the correct choice as it aims to describe the characteristics of the population or phenomenon, such as the top choice of products.
Option C: Experimental research involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships, which is not necessary for the market analyst's goal of determining the top choice of products.
Option D: Quasi-experimental research also involves manipulating variables but without random assignment, which is not relevant to the market analyst's goal of describing the top choice of products.

5. What is a type of research design?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Descriptive.

Exam Relevance: AP Psychology, GRE, MCAT, Research Methods Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Descriptive research is a type of research design that aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. It does not involve manipulation or control of variables, but rather focuses on observing and recording data to provide a detailed description of the current state of affairs.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that descriptive research involves statistical tests like ANOVA or Chi-Square, which are actually methods used to analyze data rather than types of research designs.

Explanations: Descriptive research is a type of research design that focuses on describing the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It involves collecting and analyzing data to provide a detailed description of the current state of affairs without manipulating or controlling variables. This makes it distinct from other statistical methods like ANOVA or Chi-Square, which are used to analyze data rather than define the research design.

Option Analysis:

Option A: ANOVA is a statistical method used to compare means across multiple groups, not a research design.
Option B: Chi-Square is a statistical test used to determine if there is a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories, not a research design.
Option C: Quartile Deviation is a measure of statistical dispersion, not a research design.
Option D: Descriptive research is a type of research design that aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied.

6. Which level of inquiry is represented by asking, "What are testosterone levels among patients with condition X?"

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Descriptive factor naming level.

Exam Relevance: GRE, MCAT, Research Methods Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Descriptive research involves identifying and naming factors or characteristics of a phenomenon without establishing relationships or causality. The question "What are testosterone levels among patients with condition X?" is asking to describe a specific factor (testosterone levels) within a defined group (patients with condition X).

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is to confuse descriptive research with comparative or causal research. Descriptive research focuses on naming and describing factors, not on comparing or establishing causality.

Explanations: The question "What are testosterone levels among patients with condition X?" is a straightforward request to describe a specific factor (testosterone levels) within a defined group (patients with condition X). This aligns with the descriptive factor naming level, which involves identifying and naming characteristics or factors without establishing relationships or causality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The question asks to describe a specific factor (testosterone levels) within a defined group (patients with condition X).
Option B: Incorrect. Comparative relationship level involves comparing different groups or conditions, which is not the focus of the question.
Option C: Incorrect. Explanatory causal level involves establishing cause-and-effect relationships, which is not the focus of the question.
Option D: Incorrect. Evaluative policy level involves assessing the effectiveness of policies or interventions, which is not the focus of the question.
Option E: Incorrect. Predictive modeling level involves using data to predict future outcomes, which is not the focus of the question.

7. Descriptive Research has two major types

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Observation method and survey method.

Exam Relevance: AP Psychology, IB Psychology, GRE Psychology

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It typically involves two major types: observation and survey methods.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that descriptive research involves decision-making or theoretical analysis, which are not primary characteristics of this type of research.

Explanations: Descriptive research focuses on describing the current state of a phenomenon or population. The observation method involves directly observing and recording behaviors or events, while the survey method involves collecting data through questionnaires or interviews. These two methods are the primary tools used in descriptive research to gather and describe data.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The decisional method is not a recognized type of descriptive research method.
Option B: The observation method and survey method are the two major types of descriptive research.
Option C: The theoretical method is not a recognized type of descriptive research method.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the correct answer is provided in option B.

8. Theresa gave the survey questionnaire to the participants to find out the average and schooling level of a certain level. What type of quantitative research is Theresa conducting?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Descriptive Research.

Exam Relevance: AP Psychology, IB Psychology, GRE Psychology

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. It often involves collecting data to determine the average or typical characteristics of a group.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that descriptive research involves manipulating variables, which is incorrect. Descriptive research is observational and does not involve experimental manipulation.

Explanations: Theresa is conducting descriptive research because she is collecting data to find out the average and schooling level of a certain group. This type of research is focused on describing the characteristics of the participants, which aligns with the definition of descriptive research.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Case Study involves an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, or event. It is not focused on finding averages or typical characteristics of a larger group.
Option B: Descriptive Research is the correct choice as it involves collecting data to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon, such as average and schooling levels.
Option C: Historical Research involves the study of past events and is not focused on current data collection or finding averages.
Option D: Experimental Research involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships, which is not the focus of Theresa's study.

9. Using medical records to examine age differences in blood pressure is ..... research.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Archival.

Exam Relevance: AP Psychology, GRE Psychology, MCAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Archival research involves analyzing existing data, such as medical records, to draw conclusions about a particular topic. In this case, the research involves examining age differences in blood pressure using medical records.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that archival research involves collecting new data, but it actually involves analyzing pre-existing data.

Explanations: Archival research is the correct choice because it involves using existing medical records to examine age differences in blood pressure. This type of research does not involve collecting new data or conducting experiments, which rules out experimental, survey, and case study methods.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Archival research involves analyzing existing data, such as medical records, to draw conclusions about a particular topic. This fits the scenario described in the question.
Option B: Experimental research involves manipulating variables and observing the effects, which is not applicable here as the question involves using existing medical records.
Option C: Survey research involves collecting data through questionnaires or interviews, which is not the method described in the question.
Option D: Case study research involves an in-depth examination of a single individual or a small group, which is not the method described in the question.

10. The benefit of this descriptive research is that it allows researchers to view naturally occurring behaviors without controlling the situation.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Natural observation.

Exam Relevance: AP Psychology, IB Psychology, Undergraduate Research Methods

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon. Natural observation is a method within descriptive research where researchers observe and record behaviors as they occur in their natural environment without manipulating or controlling the situation.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that all descriptive research involves surveys or case studies, which do not necessarily allow for the observation of naturally occurring behaviors.

Explanations: Natural observation is the correct answer because it allows researchers to view naturally occurring behaviors without controlling the situation, which aligns with the definition of descriptive research. This method provides an unobtrusive way to gather data on how subjects behave in their natural settings.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Natural observation allows researchers to observe behaviors in their natural environment without manipulation, fitting the description provided.
Option B: Surveys involve collecting data through questionnaires or interviews, which do not necessarily capture naturally occurring behaviors.
Option C: Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a single individual or group, which may not provide a broad view of naturally occurring behaviors.
Option D: Correlation involves measuring the relationship between two variables, which does not directly involve observing naturally occurring behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is descriptive research?

Descriptive research is a non-experimental inquiry that aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It focuses on data collection and data description without manipulating variables.

What are some common methods used in descriptive research?

Common methods include surveys, natural observation, and archival research. These methods help researchers gather data without interfering with the subjects or environment.

How does descriptive research differ from experimental research?

Descriptive research does not involve manipulating variables or testing hypotheses, whereas experimental research does. Descriptive research aims to describe phenomena as they naturally occur, while experimental research seeks to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

What are some applications of descriptive research?

Descriptive research is used in various fields such as market analysis, property development, and medical research. It helps in understanding average characteristics, exposure-outcome relationships, and other factors within a population.

What skills are important for conducting descriptive research?

Key skills include data collection, data analysis, and the ability to interpret observational data. Researchers must also be proficient in using tools like surveys and unobtrusive data collection methods.

🏠 Back to Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books