🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books

Types Of Research Quiz 35 (10 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of hypothesis testing, cause-and-effect relationships, and research design. It covers exploratory research, applied vs basic research, and the role of structured methods in expanding knowledge. Concepts include causal research, correlational studies, and the application of research in policy formulation and practical problem-solving.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. A type of research method that investigates the strength of relationships between co-variables.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Correlational study.

Exam Relevance: AP Psychology, IB Psychology, GRE Psychology

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: A correlational study investigates the strength and direction of the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating any of them.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that correlational studies imply causation, but they only show the strength of the relationship between variables.

Explanations: A correlational study is the correct answer because it specifically aims to measure the strength of the relationship between co-variables. This method does not involve manipulating variables, but rather observing and measuring them to determine if there is a correlation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Correlational studies measure the strength of relationships between variables.
Option B: Incorrect. Field method involves observing behavior in natural settings but does not specifically measure the strength of relationships between variables.
Option C: Incorrect. Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a single subject or small group but do not focus on the strength of relationships between variables.
Option D: Incorrect. Quasi-experiments involve manipulating variables but do not specifically measure the strength of relationships between variables.

2. Akira Takano, a marketing manager, will test the hypothesis that sales of a particular product will increase exponentially if there is a $ 5 decrease in the selling price of that product. Akira is involved in research .....

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

Exam Relevance: Marketing exams, Research Methods exams, Business Analytics exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Causal research aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. In this context, Akira Takano is testing whether a decrease in the selling price (cause) leads to an increase in sales (effect).

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing causal research with descriptive research, which only describes the characteristics of a phenomenon without establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

Explanations: Akira Takano is testing the hypothesis that a decrease in the selling price will lead to an increase in sales. This involves establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, which is the primary goal of causal research. The other types of research (exploration, descriptive, and ethnographic) do not focus on establishing such relationships.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Exploration research is used to gather preliminary information and generate new ideas or hypotheses. It does not focus on establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
Option B: Causal research is designed to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between variables, which aligns with Akira's hypothesis testing.
Option C: Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a phenomenon but does not establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Option D: Ethnographic research involves studying cultures and social behaviors in depth, which is not relevant to testing a hypothesis about sales and price.

Mnemonic: Cause-and-Effect, Causal Connection

3. The main goal of ..... research is to expand man's knowledge

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Pure/fundamental.

Exam Relevance: GRE, MCAT, GMAT, Research Methodology Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Pure or fundamental research aims to expand human knowledge for its own sake, without immediate practical applications.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that pure research is less valuable than applied research because it does not have immediate practical applications.

Explanations: Pure or fundamental research is driven by the desire to understand the world and expand human knowledge. It focuses on theoretical questions and does not aim for immediate practical applications. This type of research is essential for laying the groundwork for future technological and scientific advancements.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Pure/fundamental research is correct because it is aimed at expanding human knowledge without immediate practical applications.
Option B: Applied research is incorrect because it focuses on solving specific practical problems rather than expanding knowledge for its own sake.

4. Prof. Cruz is doing an evaluation research on political participation of the youth. The result of the research will be used to formulate certain policies on political participation. This research is an example of:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Applied research.

Exam Relevance: GRE, GMAT, Research Methodology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Applied research is conducted to solve specific practical problems or to develop solutions for real-world issues. It often involves the application of knowledge to improve or develop policies, practices, or products.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing applied research with basic research, which is aimed at expanding knowledge for its own sake rather than solving specific problems.

Explanations: The research conducted by Prof. Cruz is aimed at formulating policies on political participation, which is a practical application of knowledge to solve a specific problem. This aligns with the definition of applied research, which focuses on solving real-world issues and developing practical solutions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Applied research is aimed at solving specific practical problems and developing solutions for real-world issues.
Option B: Incorrect. Basic research is aimed at expanding knowledge for its own sake, not solving specific problems.
Option C: Incorrect. Descriptive research is aimed at describing characteristics of a population or phenomenon, not solving specific problems.
Option D: Incorrect. Strategic research is not a standard term in research methodology and does not fit the context of the question.

5. Conceptual research is primarily concerned with:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Developing new theories or concepts.

Exam Relevance: PhD Qualifying Exams, Research Methodology Exams, Theory Development Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Conceptual research is focused on the development of new theories or concepts. It aims to explore and understand phenomena in a deeper, more abstract way, often leading to the creation of new frameworks or ideas.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that conceptual research is about describing or explaining phenomena, which is more characteristic of descriptive or explanatory research.

Explanations: Conceptual research is primarily concerned with developing new theories or concepts. This type of research is theoretical in nature and aims to create new knowledge or frameworks that can be used to understand complex phenomena. It is not focused on describing or explaining specific situations, but rather on generating new ideas and theories.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Explaining what is happening in a particular situation is more characteristic of explanatory research, not conceptual research.
Option B: Describing a phenomenon accurately is the focus of descriptive research, not conceptual research.
Option C: Developing new theories or concepts is the primary goal of conceptual research.
Option D: Testing existing theories or concepts is the focus of empirical research, not conceptual research.

6. Done when a researcher does not know anything about the situation subject at hand. No previous study has ever been done and knowledge is minimal in a certain field of study.

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

Exam Relevance: Research Methodology, Social Science Research, Psychology Research Methods

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Exploratory research is conducted when there is little to no prior knowledge about a subject. It aims to explore the topic and gather preliminary information to understand the situation better.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing exploratory research with descriptive research, which aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon.

Explanations: Exploratory research is the appropriate choice because it is used when there is minimal knowledge about a subject. It helps researchers understand the situation, generate hypotheses, and identify variables for further study. This type of research is often the first step in a research process, especially when no previous studies exist.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Discovery research is not a standard term in research methodology and does not specifically refer to the initial phase of research with minimal knowledge.
Option B: Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon, not to explore unknown areas.
Option C: Purposive research is a type of non-probability sampling method, not a research type that addresses minimal knowledge about a subject.
Option D: Exploratory research is the correct choice as it is used when there is minimal knowledge about a subject and aims to gather preliminary information.

7. Research directed toward a specific objective is

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

Exam Relevance: GRE, MCAT, GMAT, Research Methodology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Research directed toward a specific objective is known as applied research. This type of research aims to solve practical problems and has direct applications in real-world scenarios.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that applied research is the same as basic research. However, basic research is focused on expanding knowledge for its own sake, while applied research is geared towards solving specific problems.

Explanations: Applied research is designed to address specific, practical problems and has direct applications in real-world scenarios. It is often conducted to develop solutions to immediate issues, improve existing technologies, or enhance processes. This type of research is characterized by its goal-oriented nature and its focus on producing tangible outcomes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Clinical research is a type of applied research, but it specifically refers to research conducted in a clinical setting to evaluate the safety and efficacy of medical treatments. It is not the broad term for research directed toward a specific objective.
Option B: Basic research is aimed at expanding knowledge for its own sake and does not have a specific practical application in mind. It is not the correct answer for research directed toward a specific objective.
Option C: Medical research can be either basic or applied, depending on its goals. While it can be applied, the term "medical" is too broad and does not specifically denote research directed toward a specific objective.
Option D: Applied research is the correct term for research directed toward a specific objective. It is designed to solve practical problems and has direct applications in real-world scenarios.

8. The primary purpose of ..... is to provide insight into unexplored areas.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Exploratory research design.

Exam Relevance: GRE, GMAT, Research Methodology exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Exploratory research design is used to gain insights into unexplored areas, often when the problem is not clearly defined.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that descriptive research is the primary method for exploring new areas, but it is more focused on describing characteristics of a population or phenomenon.

Explanations: Exploratory research design is specifically aimed at investigating new areas where little is known. It helps researchers understand the problem better, generate hypotheses, and identify variables for further study. This type of research is characterized by its flexibility and open-ended nature, making it ideal for gaining insights into unexplored areas.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Descriptive research design is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon, not to explore uncharted territories.
Option B: Diagnostic research design is used to identify the cause of a problem, not to explore new areas.
Option C: Exploratory research design is used to gain insights into unexplored areas, making it the correct choice.
Option D: Experimental research design is used to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-effect relationships, not to explore new areas.

Mnemonic: E for Explore, E for Exploratory

9. A scientist wants to determine whether people who live in places with high levels of air pollution have more colds than people who live in places with little air pollution. What type of research study is described?

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

Exam Relevance: AP Psychology, AP Biology, GRE Psychology, MCAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Observational research involves observing and recording behaviors or phenomena without manipulating the environment or variables. In contrast, experimental research involves manipulating one or more variables to determine their effect on another variable.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that any study involving human subjects must be experimental. However, observational studies are also crucial in research, especially in fields like epidemiology and public health.

Explanations: The scientist is observing and comparing the number of colds in people living in areas with high and low levels of air pollution. There is no manipulation of the air pollution levels or any other variables, which makes this an observational study. The goal is to observe and record the relationship between air pollution and the incidence of colds without intervening in the environment.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is incorrect because experimental research involves manipulating variables, which is not the case here. The scientist is not changing the air pollution levels or any other factors.
Option B: This is correct because the study involves observing and recording the incidence of colds in different environments without manipulating any variables.
Option C: This is incorrect because the study is not both experimental and observational. It is purely observational.
Option D: This is incorrect because the study is clearly observational, which is one of the types of research.

10. Involves using tools and information to investigate facts

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Formal research.

Exam Relevance: GRE, GMAT, Research Methodology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Formal research involves systematic and structured methods to investigate facts, often using tools and information to gather and analyze data.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that informal research can also involve tools and information, but it typically lacks the structured and systematic approach of formal research.

Explanations: Formal research is characterized by its structured and systematic approach to investigating facts. It often involves the use of specific tools and information to gather and analyze data, ensuring a rigorous and reliable process. This aligns with the description of using tools and information to investigate facts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Informal research is less structured and does not typically involve the same level of systematic tools and information as formal research.
Option B: Formal research involves systematic and structured methods, often using tools and information to gather and analyze data, which matches the description given.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between applied research and fundamental research?

Applied research focuses on solving practical problems, while fundamental research aims to expand knowledge and develop new theories without immediate practical application.

How does causal research differ from a correlational study?

Causal research investigates cause-and-effect relationships, whereas a correlational study examines the strength of the relationship between variables without establishing causation.

What is the purpose of exploratory research?

Exploratory research is used to gain preliminary information about a topic, often in unexplored areas, to develop hypotheses or theories for further investigation.

Can observational research be used to study the effects of air pollution on health?

Yes, observational research can be used to study the effects of air pollution on health by systematically observing and analyzing data without manipulating variables.

What role does hypothesis testing play in research design?

Hypothesis testing is a critical component of research design, used to evaluate the validity of proposed explanations or predictions through structured methods and data analysis.

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