#1
Which type of research design involves observing and measuring individuals without manipulating their behavior?
Descriptive design
ExplanationDescriptive design involves observing and measuring individuals without intervention or manipulation of their behavior.
#2
Which of the following best describes external validity in research design?
The extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized to other populations and settings.
ExplanationExternal validity refers to the generalizability of study findings to different populations and settings.
#3
In social science research, what does the term 'confounding variable' refer to?
A variable that distorts the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
ExplanationA confounding variable is one that introduces distortion or interference in the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
#4
Which of the following is an example of a quasi-experimental research design?
A pretest-posttest design with a control group
ExplanationA quasi-experimental design includes elements of experimental design but lacks full random assignment; an example is a pretest-posttest design with a control group.
#5
What does construct validity refer to in social science research?
The extent to which a study accurately measures what it claims to measure.
ExplanationConstruct validity pertains to the accuracy with which a study measures the intended constructs or concepts.
#6
Which of the following is a characteristic of a true experimental design?
Random assignment of participants to groups
ExplanationTrue experimental design includes random assignment of participants to different groups, providing a basis for causal inference.
#7
Which of the following best describes internal validity in research design?
The degree to which a study minimizes errors and biases in measurement.
ExplanationInternal validity reflects the extent to which a study minimizes measurement errors and biases, ensuring accurate results.
#8
What is the primary difference between qualitative and quantitative research designs?
Qualitative research aims to explore phenomena in depth, while quantitative research aims to generalize findings to a population.
ExplanationQualitative research delves deeply into phenomena, aiming for rich understanding, while quantitative research seeks generalizability to a broader population.
#9
What is the primary purpose of a pilot study in social science research?
To test the feasibility of the research protocol
ExplanationA pilot study is conducted to assess the practicality and viability of the research protocol before implementing the full-scale study.
#10
What is the primary purpose of random assignment in experimental research?
To equalize participant characteristics across experimental conditions
ExplanationRandom assignment helps ensure that participant characteristics are evenly distributed across experimental conditions, reducing potential biases.
#11
What is the difference between internal and external validity in research design?
Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study accurately measures what it claims to measure, while external validity refers to the extent to which findings can be generalized to other populations and settings.
ExplanationInternal validity focuses on accurate measurement within a study, while external validity considers the generalizability of findings to different populations and settings.