Research Methods 05 MCQs

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Questions and Answers

What is suggested by the connection between educational attainment and income?

Higher educational attainment typically leads to lower income.

Educational attainment is unrelated to job opportunities.

Higher educational attainment generally correlates with higher income. (correct)

Gender segregation does not influence educational attainment.

How do research questions evolve throughout the research process?

They remain static once established.

They typically become more ambiguous over time.

They are only adjusted based on funding availability.

They grow more refined based on gathered evidence. (correct)

What does the process of research imply about the nature of establishing hypotheses?

The process is linear and straightforward.

Hypotheses must be kept constant to ensure accuracy.

Hypotheses should be formulated last to avoid bias.

Hypotheses can be contradictory and changeable. (correct)

Which statement best reflects the scholarly impulse regarding the presentation of research information?

Presenting results without revealing contradictory processes is common. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'shaping or being shaped by the evidence' imply about research interpretation?

Research interpretations can evolve with new evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical characteristic of a good research question?

It must be researchable and testable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component that defines a good research question?

The ability to be answered definitively. Signup and view all the answers

A null hypothesis expresses what type of statement?

The absence of a relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which research question exemplifies a more specific inquiry?

What was the effect of raising a barrier on GPA levels? Signup and view all the answers

In what way can case studies assist in the research process?

They can simplify and narrow the research scope. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a directional hypothesis?

Higher education levels correlate with increased income. Signup and view all the answers

Which question outlines a specific sample while addressing a broader issue?

Does gender segregation in university negatively impact student performance? Signup and view all the answers

What is a common pitfall when formulating research questions?

Ignoring existing literature on the topic. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Questions

A research question is the foundation of a research project or literature review.
It guides the entire research process, from methodology to analysis and reporting.
A good research question is significant, researchable, and not already answered.
Multiple research questions can be used within one research project.

Crafting Research Questions

Consider constraints like time, budget, resources, and accessibility.
Case studies can be used to narrow the scope and make research feasible.

Examples of Research Questions

Does gender segregation in universities negatively impact student performance?
How do perceptions of Turkey within EU member states affect Turkey's candidacy for EU membership?
Does ethnicity affect the length of civil wars?

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a supposition or proposed explanation made based on limited evidence.
It acts as a starting point for further investigation.
Example: Drinking fizzy drinks daily leads to hyperactivity in children.

Types of Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis: There is no relationship between variables (e.g., educational attainment has no bearing on income).
Alternative/Directional Hypothesis: There is a relationship between variables (positive or negative) (e.g., educational attainment has a bearing on income).

Example Hypotheses

Null: Gender segregation has no impact on student performance levels.
Alternative: Gender segregation raises student performance levels.
Alternative: Gender segregation negatively affects student performance levels.

Refining Research Questions and Hypotheses

Research questions and hypotheses can evolve throughout the research process.
The evidence gathered during literature review, fieldwork, or statistical analysis can lead to refinement.

The Circuitous Nature of Research

Research is often a cyclical process.
Researchers may encounter unexpected findings or contradictory evidence that necessitate adjustments.
Despite this dynamic process, research is typically presented in a structured and coherent manner.
Researchers may either fit their findings to their original interpretation or consider the fit of competing interpretations with the gathered data.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential components of developing effective research questions and hypotheses. Participants will learn how to craft significant and researchable questions tailored to specific constraints, along with real-world examples for better understanding. Test your knowledge on the foundational elements of research!