Research Methodology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential issue with simple stratified sampling?

It is too time-consuming.

It can lead to overrepresentation of some segments of the population. (correct)

It eliminates all sampling error.

It always leads to a perfectly representative sample.

Systematic sampling involves selecting participants based on naturally occurring groups.

False

What is the most important factor to consider when determining sample size to ensure a valid survey?

economic sample

In a presentation, you should avoid using too many ______ as they make information dull for the audience.

bullets Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order of steps in giving a presentation?

Plan, Prepare, Practice, Present Signup and view all the answers

It is always preferable to read from your presentation slides to ensure you cover all points.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'open gaps' before 'closing them' during a presentation?

to make the audience realize they need to know the facts before fully explaining them Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sampling methods with their descriptions:

Proportionate Sampling = a segment of the population being over represented in your sample Cluster Sampling = randomly select certain groups of participants Systematic Sampling = sampling every kth element after a random start Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum length for a title of a research paper?

12 words Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to include titles, such as Dr. or Mr., before your name on the title page of a research paper.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the abstract in a research paper?

To summarize the paper and help readers decide whether to read the full article. Signup and view all the answers

Where should the author's affiliation be placed on the title page?

One double-spaced line below the author's name. Signup and view all the answers

The title, author, and affiliations should be placed on the ______ half of the title page.

top Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order for presenting an author's name on the title page?

Given name, middle initial(s), last name Signup and view all the answers

Match the example title with its evaluation based on length:

An Experimental Study of the Effect of Delay of Reinforcement on Discrimination Learning in White Rats = Too Long The Effect of Reinforcement on Learning = Too short Effect of Delay of Reinforcement on Discrimination Learning in Rats = Just right Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when choosing the words for a research paper title?

The words should be concise yet informative. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be included in an abstract?

A description of the methods used Signup and view all the answers

An abstract should include evaluative comments about the research.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the introduction section in a research paper?

describe the problem studied and your basic research strategy Signup and view all the answers

Abstracts should generally be written in the ______ tense, except when describing specific manipulations or results.

present Signup and view all the answers

Match the parts of an introduction with their description:

Introduction to topic = Background information on the research area Review of research = Summary of relevant studies and theories Statement of problem = A description of the issue to be addressed Statement of purpose = The goal of the specific research study Signup and view all the answers

What should a good abstract avoid?

Adding comments on the paper Signup and view all the answers

The introduction should only focus on the current research and not relate to previous studies.

False Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is one of the first questions that should be asked when constructing an introduction?

Why is the issue studied important? Signup and view all the answers

When describing ethnic groups, what should you avoid?

General terms such as Asian or Hispanic Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to make unsubstantiated interpretations in the discussion section if they seem logical to the researcher.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your study's results differ from previous work?

Speculate on why the discrepancies emerged. Signup and view all the answers

The reference section should begin on a ______ page.

new Signup and view all the answers

Match the following categories of numbers with the correct format:

Beginning of a sentence = Written out (e.g., Twenty) Fractions = Written out (e.g., two-thirds) Dates = Numerals (e.g., 2024) Graphical data = Numerals Signup and view all the answers

When should you use numerals for numbers?

For time, dates, ages, sample sizes, scores, and sums of money. Signup and view all the answers

It is okay to use language that labels or categorizes people as if they were objects.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the reference section?

It provides a bibliographical list of references cited in the report. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common reason for a research paper to be rejected?

The research topic is too innovative Signup and view all the answers

A rejected research paper can be resubmitted to the same journal after making revisions.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you disagree with some of the reviewer's comments?

Explain your reasons respectfully and convincingly Signup and view all the answers

When responding to reviewers, you should always be ________.

respectful Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bird species have been studied regarding the continental scale effect of climate change?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with the appropriate scenario:

Rewrite objectives/discussion/conclusions = Paper not innovative enough Submit to a more appropriate journal = Paper is inappropriate for the journal Rewrite the paper = Paper is poorly written Respond thoroughly to each comment = Responding to reviewers comments after revision Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial to ensure when you have to revise the article?

Storing appropriately back-ups of all files relative to the article Signup and view all the answers

All temperate bird species have responded to the increase in spring temperature by advancing the onset of breeding.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the corresponding author in a research publication?

The corresponding author is the main point of contact with the editor and handles any questions about the article. Signup and view all the answers

The editor is responsible for the publication of any paper submitted to the journal.

False Signup and view all the answers

Leaving out authors who should be included is an example of ______ authorship.

ghost Signup and view all the answers

Name one tip for a successful publication related to writing style.

Do not be lengthy Signup and view all the answers

What is the general order of authorship contribution?

1st, last, 2nd, 3rd, Signup and view all the answers

A person who only contributed to data collection and analysis deserves authorship credit.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of authorship issues with their descriptions:

Ghost author = Leaving out authors who made substantial contributions Gift author = Including authors who did not significantly contribute Signup and view all the answers

What three phases are required for a person to obtain authorship credit for a publication?

Substantial contribution to research design, data collection and analysis; drafting or revising any important intellectual content. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Describing Data

Data needs to be organized and summarized before interpretation.
Organization depends on research design (surveys, observational studies, experiments), number of variables, and grouping of observations.

Organizing Data for Computer Entry

Data submitted for computer analysis should follow the format used by the software.
Software typically requires numerical or alphabetical codes for independent and dependent variables.
Independent variables can be coded by directly recording values (e.g., milligrams of a drug).

Graphing Data

Graphs visually represent data.
Basic graphs use two-dimensional axes (x-axis is horizontal, y-axis is vertical).
Independent variables are on the x-axis; dependent variables are on the y-axis for experimental data.

Bar Graphs

Bar graphs visually display values on the dependent variable.
Each bar reflects a value of the dependent variable.
Bars often represent estimates of population values (e.g., mean) from sample data.
Error bars (whiskers) may indicate the precision of estimates, showing variability of scores around the estimate.

Line Graphs

Line graphs use connected points to display data, suitable for continuous quantitative independent variables (e.g., time elapsed).
They also show functional relationships between variables.
Functional relationships can be causal.

Scatter Plots

Scatter plots show the relationship between two dependent variables.
Each data point represents a pair of scores.
The graph often includes a "best-fitting" straight line representing the trend of the data points.

Pie Graphs

Pie graphs are used for proportional or percentage data.
They visually represent the proportion of each category.
Exploded pie charts emphasize a particular category while maintaining the proportions.

Importance of Graphing Data

Graphs clearly show relationships among variables.
Choose appropriate statistics for your data; graph distributions and examine their shapes to guide statistic choices.

The Frequency Distribution

Frequency distributions are lists of categories and the occurrence counts (frequencies) of data in those categories.
They are used in analysis to organize data, often used for experimental or correlational studies.

Displaying Distributions (Histograms)

Histograms portray distributions using bars or blocks that touch.
The x-axis represents values (e.g., IQ scores).
The y-axis represents the frequency of observations falling into each category.

Examining Your Distribution

Examining a histogram helps understand data central tendency (where observations cluster), spread (how variable the data are), shape (symmetric, skewed, multiple peaks), and outliers (extreme values).

Skewed Distributions

Skewed distributions have a longer "tail" extending in one direction.
A distribution is positively skewed if the tail goes to the right (high values) and are skewed negatively if the tail points to low values.

Normal Distribution

Normal distributions are symmetric and bell-shaped (bell curve).
Many variables exhibit approximately normal distributions, useful for statistical analyses.

Descriptive Statistics: Measures of Center and Spread

Measures of central tendency represent the general magnitude of data in a distribution.
Common measures are mode (most frequent score), median (middle score), and mean (average score)
The mean is more sensitive to all scores in a distribution than mode and median. The median is much less affected by extreme values.

Choosing Measures of Center

Choose a measure of central tendency based on the scale of measurement and the shape of the data distribution. Normally, a mean is best under normal distribution, but if the data is skewed, the median is more appropriate.
The median is less susceptible to skewed or outlying data.

Measures of Spread

Measures of spread represent the variability of scores in a distribution.
Examples include range (difference between highest and lowest scores), interquartile range (middle 50% of data points) variance (average squared deviation from the mean), and standard deviation (square root of the variance).

Choosing Measures of Spread

Consider outliers when choosing a measure of spread. Interquartile range (IQR) is often better than range or standard deviation for skewed distributions due to their resistance to outliers.

Doing Survey Research

Ethical treatment of participants is crucial in survey research. Anonymity ensures participant identity is not linked to survey results; confidentiality means survey data isn't revealed in individual form.

Designing Your Questionnaire

Define the study topic clearly, use a broad but focused range of questions, and elicit the desired information without extraneous details.
Demographics and items of interest to the researcher are included.

Writing Questionnaire Items

Open-ended questions allow free-form responses.
Restricted (closed-ended) items offer limited response options.
Partially open-ended combines restricted responses with an "other" option. Rating scales are graded responses.

Assembling Your Questionnaire

Create an engaging start to encourage respondents to continue.
Group related items together, logically.
Be mindful of order; sensitive information should be placed strategically to affect participant responses. Use appropriate graphics (e.g., arrows) to guide the respondents.

Administering Your Questionnaire

Methods for administering questionnaires include mail, internet, telephone, group-administered, face-to-face interviews, and mixed-mode surveys.

Assessing Questionnaire Reliability

Repeated administration assesses questionnaire reliability when the questionnaire produces reliable, similar results after multiple administrations.
Split-half reliability is assessed by splitting the questionnaire into equivalent halves and assessing the correlation between halves.
Increased items and standardized procedures enhance reliability.

Assessing Questionnaire Validity

Content validity assesses the range of variables in a questionnaire.
Construct validity tests if questionnaire scores agree with theoretical predictions.
Criterion-related validity measures the correlation between the questionnaire and other validated measures.

Acquiring a Sample for Your Survey

Representative samples accurately reflect the population's characteristics. Common sampling techniques include simple random sampling, stratified sampling (including proportionate sampling), cluster sampling, and systematic sampling.

Sample Size

A large sample is needed for many variables or subdivided samples, while a smaller sample may suffice in exploratory studies with tight control over variables. The best approach is an economic sample-one that is valid with the fewest participants.
Sample size needs to consider acceptable error and expected magnitude of population proportions.

Presentation Skills

Effective presentations require thorough planning, preparation, and practice. The focus should be on the audience and the content, not the presentation itself.

Presentation Planning Suggestions

Plan a clear introduction, main theme, and conclusion.
Anticipate the audience's reaction to the content, goal of the presentation, and length.
Choose a suitable presentation location.

Presentation Preparation Suggestions

Research your content thoroughly.
Practice your delivery—visual aid or not.
Understand the audience—motivate their interest.
Create a calm, confident attitude.
Presentation must not be too long.
Visual aids must be high quality.

Dealing with Questions

Employ the TRACT technique (Thank, Repeat, Answer, Check, Thank again).
Carefully listen, repeat, and correctly answer questions.
Ensure full and satisfactory answers to deal with questions effectively.

Receiving Criticism

Listen closely to criticism.
Determine the validity of the feedback.
Respond assertively and respectfully while explaining discrepancies.

Reporting Research Results

Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and References sections are essential for reporting the results of the research process.

Article Parts

Articles are composed of seven essential sections (title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references).

Title Page Details

The title page contains the running head (abbreviated title), page number, article title, author's name, affiliation, and any author notes.
Information should be centered and appear on the top half of the page and between the margins.

Title Instructions

Titles should be informative, concise, and clear. Avoid overly long or overly vague and general titles. Use only 12 words or less.

Author Name(s) and Affiliation(s)

List authors' names (given name, middle initial, and family name) and affiliations (institutions).
Use a consistent format.

The Abstract

The abstract is a succinct summary.
Abstracts should be accurate and nonevaluative; they simply report on the content of the study.
Maintain a concise, coherent, and readable abstract using present tense unless describing manipulations or results.

Abstract Composition

Start with the problem.
Briefly state research objectives.
Describe the subjects and methods (e.g. experimental design, equipment).
Summarize the findings (statistically significant outcomes, effect sizes, confidence intervals)
Conclude and mention any implications or applications of the research.

Qualities that Make for a Good Abstract

Accuracy;
Non-evaluative style;
Coherence/ readability (active voice, present tense);
Conciseness (include only essential info).

The Introduction

The introduction establishes the research context, including the problem's importance, relating the study to prior research, specifying hypotheses, linking hypotheses to research design, and indicating implications.

Introduction Structure

The introduction should move from general to specific.
Introduce the topic generally, contextualize it with research, lay out the specific problem addressed, and state hypotheses.

The Method Section

The method section outlines the study's details: subjects, materials (including equipment), research design, and methods used.
Enough detail enables replication of the study. Any prior methodologies can be briefly summaries with references.

The Results Section

The results section objectively reports findings, presenting summaries and analyses without interpretation or discussion.
Reference tables and figures, but do not describe their position. Use consistent, professional language.

The Discussion Section

The discussion section interprets results, drawing conclusions and relating findings to prior research and theory.
Begin with a restatement of the hypotheses; indicate whether findings support predictions.

Discussion Structure

Link findings to prior research and theory.
Explain discrepancies from previous findings.
Address any methodological problems.
State implications for future research.

The Reference Section

The reference section is a bibliography, listing all cited sources.
Follow the journal's required style for formatting. Use either alphabetical listing or numbering.
Include all cited articles, books, or other sources.

Using Numbers in the Text

Spell out numbers that begin sentences, titles, or headings.
Write out common fractions.
Utilize numerals for specific numbers, time, dates, ages, sample sizes, scores, money amounts, and most numbers in figures.

Avoiding Biased Language

Use precise labels and avoid generalizations or biased language when describing ethnic groups.
Refer to participants respectfully.

Publication and Review Process; Referencing, and Publishing Ethics

Publication Process- General

Publishing is involved and time-consuming, following scientific and ethical standards.
Considering journal aims, scope, impact factor, and chances of publication when choosing a journal.
Writing a manuscript can start at different phases of the data collection and elaboration process.
Manuscripts should follow the journals formatting style.

Publishing Process- Manuscript Format

Journals have distinct requirements regarding format (e.g., layout, headings, spacing, word count), referencing style, figures/tables, graphical abstracts, and suggested reviewers).

Publishing Process- Cover Letter Example

Cover letters are important—explaining the study, presented question, methodology, results, significance of the research, and its relevance are crucial in the manuscript approval process.

Publishing Process- Cover Letters

Cover letters must be concise, clear, comprehensive, and properly formatted and include a summary of your research, including the study question, approach, results
The cover letter can influence the editor's decision to accept, potentially rejecting without review to save time if format, content, or scope isn't in line with the stated journal focus.

Publishing Process- Review Process

The process of review is managed by the editor and the reviewers selected by the editor.
Reviewers evaluate the paper in terms of the quality, scope, and method to make suggestion to the author.
The editor(s) will take into account the reviewers feedback to determine whether to accept, reject, or require revisions to the paper.

Publishing Process- Review Decisions

Editors may accept papers without revisions, only require minor changes, require extensive revisions and further experiments, or to reject.

Publishing Process- Tips for Success

Have a quality, relevant idea (with timeliness), follow journal guidelines, submit only when suitable for the journal, and store backed-up files.
Important related tips for writing are to have clear hypotheses and test them, to have good research methods, data, analysis, and statistics, and present curiosity-provoking discussions.

Publishing Process- The Role of the Editor

Editors guide, shape, and support the overall reputation of the publication by selecting articles of scientific merit for publication in the scope of the publication.

Publishing Process- The Role of the Peer-Reviewer

Peer reviewers evaluate and validate papers prior to publication, ensuring appropriateness. Confirms validity of study methods, claims made, ensures importance and novelty.
Reviewers provide advice to authors and improve manuscripts.

Publishing Process- References

References are crucial to properly credit sources, provide authority and validation, and are a vital part of the scholarly writing and publication process.
Reference format and style guide to the journal’s style.

Publishing Process- How to Reference

Follow the journal's reference style guidelines (author-date or numerical).
Provide enough detail, specificity, and evidence for the referenced work.

Publishing Process- Avoiding Fabrication/Falsification

Avoid fabrication or falsification of data or figures. Accurate reporting of methodology, data, and analysis is crucial for maintaining ethical standards.

Figure Manipulation

Figure manipulation, such as brightness, contrast, color balance, and nonlinear adjustments, must be disclosed. These are not considered appropriate to modify results.

Studying That Suits You

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Test your knowledge on research methodology topics including sampling techniques, presentation skills, and research paper formatting. This quiz covers essential factors like sample size determination and effective presentation strategies. Perfect for students and professionals looking to enhance their understanding of research methods.

Research Methodology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential issue with simple stratified sampling?

Systematic sampling involves selecting participants based on naturally occurring groups.

What is the most important factor to consider when determining sample size to ensure a valid survey?

In a presentation, you should avoid using too many ______ as they make information dull for the audience.

Which of the following is the correct order of steps in giving a presentation?

It is always preferable to read from your presentation slides to ensure you cover all points.

What does it mean to 'open gaps' before 'closing them' during a presentation?

Match the following sampling methods with their descriptions:

What is the recommended maximum length for a title of a research paper?

It is acceptable to include titles, such as Dr. or Mr., before your name on the title page of a research paper.

What is the primary purpose of the abstract in a research paper?

Where should the author's affiliation be placed on the title page?

The title, author, and affiliations should be placed on the ______ half of the title page.

Which of the following is the correct order for presenting an author's name on the title page?

Match the example title with its evaluation based on length:

What is an important consideration when choosing the words for a research paper title?

Which of the following should be included in an abstract?

An abstract should include evaluative comments about the research.

What is the primary function of the introduction section in a research paper?

Abstracts should generally be written in the ______ tense, except when describing specific manipulations or results.

Match the parts of an introduction with their description:

What should a good abstract avoid?

The introduction should only focus on the current research and not relate to previous studies.

According to the content, what is one of the first questions that should be asked when constructing an introduction?

When describing ethnic groups, what should you avoid?

It is acceptable to make unsubstantiated interpretations in the discussion section if they seem logical to the researcher.

What should you do if your study's results differ from previous work?

The reference section should begin on a ______ page.

Match the following categories of numbers with the correct format:

When should you use numerals for numbers?

It is okay to use language that labels or categorizes people as if they were objects.

What is the purpose of the reference section?

Which of the following is NOT a common reason for a research paper to be rejected?

A rejected research paper can be resubmitted to the same journal after making revisions.

What should you do if you disagree with some of the reviewer's comments?

When responding to reviewers, you should always be ________.

Which of the following bird species have been studied regarding the continental scale effect of climate change?

Match the following actions with the appropriate scenario:

What is crucial to ensure when you have to revise the article?

All temperate bird species have responded to the increase in spring temperature by advancing the onset of breeding.

What is the primary role of the corresponding author in a research publication?

The editor is responsible for the publication of any paper submitted to the journal.

Leaving out authors who should be included is an example of ______ authorship.

Name one tip for a successful publication related to writing style.

What is the general order of authorship contribution?

A person who only contributed to data collection and analysis deserves authorship credit.

Match the following types of authorship issues with their descriptions:

What three phases are required for a person to obtain authorship credit for a publication?

Study Notes

Describing Data

Organizing Data for Computer Entry

Graphing Data

Bar Graphs

Line Graphs

Scatter Plots

Pie Graphs

Importance of Graphing Data

The Frequency Distribution

Displaying Distributions (Histograms)

Examining Your Distribution

Skewed Distributions

Normal Distribution

Descriptive Statistics: Measures of Center and Spread

Choosing Measures of Center

Measures of Spread

Choosing Measures of Spread

Doing Survey Research

Designing Your Questionnaire

Writing Questionnaire Items

Assembling Your Questionnaire

Administering Your Questionnaire

Assessing Questionnaire Reliability

Assessing Questionnaire Validity

Acquiring a Sample for Your Survey

Sample Size

Presentation Skills