Research Methods 03 MCQs

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Questions and Answers

What is a fundamental principle of experimental design?

Use of control and experimental groups (correct)

Comprehensive literature review

Comparative analysis of external factors

Historical data analysis

Which step is often simplified in practice in the classic experimental design?

Post-intervention measure

Random allocation of subjects

Pre-intervention measure (correct)

Selecting subjects for the study

What does the control group provide in an experimental study?

A method for assigning subjects randomly

A source of historical data

A benchmark for pre-test measurements

A reference point for outcome comparisons (correct)

What is the significance of random allocation in experimental research?

It minimizes the influence of extraneous variables Signup and view all the answers

What are the three broad types of research approaches mentioned?

Experimental, Comparative, Historical Signup and view all the answers

Why might valid inferences still be drawn without a pre-test in experimental research?

Random allocation allows for equal distribution of variables Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship between experimental designs and the true scientific method?

Experimental designs often resemble the scientific method due to control usage Signup and view all the answers

What is one key issue to consider regarding case selection in experimental research?

The method of random assignment to control or experimental groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary strength of laboratory experiments as mentioned in the discussion?

They allow researchers to manipulate variables precisely. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of experiment relies on naturally occurring events instead of researcher interventions?

Natural experiments Signup and view all the answers

In the Manchester study by John and Brannan, what was the main purpose of contacting the treatment groups?

To persuade citizens to vote Signup and view all the answers

What is 'micro replication' as defined by Rokkan?

Testing a validated proposition in various contexts Signup and view all the answers

According to Morton and Williams, what complicates the interpretation of natural experiments?

Natural interventions may not be entirely random Signup and view all the answers

What do some scholars prefer about laboratory experiments compared to field experiments?

They provide tighter control over treatments. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue is raised regarding generalizations from laboratory experiments?

Their findings may not reflect real-world outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which method did John and Brannan use to select their subjects in the Manchester study?

Random selection from the electoral register Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant function of comparison in research?

To determine whether similar methods yield consistent results. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is highlighted as important in the context of experimenting with electoral systems?

Consistency in independent variables Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Approach

Three primary types of research: Experimental, Comparative, and Historical.
Experimental Design: Emphasizes rigorous control, resembling the scientific method.
Control Groups: No intervention.
Experimental Groups: Interventions occur.
Random Assignment: Participants are randomly assigned to groups, minimizing bias.

Experimental Design Steps

Two groups: Experimental and Control.
Pretest: Measure outcome variable before intervention.
Intervention: The treatment or test is administered.
Posttest: Measure outcome variable after intervention.
Simplified Design: Pre-test can be omitted if groups are large enough.

Case Selection

Participant Selection: How subjects are chosen for the study.
Participant Allocation: How subjects are assigned to control or experimental groups.

Types of Experimental Research

Laboratory Experiments: Conducted in a controlled environment, allowing maximum control over variables.
Field Experiments: Occur in real-world settings, providing more accurate data.
Natural Experiments: Utilize naturally occurring events as interventions, often discovered by researchers.

Strengths and Limitations

Laboratory Experiments: Offer high control, but generalization to real-world settings may be limited.
Field Experiments: Provide real-world data, but less control over variables.
Natural Experiments: Minimize ethical concerns and offer real-world insights, but less control over variables.

Comparative Research

Purpose: Explore similarities and differences across various contexts.
Application: Testing theories developed in one context, in another.
Type: Theory-confirming or theory-infirming.

Historical Research

Applications:
- Provides snapshots of the past.
- Establishes the context for current phenomena.
- Explores causal relationships between past events and subsequent phenomena.

Example: Genocide in Africa

Interrogation Strategy: Use historical research methods, including:
- Primary Sources: Official records, interviews with survivors, testimonies.
- Secondary Sources: Scholarly publications, news reports, government reports.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare the situation in the African country to historical genocides.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the different types of research methodologies, focusing on experimental design and analysis. This quiz covers key concepts such as control groups, interventions, and participant selection. Perfect for students studying research methods in the social sciences.