Master Quantitative Research Methods in Government and Politics

Question 1

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of employing surveys in quantitative research.

Accepted Answer

Surveys facilitate the collection of data from a substantial sample size.

Accepted Answer

Surveys are relatively inexpensive to administer.

Accepted Answer

Surveys are susceptible to bias due to self-reporting.

Answer

Surveys are limited to measuring a narrow range of variables.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a key step in the data analysis stage of a quantitative research study?

Accepted Answer

Data collection

Answer

Data preparation

Answer

Data visualization

Answer

Hypothesis testing

Question 3

Which sampling method ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 4

Which of the following statistical measures is used to quantify the spread or dispersion of data?

Accepted Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

Mean

Answer

Median

Answer

Correlation coefficient

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Involves the collection of qualitative data

Answer

Emphasizes numerical data analysis

Answer

Uses statistical techniques to draw inferences

Answer

Allows for the testing of hypotheses

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a pilot study in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To test the feasibility and effectiveness of the research design

Answer

To collect data for the main study

Answer

To analyze the results of the main study

Answer

To disseminate the findings of the research

Question 7

Which sampling method ensures that every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 8

What is the key difference between a population and a sample?

Accepted Answer

A population is the entire group of interest, while a sample is a subset of that group.

Answer

A sample is the entire group of interest, while a population is a subset of that group.

Answer

Both populations and samples are composed of all members of a given group.

Answer

There is no difference between a population and a sample.

Question 9

Which type of measurement scale allows for meaningful comparisons of intervals between values?

Accepted Answer

Interval scale

Answer

Nominal scale

Answer

Ordinal scale

Answer

Ratio scale

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of descriptive statistics in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a summary and description of key features of data

Answer

To test hypotheses

Answer

To make predictions about future events

Answer

To generalize findings to a larger population

Question 11

Which statistical test is used to determine whether there is a significant difference between the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

T-test

Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary advantage of using closed-ended questions in a survey?

Accepted Answer

Easier to analyze data

Answer

Promotes detailed answers

Answer

Gathers a wider range of opinions

Question 13

In quantitative research, which method is used to collect data from a large sample of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Interview

Answer

Case study

Question 14

In quantitative research, what is the hypothesis that assumes no significant relationship between variables?

Accepted Answer

The null hypothesis

Answer

The alternative hypothesis

Answer

The research hypothesis

Answer

The experimental hypothesis

Question 15

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Focuses on subjective experiences

Answer

Relies heavily on numerical data

Answer

Uses statistical analysis to draw conclusions

Answer

Emphasizes the importance of objectivity

Question 16

What is the main objective of conducting a survey in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To gather data from a representative sample of the population

Answer

To test a specific hypothesis about a population

Answer

To conduct an experiment to establish cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

To draw conclusions about a population based on a small sample

Question 17

What is the fundamental distinction between descriptive and inferential statistics?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive statistics summarize data, while inferential statistics make predictions.

Answer

Descriptive statistics are qualitative, while inferential statistics are quantitative.

Answer

Descriptive statistics test hypotheses, while inferential statistics describe data.

Answer

There is no meaningful difference between descriptive and inferential statistics.

Question 18

What is the primary function of hypothesis testing in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether empirical evidence supports a hypothesized relationship or pattern

Answer

To collect data from a sample of the population

Answer

To conduct statistical analyses to draw conclusions

Answer

To design the research study and formulate research questions

Question 19

Which of the following is a primary benefit of using quantitative research methods in political science?

Accepted Answer

Provides objective and reliable data

Answer

Allows for thorough examination of complex issues

Answer

Offers a holistic understanding of the research topic

Answer

Requires less time investment than qualitative research methods

Question 20

In an experiment, the variable that is being manipulated is called the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Randomized variable

Question 21

The null hypothesis in a statistical test assumes that:

Accepted Answer

There is no significant difference between the groups being compared

Answer

There is a significant difference between the groups being compared

Answer

The results are due to chance

Answer

The sample is representative of the population

Question 22

In quantitative research, the population of interest is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The entire group to which the researcher wishes to generalize the findings

Answer

The specific group of individuals who participate in the study

Answer

The group of individuals who are most likely to be affected by the research findings

Answer

The group of individuals who are most likely to benefit from the research findings

Question 23

Which of the following is a defining feature of quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Relies primarily on numerical data

Answer

Focuses exclusively on qualitative data

Answer

Employs only survey research methods

Answer

Is not utilised in the field of political science

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of employing a sampling frame in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the sample accurately represents the population of interest

Answer

To obtain contact information for participants

Answer

To collect data from the sample

Answer

To analyse the gathered data

Question 25

Explain the fundamental distinction between a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study design.

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies gather data at a single time point, while longitudinal studies collect data over an extended period.

Answer

Longitudinal studies are inherently more reliable than cross-sectional studies.

Answer

Cross-sectional studies are less costly to conduct than longitudinal studies.

Answer

There is no meaningful difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

Question 26

What is the primary function of a pilot study in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the research instrument

Answer

To gather preliminary data

Answer

To determine the optimal sample size

Answer

To analyse the collected data

Question 27

Which type of statistical analysis is employed to examine the association between two variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlation analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Analysis of variance

Answer

Factor analysis

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Ability to capture the subjective experiences of individuals

Answer

Ability to provide objective data

Answer

Capacity to make generalisations

Answer

Potential for replication by other researchers

Question 29

What is the primary characteristic that sets quantitative research apart from qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on numerical data

Answer

Use of open-ended interview questions

Answer

Emphasis on individual case studies

Answer

Focus on subjective interpretations

Question 30

In survey research, what is the primary purpose of using a random sample?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the sample accurately represents the population being studied, reducing bias.

Answer

To eliminate the influence of outliers on the research findings

Answer

To reduce the time and resources needed for data collection

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of quantitative data?

Accepted Answer

Interviews with open-ended questions

Answer

Likert scale responses

Answer

Numerical values from questionnaires

Question 32

What is the main role of a hypothesis in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a specific prediction that guides the research study

Answer

To summarize the results and conclusions of the study

Answer

To eliminate researcher bias from the research process

Answer

To determine the most appropriate research methodology

Question 33

Which statistical measure is employed to describe the spread or variability within a dataset?

Accepted Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

Mode

Answer

Median

Answer

Range

Question 34

What is the main purpose of coding data in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To transform raw data into a format suitable for analysis

Answer

To interpret the meaning of the data

Answer

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data

Answer

To reduce the complexity and volume of the data

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a method for analyzing quantitative data?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative content analysis

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Question 36

What is the final and crucial step in the quantitative research process?

Accepted Answer

Drawing conclusions based on the analyzed data

Answer

Writing the research report

Answer

Formulating a research hypothesis

Answer

Collecting data for the research study

Question 37

Which of the following is a hallmark of quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and reliance on numerical data

Answer

Small sample size

Answer

Exploration of subjective experiences

Answer

Focus on qualitative data

Question 38

Identify a common type of quantitative research design:

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Case study

Answer

Focus group

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of sampling in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Selecting a representative subset of the population

Answer

Eliminating bias in results

Answer

Ensuring generalizability of findings

Question 40

Which statistical measure is commonly used in quantitative research to represent central tendency?

Accepted Answer

Mean

Answer

Mode

Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

Range

Question 41

Which aspect is a potential limitation of quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Reduced effectiveness in capturing intricate social phenomena

Answer

Time-consuming and costly nature

Answer

Large sample size requirements

Question 42

Differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistical analyses:

Accepted Answer

Descriptive analysis summarizes data, while inferential analysis draws conclusions about a population based on a sample

Answer

Descriptive analysis uses numerical data, while inferential analysis uses qualitative data

Question 43

Which ethical consideration is crucial in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of research participants

Answer

Plagiarizing the work of other researchers

Answer

Disregarding potential biases in research design

Answer

Using deception to obtain research data

Question 44

How can quantitative research methods contribute to policymaking?

Accepted Answer

Providing objective data and evidence to inform policy decisions

Answer

Generating subjective opinions and beliefs

Answer

Eliminating the need for political judgment

Question 45

What are the fundamental differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods emphasize objectivity and numerical data, while qualitative methods prioritize subjectivity and qualitative data

Answer

Quantitative methods are inherently more reliable than qualitative methods