Data Collection Methods: A Comprehensive Guide for PhD Students

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling

Answer

Non-probability sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 2

Which factor is NOT a crucial consideration in designing an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The financial implications of the research

Answer

The number of participants

Answer

The random assignment of participants to treatment groups

Answer

The duration of the experiment

Question 3

In an experiment, the variable that is measured and potentially influenced by the independent variable is known as:

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Extraneous variable

Answer

Confounding variable

Question 4

Which method is commonly employed to assess the consistency of a research instrument over time?

Accepted Answer

Reliability assessment

Answer

Validity assessment

Answer

Precision assessment

Answer

Accuracy assessment

Question 5

Which sampling technique is used when the population size is unknown and the population is widely dispersed?

Accepted Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 6

What is the main advantage of experiments over observational studies?

Accepted Answer

Control over independent variables

Answer

Larger sample sizes

Answer

Less expensive

Answer

More accurate results

Question 7

What is the purpose of stratified sampling?

Accepted Answer

To ensure representation of different subgroups in the population

Answer

To reduce sampling error

Answer

To increase the efficiency of data collection

Answer

To control for confounding variables

Question 8

The primary purpose of sampling in data collection is to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain a representative subset of the population

Answer

Ensure that all data is collected

Answer

Reduce the time required for data collection

Answer

Eliminate bias from the data

Question 9

The key difference between a survey and an experiment is that:

Accepted Answer

Surveys are observational, while experiments are controlled.

Answer

Experiments are observational, while surveys are controlled.

Answer

Surveys collect qualitative data, while experiments collect quantitative data.

Answer

Experiments collect qualitative data, while surveys collect quantitative data.

Question 10

Which type of observational study offers the greatest control over variables?

Accepted Answer

Cohort study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

Case-control study

Question 11

The primary objective of data cleaning is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove errors and inconsistencies from the data

Answer

Transform the data into a suitable format for analysis

Answer

Reduce the size of the dataset

Answer

Ensure that the data is representative of the population

Question 12

The purpose of a pilot study is to:

Accepted Answer

Test the feasibility and effectiveness of the data collection plan

Answer

Collect preliminary data for analysis

Answer

Provide a representative sample of the population

Answer

Identify potential biases in the data collection process

Question 13

The ethical principle that requires researchers to protect the privacy of participants is known as:

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Anonymity

Answer

Justice

Question 14

The distinction between a population and a sample is that:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Answer

A population is the group of individuals who are included in the study, while a sample is the group of individuals who are not included in the study.

Answer

A sample is the group of individuals who are observed, while a population is the group of individuals who are not observed.

Question 15

When is an observational study the most appropriate data collection method?

Accepted Answer

When the researcher wants to observe a phenomenon in its natural setting without interfering.

Answer

When the researcher wants to manipulate variables to observe their effects.

Answer

When the researcher needs to collect data from a large sample size quickly.

Answer

When the researcher wants to test a specific hypothesis.

Question 16

In an experiment, the variable that is being manipulated is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Extraneous variable

Question 17

Which type of sampling method randomly selects individuals from the population, ensuring that each individual has an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 18

The main advantage of conducting an observational study, as opposed to an experiment, is that it:

Accepted Answer

Can be used to study natural phenomena

Answer

Allows for greater control over the variables

Answer

Is generally less expensive to conduct

Answer

Provides more precise results

Question 19

Which characteristic is essential for a well-designed survey instrument?

Accepted Answer

It uses clear and concise language.

Answer

It is based on an assumption rather than a theoretical framework.

Answer

It is not subjected to a pretest.

Answer

It asks as many questions as possible to gather comprehensive data.

Question 20

Which sampling technique ensures that each individual in the population has an equal probability of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 21

What is a key advantage of using experiments for data collection?

Accepted Answer

Precise control over variables

Answer

Generalizable findings across different contexts

Answer

Simple and straightforward implementation

Answer

Minimal financial investment

Question 22

Which measure indicates the consistency of a data collection instrument?

Accepted Answer

Reliability

Answer

Validity

Answer

Generalizability

Answer

Objectivity

Question 23

Which type of observational study involves tracking a group of individuals over an extended period?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Cohort study

Question 24

What is a potential drawback of using experiments for data collection?

Accepted Answer

Artificiality of the research environment

Answer

Generalizable findings

Answer

Low cost

Question 25

Which type of bias arises when the researcher's actions influence the participants' behavior?

Accepted Answer

Experimenter bias

Answer

Response bias

Answer

Selection bias

Answer

Attrition bias