Introduction to Educational Research: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a research design?

Accepted Answer

To outline the steps and procedures of a research project

Answer

To define the ethical considerations of a study

Answer

To analyze and interpret data

Answer

To recruit participants

Question 2

How does a hypothesis differ from a research question?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction, while a research question is a broad inquiry.

Answer

A research question is a specific, testable prediction, while a hypothesis is a broad inquiry.

Answer

They are essentially the same concept.

Answer

There is no difference.

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Generates subjective, descriptive data

Answer

Uses quantitative data

Answer

Emphasizes objective observations

Answer

Employs statistical analysis

Question 4

Which research method is most appropriate for examining the effectiveness of a new teaching intervention?

Accepted Answer

Experiment

Answer

Case study

Answer

Survey

Answer

Historical analysis

Question 5

Which of the following is a crucial ethical consideration in educational research?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the confidentiality of participants' information

Answer

Employing deception to gather data

Answer

Disregarding potential risks to participants

Question 6

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on statistical analysis for drawing conclusions

Answer

Emphasis on subjective experiences of participants

Answer

Exploratory nature

Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 7

Which characteristic is a fundamental aspect of quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Relies on numerical data and statistical analysis

Answer

Primarily employs qualitative techniques like interviews and observations

Answer

Focuses on the in-depth analysis of complex social phenomena

Answer

Emphasizes subjective data and personal interpretations

Question 8

Which ethical principle emphasizes protecting participants from harm?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of a literature review in educational research?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize existing knowledge on a specific topic

Answer

To create new hypotheses for further investigation

Answer

To assess the effectiveness of educational interventions

Answer

To highlight gaps in the current research literature

Question 10

Which research design is best suited for exploring the experiences of a limited number of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Case study

Answer

Survey

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 11

What is the key distinction between qualitative and quantitative data?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data is subjective and descriptive, while quantitative data is objective and lends itself to statistical analysis

Answer

Qualitative data is objective and lends itself to statistical analysis, while quantitative data is subjective and descriptive

Answer

There is no fundamental difference between qualitative and quantitative data

Answer

Quantitative data is subjective and open to multiple interpretations, while qualitative data has a single, objective interpretation

Question 12

Which data collection method is best suited for obtaining in-depth insights into personal experiences and viewpoints?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Survey with closed-ended questions

Answer

Observation of group dynamics

Answer

Experiment with randomized assignment

Question 13

The primary purpose of a research hypothesis is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a testable prediction

Answer

Explain the research question

Answer

Validate the research design

Answer

Ensure ethical adherence

Question 14

Which research method is most commonly used to gather qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Survey questionnaires

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 15

The primary goal of action research is to:

Accepted Answer

Address practical issues in educational contexts

Answer

Test theoretical frameworks

Answer

Generalize findings to a broader population

Answer

Evaluate instructional interventions

Question 16

The process of applying research findings to practical use is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Knowledge translation

Answer

Research dissemination

Answer

Policy development

Answer

Educational reform

Question 17

Which research approach focuses on understanding the subjective experiences and interpretations of individuals, recognizing that reality is shaped by social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Interpretivism

Answer

Positivism

Answer

Critical Theory

Question 18

What is the primary objective of crafting a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

Outlining the research plan

Answer

Securing financial support

Answer

Presenting research findings

Answer

Evaluating the proposed research

Question 19

Which action would violate the ethical principle of objectivity in educational research?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting results based on personal beliefs and experiences

Answer

Collecting data from a diverse range of participants

Answer

Using multiple research methods to cross-check findings

Answer

Disclosing potential conflicts of interest to participants

Question 20

In educational research, which of the following is NOT a recognized type of validity?

Accepted Answer

Statistical validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Construct validity

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental characteristic of scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on personal biases

Answer

Empirical evidence

Answer

Systematic approach

Answer

Objectivity

Question 22

What is the primary objective of conducting a literature review in educational research?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and inform the research question

Answer

To solely evaluate educational interventions

Answer

To showcase original research findings

Question 23

Which type of research design involves randomly assigning participants to different groups to investigate the effects of an intervention?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Correlational research

Answer

Observational research

Question 24

What is the overarching ethical principle that guides educational research?

Accepted Answer

Respect for participants' rights, well-being, and dignity

Answer

Ensuring confidentiality of data without considering participants' rights

Answer

Sole focus on the validity of research findings

Answer

Maintaining objectivity without regard for ethical implications

Question 25

Which qualitative research approach involves studying a phenomenon in its natural setting, immersing the researcher in the context?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Grounded theory

Answer

Phenomenology

Answer

Case study

Question 26

What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To clearly outline the research question, methodology, and anticipated outcomes, providing a roadmap for the research project

Answer

To present the final research findings before conducting the study

Answer

To solely secure funding for the research without detailing the project

Question 27

Which of the following is a fundamental role of a research supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Providing ongoing guidance, support, and feedback to the researcher throughout the research process

Answer

Writing the final research report, taking over the researcher's responsibilities

Answer

Conducting the research on behalf of the researcher, diminishing their involvement

Answer

Guaranteeing the validity of the research findings without critical evaluation

Question 28

Explain the fundamental distinction between quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research emphasizes the collection and analysis of numerical data, while qualitative research focuses on gathering and interpreting descriptive data

Answer

Quantitative research is purely objective, whereas qualitative research is inherently subjective

Question 29

What is the significance of theory in educational research?

Accepted Answer

Theory provides a conceptual framework to guide research, helping researchers understand, interpret, and explain their findings

Answer

Theory is solely used to collect and analyze data without influencing research

Answer

Theory is only relevant for generating research questions without providing insights