Quantitative Research Methods in Politics: Master the Art of Data Analysis

Question 1

Improved: When designing a questionnaire for a survey, it is crucial that the wording of questions is:

Accepted Answer

Clear, unambiguous, and avoids leading respondents

Answer

Complex and employs technical jargon

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Rich in descriptive and narrative language

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Subjective and emotionally evocative

Question 2

Key Principle of Survey Research:
Which of the following is a fundamental approach used in survey research?

Accepted Answer

Random selection of participants

Answer

Purposive sampling of respondents

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Observational data collection

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Experimental manipulation of variables

Question 3

Role of Statistical Analysis in Quantitative Research:
What is the primary function of statistical analysis in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To draw inferences about a population based on sample data

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To describe and summarize collected data

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To formulate hypotheses for testing

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To control for biases in experimental designs

Question 4

Internal Validity in Experiments:
Which of the following poses the most significant threat to the internal validity of an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias: Differences between experimental and control groups at the start

Answer

Experimenter bias: Researcher influence on participant behavior

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History effects: External events influencing the results

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Maturation: Natural changes in participants over time

Question 5

Hypothesis Testing in Quantitative Research:
What is the primary purpose of hypothesis testing in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

To determine if the observed difference between groups is statistically significant

Answer

To prove that one group is superior to another

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To estimate the population size

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To identify causal relationships

Question 6

Types of Experimental Design:
Which of the following is NOT a type of experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Observational study design

Answer

Pre-test/post-test control group design

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Factorial design: Testing multiple independent variables

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Solomon four-group design: Control for multiple threats to validity

Question 7

In quantitative research, how does statistical analysis enhance hypothesis testing?

Accepted Answer

It provides a systematic method for examining data patterns and relationships.

Answer

It conclusively proves the validity of the research findings.

Answer

It is only required when dealing with extensive datasets.

Answer

It identifies the most likely hypothesis based on empirical evidence.

Question 8

In quantitative research, 'validity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The accuracy of a research instrument in measuring what it intends to.

Answer

The ease of administering a research instrument.

Answer

The number of participants in a research study.

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The researcher's personal beliefs about the research topic.

Question 9

What statistical test is suitable for comparing means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Correlation analysis

Question 10

Which factor can potentially introduce bias into experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Confounding variables

Answer

Random assignment

Answer

Control group

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Dependent variable

Question 11

Which measure quantifies the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlation coefficient

Answer

Mean

Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

p-value

Question 12

What type of sampling involves selecting a random subset of the population to represent the entire population?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

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Cluster sampling

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Quota sampling

Question 13

What is the key distinction between parametric and non-parametric statistical tests?

Accepted Answer

Parametric tests assume normal distribution of data, while non-parametric tests do not

Answer

Non-parametric tests are more powerful than parametric tests

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Parametric tests require a larger sample size than non-parametric tests

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Both parametric and non-parametric tests have no assumptions about data distribution

Question 14

How does sampling error impact the reliability of a quantitative research study?

Accepted Answer

Sampling error is the difference between the results of a sample and the true population values.

Answer

Sampling error is always significant when the sample size is small.

Answer

Random sampling completely eliminates sampling error.

Question 15

How does the level of measurement of variables affect the selection of the appropriate statistical test?

Accepted Answer

The choice of statistical test is influenced by the level of measurement of both the dependent and independent variables.

Answer

The level of measurement has no impact on the choice of statistical test.

Answer

The level of measurement of the independent variable alone determines the choice of statistical test.

Answer

The sample size is the main factor in determining the choice of statistical test.

Question 16

In survey research, what are the key advantages and disadvantages of using closed-ended versus open-ended questions?

Accepted Answer

Closed-ended questions are easier to analyze but limit response depth, while open-ended questions provide richer data but are more complex to analyze.

Answer

Open-ended questions are generally more reliable than closed-ended questions.

Answer

Closed-ended questions are always more valid than open-ended questions.

Answer

Open-ended questions are simpler to design than closed-ended questions.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key strength of quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and generalizability of findings

Answer

Detailed contextual understanding

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In-depth exploration of individual cases

Question 18

What is the central purpose of a survey research design?

Accepted Answer

To collect quantitative data from a large sample of respondents

Answer

To provide an in-depth understanding of social phenomena

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To generate hypotheses for future research

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To test causal relationships between variables

Question 19

Which statistical test is used to compare the means of two independent groups, assuming equal variances?

Accepted Answer

Independent samples t-test

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

One-way ANOVA

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of random sampling?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, minimizing bias

Answer

To reduce the overall sample size

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To increase the representativeness of the sample

Question 21

Which of the following is a common type of experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Case study design

Answer

Longitudinal design

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Mixed-methods design

Question 22

In an experimental design, what is the purpose of a control group?

Accepted Answer

To provide a basis for comparison with the experimental group and control for potential confounding variables

Answer

To reduce the cost of the study

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To increase the sample size of the study

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Limited ability to capture the complexities and nuances of human behavior and experiences

Answer

High susceptibility to bias and subjectivity

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Difficulty in generalizing results to different contexts

Question 24

What is the fundamental distinction between a population and a sample in quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

A population encompasses the entire group of interest, while a sample is a smaller subset selected to represent the population

Answer

A population is a theoretical concept, while a sample is a practical one

Question 25

In quantitative research, what is the primary role of statistical software?

Accepted Answer

Data analysis and interpretation, enabling researchers to draw meaningful conclusions

Answer

Presentation and communication of research findings

Answer

Management and organization of research projects

Answer

Research design and planning