Research Methods in International Development: Master the Art of Global Research

Question 1

In qualitative research, which method involves extended observation and immersion to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular setting?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Survey

Answer

Focus group

Answer

Interview

Question 2

Which data collection technique is classified as quantitative, involving structured questions and numerical data?

Accepted Answer

Structured interview

Answer

Focus group

Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Content analysis

Question 3

In statistics, which measure quantifies the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlation coefficient

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Frequency table

Answer

Mean deviation

Question 4

Which of the following is a crucial principle when conducting research in international development contexts?

Accepted Answer

Respecting local traditions and values by conducting culturally sensitive research.

Accepted Answer

Partnering with local organizations and communities to enhance research relevance and impact.

Answer

Relying solely on quantitative research methods to ensure scientific rigor.

Answer

Prioritizing economic development as the primary goal of all research endeavors.

Question 5

What is a primary benefit of employing a grounded theory approach in international development research?

Accepted Answer

Facilitates theory development based on empirical data

Answer

Ensures broad applicability to different contexts

Answer

Best suited for large-scale quantitative data analysis

Answer

Requires a substantial sample size for effectiveness

Question 6

In quantitative research, which data collection method is most suitable for gathering numerical data on attitudes?

Accepted Answer

Administering structured interviews with closed-ended questions

Answer

Conducting participant observation to document behaviors

Answer

Facilitating focus groups to generate qualitative insights

Answer

Analyzing official documents and records for statistical information

Question 7

In a quantitative research study, which sampling method is most effective in ensuring a representative sample?

Accepted Answer

Selecting participants randomly from a comprehensive sampling frame

Answer

Selecting participants based on their convenience and accessibility

Answer

Recruiting participants through existing networks and snowball effect

Answer

Dividing the population into subgroups and selecting participants from each subgroup

Question 8

In qualitative data analysis, what does 'triangulation' involve?

Accepted Answer

Combining data from multiple sources to enhance the credibility of findings

Answer

Employing different research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding

Answer

Repeatedly checking the research findings to ensure their reliability

Answer

Interpreting data from a predefined theoretical framework

Question 9

What is the purpose of 'reflexivity' in international development research?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging and examining the researcher's own biases and experiences

Answer

Critically evaluating the research process to identify potential limitations

Answer

Ensuring that the researcher remains objective and unbiased throughout the research

Answer

Promoting cultural understanding and sensitivity in the research context

Question 10

Which criticism is commonly leveled against quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

They may fail to capture the richness and complexity of participants' experiences

Answer

They can introduce bias and distortion if not conducted carefully

Answer

They are difficult to generalize to a wider population due to sampling limitations

Answer

They are prohibitively expensive to implement

Question 11

What is the primary aim of participatory research in international development?

Accepted Answer

Empowering research participants to actively participate and shape the research process

Answer

Guaranteeing the validity and reliability of the research findings

Answer

Reducing the influence of researcher bias and subjective interpretations

Answer

Promoting social and political change through the research process

Question 12

In a village with limited literacy, which data collection method would be most appropriate to explore local traditions and rituals?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Structured questionnaire

Answer

Qualitative interview

Answer

Focus group

Question 13

Which role do research ethics committees typically play in international development research?

Accepted Answer

Overseeing research proposals and ensuring ethical conduct

Answer

Gathering data and reporting results

Answer

Disseminating research findings

Answer

Providing funding for research projects

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of using triangulation in international development research?

Accepted Answer

To strengthen the validity and reliability of findings

Answer

To collect data from diverse sources

Answer

To compare different research methods

Answer

To reduce research costs

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of quantitative data?

Accepted Answer

Participant observations

Answer

Numerical values

Answer

Percentages

Answer

Closed-ended survey questions

Question 16

Clarified: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of participatory research approaches in international development?

Accepted Answer

Added: Emphasizing objectivity

Answer

Empowering local communities

Answer

Promoting knowledge sharing

Answer

Ensuring cultural sensitivity

Question 17

What is a primary advantage of using qualitative research methods in international development projects?

Accepted Answer

Provides in-depth understanding of complex social and cultural contexts

Answer

Is typically faster and less expensive than quantitative methods

Answer

Focuses solely on objective data and avoids subjective interpretations

Answer

Generates statistically significant results that can be easily generalized

Question 18

Which of the following characteristics defines a well-structured research question in international development?

Accepted Answer

Clearly defined, specific, feasible, relevant, and ethical

Answer

Contains multiple components that are not clearly interconnected

Answer

Based solely on personal opinions and subjective experiences

Answer

Broad and open-ended, allowing for wide exploration of the topic

Question 19

When selecting a research design for a project in international development, what are the key considerations?

Accepted Answer

The research purpose, available resources, ethical implications, and the context of the study

Answer

Only the intended purpose of the research study

Answer

Only the availability of resources and the feasibility of conducting the study

Answer

Primarily ethical implications and potential risks involved

Question 20

What is the primary role of theory in research within the context of international development?

Accepted Answer

Provides a framework for understanding the research topic, guiding the research process, and interpreting findings

Answer

Is primarily useful in qualitative research, but less relevant in quantitative studies

Answer

Is a secondary consideration, only necessary after data collection and analysis

Answer

Offers a complete explanation for all research questions and phenomena

Question 21

What is a key benefit of employing mixed methods research in international development projects?

Accepted Answer

Offers a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic by combining qualitative and quantitative data

Answer

Is more suitable for large-scale projects and generalizable findings

Answer

Saves time and resources compared to using single-method approaches

Answer

Eliminates the need for triangulation and reduces the complexity of data analysis

Question 22

What is the primary goal of research in international development?

Accepted Answer

To contribute to the improvement of human well-being and address global challenges

Answer

To advance scientific knowledge and theoretical understanding in the field

Answer

To provide evidence-based solutions to complex societal issues

Answer

To promote economic growth and development in developing countries