Research Ethics and Methodological Considerations: Master the Basics

Question 1

Which principle is NOT fundamental to ethical media research?

Accepted Answer

Unbiased data collection

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Data protection

Question 2

Informed consent in human participant research involves:

Accepted Answer

Participants fully understanding and voluntarily agreeing to participate after being informed about the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks/benefits.

Answer

Participants verbally agreeing to participate without being provided with any information about the research.

Answer

Participants providing written consent but not being given the opportunity to ask questions.

Answer

Participants being legally compelled to participate once they have provided consent.

Question 3

Simple random sampling aims to achieve:

Accepted Answer

A representative sample from a population based on random selection.

Answer

A sample that reflects the specific characteristics of the target population.

Answer

A large sample size for robust analysis.

Answer

Minimizing the potential for bias in participant selection.

Question 4

Data protection regulations like the UK's GDPR primarily protect:

Accepted Answer

Individuals' privacy and the proper use of their personal data.

Answer

The freedom to access public records and information.

Answer

Intellectual property rights and copyright.

Answer

Financial information and assets.

Question 5

When designing a research project, it is essential to consider:

Accepted Answer

The research question, methodology, and ethical implications.

Answer

Only the research question and methodology.

Answer

Only the research question and ethical implications.

Answer

Only the methodology and ethical implications.

Question 6

Confidentiality in research means:

Accepted Answer

Keeping participants' identities and responses confidential from others.

Answer

Sharing participants' data with researchers without their consent.

Answer

Using participants' names and identifying information in research reports.

Answer

Storing research data in a secure but accessible location.

Question 7

Quota sampling has the advantage of:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring a sample that represents specific characteristics of the population.

Answer

Providing a large sample size for robust analysis.

Answer

Eliminating the potential for bias in participant selection.

Answer

Reducing the time and cost required for data collection.

Question 8

Informed consent should be obtained:

Accepted Answer

Before any research procedures begin.

Answer

After the research has been completed.

Answer

Only if the research involves sensitive or personal information.

Answer

Only if the participants are minors.

Question 9

Ethical considerations in research encompass:

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants from harm, ensuring privacy, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Answer

Ensuring the accuracy and validity of research findings.

Answer

Maximizing research efficiency and minimizing costs.

Answer

Promoting the researcher's reputation and career.

Question 10

A researcher wants to safeguard participant anonymity in a study. Which data collection method is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Anonymous online survey without identifying information

Answer

Online survey with IP address recording

Answer

Face-to-face interviews with participant names collected

Answer

Focus group with participant names and contact details recorded

Question 11

A researcher plans a qualitative study with a limited sample size. Which advantage does this approach offer?

Accepted Answer

In-depth understanding of individual experiences

Answer

Enhanced validity

Answer

Reduced generalizability

Answer

Objectivity and reliability

Question 12

Which data collection method is most effective for gathering in-depth insights into a specific audience's experiences?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative interview

Answer

Quantitative survey

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Secondary data analysis

Question 13

When designing a sampling strategy, which of the following factors is less important?

Accepted Answer

Researcher's personal preferences

Answer

Target population

Answer

Sample size

Answer

Sampling method

Question 14

The primary reason for obtaining informed consent in media research is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure participants are fully aware of the study's purpose and potential risks

Answer

Protect the researcher from legal liability

Answer

Gain access to sensitive information

Answer

Meet ethical guidelines

Question 15

What is the defining characteristic of probability sampling?

Accepted Answer

It involves random selection of participants

Answer

It is always used for quantitative research

Answer

It produces a representative sample of the population

Answer

It is more cost-effective than non-probability sampling

Question 16

What is the primary responsibility of a research ethics committee in media research?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals

Answer

To conduct research studies

Answer

To provide legal advice to researchers

Answer

To recruit participants for research studies

Question 17

Define generalizability in media research and discuss factors that can impact its level.

Accepted Answer

Generalizability is the extent to which research findings can be applied to a wider population beyond the sample studied.

Answer

Generalizability is solely determined by the size of the sample.

Answer

Generalizability is not a concern in qualitative research.

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent in research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure participants fully understand the research process and their involvement

Answer

To minimize the legal risks for researchers

Answer

To enhance the credibility and validity of research findings

Answer

To expedite data collection and minimize time constraints

Question 19

Which sampling technique is ideal for gathering in-depth qualitative information from a select group of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 20

What is a primary ethical concern associated with data collection via the internet?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the anonymity and privacy of participants

Answer

Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of collected data

Answer

Minimizing sampling bias and ensuring representativeness

Answer

Controlling the research environment and minimizing external influences

Question 21

Which data collection approach involves systematically observing and recording behavior in a natural setting?

Accepted Answer

Observation

Answer

Survey

Answer

Interview

Answer

Experiment

Question 22

What is a key purpose of developing a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the proposed research plan and justify the need for the study

Answer

To secure funding and resources necessary to conduct the research

Answer

To inform potential participants about the research and obtain their consent

Answer

To present and disseminate the research findings to the public

Question 23

Which ethical principle prohibits researchers from using research data for purposes beyond those originally intended?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a relevant consideration when designing a research questionnaire?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating personal preferences and assumptions of the researcher

Answer

Identifying the target audience and their characteristics

Answer

Aligning questions with specific research objectives

Answer

Considering the availability of resources and time constraints

Question 25

In media research, what is a key strategy for researchers to obtain informed consent effectively?

Accepted Answer

Provide clear information and allow ample time for understanding.

Answer

Obtain consent only after the research is complete.

Answer

Use verbal consent only, as it is easier and less formal.

Answer

Avoid seeking consent from vulnerable populations.

Question 26

Which is a primary benefit of employing probability sampling methods in media research?

Accepted Answer

Ensures the sample accurately reflects the population

Answer

Lower expenses and time savings

Answer

Simplifies participant identification

Answer

Leads to biased outcomes

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle guiding media research?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Data protection

Question 28

Which groups often need extra ethical safeguards in media research?

Accepted Answer

Children and young people

Accepted Answer

Adults with disabilities

Accepted Answer

Marginalized or minority groups

Answer

Politicians and public figures

Question 29

Which qualitative research method involves observing participants in their natural setting, either openly or secretly?

Accepted Answer

Observation

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Questionnaires

Question 30

What is a key benefit of involving participants in media research?

Accepted Answer

It empowers participants and gives them a sense of ownership.

Answer

It saves time and resources for the research.

Answer

It ensures the researcher's objectivity and neutrality.

Answer

It guarantees the research findings can be applied to a wider population.

Question 31

Which sampling technique involves selecting participants based on their specific knowledge or expertise?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 32

Which type of data provides detailed, qualitative insights into participants' perspectives and experiences?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data

Answer

Quantitative data

Answer

Nominal Data

Answer

Secondary data

Question 33

What is the main benefit of using triangulation in research?

Accepted Answer

Increased reliability and validity

Answer

Reduced data collection time

Answer

Lower costs

Answer

Simplified analysis

Question 34

What is the primary function of a research ethics committee?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines.

Answer

To provide support to researchers in designing and conducting their studies.

Answer

To conduct independent research studies on behalf of researchers.

Answer

To act as a public relations arm for the research institution.

Question 35

When using social media data for research, which ethical consideration is of paramount importance?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of individuals whose data is being collected and used.

Answer

Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants before using their data.

Answer

Mitigating potential biases in the data due to sampling or other factors.

Question 36

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle in media research?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring they understand the purpose of the research and their rights.

Answer

Conducting observations without regard to participants' privacy.

Answer

Using arbitrary sampling methods to select research participants.

Answer

Relying on convenience sampling for participant selection.

Question 37

Which data collection method involves asking participants open-ended questions to gather qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Focus group

Answer

Survey

Answer

Observation

Question 38

Which of the following is a non-probability sampling technique, where researchers select participants based on specific criteria?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 39

What is the overarching purpose of data protection in research?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals who participate in research studies.

Answer

To prevent bias from influencing the research findings.

Answer

To enhance the accuracy and validity of the research data collected.

Question 40

Which research approach involves combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods?

Accepted Answer

Mixed-methods research

Answer

Secondary data analysis

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Qualitative research

Question 41

What is the primary objective of ethical guidelines in media research?

Accepted Answer

To protect the rights and well-being of participants and uphold the integrity of the research process.

Answer

To increase the chances of publication for research findings.

Answer

To enhance the reputation of the researcher and the institution.

Question 42

Which of the following is a potential ethical concern that researchers should be aware of when conducting media research?

Accepted Answer

Infringing on the privacy of individuals.

Answer

Encountering unfavorable weather conditions.

Answer

Facing limited funding for the research project.

Answer

Experiencing technical difficulties during data collection.

Question 43

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research approaches?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding, while quantitative research emphasizes numerical data

Answer

Qualitative research is more theory-driven, while quantitative research is more empirical

Question 44

Which of the following is a benefit of using mixed-methods research approaches?

Accepted Answer

Providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic

Answer

Reducing the time and cost of the research

Answer

Ensuring that the results are statistically significant

Question 45

What is the role of the researcher in ensuring the ethical conduct of media research?

Accepted Answer

To adhere to ethical guidelines, protect participants, and maintain transparency

Answer

To delegate ethical responsibilities to the participants

Answer

To prioritize personal interests and avoid any potential conflicts of interest