Observational Research in Sport Science: Understanding Non-Experimental Designs

Question 1

Which characteristic defines non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Observing data without manipulating variables

Answer

Manipulating variables to observe effects

Answer

Using random assignment to control variables

Answer

Using a control group to compare effects

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of non-experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Experiment

Answer

Observational Study

Answer

Survey

Answer

Case Study

Question 3

Which non-experimental research design is used to collect data from a large group of participants?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study

Answer

Observational study

Question 4

Which of the following is an advantage of using observational studies?

Accepted Answer

Can study behavior in natural settings

Answer

Can generalize findings to a larger population

Answer

Can establish cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

High level of control over variables

Question 5

When should a quasi-experimental design be used?

Accepted Answer

When the researcher has some control over the independent variable but not complete control

Answer

When the researcher has no control over the independent variable

Answer

When the researcher has complete control over the independent variable

Question 6

What is the main difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies collect data at one point in time, while longitudinal studies collect data over time

Answer

Cross-sectional studies focus on a large sample size, while longitudinal studies focus on a small sample size

Question 7

Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-designed survey question?

Accepted Answer

It is clear, concise, and unambiguous

Answer

It is open-ended and allows for a variety of responses

Answer

It is leading and biased

Answer

It is double-barreled and asks two questions in one

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of a pilot study in non-experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To test the feasibility and effectiveness of the research design and instruments

Answer

To collect preliminary data for analysis

Answer

To recruit participants for the main study

Question 9

What is a defining characteristic that distinguishes experimental from non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Non-experimental designs do not involve manipulating variables.

Answer

Experimental designs yield more generalizable results.

Answer

Non-experimental designs are predominantly employed in qualitative research.

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of conducting a case study?

Accepted Answer

To conduct an in-depth examination of a specific individual, group, or event.

Answer

To gather data from a large sample size.

Answer

To test hypotheses and draw generalizable conclusions.

Question 11

What is an advantage of employing a survey research design?

Accepted Answer

It allows for data collection from a large number of participants.

Answer

It is less likely to produce biased results.

Answer

It enables in-depth analysis of individual responses.

Question 12

Which type of non-experimental research design involves collecting data from participants repeatedly over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Observational study

Question 13

In non-experimental research designs, what is the role of the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Observing and recording data without manipulating variables.

Answer

Providing participants with guidance and support.

Answer

Manipulating variables to observe their effects on participants.

Question 14

Which of the following is a fundamental characteristic of non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

The researcher does not manipulate any variables.

Answer

The participants are randomly assigned to different groups.

Answer

The research involves the collection of data from a large sample.

Answer

The research is conducted in a highly controlled environment.

Question 15

Which type of non-experimental research design involves gathering data from a large sample size?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Action research

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Case study

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of an observational study in non-experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To observe and describe a phenomenon without altering it.

Answer

To test a hypothesis about a causal relationship.

Answer

To collect data from a diverse sample of participants.

Question 17

What is the main purpose of triangulation in non-experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the validity and credibility of findings by using multiple data collection methods.

Answer

To eliminate potential bias from the researcher.

Answer

To increase the generalizability of findings to a wider population.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a suitable non-experimental research question?

Accepted Answer

What are the characteristics of high-performing athletes?

Answer

Can a specific training intervention improve running speed?

Answer

Is there a difference in fitness levels between males and females?

Question 19

Which of the following is an advantage of employing a case study in non-experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Provides an in-depth examination of a particular phenomenon or individual.

Answer

Strong control over variables.

Answer

Objectivity of data collection.

Answer

High generalizability of findings.

Question 20

What is a primary ethical consideration when conducting non-experimental research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality.

Answer

Ensuring generalizability of findings.

Answer

Avoiding selection bias.

Answer

Maintaining researcher objectivity.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Manipulating variables to observe their effects.

Answer

Describing or exploring a phenomenon.

Answer

Focusing on understanding relationships or patterns.

Answer

Using existing data or observations.

Question 22

A researcher wants to study the relationship between exercise frequency and stress levels in athletes. Which non-experimental design would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Ethnographic study

Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study

Question 23

A researcher wants to understand the experiences of elite athletes with chronic injuries. Which non-experimental design would be most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Case study

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Survey

Question 24

Which type of non-experimental research design involves observing and recording behavior in a natural setting without manipulation?

Accepted Answer

Observational study

Answer

Ethnographic study

Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study

Question 25

A researcher conducts a survey to investigate the attitudes of young athletes towards doping. What is a potential limitation of this design?

Accepted Answer

Social desirability bias

Answer

Limited generalizability

Answer

Difficulty in collecting quantitative data

Answer

Lack of control over variables

Question 26

Which of the following is a key strength of case study research?

Accepted Answer

Provides in-depth understanding of a specific individual or group.

Answer

Highly generalizable to larger populations.

Answer

Allows for manipulation of variables.

Answer

Can be easily replicated with other participants.

Question 27

What is a major limitation of using existing data in non-experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Data may not have been collected specifically for the research question.

Answer

Limited control over variables.

Answer

Ethical concerns related to data privacy.

Answer

Difficulty in finding relevant data sources.

Question 28

A researcher wants to investigate the long-term effects of concussion on cognitive function in professional rugby players. Which non-experimental design would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study

Question 29

Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies collect data at a single point in time, while longitudinal studies collect data over time.

Answer

Cross-sectional studies are more expensive than longitudinal studies.

Answer

Cross-sectional studies are better suited for studying changes over time.

Question 30

A researcher observes the training routines of two different football teams to compare their approaches. This is an example of which type of non-experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Observational study

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study