Experiments in Media Research Methods: A Comprehensive Guide for Certificate in Media Students

Question 1

In an experiment, what is the primary purpose of a control group?

Accepted Answer

Providing a benchmark for comparison with the experimental group

Answer

Eliminating the influence of external factors

Answer

Ensuring statistical significance of the results

Answer

Validating the research hypothesis

Question 2

Explain the distinction between an independent variable and a dependent variable.

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated, while the dependent variable is measured.

Answer

The dependent variable is manipulated, while the independent variable is measured.

Answer

Both variables are manipulated in an experiment.

Answer

Both variables are measured in an experiment.

Question 3

Which data analysis method is used to compare multiple groups?

Accepted Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

T-test

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Factor analysis

Question 4

Which statistical method is commonly utilized to analyze data from experiments?

Accepted Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

T-test

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 5

Distinguish between a hypothesis and a theory:

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction, while a theory is a broad explanation

Answer

A hypothesis is a theory that has been subjected to rigorous testing

Answer

A theory is a hypothesis that has been discredited

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between a hypothesis and a theory

Question 6

An advantage of experimental research lies in its:

Accepted Answer

High internal validity

Answer

Generalizability to other populations

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Ease of design and implementation

Question 7

An experimental design where participants are randomly assigned to different groups is known as:

Accepted Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Answer

Repeated-measures design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Question 8

The primary purpose of a research proposal is to:

Accepted Answer

Outline the research question, methods, and anticipated findings

Answer

Secure funding for the research

Answer

Obtain ethical approval for the research

Answer

Disseminate the research results

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-designed experiment?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled variables

Answer

Clearly stated hypothesis

Answer

Random allocation to experimental groups

Answer

Inclusion of several control groups

Question 10

What distinguishes between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated or controlled, while the dependent variable is measured or observed

Answer

The dependent variable is manipulated or controlled, while the independent variable is measured or observed

Answer

Both are types of variables applied in experiments

Answer

There is no distinction between an independent variable and a dependent variable

Question 11

Which of the following experimental designs assigns participants to two or more groups randomly?

Accepted Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Answer

Factorial design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Question 12

How does an experiment differ from a quasi-experiment?

Accepted Answer

Experiments involve random assignment, but quasi-experiments do not

Answer

Quasi-experiments involve random assignment, but experiments do not

Answer

Experiments have greater internal validity compared to quasi-experiments

Answer

There is no distinction between an experiment and a quasi-experiment

Question 13

What is the primary function of a control group in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a baseline for comparison

Answer

To guarantee that the results are not due to chance

Answer

To assess the impact of the independent variable

Answer

To eradicate bias among the participants

Question 14

In an experiment studying the impact of fertilizer levels on plant growth, which variable is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Fertilizer level

Answer

Plant growth

Answer

Time

Answer

Soil type

Question 15

Which statistical test is commonly used to analyze experimental data?

Accepted Answer

T-test

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Factor analysis

Question 16

The main goal of data analysis in experimental research is to:

Accepted Answer

Test hypotheses and draw conclusions about the effects of different variables.

Answer

Summarize and interpret the results.

Answer

Determine the relationship between variables.

Answer

Identify potential sources of error.

Question 17

The first step in designing an experiment is to:

Accepted Answer

Develop a hypothesis that predicts the expected outcome of the experiment.

Answer

Select participants who will participate in the experiment.

Answer

Conduct data analysis to interpret the results of the experiment.

Answer

Identify the independent variable that will be manipulated.

Question 18

Which data collection method involves observing and recording participants' behavior in their natural surroundings?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic Observation

Answer

Controlled Observation

Answer

Participant Observation

Answer

Structured Observation

Question 19

The primary purpose of a control group in an experiment is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a baseline for comparison to determine the effects of the independent variable.

Answer

Test multiple hypotheses simultaneously and increase the efficiency of the experiment.

Answer

Eliminate bias by ensuring that all participants are treated equally.

Answer

Increase the sample size and improve the reliability of the results.

Question 20

When designing an experiment, it is important to ensure that:

Accepted Answer

Variables are clearly defined and operationalized to ensure precise measurement and eliminate ambiguity.

Answer

The research question is subjective and open to interpretation.

Answer

The sample size is as large as possible to increase the generalizability of the results.

Answer

The data collection method is qualitative and relies on personal observations.

Question 21

A common type of experimental design is a:

Accepted Answer

Matched-pairs design, where participants are matched on relevant characteristics and randomly assigned to different treatment groups.

Answer

Case study, which involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual or group.

Answer

Focus group, which gathers qualitative data from a small group of participants through discussion.

Question 22

A key ethical consideration in conducting experiments is to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring they understand the purpose, risks, and benefits of the research.

Answer

Offer financial compensation to participants as an incentive for participation.

Answer

Prioritize the researcher's interests over the well-being of the participants.

Answer

Use deceptive methods to manipulate participants without their knowledge.

Question 23

The main advantage of using experimental research methods is the:

Accepted Answer

High level of control over variables, allowing researchers to isolate and study the effects of specific factors.

Answer

Generalizability of results to large populations, ensuring the findings are applicable to a wider context.

Answer

Depth of understanding of individual experiences and unique perspectives.

Answer

Low cost and time requirements, making it a cost-effective and efficient research method.

Question 24

In an experiment, the independent variable is the:

Accepted Answer

Variable that is manipulated

Answer

Variable that is measured

Answer

Variable that remains constant

Answer

Variable that is controlled

Question 25

Which of the following is a valid method for analyzing data in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Statistical analysis

Answer

Focus group discussion

Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Qualitative coding