Research Design: Master Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Non-Experimental Designs

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a type of experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Observational

Answer

Between-subjects

Answer

Within-subjects

Answer

Factorial

Question 2

True or False: In an experimental design, the researcher has direct control over the independent variable.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Data is collected from the same participants over time

Answer

Participants are randomly assigned to groups

Answer

The independent variable is manipulated

Answer

It is only used in qualitative research

Question 4

True or False: Research design selection should consider both the research question and the available resources.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 5

In an experimental research design, participants are randomly assigned to groups to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure the equivalence of groups at baseline

Answer

Control the effects of confounding variables

Answer

Increase the sample size

Answer

Enhance the generalizability of findings

Question 6

Quasi-experimental designs differ from experimental designs primarily in that:

Accepted Answer

Participants are not randomly assigned to groups

Answer

The researcher has less control over independent variables

Answer

Statistical analyses are more complex

Answer

The designs are less valid

Question 7

Which type of research design is used to investigate the prevalence of a characteristic in a population at a specific point in time?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Case-control study

Answer

Cohort study

Answer

Experimental study

Question 8

In a study examining the causal link between a novel drug and patient recovery time, which experimental design is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Answer

Cohort Study

Answer

Case-Control Study

Question 9

Identify the main ethical concern associated with randomizing participants to different treatment groups in experimental research.

Accepted Answer

Participants may experience discomfort or harm from the treatment they are assigned to.

Answer

Withholding information about treatment assignment from participants.

Answer

Absence of a control group in the study design.

Question 10

Which research design allows for the exploration of cause-and-effect relationships without random assignment?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-Experimental

Answer

Pre-Experimental

Answer

Non-Experimental

Answer

Longitudinal

Question 11

Identify the primary limitation of non-experimental research designs:

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in establishing causal relationships

Answer

Lack of control over extraneous variables

Answer

Small sample sizes

Answer

Ethical concerns

Question 12

Which scenario represents a between-subjects design?

Accepted Answer

Participants are assigned to different groups based on a random variable

Answer

Participants are observed in their natural environment

Answer

Participants are interviewed multiple times over an extended period

Answer

Participants are matched with each other based on specific criteria

Question 13

What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

To provide a basis for comparison with the experimental group

Answer

To increase the overall sample size

Answer

To eliminate bias from the research

Answer

To ensure ethical treatment of participants

Question 14

What is the primary goal of external validity in research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that research results can be applied to other populations and contexts

Answer

To eliminate confounding variables from the research design

Answer

To establish causality between independent and dependent variables

Answer

To maximize the precision of the research findings

Question 15

What is the main purpose of conducting a pilot study in research?

Accepted Answer

To test the feasibility and refine the research protocol

Answer

To collect initial data for analysis

Answer

To recruit participants for the main study

Answer

To determine the sample size needed for the study

Question 16

In non-experimental research, how do factors like sampling method and participant representativeness impact the generalizability of findings?

Accepted Answer

Sampling method affects generalizability by ensuring the sample accurately reflects the wider population.

Answer

Sampling method has no impact on generalizability in non-experimental research.

Answer

Participant representativeness alone ensures generalizability, regardless of sampling method.

Answer

Neither sampling method nor participant representativeness affects generalizability in non-experimental studies.

Question 17

In a quasi-experimental research design without random assignment, what is a major limitation?

Accepted Answer

Elevated likelihood of selection bias

Answer

Enhanced generalizability of findings

Answer

Increased internal validity

Answer

Improved control over extraneous variables

Question 18

What is a key advantage of a quasi-experimental design compared to a non-experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Increased control over potential confounding variables

Answer

Elimination of bias

Answer

Higher validity

Answer

Larger sample size

Question 19

Which of the following is the primary consideration when selecting a research design?

Accepted Answer

Research question and purpose

Answer

Time constraints

Answer

Ethical considerations

Answer

Availability of resources

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of randomization in an experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Minimize selection bias

Answer

Control for confounding variables

Answer

Increase sample size

Answer

Enhance validity

Question 21

Which of the following is a characteristic of a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Data collection over an extended period

Answer

Emphasis on qualitative data

Answer

Use of experimental manipulation

Answer

Focus on a single time point

Question 22

What is the primary difference between a cross-sectional and a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Time of data collection

Answer

Sample size

Answer

Type of data

Answer

Research question

Question 23

Which type of research design is most appropriate for investigating the causal effect of a new medical intervention?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Non-experimental

Answer

Longitudinal

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

Test the feasibility and validity of a research design

Answer

Collect data for analysis

Answer

Establish the generalizability of findings

Question 25

What is the purpose of a control group in an experimental design?

Accepted Answer

To provide a basis for comparison

Answer

To increase the sample size

Answer

To reduce measurement error