Choosing Appropriate Research Methods: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Students

Question 1

When selecting an appropriate research method, the primary consideration should be:

Accepted Answer

Research question and objectives

Answer

Availability of funding

Answer

Researcher's personal preferences

Answer

Time constraints

Question 2

A structured interview is most suitable when:

Accepted Answer

Obtaining detailed, standardized information from participants is necessary.

Answer

Understanding participants' personal experiences is the primary goal.

Answer

Qualitative data collection is required.

Answer

Participants are unfamiliar with the topic under investigation.

Question 3

Which research design allows for the manipulation of an independent variable to observe its impact on a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Observational design

Answer

Qualitative design

Answer

Cross-sectional design

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a research protocol?

Accepted Answer

To provide a clear outline of the research plan, including design, methods, and analysis.

Answer

To secure funding for the research project.

Answer

To serve as a record of research procedures for future reference.

Answer

To obtain ethical approval from an institutional review board.

Question 5

When choosing an appropriate research method, which factor should **not** be considered?

Accepted Answer

Personal preferences of the researcher

Answer

Research question

Answer

Research objectives

Answer

Availability of resources

Question 6

A qualitative research method that involves in-depth interviews with a limited number of participants is known as:

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory research

Answer

Survey research

Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Content analysis

Question 7

The core focus of a research study is its:

Accepted Answer

Research question

Answer

Research hypothesis

Answer

Research methods

Answer

Research findings

Question 8

When selecting an appropriate research method, which of the following factors should NOT be considered?

Accepted Answer

Researcher's personal convenience

Answer

Research question and objectives

Answer

Research context

Answer

Cost and resources

Question 9

Which type of research is best suited for exploring complex social phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Answer

Experimental research

Question 10

The primary purpose of a pilot study is to:

Accepted Answer

Test the feasibility and validity of research instruments

Answer

Collect preliminary data for hypothesis testing

Answer

Identify potential ethical issues

Answer

Estimate the sample size for the main study

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a potential ethical concern in research?

Accepted Answer

Researcher's financial gain

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Data security

Question 12

Which of the following is a major advantage of randomized controlled trials?

Accepted Answer

High internal validity

Answer

Ability to generalize findings to larger populations

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Feasibility in all research contexts

Question 13

Validity in research refers to:

Accepted Answer

The extent to which the research measures what it claims to measure

Answer

The extent to which the research findings can be generalized to other populations

Answer

The extent to which the research is free from bias

Answer

The extent to which the research is ethical

Question 14

Which fundamental principle of research methods emphasizes freedom from bias and personal opinions?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Validity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Replication

Question 15

When is a qualitative research approach most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

When seeking an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon

Answer

When seeking to generalize findings to a wider population

Answer

When seeking to establish cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

When seeking to measure variables precisely

Question 16

Which sampling method ensures that each member of a population has an equal chance of being selected for participation?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of a literature review in research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge on a topic

Answer

To develop new hypotheses

Answer

To collect primary data

Answer

To test the validity of a research instrument

Question 18

Which type of research design allows researchers to exert control over independent variables and observe their effects on dependent variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Observational

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Correlational

Question 19

Which ethical consideration is of particular importance in medical research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of using a control group in an experimental study?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison and reduce bias

Answer

To increase the sample size

Answer

To ensure the generalizability of findings

Answer

To test the reliability of the research instrument

Question 21

Which statistical test is commonly used to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 22

What is the main purpose of using a triangulation method in research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the validity and reliability of findings by combining multiple data sources and methods

Answer

To reduce the time and cost of data collection

Answer

To increase the generalizability of findings

Answer

To avoid ethical concerns