General Awareness · Social Science

Research Methodology

2,389 Questions

Research methodology encompasses the systematic strategies used to collect and analyze data for academic and policy studies. These concepts are frequently tested in civil services and state public service commission examinations. The questions cover qualitative and quantitative methods, sampling techniques, and research validity.

Action research cycleQualitative data analysisQuantitative research methodsTypes of validitySampling techniquesPolicy analysis methods

Research Methodology Questions

Multiple choice

If a researcher selects every nth element from a list of population elements to be included in his sample, which of the following types of sampling technique is he using?

  1. Simple random sampling

  2. Stratified random sampling

  3. Systematic random sampling

  4. Census
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Systematic random sampling involves a systematic method of selecting every nth number in the population to be a member of the sample, although the first member of the sample may be selected by simple random method. Since every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected into the sample, the technique is considered as systematic as well as random.

Multiple choice

A case control study design is generally a

  1. prospective study with a control group

  2. prospective study without a control group

  3. retrospective study without a control group

  4. retrospective study with a control group
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A case control study is a type of observational study involving observation of two groups for their exposure as well as outcome. Since the outcome has already occurred and the researcher looks back into the past to identify the exposures, the study is considered as retrospective in nature. Since two groups having the disease and not having the disease (control group) are used, a case control study can be considered as a retrospective study with a control group.

Multiple choice

What type of sampling should a researcher use when he requires a sample that is highly representative of the issues involved in the research or which are likely to have expertise in the required matter of research?

  1. Quota sampling

  2. Purposive sampling

  3. Simple random sampling

  4. Snowball sampling
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Purposive sampling is the one in which the researcher chooses the sample on the basis of subject being appropriate for the study. This is used primarily when there is a limited number of people who have expertise in the area being researched. Thus, this is the most appropriate choice.

Multiple choice

Incorrect acceptance of a true null hypothesis leads to which type of research error?

  1. Bias

  2. Type 1

  3. Type 2

  4. Type 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Type 2 error is opposite of the type 1 error in the sense that, it occurs when the researcher does not reject the null hypothesis, when it should have been rejected or when the researcher accepts a false null hypothesis. It may be considered as a false negative result. Thus, this is the correct answer

Multiple choice

Which type of sampling is used when a researcher selects the sample by a chain referral from the key samples that have his/her own experience with the required matter of the research?

  1. Snowball sampling

  2. Quota sampling

  3. Cluster sampling

  4. Simple random sampling
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances. Thus, the sample group appears to grow like a rolling snowball. This is also called chain referral sampling.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a primary research report?

  1. Meta analysis

  2. Phenomenological report

  3. Metasynthesis

  4. Systematic review
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Phenomenology is qualitative research approach used for understanding the experiences of people who have experienced a particular phenomenon. Thus, this is a primary research report.

Multiple choice

What is the correct order of the research steps listed below?

  1. Specify research purpose, identification of research problem, review of literature, hypothesis, methodology, data collection, data analysis and research communication

  2. Specify research purpose, hypothesis, identification of research problem, review of literature, methodology, data collection, data analysis and research communication

  3. Identification of research problem, review of literature, specify research purpose, hypothesis, methodology, data collection, research communication and data analysis

  4. Identification of research problem, review of literature, specify research purpose, hypothesis, methodology, data collection, data analysis and research communication
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Research process should progress in a systematic way so that appropriate solution to the raised query can be generated. Steps listed in this option are the most appropriately arranged in the order in which they should be conducted.

Multiple choice

Which of the following terms is used in relation to randomised control trials, to describe allocation of treatment in such away that the treatment which will be allocated to a specific subject is unclear before he/she is entered into the study?

  1. Blinding

  2. Allocation concealment

  3. Random sampling

  4. Covariate-adaptive randomisation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This term is used in randomised controll trials to mean that decision regarding allocation of a research participant is unknown before he is entered into the study. This strategy is used to avoid bias in the research study.