General Awareness ยท Social Science
Research Methodology
2,328 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
Which of the following is NOT a common method used to investigate apparitions?
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Interviews with witnesses
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Thermal imaging
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Infrared cameras
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Ouija board sessions
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ouija board sessions are not typically considered a reliable method for investigating apparitions, as they are often associated with fraud and deception.
Which of the following is an example of a research method used in environmental psychology?
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Field experiments
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Laboratory experiments
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Surveys
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Field experiments, laboratory experiments, and surveys are all examples of research methods used in environmental psychology.
Which parameter carries the highest weightage in the NIRF ranking methodology?
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Teaching, Learning, and Resources
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Research and Professional Practice
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Graduation Outcomes
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Perception
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Teaching, Learning, and Resources carries the highest weightage (30%) in the NIRF ranking methodology.
What is the scientific method?
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A systematic approach to investigating and understanding the natural world.
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A set of rules for conducting scientific research.
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A method for developing new technologies.
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A way of organizing scientific knowledge.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The scientific method involves making observations, forming hypotheses, testing hypotheses, and drawing conclusions.
Which of the following is NOT a common method for data collection in development analysis?
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Surveys
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Interviews
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Focus group discussions
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Satellite imagery
D
Correct answer
Explanation
While satellite imagery is a valuable source of data for various applications, it is not typically used as a primary method for data collection in development analysis. Surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions are more commonly used methods for gathering information from individuals and communities.
What are the most common types of clinical trials?
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Randomized controlled trials
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Observational studies
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Cohort studies
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Case-control studies
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Randomized controlled trials are the most common type of clinical trial. In a randomized controlled trial, participants are randomly assigned to receive either the new drug or a placebo or standard treatment. This helps to ensure that the results of the trial are not biased.
How can researchers overcome the challenges of conducting cross-cultural experimental research?
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Researchers can work with local collaborators who are familiar with the culture.
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Researchers can use mixed methods research designs that include both quantitative and qualitative data.
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Researchers can pilot test their experimental materials with participants from different cultures.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Experimental psychology has identified a number of strategies that researchers can use to overcome the challenges of conducting cross-cultural experimental research. These strategies include working with local collaborators who are familiar with the culture, using mixed methods research designs that include both quantitative and qualitative data, and pilot testing experimental materials with participants from different cultures.
In Experimental Economics, what is the term used to describe a method for studying economic behavior in a controlled environment?
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Laboratory Experiment
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Field Experiment
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Natural Experiment
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Survey Experiment
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A laboratory experiment is a method for studying economic behavior in a controlled environment, where researchers can manipulate variables and observe the effects on economic outcomes.
In an experimental economics study, what is the term used to describe the group of participants who are subjected to the experimental treatment?
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Treatment Group
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Control Group
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Experimental Group
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The treatment group in an experimental economics study is the group of participants who are subjected to the experimental treatment.
In an experimental economics study, what is the term used to describe the group of participants who are not subjected to the experimental treatment?
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Treatment Group
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Control Group
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Experimental Group
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All of the above
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The control group in an experimental economics study is the group of participants who are not subjected to the experimental treatment.
Who is credited with developing the first scientific polling methods?
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George Gallup
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Elmo Roper
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Louis Harris
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Angus Campbell
A
Correct answer
Explanation
George Gallup is credited with developing the first scientific polling methods in the 1930s. His methods were based on the idea of random sampling, which allowed pollsters to get a more accurate representation of public opinion.
What is the most common type of polling method used today?
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Random sampling
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Stratified sampling
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Cluster sampling
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Convenience sampling
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Random sampling is the most common type of polling method used today. Random sampling allows pollsters to get a more accurate representation of public opinion by selecting a sample of respondents that is representative of the entire population.
Which of the following is a key step in the research process?
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Defining the research problem
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Conducting literature review
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Collecting data
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Analyzing data
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Defining the research problem is the first and crucial step in the research process. It involves identifying the gap in knowledge or the problem that needs to be addressed through the research.
Which research design involves manipulating one or more independent variables to observe their effects on a dependent variable?
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Experimental research
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Observational research
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Survey research
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Case study research
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Experimental research involves manipulating one or more independent variables to observe their effects on a dependent variable. It allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
What is the primary method of data collection in survey research?
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Interviews
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Questionnaires
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Observation
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Document analysis
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Questionnaires are the primary method of data collection in survey research. They consist of a series of questions that are administered to a sample of respondents to gather information about their attitudes, opinions, and behaviors.