General Awareness ยท 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
Which of the following is a key characteristic of social research?
-
Objectivity and impartiality
-
Subjectivity and personal bias
-
Reliance on intuition and common sense
-
Lack of systematic data collection and analysis
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Social research strives to be objective and impartial, aiming to produce findings that are not influenced by personal biases or preconceived notions.
Which of the following is a common method used in social research?
-
Survey research
-
Experimental research
-
Qualitative research
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Social research employs a variety of methods, including survey research, experimental research, qualitative research, and others, to collect and analyze data on social phenomena.
Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?
-
Content analysis
-
Focus groups
-
Participant observation
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Content analysis, focus groups, and participant observation are all examples of qualitative research methods that involve the collection and analysis of non-numerical data.
Which of the following is NOT a common research method used in Health Services Research?
-
Observational studies
-
Randomized controlled trials
-
Qualitative interviews
-
Meta-analysis
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Qualitative interviews are not typically used in Health Services Research, which primarily relies on quantitative methods such as observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analysis.
Which of the following is a common technique used to reduce sampling bias in online polls?
-
Random sampling.
-
Quota sampling.
-
Stratified sampling.
-
All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Random sampling, quota sampling, and stratified sampling are all techniques used to reduce sampling bias in online polls by ensuring that the sample is representative of the population of interest.
Which of the following is NOT a common method for analyzing data from online polls?
-
Descriptive statistics.
-
Inferential statistics.
-
Regression analysis.
-
Content analysis.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Content analysis is not typically used for analyzing data from online polls, as it involves the analysis of textual data, such as open-ended responses or qualitative data. Online poll data is usually analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, or regression analysis.
Which of the following is NOT a common type of sampling method used in online polls?
-
Simple random sampling.
-
Systematic sampling.
-
Cluster sampling.
-
Convenience sampling.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Convenience sampling is not a common type of sampling method used in online polls, as it involves selecting participants who are easily accessible or convenient to reach. Online polls typically use probability sampling methods, such as simple random sampling, systematic sampling, or cluster sampling, to ensure a representative sample.
Which of the following is NOT a common method for trend forecasting?
-
Trend analysis
-
Market research
-
Consumer feedback
-
Historical data analysis
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Consumer feedback is not typically used as a method for trend forecasting.
Which of the following is a common sensory evaluation method used in cheese grading?
-
Hedonic scale
-
Descriptive analysis
-
Triangle test
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Sensory evaluation in cheese grading involves various methods, including hedonic scale for overall liking, descriptive analysis for detailed flavor and texture attributes, and triangle test for discrimination between samples.
What are the main research methods used by economic think tanks?
-
Quantitative analysis using econometric models
-
Qualitative analysis using case studies and interviews
-
Historical analysis of economic trends and patterns
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Economic think tanks employ a diverse range of research methods to analyze economic issues and formulate policy recommendations.
Which of the following is NOT a common method used to investigate hauntings?
-
Interviews with witnesses
-
Electronic voice phenomena (EVP) recording
-
Thermal imaging
-
Ouija board sessions
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ouija board sessions are not typically considered a reliable method for investigating hauntings, as they are often associated with fraud and deception.
Which of the following is NOT a common method used to investigate electronic voice phenomena?
-
EVP recorders
-
Thermal imaging
-
Infrared cameras
-
Ouija board sessions
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ouija board sessions are not typically considered a reliable method for investigating electronic voice phenomena, as they are often associated with fraud and deception.
Which of the following is NOT a common method used to investigate apparitions?
-
Interviews with witnesses
-
Thermal imaging
-
Infrared cameras
-
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?
-
Field experiments
-
Laboratory experiments
-
Surveys
-
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?
-
Teaching, Learning, and Resources
-
Research and Professional Practice
-
Graduation Outcomes
-
Perception
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Teaching, Learning, and Resources carries the highest weightage (30%) in the NIRF ranking methodology.