40 MCQ on Research Methodology

Q1. Which of the following statement is correct?
(A) Reliability ensures the validity
(B) Validity ensures reliability
(C) Reliability and validity are independent of each other
(D) Reliability does not depend on objectivity

Answer: (C)

Q2. Which of the following statements is correct?
(A) Objectives of research are stated in first chapter of the thesis
(B) Researcher must possess analytical ability
(C) Variability is the source of problem
(D) All the above

Answer: (D)

Q3. The first step of research is:
(A) Selecting a problem
(B) Searching a problem
(C) Finding a problem
(D) Identifying a problem

Answer: (D)

Q4. Research can be conducted by a person who:
(A) holds a postgraduate degree
(B) has studied research methodology
(C) possesses thinking and reasoning ability
(D) is a hard worker

Answer: (B)

Q5. Research can be classified as:
(A) Basic, Applied and Action Research
(B) Philosophical, Historical, Survey and Experimental Research
(C) Quantitative and Qualitative Research
(D) All the above

Answer: (D)

Q6. To test null hypothesis, a researcher uses:
(A) t test
(B) ANOVA
(C) X2
(D) factorial analysis

Answer: (B)

Q7. Bibliography given in a research report:
(A) shows vast knowledge of the researcher
(B) helps those interested in further research
(C) has no relevance to research
(D) all the above

Answer: (B)

Q8. A research problem is feasible only when:
(A) it has utility and relevance
(B) it is researchable
(C) it is new and adds something to knowledge
(D) all the above

Answer: (D)

Q9. The study in which the investigators attempt to trace an effect is known as:
(A) Survey Research
(B) Summative Research
(C) Historical Research
(D) ‘Ex-post Facto’ Research

Answer: (D)

Q10. Generalized conclusion on the basis of a sample is technically known as:
(A) Data analysis and interpretation
(B) Parameter inference
(C) Statistical inference
(D) All of the above

Answer: (A)

Q11. Fundamental research reflects the ability to:
(A) Synthesize new ideals
(B) Expound new principles
(C) Evaluate the existing material concerning research
(D) Study the existing literature regarding various topics

Answer: (B)

Q12. The main characteristic of scientific research is:
(A) empirical
(B) theoretical
(C) experimental
(D) all of the above

Answer: (D)

Q13. Authenticity of a research finding is its:
(A) Originality
(B) Validity
(C) Objectivity
(D) All of the above

Answer: (C)

Q14. Which technique is generally followed when the population is finite?
(A) Area Sampling Technique
(B) Purposive Sampling Technique
(C) Systematic Sampling Technique
(D) None of the above

Answer: (C)

Q15. Research problem is selected from the stand point of:
(A) Researcher’s interest
(B) Financial support
(C) Social relevance
(D) Availability of relevant literature

Answer: (C)

Q16. The research is always –
(A) verifying the old knowledge
(B) exploring new knowledge
(C) filling the gap between knowledge
(D) all of these

Answer: (D)

Q17. Research is
(A) Searching again and again
(B) Finding a solution to any problem
(C) Working in a scientific way to search for the truth of any problem
(D) None of the above

Answer: (C)

Q20. A common test in research demands much priority on
(A) Reliability
(B) Useability
(C) Objectivity
(D) All of the above

Answer: (D)

Q21. Which of the following is the first step in starting the research process?
(A) Searching sources of information to locate the problem.
(B) Survey of related literature
(C) Identification of the problem
(D) Searching for solutions to the problem

Answer: (C)

Q22. Which correlation coefficient best explains the relationship between creativity and intelligence?
(A) 1.00
(B) 0.6
(C) 0.5
(D) 0.3

Answer: (A)

Q23. Manipulation is always a part of
(A) Historical research
(B) Fundamental research
(C) Descriptive research
(D) Experimental research

Answer: (D)

Explanation: In experimental research, researchers deliberately manipulate one or more independent variables to observe their effects on dependent variables. The goal is to establish cause-and-effect relationships and test hypotheses. This type of research often involves control groups and random assignment to ensure the validity of the findings. Manipulation is an essential aspect of experimental research to assess the impact of specific variables and draw conclusions about their influence on the outcome.

Q24. The research which is exploring new facts through the study of the past is called
(A) Philosophical research
(B) Historical research
(C) Mythological research
(D) Content analysis

Answer: (B)

Q25. A null hypothesis is
(A) when there is no difference between the variables
(B) the same as research hypothesis
(C) subjective in nature
(D) when there is difference between the variables

Answer: (A)

Q26. We use Factorial Analysis:
(A) To know the relationship between two variables
(B) To test the Hypothesis
(C) To know the difference between two variables
(D) To know the difference among the many variables

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Factorial analysis, specifically factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), is used to investigate the effects of two or more independent variables on a dependent variable. It helps to determine whether there are significant differences or interactions among the independent variables and their combined effects on the dependent variable.

Q27. Which of the following is classified in the category of the developmental research?
(A) Philosophical research
(B) Action research
(C) Descriptive research
(D) All the above

Answer: (D)

Q28.  Action-research is:
(A) An applied research
(B) A research carried out to solve immediate problems
(C) A longitudinal research
(D) All the above

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Action research is an approach to research that encompasses all the options mentioned. It is an applied research method where researchers work collaboratively with practitioners or stakeholders to address immediate problems or issues in a real-world context. It is often conducted over a period of time, making it a longitudinal research approach. So, all the options (A) An applied research, (B) A research carried out to solve immediate problems, and (C) A longitudinal research are correct when describing action research.

Q29.  The basis on which assumptions are formulated:
(A) Cultural background of the country
(B) Universities
(C) Specific characteristics of the castes
(D) All of these

Answer: (A)

Q30. How can the objectivity of the research be enhanced?
(A) Through its impartiality
(B) Through its reliability
(C) Through its validity
(D) All of these

Answer: (D)

Q31.  A research problem is not feasible only when:
(A) it is researchable
(B) it is new and adds something to the knowledge
(C) it consists of independent and dependent variables
(D) it has utility and relevance

Answer: (C)

Explanation:  A research problem is considered feasible when it can be studied and investigated using appropriate research methods and resources. The presence of independent and dependent variables is not a factor that determines the feasibility of a research problem. Instead, it is an essential component of a well-defined research problem that helps in formulating research questions or hypotheses. Feasibility depends on whether the research problem can be addressed and answered within the constraints of available time, resources, and methods. Options (A), (B), and (D) are more relevant to the feasibility of a research problem.

Q32. The process not needed in experimental research is:
(A) Observation
(B) Manipulation and replication
(C) Controlling
(D) Reference collection

Answer: (D)

In experimental research, reference collection is not a part of the process.

Q33. When a research problem is related to heterogeneous population, the most suitable sampling method is:
(A) Cluster Sampling
(B) Stratified Sampling
(C) Convenient Sampling
(D) Lottery Method

Answer:  (B)

Explanation: When a research problem involves a heterogeneous population, stratified sampling is the most suitable sampling method. Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups or strata based on certain characteristics or variables. Each stratum represents a relatively homogeneous subset of the population. Then, a random sample is taken from each stratum in proportion to its size or importance in the population. This method ensures that the sample is representative of the diversity present in the population and allows for more precise estimates of population parameters for each subgroup.

Q34.  Generalised conclusion on the basis of a sample is technically known as:
(A) Data analysis and interpretation
(B) Parameter inference
(C) Statistical inference
(D) All of the above

Answer:  (C)

Explanation: Generalized conclusions based on a sample are achieved through statistical inference. It involves using sample data to make inferences or predictions about a larger population. Statistical inference helps researchers draw conclusions, estimate parameters, and test hypotheses about the population from which the sample was taken. It is a fundamental concept in statistics and plays a crucial role in various fields, including research, data analysis, and decision-making.

Q35. The experimental study is based on

(A) The manipulation of variables
(B) Conceptual parameters
(C) Replication of research
(D) Survey of literature

Answer:  (A)

Q36.  Which one is called non-probability sampling?
(A) Cluster sampling
(B) Quota sampling
(C) Systematic sampling
(D) Stratified random sampling

Answer:  (B)

Q37.  Formulation of hypothesis may NOT be required in:
(A) Survey method
(B) Historical studies
(C) Experimental studies
(D) Normative studies

Answer: (B)

Q38. Field-work-based research is classified as:
(A) Empirical
(B) Historical
(C) Experimental
(D) Biographical

Answer: (A)

Q39. Which of the following sampling method is appropriate to study the prevalence of AIDS amongst male and female in India in 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006?
(A) Cluster sampling
(B) Systematic sampling
(C) Quota sampling
(D) Stratified random sampling

Answer: (B)

Q40. The research that applies the laws at the time of field study to draw more and more clear ideas about the problem is:
(A) Applied research
(B) Action research
(C) Experimental research
(D) None of these

Answer: (A)

Q40.