Werabe University

College of Social Sciences

Department of Social Anthropology
Research Methods Practice Questions
Prepared by Mohammedawel H.

Multiple Choice Questions: select the best answer

for each of the following question
1. What is the primary goal of quantitative research?
a) To explore and describe a phenomenon in-depth
b) To identify patterns and relationships between variables
c) To generate new theories and hypotheses
d) To understand the subjective experiences of participants
Answer: b) To identify patterns and relationships between variables
2. Which of the following is NOT a common type of quantitative research design?
a) Correlational
b) Experimental
c) Case study
d) Quasi-experimental
Answer: c) Case study
3. What is the most common method of data collection in quantitative research?
a) Interviews
b) Focus groups
c) Observation
 d) Surveys/questionnaires
Answer: d) Surveys/questionnaires
4. Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of quantitative research?
a) Objective
b) Systematic
c) Subjective
d) Structured
Answer: c) Subjective
5. What is the purpose of a hypothesis in quantitative research?
a) To guide the research process and methodology
b) To provide a theoretical framework for the study
c) To ensure the ethical treatment of participants
d) To provide a detailed description of the study population
Answer: a) To guide the research process and methodology
6. What is the main advantage of using a random sample in quantitative research?
a) It ensures that all members of the population have an equal chance of being
included in the study
b) It allows for more in-depth analysis of individual cases
c) It eliminates the need for statistical analysis
d) It reduces the risk of bias in the data collection process
Answer: a) It ensures that all members of the population have an equal chance of
being included in the study
7. What is the purpose of a pilot study in quantitative research?
a) To test the feasibility of the research design and methodology
b) To provide an overview of the study population
c) To collect preliminary data for use in the final analysis
d) To ensure the ethical treatment of participants
Answer: a) To test the feasibility of the research design and methodology
8. Which of the following is an example of a nominal level of measurement?
 a) Age
b) Weight
c) Gender
d) Income
Answer: c) Gender
9. Which of the following statistical tests is used to determine if there is a significant
relationship between two variables?
a) T-test
b) ANOVA
c) Correlation coefficient
d) Chi-square
Answer: c) Correlation coefficient
10. Which of the following statements best describes quantitative research?
A) It focuses on exploring subjective experiences and understanding social
phenomena.
B) It uses statistical data to analyze numerical patterns and draw conclusions.
C) It investigates the relationship between variables through observations and
interviews.
D) It relies on case studies and in-depth analysis of specific individuals or groups.
Answer: B) It uses statistical data to analyze numerical patterns and draw
conclusions.
11. Which of the following research methods is NOT typically associated with quantitative
research?
A) Surveys
B) Experiments
C) Focus groups
D) Content analysis
Answer: C) Focus groups
12. What is the primary advantage of using quantitative research?
A) It provides in-depth insights into individual experiences.
 B) It allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
C) It is more cost-effective than qualitative research methods.
D) It does not require data analysis or statistical procedures.
Answer: B) It allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
13. Which of the following sampling techniques is commonly used in quantitative research to
ensure a representative sample?
A) Convenience sampling
B) Snowball sampling
C) Purposive sampling
D) Random sampling
Answer: D) Random sampling
14. Which of the following is a limitation of quantitative research?
A) It cannot establish causal relationships between variables.
B) It is time-consuming and expensive to conduct.
C) It often relies on subjective interpretations of data.
D) It lacks the ability to generalize findings to a larger population.
Answer: A) It cannot establish causal relationships between variables.
15. When conducting a survey in quantitative research, what is the typical format of the
questions?
A) Open-ended questions
B) Unstructured questions
C) Yes-or-no questions
D) Close-ended questions
Answer: D) Close-ended questions
16. What is the purpose of a research hypothesis?
A) To summarize the research findings
B) To explain the research methodology
C) To predict the outcome of the research
D) To describe the research participant
 Answer: C) To predict the outcome of the research
17. The research process is:
a) a system of interrelated activities
b) a linear process with no interdependencies
c) a static process with fixed stages
d) a process that can be skipped or altered without consequences
Answer: a) a system of interrelated activities
18. What is a dependent variable in a research study?
A) A variable that is manipulated by the researcher
B) A variable that is not affected by other variables
C) A variable that is measured or observed in response to the independent variable
D) A variable that is controlled by the research participants
Answer: C) A variable that is measured or observed in response to the independent
variable
19. What is the purpose of data analysis in the research process?
A)To collect data from research participants
B) To test the research hypothesis
C) To review the existing literature
D) To design the research study
Answer: B) To test the research hypothesis
20. What is a random sample?
A) A sample selected based on a specific criterion
B) A sample selected using a random process
C) A sample selected based on convenience
D) A sample selected based on the researcher’s judgment
Answer: B) A sample selected using a random process
21. Which form of reasoning is the process of drawing a specific conclusion from a set of
premises?
A) Objective reasoning
 B) Positivistic reasoning
C) Inductive reasoning
D) Deductive reasoning
Answer: D) Deductive reasoning
22. A researcher designs an experiment to test how variables interact to influence job-seeking
behaviours. The main purpose of the study was:
A) Description
B) Prediction
C) Exploration
D) Explanation
Answer: D) Explanation
23. Cyberbullying at work is a growing threat to employee job satisfaction. Researchers want
to find out why people do this and how they feel about it. The primary purpose of the study
is:
A) Description
B) Prediction
C) Exploration
D) Explanation
Answer: C) Exploration
24. A theory:
A) Is an accumulated body of knowledge
B) Includes inconsequential ideas
C) Is independent of research methodology
D) Should be viewed uncritically
Answer: A) Is an accumulated body of knowledge
25. Which research method is a bottom-up approach to research?
A) Deductive method
B) Explanatory method
C) Inductive method
 D) Exploratory method
Answer: C) Inductive method
26. Which of the following is a good research question?
A) To produce a report on student job searching behaviours
B) To identify the relationship between self-efficacy and student job searching
behaviours
C) Students with higher levels of self-efficacy will demonstrate more active job
searching behaviours
D) Do students with high levels of self-efficacy demonstrate more active job
searching behaviours?
Answer: D) Do students with high levels of self-efficacy demonstrate more active
job searching behaviours?
27. A review of the literature prior to formulating research questions allows the researcher to:
A) Provide an up-to-date understanding of the subject, its significance, and
structure
B) Guide the development of research questions
C) Present the kinds of research methodologies used in previous studies
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
28. The feasibility of a research study should be considered in light of:
A) Cost and time required to conduct the study
B) Access to gatekeepers and respondents
C) Potential ethical concerns
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
29. Research that uses qualitative methods for one phase and quantitative methods for the next
phase is known as:
A) Action research
B) Mixed-method research
C) Quantitative research
 D) Pragmatic research
Answer: B) Mixed-method research
30. Research hypotheses are:
A) Formulated prior to a review of the literature
B) Statements of predicted relationships between variables
C) B but not A
D) Both A and B
Answer: C) B but not A
31. Adopting ethical principles in research means:
A) Avoiding harm to participants
B) The researcher is anonymous
C) Deception is only used when necessary
D) Selected informants give their consent
Answer: A) Avoiding harm to participants
32. Choose the correct option regarding the sampling method?
A) the sample is the population’s part
B) it helps in determining sampling error
C) sampling saves money, time, and energy
D) all these options are correct
Answer: (D) all of these are correct
33. What do we say to all units aggregate that’s about a study?
A) sample
B) unit
C) universe or population
D) frame
Answer: (C) universe or population
34. What refers to elements from where you choose the samples for the research?
A) infinite population
 B) finite population
C) sampling population
D) target population
Answer: (D) target population
Question 6:
35. If we have to sample the population, it’s partitioned into units. Those are known to be as?
A) sampling units
B) sampling gap
C) sampling frame
D) sampling error
Answer: (A) sampling units
36. What do we call the population value?
A) statistic
B) parameter
C) data
D) variable
Answer: (B) parameter
37. Which of these are the steps in the sampling process_____?
A) choosing the sampling frame
B) defining the target population
C) identifying and selecting the method of sample
D) all of these
Answer: (D) all of these
38. What do we call sample value?
A) variable
B) parameter
C) data
D) statistic
 Answer: (D) statistic
39. What do we call a complete and proper survey of a population?
A) report
B) census
C) sample
D) none of these
Answer: (B) census
40. Out of these, which is not a probability sampling?
A) cluster sampling
B) stratified sampling
C) quota sampling
D) simple random sampling
Answer: (C) quota sampling
41. We call judgemental sampling?
A) extensive sampling
B) convenience sampling
C) cluster sampling
D) purposive sampling
Answer: (D) purposive sampling
42. Out of the mentioned options, which is not a non-probability sampling?
A) judgemental sampling
B) cluster sampling
C) Extensive sampling
D) Convenience sampling
Answer: (B) cluster sampling
43. What do we say to that sampling that’s for a non-zero selection chance?
A) probability sampling
B) quota sampling
 C) extensive sampling
D) non-probability sampling
Answer: (A) probability sampling
44. When the available population is _____, we use a stratified sample.
A) too small
B) very large
C) homogeneous
D) heterogeneous
Answer: (D) heterogeneous
45. Out of the given options, which will need the biggest sample size?
A) systematic sampling
B) proportional stratified sampling
C) cluster sampling
D) simple random sampling
Answer: (C) cluster sampling
46. Which of these is an example of probability sampling?
A) lottery method
B) quota sampling
C) purposive sampling
D) judgemental sampling
Answer: (A) lottery method
47. Out of these strata, which of the sample population is separated into various strata, and the
sample of one is taken from some other strata?
A) snowball sampling
B) census sampling
C) quota sampling
D) stratified sampling
Answer: (D) stratified sampling
48. There are several advantages of sampling because__.
 A) sampling saves energy, money, and time in the collection of data
B) sampling help in lessening the data volume
C) help in getting higher accuracy if there is a homogeneous population
D) all the above-mentioned options
Answer: (D) all the above-mentioned options
49. With the increase in sample size, the error also____
A) decreases
B) increases
C) remains the same
D) all of the above
Answer: (A) decreases
50. Snowball sampling comes under the category of ___.
A) random sampling
B) probability sampling
C) quota sampling
D) nonprobability sampling
Answer: (D) nonprobability sampling
51. A survey was done among the friends, class, and neighbors to know their preference for a
particular brand of cold drink. This is an example of_______.
A) judgment sampling
B) cluster sampling
C) convenience sampling
D) stratified sampling
Answer: (C) convenience sampling
52. Snowball sampling is a method of choosing a sample using____.
A) computer programs
B) groups
C) snowballs
D) networks
 Answer: (D) networks
53. Out of these mentioned sampling methods, name the one that’s a probability method?
A) assignment
B) judgment
C) quota
D) simple random
Answer: (D) simple random
54. Out of the mentioned, which is not a type of non-probability sampling?
A) quota
B) stratified random sampling
C) none of the above-mentioned options
D) all of the these mentioned options
Answer: (D) stratified random sampling
55. Sample is known to be the subset of?
A) population
B) data
C) set
D) information
Answer: (A) population
56. Out of these, which of the sampling is based on equal probability?
A) none sampling
B) stratified sampling
C) information
D) simple random sampling
Answer: (D) simple random sampling
57. The increase in the size of the sample affects sample error by___.
A) reducing the sampling error
B) increasing the error of sample
 C) all of these options are correct
D) none of these are true
Answer: (A) reducing the sampling error
58. What do we call the difference between the parameter and the statistic?
A) probability
B) non-random
C) random
D) sampling error
Answer: (D) sampling error
59. The probability of selecting an item in probability sampling from the population is known
and is:
A) non zero
B) equal to 3
C) equal to 1
D) none of these
Answer: (A) non zero
60. Which of the following is not a characteristic of qualitative research?
a) Focuses on subjective experience
b) Uses statistical analysis
c) Emphasizes context and complexity
d) Allows for multiple perspectives
Answer: b) Uses statistical analysis
61. Which of the following is a commonly used data collection method in qualitative research?
a) Surveys
b) Experiments
c) Observations
d) Correlational studies
Answer: c) Observations
62. Which of the following is not a type of qualitative research design?
 a) Case study
b) Phenomenology
c) Correlational study
d) Grounded theory
Answer: c) Correlational study
63. Which of the following is a potential limitation of qualitative research?
a) Difficulty generalizing findings
b) Lack of depth in data
c) Inability to capture subjective experiences
d) High level of researcher bias

Answer: a) Difficulty generalizing findings

64. Which of the following is not an ethical consideration in qualitative research?
a) Informed consent
b) Confidentiality
c) Data falsification
d) Voluntary participation
Answer: c) Data falsification
65. Which of the following is a commonly used software program for qualitative data analysis?
a) SPSS
b) Excel
c) NVivo
d) SAS
Answer: c) NVivo
66. Which of the following is a strength of case study research?
a) Can provide rich, detailed data
b) Allows for generalization to a larger population
c) Can establish causation
 d) Typically involves a large sample size
Answer: a) Can provide rich, detailed data
67. Which of the following is not a method for enhancing the trustworthiness of qualitative
research?
a) Triangulation
b) Member checking
c) Pre-testing
d) Peer debriefing
Answer: c) Pre-testing
68. What is the main purpose of qualitative research?
A) To test hypotheses and establish causality
B) To quantify data and draw statistical conclusions
C) To understand and explore phenomena in-depth
D) To predict future outcomes based on past data
Answer: C) To understand and explore phenomena in-depth
69. Which of the following is a primary data collection method used in qualitative research?
A) Surveys
B) Experiments
C) Questionnaires
D) Interviews
Answer: D) Interviews
70. What is a key characteristic of qualitative data analysis?
A) Numerical computations and statistical tests
B) Random sampling and large sample sizes
C) Objective and unbiased interpretation
D) Thematic coding and pattern recognition
Answer: D) Thematic coding and pattern recognition
71. Which of the following is a common sampling technique in qualitative research?
A) Simple random sampling
 B) Stratified sampling
C) Convenience sampling
D) Cluster sampling
Answer: C) Convenience sampling
72. In qualitative research, what is the term used for the process of ensuring the accuracy and
credibility of findings?
A) Standardization
B) Triangulation
C) Replication
D) Meta-analysis

Answer: B) Triangulation
73. What is reflexivity in qualitative research?
A) The ability to remain objective and detached during data collection
B) The process of conducting multiple interviews with the same participant
C) The practice of acknowledging the researcher’s influence on the study
D) The use of technology to transcribe and analyze qualitative data
Answer: C) The practice of acknowledging the researcher’s influence on the study
74. In qualitative research, what is the concept of data saturation?
A) The point when the researcher is satisfied with the collected data
B) The process of cleaning and organizing the data
C) The point when no new information or themes emerge from the data
D) The process of cross-checking data with other sources
Answer: C) The point when no new information or themes emerge from the data
75. Which of the following is a common method of reporting qualitative research findings?
A) Pie charts and bar graphs
B) T-test and ANOVA tables
C) Narratives and quotes from participants
D) Regression analysis and correlation coefficients
 Answer: C) Narratives and quotes from participants
76. Which of the following is an advantage of qualitative research?
A) It allows for generalization to a larger population.
B) It provides precise numerical data for analysis.
C) It helps to uncover complex and nuanced insights.
D) It requires a shorter time frame for data collection.
Answer: C) It helps to uncover complex and nuanced insights.
77. What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
A) Qualitative research deals with words and meanings, while quantitative research
deals with numbers and statistics.
B) Qualitative research is more objective, while quantitative research is more
subjective.
C) Qualitative research uses large sample sizes, while quantitative research uses
smaller sample sizes.
D) Qualitative research focuses on causation, while quantitative research focuses
on correlation.
Answer: A) Qualitative research deals with words and meanings, while quantitative
research deals with numbers and statistics.
78. Which of the following is an ethical consideration in qualitative research?
A) Ensuring the study has a control group for comparison.
B) Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants.
C) Using statistical tests to analyze the data.
D) Conducting a meta-analysis of multiple studies.
Answer: B) Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants.
79. What is a researcher’s role in qualitative research?
A) To manipulate variables to observe cause-and-effect relationships.
B) To remain detached from the research process to avoid bias.
C) To actively engage with participants and understand their perspectives.
D) To conduct experiments with large sample sizes.
Answer: C) To actively engage with participants and understand their perspectives.
80. Which of the following is an appropriate data analysis method for thematic analysis in
qualitative research?
A) Chi-square test
B) Descriptive statistics
C) Content analysis
D) Grounded theory
Answer: C) Content analysis
81. Which of the following is an example of open-ended questions in qualitative research?
A) “Did you agree with the statement? Yes or No.”
B) “On a scale of 1 to 5, rate your satisfaction with the product.”
C) “Can you tell me about your experience with the product?”
D) “What is your age and gender?”
Answer: C) “Can you tell me about your experience with the product?”
82. Which qualitative research approach focuses on understanding the lived experiences of
individuals?
A) Grounded theory
B) Case study
C) Ethnography
D) Phenomenology
Answer: D) Phenomenology
83. What is the difference between a quantitative and qualitative research design?
A) The type of data collected
B) The methods used for data collection
C) The methods used for data analysis
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
84. Which of the following is not a type of research design?
A) Experimental design
B) Descriptive design
 C) Correlational design
D) Probability design
Answer: D) Probability design
85. What is the purpose of a pilot study?
A) To test the feasibility of the research design
B) To test the reliability and validity of the measures
C) To determine the appropriate sample size
D) To collect preliminary data
Answer: A) To test the feasibility of the research design
86. What is a cross-sectional research design?
A) A design in which data is collected at one point in time
B) A design in which data is collected over a period of time
C) A design in which data is collected from a representative sample of the
population
D) A design in which data is collected from a non-representative sample of the
population
Answer: A) A design in which data is collected at one point in time
87. What is the purpose of a control group in an experimental design?
A) To provide a baseline against which to compare the experimental group
B) To ensure that the results are consistent across different populations
C) To eliminate the effects of extraneous variables
D) To manipulate the independent variable
Answer: A) To provide a baseline against which to compare the experimental group
88. What is the difference between internal and external validity?
A) Internal validity refers to the degree to which the results can be generalized,
while external validity refers to the degree to which the study is free from bias
B) External validity refers to the degree to which the results can be generalized,
while internal validity refers to the degree to which the study is free from bias
 C) Internal validity refers to the degree to which the study is free from bias, while
external validity refers to the degree to which the results are consistent across
different populations
D) External validity refers to the degree to which the study is free from bias, while
internal validity refers to the degree to which the results are consistent across
different populations
Answer: B) External validity refers to the degree to which the results can be
generalized, while internal validity refers to the degree to which the study is free
from bias
89. What is the difference between a random sample and a convenience sample?
A) A random sample is selected using a random process, while a convenience
sample is selected based on availability or willingness to participate
B) A random sample is selected based on availability or willingness to participate,
while a convenience sample is selected using a random process
C) A random sample is a type of probability sample, while a convenience sample is
a type of non-probability sample
D) A convenience sample is a type of probability sample, while a random sample
is a type of non-probability sample
Answer: A) A random sample is selected using a random process, while a
convenience sample is selected based on availability or willingness to participate
90. What is the difference between an independent and dependent variable?
A) The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent
variable is measured
B) The dependent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the independent
variable is measured
C) Both the independent and dependent variables are manipulated by the researcher
D) Both the independent and dependent variables are measured
Answer: A) The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the
dependent variable is measured
91. 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)
92. QWhich 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)
93. The first step of research is:
(A) Selecting a problem
(B) Searching a problem
(C) Finding a problem
(D) Identifying a problem
Answer: (D)
94. 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)
95. 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)
96. 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)
97. 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.
98. 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)
99. 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.
100. The experimental study is based on
(A) The manipulation of variables
(B) Conceptual parameters
(C) Replication of research
(D) Survey of literature
Answer: (A)
101. Which one is called non-probability sampling?
(A) Cluster sampling
(B) Quota sampling
(C) Systematic sampling
(D) Stratified random sampling
Answer: (B)
Q38. Field-work-based research is classified as:
(A) Empirical
(B) Historical
(C) Experimental
(D) Biographical
Answer: (A)
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)
102. 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)