Question 1

Identify a major federal grant funding agency for counseling research.
A) Federal Bureau of Psychology Research (FBPR)
B) National Association of Health (NAH)
C) Institute of Educational Foundation (IEF)
D) The National Science Foundation (NSF)

Accepted Answer

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a major federal grant funding agency for research in a variety of fields, including counseling. They have multiple grant opportunities available for counseling research, such as the Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics program and the Science of Learning and Augmented Intelligence program.

Question 2

Depression scores on a standardized test, such as the MMPI-Depression scale, are examples of independent variables.

Accepted Answer

Depression scores on a standardized test are not independent variables, they are dependent variables as they are being measured or influenced by other variables such as mood, behavior, and mental state. Independent variables are variables that are manipulated or controlled by the researcher in an experiment.

Question 3

In nonexperimental studies of research, the _____ in a regression equation are sometimes referred to as independent variables.
A) predictor variables
B) ordinal variables
C) criterion variables
D) dichotomous variables

Accepted Answer

In nonexperimental studies of research, the predictor variables in a regression equation are sometimes referred to as independent variables.

Question 4

Alan is new to the field of research. He has chosen a simple research project to understand the overall sequence of steps to be followed in developing the research idea. He has successfully completed the stage of identifying research variables. Which of the following steps should Alan take to begin the collection and analysis of relevant data?
A) He should determine the number of participants.
B) He should define the target population.
C) He should select participants.
D) He should create a participant pool.

Accepted Answer

Before collecting and analyzing data, Alan should define the target population, which refers to the group that he intends to study. This will help him in selecting the appropriate participants and gathering relevant data. Determining the number of participants and creating a participant pool are steps that come after defining the target population.

Question 5

The independent variable in a research study is the variable that is:
A) manipulated or controlled.
B) derived from the dependent variable.
C) held constant.
D) affected by the dependent variable.

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is deliberately manipulated or controlled in a research study. It is the variable that is believed to cause or influence changes in the dependent variable.

Question 6

Identifying a topic of research is the same as developing a specific research question or hypothesis that can guide research.

Accepted Answer

Identifying a topic of research is the initial step in the research process, which involves selecting a broad subject area for investigation. Developing a specific research question or hypothesis, on the other hand, is a more focused activity that narrows down the topic into a specific inquiry or statement that can be tested or explored through research.

Question 7

Identify a main component in the process of selecting a research topic and developing a research idea into a testable hypothesis.
A) Developing an original research method
B) Identifying research variables
C) Working as an apprentice for an experienced researcher
D) Creating a new assessment instrument

Accepted Answer

Identifying research variables is a main component in the process of selecting a research topic and developing a research idea into a testable hypothesis. This involves identifying and defining the key concepts or factors that will be investigated in the study. A clear understanding of these variables is central to formulating a hypothesis and designing an effective research methodology.

Question 8

_____ essentially ask what some phenomena or events are like and explain the variables of interest with questions such as how much, how often, what percentage, and so on.
A) Descriptive questions
B) Hypothetical questions
C) Difference questions
D) Divergent questions

Accepted Answer

Descriptive questions ask for descriptions or explanations of phenomena, often with a focus on variables of interest such as frequency or amount. Hypothetical questions ask about what would happen under different circumstances, difference questions ask about the differences between things, and divergent questions ask for creative or alternative perspectives.

Question 9

Which of the following is a reason to pay particular attention to the discussion section of articles when specifying research questions and hypotheses?
A) The summary statement is the easiest way to understand complex data.
B) There may be explicit discussion of future research needs.
C) This section holds the references the author used.
D) This section strives to clarify unanswered research questions.

Accepted Answer

The discussion section often includes explicit discussion of future research needs, which can be helpful for identifying areas where further investigation is warranted or needed. Option A is incorrect because the discussion section is often where complex data is explained in detail, rather than summarized. Option C is incorrect because references are typically listed in a separate section at the end of the article. Option D might seem plausible but is not the best answer – while the discussion section can clarify some unanswered research questions, it is not the primary purpose of this section.

Question 10

In the context of identifying a research idea, theory and research from one topic can be extended to another related topic.

Accepted Answer

This is called generalization and can be a useful way to generate new research ideas by applying existing theories and methods to related topics.

Question 11

It is essential for researchers to focus on investigating a few constructs only and not to try to do too much in developing an original contribution.

Accepted Answer

Focusing on investigating a few constructs only allows for greater depth and specificity in the research, which can lead to a more significant and impactful contribution. Trying to do too much can lead to a lack of focus and a weaker contribution overall.

Question 12

The function of a testable research question or hypothesis is to provide direction for experimental inquiry.

Accepted Answer

A testable research question or hypothesis helps guide the design of an experiment and allows for the collection of data to support or reject the hypothesis. Without a well-defined question or hypothesis, the research could lack direction and lead to inconclusive or irrelevant results.

Question 13

_____ explore the degree to which two or more research constructs are related or vary together.
A) Quasi-experiments
B) Demand characteristics
C) Reliability estimates
D) Relationship questions

Accepted Answer

Relationship questions are used to explore the correlation or association between different research constructs.

Question 14

Which of the following is considered riskier for inexperienced counselors and researchers?
A) Beginning research training by working closely within their advisor's research interests
B) Using their own observations about a topic as a source of ideas for research topics
C) Spending precious time reading literature review articles and handbooks
D) Attending more closely to the constructs that have been used in the previous research

Accepted Answer

Using their own observations as a source of ideas for research topics is riskier for inexperienced counselors and researchers because they may have biases or limited experiences that could result in flawed research or inaccurate conclusions. It is important for inexperienced researchers to start with established literature in their field and work closely with their advisor before branching off into their own ideas.

Question 15

Operational definitions are referred to as a sort of manual of instructions that spells out what an investigator must do to measure or manipulate research variables during the procedures of a study.

Accepted Answer

This statement is correct. Operational definitions provide clear, concise instructions for measuring or manipulating research variables during the study.

Question 16

It is not recommended for students to bring their own observations and beliefs into their research topics.

Accepted Answer

It is acceptable for students to bring their own observations and beliefs into their research topics as long as they are able to support them with evidence and analyze them objectively. In fact, personal interest and connection to the topic may lead to more meaningful and inspired research. However, it is important to remain open to opposing viewpoints and consider multiple perspectives in order to maintain academic integrity.

Question 17

Once a research question enters the formative stage and an investigator continues to develop the design and methodologies of a particular study, the original research question cannot be changed.

Accepted Answer

The original research question may be revised or refined during the formative stage as the investigator further develops the study design and methodologies. However, significant changes to the research question may require a new study design and approval.

Question 18

A great deal of research in counseling involves extending the results of previous research.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Counseling researchers often build upon the results of previous studies to further our understanding of the field and develop new interventions and approaches.

Question 19

A problem arises when researchers investigate a given construct but develop different operational definitions for it.

Accepted Answer

If researchers develop different operational definitions for a construct, it can lead to confusion and inconsistency in findings, making it difficult to compare results across studies.

Question 20

The primary function of an operational definition in the development of a research idea is to:
A) clarify the operation of a study's methodology.
B) define the constructs involved in a particular study.
C) define the organization of one's references and citations.
D) clarify how variables operate relative to each other.

Accepted Answer

Operational definitions are crucial in research as they precisely define the constructs being studied. This specificity ensures that everyone understands exactly what is being measured or observed, facilitating clear communication and replication of the study.

Quiz 5: Identifying Interests and Operationalizing Topics: Forget That Perfect Study

Identify a major federal grant funding agency for counseling research.

Depression scores on a standardized test, such as the MMPI-Depression scale, are examples of independent variables.

In nonexperimental studies of research, the _____ in a regression equation are sometimes referred to as independent variables.

The independent variable in a research study is the variable that is:

Identifying a topic of research is the same as developing a specific research question or hypothesis that can guide research.

Identify a main component in the process of selecting a research topic and developing a research idea into a testable hypothesis.

_____ essentially ask what some phenomena or events are like and explain the variables of interest with questions such as how much, how often, what percentage, and so on.

Which of the following is a reason to pay particular attention to the discussion section of articles when specifying research questions and hypotheses?