Question 1

Which of the statements below is written in the correct format to appear in a journal article?
A) "The posttest results for the two groups are presented in the following table and the interaction is shown in the graph below."
B) "I examined the differences in responses to the attitude statements found between the two groups."
C) "During the spring semester, teachers were sent a letter explaining the nature of the study, a survey form, and a stamped return envelope."
D) "Group A will be shown a series of films designed to change their attitudes toward inclusion."

Accepted Answer

Statement C is written in the passive voice, which is the preferred format for scientific and academic writing, as it focuses on the action rather than the actor.

Question 2

Which statement(s) would most likely be found in the conclusion section of a research article?
A) In-service education is an effective way of changing teachers' attitudes toward the issue.
B) The group taught by Method A had a significantly higher mean score on the posttest than did the group taught by Method B.
C) Method A appears to be a more effective method of teaching math than Method B.
D) a and b
E) a and c

Accepted Answer

The conclusion section of a research article typically summarizes the findings and draws implications or recommendations for future research or practice. Statement (A) relates to a recommendation for practice, while (C) summarizes the finding of the study. Both (A) and (B) are included in the conclusion section, making choice (D) incorrect. Choice (E) includes both statements that are likely to be found in the conclusion section.

Question 3

A retained null hypothesis might legitimately be interpreted as a lack of relationship between variables when
A) one has studied a small population and all members have been included.
B) the researcher can show that the study is free of any internal validity problems.
C) the study had sufficient power to reject the null hypothesis with a relatively small effect size.
D) All of these are true.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A retained null hypothesis might legitimately be...

Question 4

Editors expect research reports in a particular format or style because the format
A) is a convenience to the journal's readers.
B) is required by the U.S.Department of Research Standards.
C) looks more scholarly and convincing.
D) saves space and eases publication.

Accepted Answer

Editors expect research reports in a particular format or style because it is a convenience to the journal's readers. A standard format enables readers to quickly locate and navigate the important sections, such as the introduction, methods, results, and conclusion. It also ensures that the research report follows a consistent and logical sequence.

Question 5

A researcher used a well-known standardized test in a research study.A description of this test in the research report should
A) be fairly brief.
B) be highly detailed.
C) provide all available data on validity and reliability.
D) provide findings of other studies that used the same test.

Accepted Answer

A brief description of the standardized test is sufficient in a research report as the focus should be on the study methodology and results rather than on providing a detailed description of the test.

Question 6

The framework for stating the conclusions of an experimental study is provided by the
A) statement of the problem.
B) related literature.
C) hypothesis.
D) statistical results.

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis in an experimental study provides a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in your study. It sets the stage for the conclusions by stating what the researcher expects to find, thus providing a framework for interpreting the results and stating the conclusions.

Question 7

A quantitative researcher who finds positive results with respect to the hypothesis of the study can report that the results____ the hypothesis.
A) prove
B) verify
C) confirm
D) support

Accepted Answer

In scientific research, results can support a hypothesis but cannot prove it definitively due to the possibility of future evidence or alternative explanations.

Question 8

A reconsideration of the theoretical basis of a quantitative research study belongs in the
A) introduction.
B) methods.
C) discussion.
D) appendix.

Accepted Answer

A reconsideration of the theoretical basis of a quantitative research study typically belongs in the discussion section. This is where the implications of the findings are explored in relation to the existing theories and literature, and where the theoretical underpinnings of the study might be reassessed in light of the research outcomes.

Question 9

Which of the following is not a good suggestion for submitting an article to a journal?
A) Include a cover letter.
B) Make the introduction, related literature, and methods sections relatively brief.
C) Determine which style manual the journal specifies.
D) Submit the article to a journal in your specific field of interest.
E) To increase chances of acceptance, submit the article to several journals simultaneously.

Accepted Answer

Submitting an article to several journals simultaneously is not ethically acceptable as it violates the principles of academic integrity and can lead to duplicate publications. It is important to submit the article to one journal at a time and wait for their decision before submitting it to another journal. The other options, A, B, C, and D, are good suggestions for submitting an article to a journal.

Question 10

After identifying a journal to which the manuscript will be submitted, a researcher should
A) contact the editor of the journal.
B) examine recent issues of the journal.
C) inquire about date of publication.
D) write a letter to the editor.

Accepted Answer

Examining recent issues of the journal will give the researcher an idea of the type of articles that are published in the journal, the writing style, formatting requirements, and any specific guidelines for submission. Contacting the editor or writing a letter to the editor should only be done after carefully examining the journal's requirements and guidelines to ensure the manuscript meets the journal's scope and requirements. Inquiring about the date of publication is not necessary as publication dates are typically determined by the journal's production schedule and are not affected by the submission date of the manuscript.

Question 11

The summary and conclusions section of the report should include
A) any relevant information that has not been presented earlier.
B) tables too long for the data section of the report.
C) the first clear statement of the research problem.
D) None of these is true.

Accepted Answer

The summary and conclusions section should not introduce new information, long tables, or the first statement of the research problem; it should synthesize and summarize findings and insights already presented in the report.

Question 12

The first step in preparing a journal article for publication is to
A) decide on the style manual to use.
B) determine the journal most likely to publish it.
C) decide on the title for the article.
D) identify the procedure for submission of manuscripts.
E) write the cover letter that accompanies the manuscript.

Accepted Answer

Determining the journal most likely to publish the article is crucial as it guides the writing style, format, and content to meet the specific requirements and audience of the journal.

Question 13

The following statement would likely be included in which section of a quantitative research article: Subjects included 72 seventh graders (38 girls and 34 boys) enrolled in a rural middle school.
A) Introduction
B) Methods
C) Results
D) Discussion

Accepted Answer

This statement is part of the methods section which typically outlines the participants or subjects of the study.

Question 14

The ____ section in a journal article occupies a larger proportion of the article than it would in a dissertation.
A) introduction
B) related literature
C) procedures
D) results
E) implications

Accepted Answer

In a journal article, the results section is typically given more prominence and occupies a larger portion of the article than it would in a dissertation. This is because journal articles are typically much more concise and focused on presenting new research findings, while dissertations tend to be more in-depth and comprehensive. The introduction, related literature, procedures, and implications sections are also important in both types of documents, but may be relatively shorter in a journal article compared to a dissertation.

Question 15

Which of the following is not a good suggestion for submitting an article to a journal?
A) Include a cover letter, reply envelope, and stamps with the manuscript.
B) Follow the format style suggested by the journal.
C) Make the article as brief and concise as possible.
D) Send the article to as many journals as possible to increase chances of publication.
E) Submit the article to a journal in your specific field of interest.

Accepted Answer

Sending the article to as many journals as possible can actually decrease the chances of publication as it can be seen as unethical and unprofessional. It is better to carefully select journals in your specific field of interest and follow their submission guidelines.

Question 16

In terms of comprehensiveness from lowest to highest, which of the following is correct?
A) Dissertation, journal article, paper presentation
B) Journal article, dissertation, paper presentation
C) Paper presentation, dissertation, journal article
D) Paper presentation, journal article, dissertation

Accepted Answer

In terms of comprehensiveness, a paper presentation typically offers a concise overview of research or findings, suitable for the limited time of a conference session. A journal article, while more detailed, is still limited by word count and scope, focusing on specific aspects of research. A dissertation, however, is the most comprehensive, as it is a substantial piece of original research intended to contribute new knowledge to the field, often involving extensive literature review, methodology, data analysis, and discussion sections.

Question 17

In an introductory science class, 80 student volunteers were randomly assigned, in equal number, to take a class for a letter grade or for a simple pass/fail grade.At the end of the semester, the mean achievement score for the letter grade group was 86.2 and for the pass/fail group 79.8.The calculated t = 4.60, p<.001.The results should appear in a published report as follows:
A) Introductory science students have significantly higher achievement scores when awarded letter grades rather than a simple pass/fail grade.
B) There is no significant difference in the achievement scores of introductory science students when awarded letter grades or a simple pass/fail grade.
C) Students are more motivated to achieve when given letter grades rather than simple pass/fail grades.
D) Instructors should use letter grades rather than pass/fail grades for introductory science courses.
E) a and d

Accepted Answer

The t-test result (t = 4.60, p<.001) indicates a statistically significant difference in achievement scores between the two groups, with the letter grade group scoring higher.

Question 18

Which of the following would be included in the appendix of a dissertation?
A) sampling procedure used to select subjects
B) copies of data-gathering instruments used in the study
C) item analysis for a test used in the study
D) b and c
E) a, b, and c

Accepted Answer

The appendix of a dissertation typically includes any additional materials that support and provide further information about the main content of the dissertation. Therefore, both copies of data-gathering instruments used in the study and item analysis for a test used in the study are appropriate for inclusion in the appendix. The sampling procedure used to select subjects is typically discussed in the main content of the dissertation and may not necessarily need to be included in the appendix.

Question 19

A graduate student developed the achievement test used in her study.It is most important that the description of the test presented in the methods section of the dissertation include
A) item analysis data.
B) evidence of validity and reliability.
C) instructions for administration of the test.
D) findings of other studies using a similar measure.
E) All of these are true.

Accepted Answer

Evidence of validity and reliability are essential to establish the quality and accuracy of the test. Item analysis data and instructions for administration are important but not as critical as validity and reliability evidence. The findings of other studies using a similar measure may provide some useful background information but are not necessary for describing the test in the methods section of a dissertation.

Question 20

The following statement would likely be included in which section of a quantitative research article: Consistent with much research on the influence of using word processors on students' writing quality, this research did not generate a clear-cut answer on the question.It did clarify some relevant questions, however, and needed additional methods of investigation.
A) Introduction
B) Methods
C) Results
D) Discussion

Accepted Answer

This statement would be included in the Discussion section of a quantitative research article, as it reflects on the findings of the study and offers further discussion and possible suggestions for future research.

Quiz 21: Interpreting and Reporting Results of Quantitative Research

Which of the statements below is written in the correct format to appear in a journal article?

Which statement(s) would most likely be found in the conclusion section of a research article?

A retained null hypothesis might legitimately be interpreted as a lack of relationship between variables when

Editors expect research reports in a particular format or style because the format

A researcher used a well-known standardized test in a research study.A description of this test in the research report should

The framework for stating the conclusions of an experimental study is provided by the

A quantitative researcher who finds positive results with respect to the hypothesis of the study can report that the results____ the hypothesis.

A reconsideration of the theoretical basis of a quantitative research study belongs in the

Which of the following is not a good suggestion for submitting an article to a journal?

After identifying a journal to which the manuscript will be submitted, a researcher should

The summary and conclusions section of the report should include

The first step in preparing a journal article for publication is to

The following statement would likely be included in which section of a quantitative research article: Subjects included 72 seventh graders (38 girls and 34 boys) enrolled in a rural middle school.

The ____ section in a journal article occupies a larger proportion of the article than it would in a dissertation.

Which of the following is not a good suggestion for submitting an article to a journal?

In terms of comprehensiveness from lowest to highest, which of the following is correct?

Which of the following would be included in the appendix of a dissertation?

A graduate student developed the achievement test used in her study.It is most important that the description of the test presented in the methods section of the dissertation include