Question 1

All of the following features are common in research studies, EXCEPT:&#10;A) research problems that are narrowly defined.&#10;B) studies conducted in artificial settings.&#10;C) exceedingly large samples.&#10;D) imperfect methods of measurement.

Accepted Answer

Exceedingly large samples are not always common in research studies. In fact, sample size is often determined by factors such as research design, funding, and availability of participants. The other options (narrowly defined research problems, studies conducted in artificial settings, and imperfect methods of measurement) are commonly found in research studies.

Question 2

Which one of the following flaws of a research study can result in misleading findings?&#10;A) Use of a convenience sample.&#10;B) Questionable measurement procedures.&#10;C) Data-input errors.&#10;D) Any of the above.

Accepted Answer

All the mentioned flaws can result in misleading findings. Using a convenience sample may not accurately represent the entire population being studied, questionable measurement procedures can lead to inaccurate data collection and data-input errors can distort the final results.

Question 3

Below, there are several statements about measuring complex social variables like racial bias. Which one of these statements is INCORRECT?&#10;A) There is no one perfect way to measure a complex social variable like racial bias.&#10;B) It is best to measure such variables on a scale from &#34;completely disagree&#34; to &#34;completely agree&#34;.&#10;C) Measuring such variables through direct observation of behavior is often difficult and has serious limitations.&#10;D) Survey responses about variables like racial bias may be skewed by social desirability.

Accepted Answer

Measuring complex social variables like racial bias on a scale from "completely disagree" to "completely agree" is not necessarily the best approach, as it may oversimplify attitudes and beliefs that involve multiple dimensions and nuances. Other types of measurement, such as open-ended questions, situational scenarios, or implicit association tests, may provide a more comprehensive perspective on the construct being studied.

Question 4

When researchers acknowledge the limitations of their research, it means that:&#10;A) they recognize the problems that could bias the results of their research.&#10;B) their study results cannot be trusted due to inherent biases.&#10;C) their research should have been improved before it got published.&#10;D) they should not have published their study.

Accepted Answer

By acknowledging the limitations of their research, researchers are recognizing the potential problems or biases in their study. This shows that they are being transparent and honest about the potential flaws in their research, which is important for ensuring the credibility and reliability of their findings. It does not necessarily mean that their study results cannot be trusted or that their research should not have been published, but rather that readers should be aware of the study's limitations when interpreting the results.

Question 5

The main reason the researchers provide extensive details and definitions of key terms in their research reports is to:&#10;A) make sure the readers understand every aspect of the study.&#10;B) make it as boring as possible for the reader.&#10;C) create a record to remind themselves of their study's key steps.&#10;D) increase the number of pages in the article.

Accepted Answer

Providing extensive details and definitions of key terms is important to ensure that the readers fully understand all aspects of the study, including the methods, results and conclusions. This will help the readers to assess the quality of the research and to replicate it if necessary.

Question 6

All of the following statements about pilot studies are true, EXCEPT:&#10;A) pilot studies are smaller-scale, preliminary studies.&#10;B) pilot studies often use small samples.&#10;C) journal editors are unlikely to choose pilot studies for publication.&#10;D) researchers often use pilot studies to try out new methods or research procedures.

Accepted Answer

While all the other statements about pilot studies are true, the statement that journal editors are unlikely to choose pilot studies for publication is false. In fact, many journals explicitly encourage the submission of pilot studies as a means of promoting transparency and rigor in the research process.

Question 7

What is the main reason that many research reports lack information about the aspects of the study that are important for evaluating the study's quality?&#10;A) Journal editors strike out some boring details from research reports.&#10;B) Publishers limit the length of research reports submitted for publication.&#10;C) The authors of research reports often forget some minute details of their study.&#10;D) The authors of research reports conceal some important details out of embarrassment.

Accepted Answer

Publishers often limit the length of research reports submitted for publication, leading authors to exclude some important aspects of their study in order to fit within the word count. This can result in a lack of information about key factors that are important for evaluating the study's quality.

Question 8

All of the following statements are true, EXCEPT:&#10;A) High-quality journals generally publish high-quality articles.&#10;B) Empirical research that is based on theoretical footing is valued more highly.&#10;C) A high-quality empirical study can provide proof of a theory.&#10;D) Details about the study's sampling and measures of key variables are important for evaluating its quality.

Accepted Answer

Empirical studies can provide strong evidence for or against a theory, but they do not offer absolute proof due to the inherent limitations and variability in research methods and interpretations.

Deck 1: Background for Evaluating Research Reports