Question 1

A theory differs from a hypothesis in that it is more
A)testable.
B)specific.
C)general.
D)concrete.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a suggested explanation for a phenomenon, which is based on limited evidence and needs further testing. A theory, on the other hand, is a well-established and extensively supported explanation that can encompass a wide range of related phenomena. Therefore, a theory is more general than a hypothesis.

Question 2

In time,the ____ variable precedes the ____ variable.
A)hypothetical;theoretical
B)discrete;continuous
C)independent;dependent
D)dependent;independent

Accepted Answer

In any experiment, the independent variable is manipulated or changed deliberately, and it is this variable that causes or influences the dependent variable. Therefore, the independent variable always precedes the dependent variable in time.

Question 3

If people who eat at fast food restaurants become obese,obesity is
A)an independent variable.
B)a causal variable.
C)a dependent variable.
D)none of these.

Accepted Answer

Obesity is a dependent variable because it is the outcome that may be influenced by eating at fast food restaurants.

Question 4

As we move down the right-hand side of the "Great Wheel of Science" we become more
A)general.
B)abstract.
C)dependent.
D)specific.

Accepted Answer

Moving down the right-hand side of the Great Wheel of Science means moving from general concepts to more specific ones. Therefore, the best choice is D, which represents increasing levels of specificity.

Question 5

In terms of the Wheel of Science,a hypothesis is derived from ____ and leads to ____.
A)statistics;observation
B)theory;generalizations
C)observation;generalizations
D)theory;observation

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction for a phenomenon based on observations. Thus, it is derived from observation and leads to further observation or testing to support or refute the hypothesis, which is a key component of the empirical testing in the scientific method. A theory, on the other hand, is a broader and more complex explanation or framework that synthesizes multiple hypotheses and empirical evidence. Therefore, a hypothesis is more closely linked to observation than to theory, and usually precedes the development of a theory.

Question 6

In the research process,the role of statistics is limited because
A)numbers don't prove anything.
B)of possible flaws in research design or method.
C)the researcher may not be a mathematician.
D)people lie when answering questionnaires.

Accepted Answer

While statistics play an important role in analyzing and presenting data, they are limited by possible flaws in the research design or method. It is important for researchers to carefully consider their methodology and potential sources of bias before relying solely on statistical analysis.

Question 7

If people who habitually drive over the speed limit have more fatal accidents,then speed is
A)an independent variable.
B)the dependent variable.
C)an effect or result variable.
D)none of these.

Accepted Answer

Speed is the independent variable because it is the factor that is being manipulated or considered to see its effect on the number of fatal accidents, which would be the dependent variable.

Question 8

In the research process,theory
A)is unnecessary.
B)is always fully developed before any data is gathered.
C)is developed only after the data have been completely analyzed.
D)attempts to explain the relationship between phenomenon.

Accepted Answer

Theory attempts to explain the relationship between phenomena. It is developed based on observations and data, but it is not fully formed until after data has been gathered and analyzed.

Question 9

A hypothesis states,in part,that "income increases as education increases." In this statement,education is
A)the dependent variable.
B)the independent variable.
C)the hypothetical variable.
D)the secondary variable.

Accepted Answer

In this statement, income is the dependent variable that is presumed to be influenced by the independent variable, which is education. Therefore, education is the independent variable.

Question 10

In social research,the purpose of statistics is to
A)prove that the research theory is correct.
B)validate the research project design.
C)manipulate and analyze data.
D)ensure acceptance by the scientific community.

Accepted Answer

The purpose of statistics in social research is to manipulate and analyze data in order to draw meaningful conclusions and make predictions about the population being studied. It is not designed to prove theories, validate project designs, or ensure acceptance by the scientific community.

Question 11

In terms of the "Great Wheel of Science",statistics are central to the research process
A)only between the theory phase and the hypothesis phase.
B)only between the hypothesis phase and the observation phase.
C)only between the observation phase and the empirical generalization phase.
D)only between the empirical generalization phase and the theory phase.

Accepted Answer

During the observation phase, researchers collect data, but it is essential to analyze and make sense of this data. Statistics help researchers interpret the data and draw conclusions about the phenomena under study. The empirical generalization phase involves using statistical methods to test hypotheses and draw general conclusions from the data. Therefore, statistics are central only between the observation phase and the empirical generalization phase of the research process.

Question 12

"Ninety percent of dorm residents approved a proposed ban on smoking." This statement is an example of the use of
A)inferential statistics.
B)univariate descriptive statistics.
C)multivariate descriptive statistics.
D)inductive statistics.

Accepted Answer

The statement provides a simple summary about a single variable (the percentage of dorm residents who approved a ban on smoking), which is characteristic of univariate descriptive statistics. It describes a single characteristic of a data set without making inferences or predictions.

Question 13

An hypothesis differs from a theory in that
A)it is "testable."
B)it is true.
C)it is more speculative.
D)it is more abstract.

Accepted Answer

An hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation or phenomenon that is testable through experimentation or further observation. A theory, on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation for a range of phenomena based on empirical observations and supported by multiple lines of evidence. Theories are generally considered more substantial and comprehensive than hypotheses.

Question 14

As we move up the left-hand side of the "Great Wheel of Science" we become more
A)specific.
B)general.
C)empirical.
D)quantitative.

Accepted Answer

As we move up the left-hand side of the "Great Wheel of Science," we move from specific observations to general theories or principles.

Question 15

An hypothesis states,in part,that "income increases as education increases." In this statement,income is
A)the dependent variable.
B)the independent variable.
C)the hypothetical variable.
D)the secondary variable.

Accepted Answer

In this hypothesis, income is the variable that is believed to be affected by changes in education, so it is the dependent variable. Education is the independent variable, as it is believed to cause changes in income. The term "hypothetical variable" is not commonly used in research methods, and "secondary variable" is not a standard term.

Question 16

Without statistics,____ research would be impossible.
A)meaningful
B)important
C)qualitative
D)quantitative

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data, which can only be accurately analyzed and interpreted through the use of statistics. Without statistics, it would be difficult to draw valid conclusions or make informed decisions based on the data.

Question 17

Data is the same thing as
A)information collected in numerical form.
B)information collected in any form.
C)statistics.
D)proof.

Accepted Answer

Data specifically refers to information collected in numerical form. Information collected in any other form would not be considered data. Statistics is a field that involves the analysis and interpretation of data, but is not equivalent to data itself. Proof refers to evidence or logical reasoning used to support a claim, and is not necessarily related to data.

Question 18

The data reduction process of descriptive statistics
A)allows a few meaningful numbers to summarize a large amount of datA.
B)eliminates incorrect data.
C)simply lists all available information in order.
D)is rarely useD.

Accepted Answer

The data reduction process of descriptive statistics involves summarizing a large amount of data into a few meaningful numbers, such as measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) or measures of variability (range, standard deviation) to give an overview of the data. This allows for easier interpretation and understanding of the data. Option B is incorrect, as data reduction does not involve eliminating incorrect data, as that would be part of data cleaning or data preprocessing. Option C is incorrect, as data reduction involves summarizing the information, not simply listing it. Option D is also incorrect, as data reduction is commonly used in data analysis and research.

Question 19

According to the "Wheel of Science," research projects begin
A)with theory.
B)with data.
C)with an hypothesis.
D)at any stage on the Wheel.

Accepted Answer

Research projects can begin at any stage on the "Wheel of Science," depending on the specific research question and available resources. Some may begin with a theory or hypothesis, while others may start with data collection or analysis. Therefore, the best answer is D.

Question 20

In the language of science,a variable that is thought to be causal is called
A)an independent variable.
B)a hypothetical variable.
C)a primary variable.
D)a dependent variable.

Accepted Answer

An independent variable is the one that is manipulated by the researcher and is thought to have a causal effect on the dependent variable. It is often the focus of the study, and its effect on the dependent variable is what the researcher is interested in discovering.

Quiz 1: Introduction

A theory differs from a hypothesis in that it is more

In time,the variable precedes the variable.

If people who eat at fast food restaurants become obese,obesity is

As we move down the right-hand side of the "Great Wheel of Science" we become more

In terms of the Wheel of Science,a hypothesis is derived from and leads to .

In the research process,the role of statistics is limited because

If people who habitually drive over the speed limit have more fatal accidents,then speed is

In the research process,theory

A hypothesis states,in part,that "income increases as education increases." In this statement,education is

In social research,the purpose of statistics is to

In terms of the "Great Wheel of Science",statistics are central to the research process

"Ninety percent of dorm residents approved a proposed ban on smoking." This statement is an example of the use of

An hypothesis differs from a theory in that

As we move up the left-hand side of the "Great Wheel of Science" we become more

An hypothesis states,in part,that "income increases as education increases." In this statement,income is

Without statistics,____ research would be impossible.

Data is the same thing as

The data reduction process of descriptive statistics

According to the "Wheel of Science," research projects begin

In the language of science,a variable that is thought to be causal is called