Question 1

Peggy is planning to conduct a study in a small rural school. She recognizes it is important to include the setting information in her study. Where should Peggy place this information?
A) Introduction
B) Method
C) Data Analysis
D) Discussion

Accepted Answer

The setting information should be included in the Method section of the study, as it is relevant to understanding the context in which the research was conducted. This includes information about the location, demographics of the population, and any other relevant details about the setting that may impact the study results. Including this information in the Method section makes it clear to readers how the study was conducted and how the setting may have influenced the results.

Question 2

Matt studies the role of instructions in how much intermediate grade level students learn from things that they have read. In his work it is critical that the texts he uses are hard enough for the readers so that they cannot easily remember everything but easy enough so that they can read them independently. Which of the following is the best strategy for Matt to use to assure that his materials are working well?
A) Use the readability checker on his computer to make sure the materials are the right grade level.
B) Do post-hoc analyses to assure that the internal consistency of the instruments was sound.
C) Conduct a pilot study with a sample of participants from the same population as his study.
D) Consult with fourth grade teachers to get feedback as to their perceptions of the materials.

Accepted Answer

Conducting a pilot study with a sample of participants from the same population as his study will give Matt the opportunity to test the materials and get feedback from the participants about their comprehension and ability to read independently. This will help him make any necessary adjustments to the materials before the actual study begins. Using a readability checker on his computer (A) may not take into account the nuances of the text or the readers, and post-hoc analyses (B) are not a substitute for testing the materials beforehand. Consulting with fourth grade teachers (D) may be helpful, but it may not give Matt the direct feedback he needs from the actual readers.

Question 3

In the review of the literature for a research plan, qualitative researchers are likely to
A) identify assumptions and theories that underlie research questions.
B) write their hypotheses prior to reviewing the literature.
C) identify the important variables to be studied.
D) not include any review of literature.

Accepted Answer

In the review of literature for a research plan, qualitative researchers are likely to identify assumptions and theories that underlie research questions. This helps in understanding the context of the study and how it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Qualitative research is generally exploratory and aims to understand a phenomenon from the perspective of those involved, so identifying underlying assumptions and theories is crucial. The other options, B, C, and D, are less relevant in the context of a literature review for qualitative research.

Question 4

Generally, as part of the research plan qualitative but not quantitative researchers include the
A) design to be used in the study.
B) means for data analysis.
C) prior fieldwork.
D) description of the sample.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers often include prior fieldwork in their research plan as it allows them to gain insight into the study population and develop a deeper understanding of the research topic. While the other options may also be included in a research plan, they are not specific to qualitative research and could be included in plans for both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Question 5

The data analysis strategies subsection in a qualitative research plan typically includes
A) the procedures for storing the data.
B) the procedures to collate and categorize the data.
C) the interview or survey questions.
D) the procedures to ensure validity and reliability.

Accepted Answer

The data analysis strategies in a qualitative research plan typically includes procedures for collating and categorizing the data, which involves organizing the data into themes or categories to identify patterns and relationships within the data. Storing the data and ensuring validity and reliability are important but are typically addressed elsewhere in the research plan. Interview or survey questions are part of the data collection methods, not the data analysis strategies.

Question 6

In which of the following quantitative research plan sections is the description of the research participants generally presented?
A) Introduction
B) Method
C) Data analysis
D) Appendix

Accepted Answer

The section in which the description of the research participants is generally presented is the Method section, which outlines the procedures used in selecting and recruiting participants, as well as the criteria used in determining eligibility. This section also includes information on the sample size, demographic characteristics, and other relevant details about the study population.

Question 7

George is preparing for a study that examines the role of community service in students' character development. As part of his study he will be using a survey regarding community service activities students' may engage in. In which section of his research plan will he describe the survey?
A) Introduction
B) Method
C) Data Analysis
D) Appendix

Accepted Answer

The survey is a method that George will use to collect data for his study. Therefore, he will describe the survey in the Method section of his research plan. The Introduction section provides the background and rationale for the study, the Data Analysis section describes how he will analyze the data collected, and the Appendix includes any supplementary materials such as the survey instrument.

Question 8

Where in the method section of a research plan should a researcher place any assumptions and limitations of a study?
A) Participants
B) Materials
C) Procedure
D) Design

Accepted Answer

The answer of Where in the method section of a...

Question 9

Jessica is proposing a grounded theory study of Professional Development Schools as her dissertation. She provides a research plan to her committee members. Of the following, which is likely true of her research plan?
A) Her plan includes stated hypothesis.
B) Her plan includes operational definitions for variables of interest.
C) Her plan is flexible to meet the needs of the context and setting.
D) Her plan includes a description of the statistics that will be conducted.

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory research is used to develop theories through the analysis of data. It is an iterative process that does not start with a hypothesis, but instead emerges from the data. Therefore, it is unlikely that Jessica's research plan includes stated hypotheses. However, operational definitions for variables of interest are likely necessary, as grounded theory studies are still focused on identifying relationships between concepts. Additionally, grounded theory research is typically flexible to meet the needs of the context and setting. A description of the statistics to be conducted is not necessarily relevant, as grounded theory research is focused on developing theories, rather than testing them.

Question 10

The following are purposes your text provides for research plans, EXCEPT
A) It helps the researcher anticipate problems.
B) It helps you to think through all aspects of the study.
C) It provides an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback.
D) It is often required to gain entry into research sites.

Accepted Answer

The text provides all the other purposes of research plans except that it is often required to gain entry into research sites.

Question 11

Often researchers field-test their instruments and research plan procedures prior to conducting research. This strategy is referred to as a(n)
A) a priori testing.
B) reliability test.
C) validity test.
D) pilot test.

Accepted Answer

conducting a pilot test, also known as a pilot study, helps researchers refine their instruments and procedures before conducting the actual research study. This allows for any necessary changes to be made before beginning data collection, which can improve the reliability and validity of the study.

Question 12

Which of the following components is a qualitative research plan most likely to include?
A) A description of the hypothesis
B) A discussion of the representativeness of sample
C) A section that demonstrates relevance of the study
D) A presentation of the initial findings

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research plans often emphasize the relevance of the study to the field or to the specific research question being addressed, rather than focusing on hypotheses, representativeness of samples, or initial findings, which are more characteristic of quantitative research.

Question 13

One difference between quantitative and qualitative research plans is that
A) qualitative plans are developed earlier in the research process.
B) qualitative plans are flexible throughout the research process.
C) qualitative plans state the hypothesis and a means to test the hypothesis.
D) qualitative studies do not rely on research plans.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research plans typically involve specifying a hypothesis and a means for testing the hypothesis, whereas qualitative research plans often involve more flexibility and openness to discovery. Qualitative plans may also be developed earlier in the research process, as they may involve exploring a topic or phenomenon before developing a specific hypothesis or research question. However, not all qualitative studies may rely on a formal research plan, so option D is incorrect.

Question 14

A research plan includes all of the following EXCEPT
A) the interpretation of the findings.
B) the nature of the participants.
C) the instruments used to collect the data.
D) the techniques to analyze the data.

Accepted Answer

A research plan typically includes the nature of the participants, the instruments used to collect the data, and the techniques to analyze the data. However, the interpretation of the findings is typically included in the research report or article, rather than the research plan itself.

Question 15

Nate has proposed to do a motivation study that includes three self-report measures of motivation for his dissertation. His committee told him he must include reliability and validity information about the scales he is using within his research plan. Where should he place this information?
A) Introduction
B) Method
C) Data Analysis
D) Discussion

Accepted Answer

The reliability and validity information about the self-report measures should be included in the Method section of Nate's research plan. This is because this section is where he will describe the procedures he will use to collect and analyze his data, including the measures he will be using. It is important to include this information so that readers can understand the quality and accuracy of the data collected.

Question 16

Sophie is preparing a qualitative research plan for her study that explores the stories of young cancer survivors. The primary data collection strategy in Sophie's study most likely includes
A) interviews.
B) questionnaires.
C) medical tests.
D) surveys.

Accepted Answer

Sophie is exploring the stories of young cancer survivors which is a qualitative research approach. In qualitative research, interviews are the most commonly used data collection strategy to gather detailed information about individuals' experiences, perspectives, and feelings. Questionnaires and surveys collect more general information, and medical tests are not relevant to exploring stories and experiences.

Question 17

Lance is studying self-esteem of low achieving children. He needs to include an operational definition of self-esteem. In what section would this information be included in his research plan?
A) Research procedures
B) Instruments
C) Method
D) Statement of the hypothesis

Accepted Answer

The answer of Lance is studying self-esteem of low achieving...

Question 18

In which of the following qualitative research plan sections is the sample consent form generally presented?
A) Data collection
B) Site and sample selection
C) Data analysis
D) Appendixes

Accepted Answer

The sample consent form is typically considered an appendix to the research plan and not a part of the main body, so it would be presented in the Appendixes section.

Question 19

Gary has developed a research plan that involves collecting problem-solving ability of preschool children. In which portion of the methods section will Gary include how he gained entry into the research site?
A) Participants
B) Materials
C) Procedure
D) Design

Accepted Answer

Entry into the research site is part of the procedure section, which outlines the steps taken to conduct the study.

Question 20

Farhat is interested in the reading practices of Turkish families. He needs to prepare a research plan for the Ministry of Education to be able to conduct the study. Which of the following is NOT likely part of his shared plan?
A) A description of his instrumentation for the study
B) A time schedule for how the study will progress
C) A discussion of his sampling procedure
D) An analysis of the data he has collected

Accepted Answer

All other parts of the research plan are essential for conducting the study, but the analysis of the data collected cannot be part of the shared plan as it comes after the data collection is complete.

Quiz 4: Preparing and Evaluating a Research Plan

Peggy is planning to conduct a study in a small rural school. She recognizes it is important to include the setting information in her study. Where should Peggy place this information?

In the review of the literature for a research plan, qualitative researchers are likely to

Generally, as part of the research plan qualitative but not quantitative researchers include the

The data analysis strategies subsection in a qualitative research plan typically includes

In which of the following quantitative research plan sections is the description of the research participants generally presented?

George is preparing for a study that examines the role of community service in students' character development. As part of his study he will be using a survey regarding community service activities students' may engage in. In which section of his research plan will he describe the survey?

Where in the method section of a research plan should a researcher place any assumptions and limitations of a study?

Jessica is proposing a grounded theory study of Professional Development Schools as her dissertation. She provides a research plan to her committee members. Of the following, which is likely true of her research plan?

The following are purposes your text provides for research plans, EXCEPT

Often researchers field-test their instruments and research plan procedures prior to conducting research. This strategy is referred to as a(n)

Which of the following components is a qualitative research plan most likely to include?

One difference between quantitative and qualitative research plans is that

A research plan includes all of the following EXCEPT

Nate has proposed to do a motivation study that includes three self-report measures of motivation for his dissertation. His committee told him he must include reliability and validity information about the scales he is using within his research plan. Where should he place this information?

Sophie is preparing a qualitative research plan for her study that explores the stories of young cancer survivors. The primary data collection strategy in Sophie's study most likely includes

Lance is studying self-esteem of low achieving children. He needs to include an operational definition of self-esteem. In what section would this information be included in his research plan?

In which of the following qualitative research plan sections is the sample consent form generally presented?

Gary has developed a research plan that involves collecting problem-solving ability of preschool children. In which portion of the methods section will Gary include how he gained entry into the research site?

Farhat is interested in the reading practices of Turkish families. He needs to prepare a research plan for the Ministry of Education to be able to conduct the study. Which of the following is NOT likely part of his shared plan?