BS Research Methods and Statistics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
- Qualitative data describes categories; quantitative data uses numbers (Correct answer)
- Qualitative data uses numbers; quantitative data describes categories
- Both types use numerical measurements
- Both types rely on descriptive observations
Correct answer: Qualitative data describes categories; quantitative data uses numbers
Qualitative data involves non-numerical descriptions such as color or opinion, while quantitative data is expressed in measurable numerical values.
Question 2: Which sampling method ensures every member of a population has an equal chance of selection?
- Simple random sampling (Correct answer)
- Convenience sampling
- Purposive sampling
- Quota sampling
Correct answer: Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling gives every individual in the population an equal probability of being selected for the study.
Question 3: What is a double-blind study?
- Neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the treatment group (Correct answer)
- Only participants do not know their group assignment
- Only researchers do not know group assignments
- Both groups receive the same treatment
Correct answer: Neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the treatment group
In a double-blind study, both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments, minimizing bias.
Question 4: What does the term 'replication' mean in scientific research?
- Repeating an experiment to verify results (Correct answer)
- Copying data from another study
- Duplicating a sample within the same trial
- Increasing the sample size mid-study
Correct answer: Repeating an experiment to verify results
Replication involves repeating experiments to confirm that results are reliable and not due to chance or error.
Question 5: Which statistical test is commonly used to compare the means of two independent groups?
- Independent samples t-test (Correct answer)
- Chi-square test
- ANOVA
- Pearson correlation
Correct answer: Independent samples t-test
The independent samples t-test compares the means of two unrelated groups to determine if they differ significantly.
Question 6: What is an operational definition in research?
- A precise description of how a variable will be measured (Correct answer)
- The hypothesis restated in simple terms
- The procedure for selecting participants
- A summary of prior research findings
Correct answer: A precise description of how a variable will be measured
An operational definition specifies exactly how a variable will be observed, measured, or manipulated in a study.
BS Research Methods and Statistics 2
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?