CDA Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experimental research design?
- To provide a baseline comparison unaffected by the experimental treatment (Correct answer)
- To increase the total sample size of the study
- To represent the most common demographic in the population
- To document researcher observations without bias
Correct answer: To provide a baseline comparison unaffected by the experimental treatment
A control group receives no treatment or intervention, providing a baseline against which to measure the effect of the experimental variable.
Question 2: Which sampling method ensures every individual in a target population has an equal and independent chance of being selected?
- Convenience sampling
- Purposive sampling
- Simple random sampling (Correct answer)
- Snowball sampling
Correct answer: Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling assigns an equal probability of selection to every member of the population, minimizing selection bias.
Question 3: In research methodology, what does the term 'validity' refer to?
- The consistency of results across repeated measurements
- The degree to which a tool measures what it is intended to measure (Correct answer)
- The generalizability of findings to other populations
- The statistical significance of the study's results
Correct answer: The degree to which a tool measures what it is intended to measure
Validity refers to how accurately an instrument or method measures the specific concept it is designed to assess.
Question 4: What is triangulation in qualitative research?
- Using three equal-sized participant groups
- Applying geometric models to data visualization
- Using multiple data sources or methods to strengthen findings (Correct answer)
- Conducting research in three sequential phases
Correct answer: Using multiple data sources or methods to strengthen findings
Triangulation involves cross-verifying findings using multiple methods, sources, or investigators to improve credibility and reduce bias.
Question 5: Which research design is most appropriate when trying to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables?
- Descriptive survey design
- Randomized controlled experiment (Correct answer)
- Phenomenological study
- Cross-sectional observational study
Correct answer: Randomized controlled experiment
A randomized controlled experiment (RCT) is the gold standard for establishing causality because random assignment controls for confounding variables.
Question 6: What is the main purpose of conducting a pilot study before a full-scale research project?
- To publish preliminary findings for peer review
- To recruit the final participant sample
- To test and refine procedures, instruments, and feasibility (Correct answer)
- To secure additional funding for the main study
Correct answer: To test and refine procedures, instruments, and feasibility
A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary investigation that identifies procedural problems and allows refinement before committing to a full study.
Question 7: In research, what does 'operationalization' of a variable mean?
- Applying research findings to real-world practice settings
- Defining a variable in measurable, observable terms (Correct answer)
- Removing variables that reduce statistical significance
- Converting qualitative data into numerical scores
Correct answer: Defining a variable in measurable, observable terms
Operationalization specifies exactly how an abstract concept will be measured or manipulated in a study, making it observable and quantifiable.
CDA Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2
What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experimental research design?