Communication Skills Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

A researcher wants to determine whether a new public speaking training program causes measurable improvement. Which study design best establishes causation?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

Randomized controlled trials with random assignment to treatment and control groups are the gold standard for establishing causal relationships.

Question 2

When evaluating a source for a communication research paper, which criterion is most closely associated with the 'CRAAP' test?

Accepted Answer

Currency

Answer

The CRAAP test evaluates Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose — with Currency referring to how recent the information is.

Question 3

A communication scholar finds a p-value of 0.03 in their study. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a 3% chance the results occurred by chance under the null hypothesis

Answer

A p-value of 0.03 means there is a 3% probability of obtaining results at least as extreme as observed if the null hypothesis were true.

Question 4

Which ethical principle requires researchers to ensure participants fully understand what a study involves before they agree to take part?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Informed consent requires that participants receive complete, understandable information about the study and voluntarily agree to participate.

Question 5

In communication research, triangulation refers to:

Accepted Answer

Combining multiple data sources or methods to strengthen findings

Answer

Triangulation increases the validity and credibility of research findings by cross-checking results across multiple methods, sources, or researchers.

Communication Skills Practice Test

Communication Skills Practice Test

Communication Skills Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2