CRA Quantitative & Qualitative Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a chi-square test of independence, the null hypothesis states that:
- The two variables are normally distributed
- The two categorical variables are independent of each other (Correct answer)
- The means of two groups are equal
- The variance of two groups is equal
Correct answer: The two categorical variables are independent of each other
The chi-square test of independence tests whether two categorical variables are associated, with the null assuming no relationship between them.
Question 2: A researcher uses purposive sampling in a qualitative study. The main goal is to:
- Maximize statistical representativeness
- Randomly select participants to reduce bias
- Select information-rich cases that best address the research question (Correct answer)
- Ensure every member of the population has an equal chance of selection
Correct answer: Select information-rich cases that best address the research question
Purposive sampling deliberately selects participants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research question, prioritizing depth over representativeness.
Question 3: When a researcher uses triangulation in a mixed-methods study, the primary purpose is to:
- Reduce sample size requirements
- Increase statistical power
- Cross-validate findings from different data sources or methods (Correct answer)
- Standardize coding procedures
Correct answer: Cross-validate findings from different data sources or methods
Triangulation uses multiple methods, data sources, or researchers to cross-validate findings and enhance the credibility of conclusions.
Question 4: A Type II error in hypothesis testing occurs when the researcher:
- Rejects a true null hypothesis
- Fails to reject a false null hypothesis (Correct answer)
- Uses an incorrect significance level
- Selects the wrong statistical test
Correct answer: Fails to reject a false null hypothesis
A Type II error (beta error) occurs when a researcher fails to detect a real effect because the null hypothesis is not rejected even though it is false.
Question 5: In grounded theory, theoretical sampling means:
- Randomly selecting a sample from the theoretical population
- Selecting cases based on emerging theory to further develop and saturate categories (Correct answer)
- Using stratified random sampling guided by prior theoretical frameworks
- Limiting sampling to peer-reviewed theoretical sources
Correct answer: Selecting cases based on emerging theory to further develop and saturate categories
Theoretical sampling in grounded theory involves collecting data guided by the emerging theory, continuing until theoretical saturation is reached.
Question 6: Cronbach's alpha is a measure of:
- Test-retest reliability
- Inter-rater reliability
- Internal consistency reliability (Correct answer)
- Criterion validity
Correct answer: Internal consistency reliability
Cronbach's alpha assesses internal consistency by measuring how closely related a set of items are as a group, indicating whether they measure the same construct.
Question 7: Which characteristic distinguishes a probability sample from a non-probability sample?
- Probability samples are always larger
- Every member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of selection (Correct answer)
- Probability samples require qualitative data
- Non-probability samples are more accurate
Correct answer: Every member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of selection
In probability sampling, each population element has a known, non-zero probability of being selected, enabling generalization and statistical inference.
CRA Quantitative & Qualitative Methods 3
In a chi-square test of independence, the null hypothesis states that: