CRS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CRS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A researcher finds two studies with contradictory findings on the same topic. The best next step is to: → Examine moderating variables or methodological differences
2. What is a primary method of data collection in quantitative research? → Surveys and questionnaires
3. In Python's pandas library, which method is used to compute descriptive statistics for a DataFrame? → .describe()
4. A researcher studies burnout by interviewing 10 nurses in depth over six months. Which methodology does this best represent? → Ethnography
5. Which non-parametric test is the appropriate alternative to the independent-samples t-test? → Mann-Whitney U Test
6. In mixed-methods research, 'triangulation' refers to: → Using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings
7. A research project manager needs to compress the schedule without changing scope. Which technique involves adding resources to critical path tasks? → Crashing
8. A researcher finds r = 0.70 between study hours and exam scores. What percentage of variance in exam scores is explained by study hours? → 49%
9. Which of the following best defines data fabrication in scientific research? → Making up data, results, or findings and recording or reporting them as real
10. The standard error of the mean (SEM) decreases as: → Sample size increases
11. Which contract type places the MOST financial risk on the research buyer (client)? → Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF)
12. Which type of data storage is most appropriate for the long-term preservation of research data? → Institutional repositories or certified data archives
13. What is the role of a Sponsor in a clinical trial as defined by federal regulations? → To take responsibility for initiating, managing, and financing the trial
14. A research study measures the same participants at ages 20, 30, and 40. This is an example of: → Longitudinal design
15. The Belmont Report established which three core ethical principles for human subjects research? → Respect for persons, beneficence, and justice
16. What does 21 CFR Part 11 regulate in the context of clinical research? → Electronic records and electronic signatures
17. A manuscript that is sent back to authors with required changes before a final decision is given a: → Major revision decision
18. Which section of a grant proposal typically includes a review of existing literature and identifies gaps the project will address? → Statement of Need / Background
19. A researcher assigns odd-numbered participants to the experimental group and even-numbered participants to the control group. This is best described as: → Systematic assignment
20. A researcher wants to predict a binary outcome (pass/fail) from several continuous predictors. The most appropriate analysis is: → Logistic regression
21. What is 'discourse analysis' primarily concerned with? → Examining how language constructs social reality and power relations
22. A researcher wants to compare the mean test scores of three independent groups. The most appropriate statistical test is: → One-way ANOVA
23. A researcher uses every 10th person on a list as a sample. This is an example of: → Systematic sampling
24. Honorary (gift) authorship violates research integrity primarily because it: → Misrepresents who actually contributed to the research and undermines accountability
25. Under 21 CFR Part 50, which of the following is required before a subject can participate in a clinical trial? → Informed consent
26. A preprint server allows researchers to: → Share research manuscripts publicly before formal peer review
27. Under 42 CFR Part 93, which of the following is explicitly excluded from the definition of research misconduct? → Honest differences in the interpretation of data
28. Which term refers to the illegal copying of another author's work and presenting it as one's own in a manuscript? → Plagiarism
29. What is the primary purpose of a Data Use Agreement (DUA) in research? → To specify the permitted uses and protections governing a shared dataset
30. Which step follows data collection? → Data analysis