Free NCC Research and Program Evaluation Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When you see the letter P in relation to a test of significance, it means
- Probability (Correct answer)
- Possibility
- Positive
- Psychoanalysis
Correct answer: Probability
Most researchers use a P value of .05 as a cutoff for significance. If it is less than .05, the null hypothesis is rejected and it is concluded significance does not exist.
Question 2: An operational definition:
- is deductive logic
- can be measured on a Likert Scale
- outlines a procedure (Correct answer)
- describes the purpose of an experiment
Correct answer: outlines a procedure
An operational definition is a detailed, clear, and concise definition of a measure used when data is being collected. If more than one researcher is setting out to measure the same conditions, they should be able to independently do so. In the case of measuring anxiety in college seniors, a researcher chooses to give the participants a 15 item questionnaire. The researcher's operational definition of anxiety for this study is the participant's score on the questionnaire.
Question 3: Which of the following are not included as a concept in deductive reasoning?
- Minor premise
- Obvious conclusion
- Medium premise (Correct answer)
- Major premise
Correct answer: Medium premise
Aristotle discussed the use of a major premise, a related minor premise and an obvious conclusion as a part of deductive reasoning.
Question 4: Using deductive reasoning to gain knowledge has been called:
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
- Syllogism (Correct answer)
- Cross section research
Correct answer: Syllogism
Knowledge can be gained about a particular relationship by following downward from general to specific. For instance: In general, people with depression are sad. Sally is sad. Sally has depression.
Question 5: Joannie is a part of a research experiment monitoring energy level and depression. She becomes pregnant and tells you that she has been very fatigued. Her tiredness is:
- A dependent variable
- An intervening variable (Correct answer)
- A correlate
- All of the above
Correct answer: An intervening variable
Intervening variables are variables that may alter the outcome of a research experiment. They are difficult to control for. Other examples include motivation and boredom.
Question 6: A(n) _______ is a form of descriptive research and requires a return rate of 50-57% to be accurate.
- Case study
- Observation
- Survey (Correct answer)
- Analysis
Correct answer: Survey
There are three basic types of descriptive research: survey, observation, and case study. Conclusions from descriptive research cannot be drawn, thus, no causal relationships can be determined. The survey requires 50-57% to be returned in order to be accurate.
Question 7: Most ethical dilemmas are related to:
- family members
- confidentiality (Correct answer)
- money
- mental illness
Correct answer: confidentiality
An ethical dilemma occurs when a counselor feels pulled in two different directions. In surveys of practitioners, confidentiality is one of the top dilemmas reported.
Question 8: One of your clients who is a minor comes into your office with visible bruising and you suspect abuse. You should:
- Call the child abuse hotline to report the incident. (Correct answer)
- Tell his parents to stop abusing him.
- Try to prove it.
- Ask lots of questions to lead your client to confide the abuse to you.
Correct answer: Call the child abuse hotline to report the incident.
It is very important for counselors to follow through with reporting abuse, especially since they are mandated reporters. This is one of the instances when breaking confidentiality is warranted. It is not the counselor's job to get more information from the client in order to try to prove abuse occurred. If a counselor has the suspicion that abuse occurred, they need to report. In some instances, counselors do choose to let the parent know a report had to be made, but that is not required.
Question 9: The most valuable type of research is the:
- correlational study
- experiment (Correct answer)
- survey
- descriptive narrative
Correct answer: experiment
The experiment is the most powerful research method because it is the only design that examines a single factor's effect on a particular behavior. Therefore, it is the only method where a direct cause and effect relationship can be established. While correlational studies can show if 2 variables are related and how strong the relationship is, it is important to remember correlation does not equal causation.
Question 10: A man comes to you and has been through a series of traumatic events. You have no training or experience in helping clients overcome trauma. Ethically, you should:
- continue meeting with him and 'learn as you go'.
- tell him you can't help him.
- refer the client to a therapist who has the proper qualifications. (Correct answer)
- ask him to tell you all the details.
Correct answer: refer the client to a therapist who has the proper qualifications.
Helping clients work through trauma requires specialized training. If the client is presenting with trauma and it is out of the realm of the counselor's ability to handle, the client should be referred to a qualified professional.
Question 11: Which test measures key personality factors?
- WISC
- WAIS
- MBTI
- 16PF (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 16PF
The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) is a self-report personality test developed using several decades worth of empirical research. Cattell and his associates set to measure the following personality factors: warmth, intellect, emotional stability, aggressiveness, liveliness, dutifulness, social assertiveness, sensitivity, paranoia, abstractedness, introversion, anxiety, open mindedness, independence, perfectionism, tension. The Myers Briggs Type Inventory is a self-report personality inventory which indicates how people perceive the world and make decisions. The WISC and the WAIS are tests designed to measure cognitive intelligence.
Free NCC Research and Program Evaluation Question and Answers
When you see the letter P in relation to a test of significance, it means