MLS Research Methods and Data Literacy 2

Question 1

Which bibliometric law describes the relationship between the frequency of authors' publications and the number of authors producing that output?

Accepted Answer

Lotka's Law

Answer

Lotka's Law states that the number of authors making n contributions is approximately 1/n² of those making one contribution.

Question 2

In a library assessment survey, a Likert scale item asking 'The library staff is helpful' followed immediately by 'The library staff is knowledgeable' is an example of what measurement issue?

Accepted Answer

Halo effect / order effect

Answer

Placing similar positive items together can cause respondents' rating of the first item to color their rating of the second, known as halo or order effect.

Question 3

What is the key difference between a systematic review and a traditional literature review?

Accepted Answer

Systematic reviews follow explicit, reproducible protocols to minimize bias

Answer

A systematic review uses a predefined, transparent protocol—including explicit search strategies and inclusion/exclusion criteria—to reduce selection bias.

Question 4

A library director wants to assess whether a new instruction program improved student research skills using pre- and post-tests with the same group. Which design does this represent?

Accepted Answer

One-group pretest-posttest design

Answer

A one-group pretest-posttest design measures the same participants before and after an intervention but lacks a control group for comparison.

Question 5

In data management planning, what does a 'data dictionary' typically document?

Accepted Answer

The definition, format, and allowable values of each variable in a dataset

Answer

A data dictionary provides metadata about each variable—its name, data type, allowed values, and description—to ensure consistent interpretation.

MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Practice Test

MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Practice Test

MLS Research Methods and Data Literacy 2