Swift Research & Evidence-Based Practice 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Effect size in research is important because it indicates:
- Whether the null hypothesis should be rejected
- The practical magnitude of an observed difference or relationship (Correct answer)
- The probability the study can be replicated
- How large the sample was
Correct answer: The practical magnitude of an observed difference or relationship
Effect size quantifies the practical or clinical significance of findings, separate from statistical significance, by showing how large the difference or association is.
Question 2: A researcher conducting a grounded theory study collects data until no new themes emerge. This is called:
- Purposive sampling
- Theoretical saturation (Correct answer)
- Triangulation
- Negative case analysis
Correct answer: Theoretical saturation
Theoretical saturation occurs when continued data collection yields no new categories or insights, signaling sufficient data for theory development.
Question 3: Which research design is BEST suited to establish cause-and-effect relationships?
- Cross-sectional survey
- Case study
- Randomized controlled trial (Correct answer)
- Focus group
Correct answer: Randomized controlled trial
RCTs use random assignment to control groups, allowing researchers to attribute changes in outcomes directly to the intervention rather than confounding variables.
Question 4: Triangulation in qualitative research refers to:
- Using three equal-sized focus groups
- Using multiple data sources or methods to enhance trustworthiness (Correct answer)
- Applying three coding frameworks simultaneously
- Comparing three studies in a literature review
Correct answer: Using multiple data sources or methods to enhance trustworthiness
Triangulation increases credibility by cross-verifying findings through multiple data sources, methods, investigators, or theoretical perspectives.
Question 5: A social work researcher finds that wealthier neighborhoods have more mental health clinics AND lower rates of depression. What is the most appropriate conclusion?
- Wealth causes lower depression
- More clinics cause lower depression
- There is a correlation, but causation cannot be established (Correct answer)
- Depression causes people to seek wealthier neighborhoods
Correct answer: There is a correlation, but causation cannot be established
Correlational data cannot establish causation; observed associations may be due to confounding variables or reverse causality.
Question 6: In program evaluation, 'formative evaluation' is conducted:
- After the program ends to assess outcomes
- During program implementation to improve the program (Correct answer)
- Before the program launches to establish need
- By external evaluators only
Correct answer: During program implementation to improve the program
Formative evaluation occurs during program implementation, providing feedback to program staff so they can make real-time improvements.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a literature review in a research study?
- To replace the need for data collection
- To synthesize existing knowledge and identify gaps the study will address (Correct answer)
- To prove the researcher's hypothesis before data collection
- To list all studies ever published on the topic
Correct answer: To synthesize existing knowledge and identify gaps the study will address
A literature review contextualizes the study within existing knowledge, identifies gaps, and justifies why the research question is important.
Swift Research & Evidence-Based Practice 4
Effect size in research is important because it indicates: