TMU Research Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which search strategy uses an asterisk (*) to find multiple word endings from a root word?
- Phrase searching
- Truncation (Correct answer)
- Boolean filtering
- Subject heading browsing
Correct answer: Truncation
Truncation uses a wildcard symbol (usually *) at the end of a root word to retrieve all variations, e.g., 'psycholog*' finds psychology, psychological, psychologist.
Question 2: What is the purpose of an annotated bibliography?
- To list sources alphabetically without commentary
- To provide a brief summary and evaluation of each source (Correct answer)
- To cite only sources directly quoted in your paper
- To replace the works cited page
Correct answer: To provide a brief summary and evaluation of each source
An annotated bibliography includes a citation followed by a short description and evaluation of each source's relevance and credibility.
Question 3: In research, what is 'confirmation bias'?
- Using too many sources to confirm a thesis
- Favoring evidence that confirms pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence (Correct answer)
- Citing sources that have been peer-confirmed
- Selecting only government-approved sources
Correct answer: Favoring evidence that confirms pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence
Confirmation bias leads researchers to unconsciously seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms their existing views.
Question 4: Which part of a scholarly article should you read first to quickly assess its relevance?
- Conclusion
- References
- Abstract (Correct answer)
- Methodology
Correct answer: Abstract
The abstract provides a concise summary of the article's purpose, methods, findings, and conclusions, making it the most efficient first read.
Question 5: What distinguishes quantitative research from qualitative research?
- Quantitative uses interviews; qualitative uses surveys
- Quantitative collects numerical data; qualitative explores meanings and experiences (Correct answer)
- Quantitative is always more reliable
- Qualitative research cannot be published
Correct answer: Quantitative collects numerical data; qualitative explores meanings and experiences
Quantitative research measures variables numerically and applies statistical analysis, while qualitative research explores themes, meanings, and lived experiences.
Question 6: TMU library's OneSearch tool is primarily used for:
- Booking study rooms
- Searching across multiple library databases simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Accessing course syllabi
- Submitting assignments online
Correct answer: Searching across multiple library databases simultaneously
OneSearch is a discovery tool that searches TMU's library collections, databases, and resources in a single query.
Question 7: Which element is NOT typically included in an APA 7th edition reference for a journal article?
- Author's last name and initials
- Publication year
- Publisher's city of location (Correct answer)
- Article title
Correct answer: Publisher's city of location
APA 7th edition dropped the requirement to include the publisher's city for journal articles, unlike book references which may still include it.
TMU Research Skills 3
Which search strategy uses an asterisk (*) to find multiple word endings from a root word?