Experimental Research MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Experimental Research - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - All of the above

Key Points

• Applied research
  • A form of research that focuses on solving specific, real-world problems using empirical methods.
  • All the listed options fall within the scope of applied research:
    • Clinical Research – conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of medical treatments and interventions on patient outcomes.
    • Case Studies – used in education, psychology, and business to analyze real-life scenarios and apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.
    • Research and Development (R&D) – focuses on the creation or improvement of products, processes, and services in industry and technology.

Additional Information

• Clinical Research
  • Includes trials and observational studies that test the safety and efficacy of new drugs, medical devices, and procedures.
  • Regulated by ethics committees and often part of applied health research.
• Case Studies
  • Provide context-specific insights and are valuable in evaluating interventions and decision-making processes.
  • Widely used in applied social sciences, business studies, and education.
• Research and Development (R&D)
  • Plays a central role in innovation and technology.
  • Used in industries like pharmaceuticals, automotive, IT, and defense to develop market-ready products.
  • Governments often fund R&D for national growth and applied solutions to public needs.

The correct answer is - Religious institutions

Key Points

• Applied research is typically conducted in the following domains:
  • Industry: To improve production processes, develop new products, or enhance efficiency.
  • Government departments: For policy formulation, improving public services, or tackling societal issues.
  • Military: For technological advancements, strategic planning, and defense mechanisms.
• Religious institutions are not common domains for applied research as their focus is often on spiritual, doctrinal, or ceremonial activities rather than practical problem-solving using scientific methods.

Additional Information

• Characteristics of Applied Research
  • Focuses on specific and practical objectives.
  • Results are often directly applied to improve systems, products, or processes.
  • Methods are systematic and scientific, ensuring reliability and validity of results.
• Examples of Applied Research Domains
  • Healthcare: Developing vaccines or improving patient care practices.
  • Education: Creating new teaching methods or materials.
  • Environmental Science: Finding solutions for pollution control or resource conservation.
• Pure Research vs. Applied Research
  • Pure research aims to expand theoretical understanding without immediate practical application.
  • Applied research seeks to address specific, practical challenges and often builds on findings from pure research.

The correct answer is - It is aimed at solving practical problems

Key Points

• Applied Research
  • Conducted to solve real-world, practical problems in various domains like business, industry, military, government, and libraries.
  • Focuses on the immediate application of research findings to improve processes, solve issues, or implement innovations.
  • Unlike pure research, it is not done for expanding theoretical knowledge alone but to bring direct and tangible benefits.
• Examples of applied research include:
  • Designing library systems for reminders and record-keeping
  • Diagnosing the underuse of a book collection
  • Solving space constraints in libraries

Additional Information

• Difference Between Pure and Applied Research
  • The boundary is often blurred and temporary.
  • Pure research focuses on theory and knowledge for its own sake, whereas applied research is driven by the need for practical application.
  • Over time, pure research can lead to applied outcomes, e.g.:
    • Discovery of X-rays → medical imaging
    • Invention of the telephone → telecommunications industry
• Research and Development (R&D)
  • A sub-type of applied research commonly used in industry and technology.
  • Focuses on creating new products or improving existing ones.
• Theoretical Knowledge and Practice
  • They influence each other continuously—theory may arise from practice and vice versa.
  • As per Professor Pauline Atherton, theoretical principles like the Five Laws of Library Science can be directly applied to organize knowledge and services.

The correct answer is - Holding an intervening variable constant

Key Points

• Holding an intervening variable constant
  • By selecting only female participants, the researcher removes gender as a variable that could affect the outcome.
  • This ensures that any observed effect is not due to differences between genders, thereby increasing internal validity.
  • It is a method of experimental control used to neutralize the effect of a known confounding or intervening variable.

Additional Information

• Random selection
  • Refers to randomly choosing participants from a larger population to form a sample.
  • It enhances external validity or generalizability, not control of variables.
• Statistical control
  • Involves using statistical methods like ANCOVA or regression analysis to adjust for the effects of confounding variables.
  • It is applied during data analysis, not during the selection or design phase.
• Counterbalancing
  • A technique used in within-subjects designs to control for the order effects of repeated measures.
  • It ensures that all possible orders of conditions are represented to avoid sequence bias.

The correct answer is - I-Q, II-R, III-P

Key Points

• I. Random assignment → Q. Assigning participants to groups so each has an equal chance
  • This method eliminates selection bias by giving all participants an equal probability of being placed in any group.
  • Ensures that group differences are not systematic and supports internal validity.
• II. Matching subjects → R. Pairing based on similar characteristics before assignment
  • Participants are paired based on a variable (e.g., age, gender, intelligence), then randomly assigned from each pair.
  • This controls for known confounding variables to make groups more equivalent.
• III. Holding variable constant → P. Keeping the influencing factor constant
  • This means ensuring that a potential confound (e.g., temperature, lighting) is the same across all experimental conditions.
  • It improves experimental control and reduces variability caused by external factors.

Additional Information

• Experimental control methods
  • Random Assignment helps balance unknown factors across groups.
  • Matching is used when random assignment alone might not eliminate certain biases.
  • Holding variables constant is particularly useful in laboratory settings where environment-related variables can be controlled.
• Threats to internal validity
  • If control methods are weak, factors such as history, maturation, testing, instrumentation may interfere with outcome interpretation.
  • Proper use of assignment and control techniques enhances the causal inference in experimental research.

An experimental method of research is a type of study in which the researcher speculates on the possible reasons for a previously observed result.

Key Points

Experimental research:

• The experimental method involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another variable.
• This method relies on controlled methods, random assignment, and the manipulation of variables to test a hypothesis.
• The experimental method under which the researcher can directly modify the independent variable(s) (that is, the cause) in an experimental study to see how it affects the dependent variable (that is, the effect).

Therefore, Experimental method research methods, the process of hypothesis testing optimally safeguards the role of extraneous variables. 

Additional Information

• Both experimental and ex-post facto research attempt to study links between existent variables and their conclusions are logically as well as empirically valid and accurate, but there is various difference between them.
• Ex post facto research is undertaken when a researcher wishes to investigate the cause of an event that has already occurred as an outcome of the cause.
• The phrase historical method refers to a set of strategies and rules used by historians in their investigation and writing of past histories.
• Descriptive Survey Research is a type of descriptive research that combines quantitative and qualitative data to give you reliable and relevant facts. 

A research design is a framework for the methods and approaches. 

Key Points

• Experimental research is a study that is based on scientific research design.
• The characteristic features of Experimental research are the following: 
  • A purpose statement is a declarative statement that highlights the major goal or goals of a research study.
  • The goal of a study or research endeavor is to answer research questions on the topic.
  • A hypothesis is a statement that expresses expectations for the results of research.
  • After developing a hypothesis then collect numeric data. 
• In short, developing clear, restricted, measurable, and observable purpose statements, research questions and hypotheses are characteristic features of experimental research.
• Experimental research is a study that uses two sets of variables and is conducted in a scientific manner.

Thus, creating purpose statements, research questions, and hypotheses that are narrow and measurable would mark the characteristic features of Experimental research.

Additional Information

• Grounded theory research: Grounded theory is a systematic approach to qualitative research where theories are generated through the collecting and analysis of data.
• Ethnographic research:   Ethnography is a qualitative data collection method and the researcher work in the field where they collect data through observations and interviews. 
• Narrative research:  It was defined as collecting and analyzing the accounts of respondents when they describe experiences and further interpret them. 

Research is a systematic inquiry towards understanding a complex social phenomenon or a process. Based on the research problem, the selection of research methods by the researcher may vary.

Experimental Method:

• It is a systematic and scientific approach to research on establishing causal relationships.
• It is designed for establishing cause and effect relationships between two or more variables.
• It investigates a hypothesis through experiments in a controlled environment where a variable is manipulated by the researcher and its impact is observed on the dependent variable.
• It tests the formulated hypothesis and uses the results to generalize to a larger population.
• It helps in establishing causal relationships among different events in the educational situation under controlled conditions
• There are four essential characteristics of experimental research:
  1. control
  2. manipulation
  3. observation and
  4. replication

​​Hence, the Absence of a treatment group is a process not needed in experimental research.

Research is a systematic investigation to search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. It helps to arrive at new conclusions.

William C. Emory in the book 'Business Research Methods' defines, "research is any organised inquiry designed and carried out to provide information for solving a problem."

Methods of research:

Experimental method:

• Experimental research is a study that adheres to a specific research design.
• It includes a hypothesis, a variable that can be manipulated by the researcher, and variables that can be measured, calculated, and compared.
• It is undertaken when a researcher wishes to trace the cause and effect relationship between defined variables.
• Experimental research is undertaken mostly in a controlled environment.  

Therefore, in the Experimental method research 'cause and effect relationship' is focused.

Historical method:

• Historical research involves studying, understanding, and interpreting past events.
• The purpose of historical research is to reach insights or conclusions about past persons or occurrences.
• It entails more than simply compiling and presenting factual information; it also requires interpretation of the information.

Ex post facto research:

• Ex post facto research design is a method in which groups with qualities that already exist are compared on some dependent variable.
• It is a category of research design in which the investigation starts after the fact has occurred without interference from the researcher.

Case study method:

• A case study is a research approach that is used to generate an in-depth, multi-faceted understanding of a complex issue in its real-life context.
• It is an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines, particularly in social sciences.
• It aims to analyze specific issues within the boundaries of a specific environment, situation, or organization.   

 Key Points

Study the application of theory

• Experimental researches are specifically designed to assess the efficacy or outcomes of applying certain theories or principles in practice.
• These experiments aim to manipulate one or more independent variables to observe their effect on one or more dependent variables, thereby allowing researchers to identify cause-and-effect relationships.
• Experimental designs often involve control groups and experimental groups to compare outcomes, ensuring that the effects observed can indeed be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable(s), supporting or refuting theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence.

Establish association between variables (Incorrect for this context)

• This is more closely associated with correlational research, which aims to identify and analyze the relationships or associations between two or more variables without manipulating them.
• Correlational research can suggest associations but cannot establish causality.

Describe variables (Incorrect for this context)

• Descriptive research is aimed at describing characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It focuses on "what is" rather than "why it is," making it distinct from experimental research, which seeks to explore cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables.

Study trend analysis (Incorrect for this context)

• Trend analysis involves analyzing historical data to predict future occurrences and identify patterns over time.
• Although valuable in many contexts, this approach does not typically involve the manipulation of variables to test theories in the manner that experimental research does.

The research method which focuses on establishing causal relationships with controls among variables - independent, moderator, and dependent, is called the Experimental method.

Key Points

Experimental Research:

• In this, the Researcher directly manipulate the independent variable in order to assess its effect on the dependent variable
• Researcher utilizes the principle of randomization in research on the basis of which they can infer that other things remaining equal the effect is a result of manipulation of cause
• It is easier to interpret the relationship between the independent and dependent variables as they can manipulate the independent variables and see their impact on the dependent variable
• Direct cause and effect relationship study is established in experimental research.

Therefore option 4 is the correct answer.

1. Ex post facto method: An ex post facto research design is a method in which groups with qualities that already exist are compared on some dependent variable. The assignment of subjects to different groups is based on whichever variable is of interest to the researchers.

2. A survey is a research method used for collecting data from a predefined group of respondents to gain information and insights into various topics of interest.

3. The case study method is a learning technique in which the student has faced a particular problem, the case. The case study facilitates the exploration of a real issue within a defined context, using a variety of data sources.

Key Points

Statement I: Exploratory research is conducted for data indications.

Exploratory research 

• It is a methodological approach that investigates research questions that have not previously been studied in depth.
• It is often used when the issue the researcher is studying is new or when the data collection process is challenging for some reason.
• It is used when you have a general idea or a specific question that the researcher wants to study but there is no preexisting knowledge or paradigm with which to study it.
• Therefore Exploratory research is conducted for data indications.

Hence Statement I is true.

Statement II: The goal of exploratory research is to gather final data to find out causality.

Causal research

• Causal research, is the investigation of (research into) cause-relationships.
• To determine causality, variation in the variable presumed to influence the difference in another variable(s) must be detected, and then the variations from the other variable(s) must be calculated (s).
• The objective of causal research is to test hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships.
• This would occur when there is a change in one of the independent variables, which is causing changes in the dependent variable.
• Thus casual research is used to gather final data to find out causality.

Hence Statement II is False.

Therefore we can conclude that Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

The correct option is the Control group.

There are two basic types of research design:

1. True experiments
2. Quasi-experiments

The purpose of both is to examine the cause of certain phenomena.

Key Points

• True experiments, in which all the important factors that might affect the phenomena of interest are completely controlled, are the preferred design.
• Often, however, it is not possible or practical to control all the key factors, so it becomes necessary to implement a quasi-experimental research design.
• control group, the standard to which comparisons are made in an experiment.
• Many experiments are designed to include a control group and one or more experimental groups; in fact, some scholars reserve the term experiment for study designs that include a control group.

Additional Information

Similarities between true and quasi-experiments:

• Participants in the study experience various conditions or treatments.
• An interesting outcome is measured
• The researchers investigate if variations in this outcome are influenced by the therapy.

Differences between the two:

• Participants are not randomly assigned to the treatment or control groups in a quasi-experiment, whereas they are in a true experiment where they are.
• In a quasi-experiment, the treatment and control groups differ in other, frequently unrecognized or unknowable ways in addition to the experimental therapy they receive.
• In order to statistically adjust for as many of these differences as feasible, the researcher must try.
• There may be a number of "rival hypotheses" vying with the experimental manipulation to explain the observed results in quasi-experiments because control is absent.

Educational Psychology is the application of psychological findings in the field of education. Educational Psychology is an applied discipline that combines the fields of Education and Psychology.

Experimental Method:

• This method was propounded by Wilhelm Wundt in 1879 and the introduction of the experimental method has contributed to the advancement of educational psychology as a Science just like other disciplines of science such as Physics.
• It is designed for establishing cause and effect relationships between two or more variables.
• It investigates a hypothesis through experiments in a controlled environment where a variable is manipulated by the researcher and its impact is observed on the dependent variable.
• It tests the formulated hypothesis and uses the results to generalize to a larger population.
• It helps in establishing causal relationships among different events in the educational situation under controlled conditions
• There are four essential characteristics of experimental research:

1. control
2. manipulation
3. observation and
4. replication

Clinical method:

• It is concerned with the detailed study of maladjusted individuals to diagnose specific problems and to suggest measures to improve upon them.
• the clinical method in psychology represents the fundamental tool and protocol to be utilized in the therapeutic context in order to obtain the information and other aspects necessary in individuals' treatment.
• It seems that this clinical method is not only used in psychology but other health sciences.

Historical method:

• It is concerned with utilizing historical evidence to examine the events of the past which may help to explain present events.
• Historical research is a study and analysis of past events to predict the future.
• It involves the systematic collection and objective evaluation of data related to past events.
• It is a process of reconstructing the past.
• It constitutes of a narrative account of the past events written on the basis of interpretation of those events, to recapture personalities, ideas, and environment of those times that shaped the events.

Survey method:

• It is concerned with the extensive study of what relationships exists between the various variables under study.
• Survey research enables us to study the questions in a more comprehensive manner.
• Depending upon the requirement, survey research can be extended to as large an area/ population as a whole nation or even the entire world.
• Thus when the universe of study is large and the researchers are looking for broad trends or patterns in a given population they often resort to survey methods. In other words, qualitative and quantitative research methods are not opposed to each other. Rather, they are complementary. 
• For example, sociologists interested in understanding the process of secularization may undertake surveys on how often people perform religious rituals in their everyday social, economic, and political life. 

Hence, Experimental Method research contributes most to the advancement of Educational Psychology as a science.

The correct sequence of stages in experimental research is: (D), (A), (B), (C), (E)

(A) Selection of the setting

(D) Selection of the experimental design

(B) Operationalisation of variables

(C) Administration of the experiment

(E) Analysis and interpretation of results

Important Points

• The first step in experimental research the researcher must choose an appropriate setting in which to conduct the study. 
• After selecting the appropriate setting, the researcher has to select the appropriate experimental design (such as a randomized controlled trial) that will allow the researcher to test their hypothesis.
• Next, the researcher must operationalize the variables of interest, meaning they must define and measure these variables in a way that is consistent across the study.
• Once the variables have been operationalized, the researcher can administer the experiment by recruiting participants and randomly assigning them to different groups (if using a randomized controlled trial design).
• Finally, the researcher must analyze and interpret the results of the study in order to draw conclusions about the relationship between the variables under investigation.​

Key Points 

Experimental Method:

• It is a systematic and scientific approach to research on establishing causal relationships.
• It is designed for establishing cause-and-effect relationships between two or more variables.
• It investigates a hypothesis through experiments in a controlled environment where a variable is manipulated by the researcher and its impact is observed on the dependent variable.
• It tests the formulated hypothesis and uses the results to generalize to a larger population.
• It helps in establishing causal relationships among different events in the educational situation under controlled conditions
• There are four essential characteristics of experimental research:
  • control
  • manipulation
  • observation and
  • replication