Research Methods & Design MCQ Quiz in मराठी - Objective Question with Answer for Research Methods & Design - मोफत PDF डाउनलोड करा

The Correct answer is Cohort Study.

Key Points

• ​Longitudinal research:
  • Longitudinal research is centered on observing how specific measurements evolve over time without intervening or manipulating determining variables.
  • Various forms of longitudinal research encompass:
    • Trend Study: This type involves monitoring a specific characteristic of a population over time. 
      • For example, Gallup Polls track the electorate's preferences for political campaigns across different samples interviewed at various points.
    • Cohort Study: In this study, a particular subpopulation or cohort is examined over time, with data collected from different members in each set of observations.
      • For instance, a study on the occupational history of the class of 1970 collects data through questionnaires sent every five years.
    • Panel Study: This longitudinal study collects data from the same set of individuals (the sample or panel) at multiple time points.

Additional Information

• Cross-sectional research:
  • ​Cross-sectional research, also known as synchronous research, examines a group or subgroup at a single point in time.
  • Participants are selected based on shared characteristics like age, gender, or income.
  • Researchers then analyze similarities and differences within and between these groups, considering them as representations of larger populations.

The correct answer is Fundamental Research.

Key Points

• Fundamental Research:
  • ​Fundamental research is primarily concerned with formulating theories and generalizations.
  • Its objective is to uncover facts with diverse applications, complementing existing knowledge within a specific field or industry.
  • This type of research is connected to multiple domains, aiming to challenge conventional practices or introduce novel concepts.
  • It seeks to present its findings in everyday language, applying logical conclusions derived from the research.
  • Examples of fundamental research include studies on generalizing human behavior or research in the realm of pure mathematics.

Additional Information

• Qualitative Research:
  • ​Qualitative research involves non-numerical aspects of research, serving as a valuable approach when numerical data is insufficient.
  • While it may not offer the same level of reliability as quantitative research, it aids in forming comprehensive theoretical summaries from the available data.
• Analytical research:
  • ​Analytical research is built on established facts, using supporting data to reinforce and authenticate initial findings.
  • It aids in the development of new concepts within the research subject, combining intricate details to produce more robust hypotheses.
  • This type of research can be conducted through methods such as meta-analysis, literary or scientific trials, and the study of public opinion.
• Applied Research:
  • ​Applied research focuses on addressing specific issues encountered by society, businesses, or industrial organizations.
  • It typically deals with one domain and generalizes its findings.
  • This type of research treats variables as constant, making the methods easily identifiable.
  • Applied research is often conducted in a non-systematic manner by businesses, government bodies, or individuals seeking to resolve particular challenges.
  • For example, a study analyzing marketing tactics to appeal to the goals of Millennials in China would be considered applied research.

The Correct answer is (D), (E), (A), (C), (B).

Key Points

• The experimental research process involves systematic steps to generate valuable knowledge on a specific topic.
• Here are a few steps in the research process:
  • Identify the Problem
  • Selection of setting
  • Create Hypotheses/ Pilot study
  • Research Design:
  • Describe Population:
  • Data Collection:
  • Data Analysis:
  • Conducting the experiment

Additional Information

• Experimental research is a scientific method employed to explore the cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
• This approach entails conducting controlled experiments, often in a laboratory environment, where independent variables are deliberately manipulated, and the resulting impact on one or more dependent variables is observed.
• The primary objective of experimental research is to ascertain whether alterations in the independent variable(s) lead to corresponding changes in the dependent variable(s).
• The aim is to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship through rigorous investigation.
• Three main categories of experimental designs include:
  • Pre-experimental Research Design
  • True Experimental Research Design
  • Quasi-experimental Research Design

The correct answer is A, C, B, D, E.

Key Points

• The process of conducting historical research is the same as for other kinds of research. The process involves the following steps:
  • Identification of research topic: The first step is to decide on the specific topic or research question you want to explore in your historical research. This step sets the direction and focus for your study.
  • Collection of background information: This helps you understand what has already been studied, what gaps exist in the current knowledge, and how your research fits into the broader historical context.
  • Identify and locate primary/secondary sources: Once you have a clear understanding of your research topic, you can start searching for relevant primary and secondary sources. 
  • Evaluate the authenticity and accuracy of sources: It's crucial to critically assess the sources you've gathered. 
  • Analyze the data and develop a narrative exposition of the findings: After collecting and evaluating your sources, you can begin analyzing the data they provide. This involves organizing, synthesizing, and interpreting the information to answer your research question. 

Additional Information

• Types of Research
  • Action Research: 
    • It refers to the application of research to educational problems in a particular classroom setting.
    • Its primary aim is to improve practice (ameliorating the prevailing situations).
    • According to Kurt Lewin, the founder of the term Action Research, it is an ongoing strategy; the cycle is repeated to form a spiral; reformulated plan, revised action, more fact-finding, and reanalysis. 
  • Applied Research​
    • Aapplied research discovers ways of applying them to solve social problems. Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving social problems.
    • It is called field research.
    • It is that type of research work the results of which find direct application in the field.
  • Historical research
    • It is “the systematic collection and objective evaluation of data related to past occurrences in order to test hypotheses concerning causes, effects, or trends of those events which may help to explain present events and anticipate future events”

The correct answer is "Null hypothesis".

Key Points

• Null Hypothesis - 
  • The null hypothesis is a neutral type of hypothesis, indicating 'no difference' or 'no relationship' between variables.
  • The Null hypothesis represents the hypothesis we are trying to reject and thus wishes to be disapproved.In the Null hypothesis, the researcher tries to explain the relationship between the variables by chance even though there might be no statistical relation between the two variables and the relationship is occurring just by chance.

Additional Information

•  Alternative Hypothesis ​-
  • The alternative Hypothesis (denoted by (Ha), is the substitute for the null hypothesis which states the opposite of the null hypothesis. 
  • The alternative Hypothesis represents all other possibilities and wishes to be proved.
• Working Hypothesis -
  • The working hypothesis is a tentative assumption accepted as a basis for further ongoing research.
  • The working hypothesis is generated to direct inquiry into channels in which new material, factual and conceptual, is disclosed, and thus provides the focal point for research.
• Explanatory Hypothesis -
  • The hypothesis that tries to explain a certain fact is the Explanatory hypothesis.
  • This hypothesis is used to test the cause-and-effect relationship between two or more two variables.

The correct answer is A and C only.

Key Points

• Non-probability sampling is a sampling approach where the researcher chooses samples based on their own judgment and expertise, rather than relying on random selection.
• This method is less rigid and depends on the researcher's subjective decisions.
• Non-probability sampling is often employed in qualitative research and is conducted through observational methods. 
• Types of Non-Probability Sampling:
  • Convenience sampling:
    • ​Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling method in which samples are selected from the population simply because they are readily accessible to the researcher.
    • Researchers opt for this approach primarily because of the convenience and ease of recruiting these samples, without necessarily ensuring that they accurately represent the entire population.
  • Consecutive sampling:
    • ​​In consecutive sampling, the researcher selects an initial person or group of participants, conducts their research over a specific period, analyzes the gathered results, and subsequently proceeds to select another subject or group, if necessary.
    • This approach allows the researcher to work with multiple subjects or topics sequentially, enabling them to refine their research by collecting insights from the accumulated data.
  • Quota sampling:
    • In Quota Sampling, the researcher is guided by some visible characteristic, such as gender or race, of the study population that is of interest to him.
    • The sample is selected from a location that is convenient and easily accessible to the researcher and whenever a person with this visible relevant characteristic is seen that person is asked to participate in the study.
  • Judgment/Purposive Sampling: 
    • ​The primary consideration in purposive sampling is the researcher’s judgment as to who can provide the best information to achieve the objectives of your study.
    • The researcher will only go to those people who in his opinion are likely to have the required information and will be willing to share it.
  • Snowball Sampling: 
    • ​It is also called a network or chain referral sampling. To start with, the researcher identifies a small number of respondents having a set of characteristics of interest to the researcher.
    • After collecting the required data from those respondents, the same respondents are asked to identify others having the same characteristics set. E.g., collecting data from drug addicts, rape victims, etc.

Additional Information

• Random/Probability Sampling: In this type, each element in the population has an equal and independent chance of selection in the sample.
  • Simple Random Sampling: It is the most popular of the probability sampling methods. The idea of randomization implies that sample selection is independent of human judgment.
  • Systematic sampling is a statistical method that researchers use to zero down on the desired population they want to research. Researchers calculate the sampling interval by dividing the entire population size by the desired sample size.
  • Cluster Sampling: It is based on the ability of the researcher to divide the sampling population into groups, called clusters, and then to select elements within each cluster, using the simple random sampling technique. It is appropriate when the population is large.
  • Stratified random sampling:
    • ​Stratified random sampling is a systematic sampling method used in research and statistics to ensure that a representative sample is drawn from a larger population.
    • It involves dividing the population into smaller, non-overlapping subgroups called strata.
    • These strata are created based on specific shared attributes or characteristics that are of interest to the researcher.

The Correct answer is Descendent and Nadir.

Key Points

• In the context of the spiral of the Scientific Method, the verification phase is represented between Descendent and Nadir.

Additional Information

• To demonstrate that librarianship is a science S.R. Ranganathan (1892-1972) in the second edition of his classic Five Laws of Library Science (1957) added a chapter entitled “Spiral of Scientific Method”
• Structure of the Spiral
  • The spiral moves forward in a clockwise direction.
  • The lowest end of the vertical line is called the nadir – literally means the lowest point.
  • The upper end of the vertical line is called Zenith –the highest point.
  • The left horizontal line is called Ascendency i.e., going upwards.
  • The right end of the horizontal line is called descendent – which means going downwards.
•  In this first quadrant (called the empirical phase) data is collected empirically and the problem may be refined further.
• In the second quadrant (called the hypothesis phase) the data is collected, tabulated, classified, and analyzed.
• In the third quadrant (called the deductive phase) laws are deduced with the help of deductive logic.
• The fourth quadrant is also known as the verification phase. Here the laws formulated in the third quadrant are tested and verified, and further, some higher generalizations may be drawn.

The correct answer is Reviewer and author identities are concealed from the reviewers and vice-versa.

Key Points

• Double-blind review means the Reviewer and author identities are concealed from the reviewers and vice-versa.
• In a double-blind peer review, neither authors nor reviewers know each other’s names means the identity of both the author and reviewer is kept hidden.
• It is done in order to prevent any biases in the review process.

Only Reviewer's identity is concealed 

• It is a single-blind peer review.
• In a single-blind peer review, the authors do not know who the reviewers are.
• The reviewers know who the authors are.

Additional InformationPeer Review

• Peer review is the evaluation of work by one or more people with similar competencies as the producers of the work.
• It functions as a form of self-regulation by qualified members of a profession within the relevant field.
• Peer review methods are used to maintain quality standards, improve performance, and provide credibility.

The correct answer is Stratified Sampling.

Key Points

•  Random sampling:
  • ​Random sampling is a part of the sampling technique in which each sample has an equal probability of being chosen.
  • A sample chosen randomly is meant to be an unbiased representation of the total population.
• Convenience Sampling:
  • It is a non-probability sampling method where units are selected for inclusion in the sample because they are the easiest for the researcher to access.
  • This type of sampling is most useful for pilot testing.
• Stratified Sampling:
  • Stratification is the process of dividing members of the population into homogeneous subgroups before sampling.
  • Stratified sampling is a method of sampling from a population that can be partitioned into subpopulations.
• Representative sampling
  • Representative sampling” is a type of statistical sampling that allows us to use data from a sample to make conclusions that are representative of the population from which the sample is taken.

The Correct answer is Null Hypothesis.

Key Points

• The Null Hypothesis (denoted H₀) is a central concept in statistical hypothesis testing.
• It is the hypothesis that there is no effect, no difference, or no relationship between the variables under study.
• When you “state a hypothesis negatively,” you formulate it as the null hypothesis. 

Additional Information

• Relational Hypothesis:
  • Definition: Proposes that two (or more) variables are related, without specifying direction or causality.
  • Form: H₁: X is associated with Y
  • Example: “There is a relationship between hours studied and exam scores.”
  • Use: Common in correlational research where you look for patterns or associations (e.g., a survey showing that higher job satisfaction relates to lower turnover).
• Situational Hypothesis:
  • Definition: Predicts an outcome under specific conditions or context.
  • Form: H₁: Under Situation S, X will occur
  • Example: “When ambient noise exceeds 70 dB, workers’ typing accuracy decreases.”
  • Use: Useful in field or applied studies where context (environment, task, timing) is critical.
• Causal Hypothesis:
  • Definition: States that one variable (the cause) produces an effect on another.
  • Form: H₁: X causes (or influences) Y
  • Example: “Introducing a plant-based diet will reduce cholesterol levels.”
  • Use: Core to experimental research, where you manipulate X (the independent variable) to observe changes in Y (the dependent variable).