Question 1

Which of the following is considered riskier for inexperienced counselors and researchers?

Accepted Answer

A)  Beginning research training by working closely within their advisor's research interests 
B)  Using their own observations about a topic as a source of ideas for research topics 
C)  Spending precious time reading literature review articles and handbooks 
D)  Attending more closely to the constructs that have been used in the previous research B

Question 2

Alan is new to the field of research. He has chosen a simple research project to understand the overall sequence of steps to be followed in developing the research idea. He has successfully completed the stage of identifying research variables. Which of the following steps should Alan take to begin the collection and analysis of relevant data?

Accepted Answer

A)  He should determine the number of participants. 
B)  He should define the target population. 
C)  He should select participants. 
D)  He should create a participant pool. B

Question 3

_____ explore the degree to which two or more research constructs are related or vary together.

Accepted Answer

A)  Quasi-experiments 
B)  Demand characteristics 
C)  Reliability estimates 
D)  Relationship questions D

Question 4

The function of a testable research question or hypothesis is to provide direction for experimental inquiry.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Operational definitions are referred to as a sort of manual of instructions that spells out what an investigator must do to measure or manipulate research variables during the procedures of a study.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Identifying a topic of research is the same as developing a specific research question or hypothesis that can guide research.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

In the context of identifying a research idea, theory and research from one topic can be extended to another related topic.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

A problem arises when researchers investigate a given construct but develop different operational definitions for it.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

The primary function of an operational definition in the development of a research idea is to:

Accepted Answer

A)  clarify the operation of a study's methodology. 
B)  define the constructs involved in a particular study. 
C)  define the organization of one's references and citations. 
D)  clarify how variables operate relative to each other.

Question 10

Depression scores on a standardized test, such as the MMPI-Depression scale, are examples of independent variables.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

A great deal of research in counseling involves extending the results of previous research.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

In nonexperimental studies of research, the _____ in a regression equation are sometimes referred to as independent variables.

Accepted Answer

A)  predictor variables 
B)  ordinal variables 
C)  criterion variables 
D)  dichotomous variables

Question 13

_____ essentially ask what some phenomena or events are like and explain the variables of interest with questions such as how much, how often, what percentage, and so on.

Accepted Answer

A)  Descriptive questions 
B)  Hypothetical questions 
C)  Difference questions 
D)  Divergent questions

Question 14

The independent variable in a research study is the variable that is:

Accepted Answer

A)  manipulated or controlled. 
B)  derived from the dependent variable. 
C)  held constant. 
D)  affected by the dependent variable.

Question 15

Which of the following is a reason to pay particular attention to the discussion section of articles when specifying research questions and hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

A)  The summary statement is the easiest way to understand complex data. 
B)  There may be explicit discussion of future research needs. 
C)  This section holds the references the author used. 
D)  This section strives to clarify unanswered research questions.

Question 16

It is not recommended for students to bring their own observations and beliefs into their research topics.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

It is essential for researchers to focus on investigating a few constructs only and not to try to do too much in developing an original contribution.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

Identify a major federal grant funding agency for counseling research.

Accepted Answer

A)  Federal Bureau of Psychology Research (FBPR) 
B)  National Association of Health (NAH) 
C)  Institute of Educational Foundation (IEF) 
D)  The National Science Foundation (NSF)

Question 19

Identify a main component in the process of selecting a research topic and developing a research idea into a testable hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

A)  Developing an original research method 
B)  Identifying research variables 
C)  Working as an apprentice for an experienced researcher 
D)  Creating a new assessment instrument

Question 20

Once a research question enters the formative stage and an investigator continues to develop the design and methodologies of a particular study, the original research question cannot be changed.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 5: Identifying Interests and Operationalizing Topics: Forget That Perfect Study

Which of the following is considered riskier for inexperienced counselors and researchers?

_____ explore the degree to which two or more research constructs are related or vary together.

The function of a testable research question or hypothesis is to provide direction for experimental inquiry.

Operational definitions are referred to as a sort of manual of instructions that spells out what an investigator must do to measure or manipulate research variables during the procedures of a study.

Identifying a topic of research is the same as developing a specific research question or hypothesis that can guide research.

In the context of identifying a research idea, theory and research from one topic can be extended to another related topic.

A problem arises when researchers investigate a given construct but develop different operational definitions for it.

The primary function of an operational definition in the development of a research idea is to:

Depression scores on a standardized test, such as the MMPI-Depression scale, are examples of independent variables.

A great deal of research in counseling involves extending the results of previous research.

In nonexperimental studies of research, the _____ in a regression equation are sometimes referred to as independent variables.

_____ essentially ask what some phenomena or events are like and explain the variables of interest with questions such as how much, how often, what percentage, and so on.

The independent variable in a research study is the variable that is:

Which of the following is a reason to pay particular attention to the discussion section of articles when specifying research questions and hypotheses?

It is not recommended for students to bring their own observations and beliefs into their research topics.

It is essential for researchers to focus on investigating a few constructs only and not to try to do too much in developing an original contribution.

Identify a major federal grant funding agency for counseling research.

Identify a main component in the process of selecting a research topic and developing a research idea into a testable hypothesis.

Once a research question enters the formative stage and an investigator continues to develop the design and methodologies of a particular study, the original research question cannot be changed.