Question 1

What purpose does the predetermined level of significance p-level serve?

Accepted Answer

A)  It sets a minimum standard for the strength of an intervention. 
B)  It sets a minimum standard for how much risk of being wrong the researcher wants to take on if s/he concludes that there is no difference or association. 
C)  It sets a minimum standard for how much risk of being wrong the researcher wants to take on if s/he concludes that there is a difference or an association. 
D)  It sets a minimum standard for the reliability of the measuring instruments.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a descriptive study?

Accepted Answer

A)  To create a case study describing the experiences of a patient with a particular problem 
B)  To measure and describe the features or elements of a situation 
C)  To create a descriptive model of the dynamics of a situation 
D)  To describe the research that has been done regarding a particular topic/issue

Question 3

A research study that poses a minimal risk to study participants would most likely receive what type of action by an Institutional Review Board?

Accepted Answer

A)  Exempt from review 
B)  Expedited review 
C)  Full review 
D)  Credential checks only

Question 4

Which statement best describes the difficulty caused by low response rates to surveys?

Accepted Answer

A)  They indicate the topic is not of importance. 
B)  They yield data from a sample that may not be representative of the target population. 
C)  They indicate that the variables of interest only occur at low levels in the population. 
D)  They produce high variability in the data.

Question 5

Which of the following is the most important characteristic of a sample?

Accepted Answer

A)  Size 
B)  Strata 
C)  Variability 
D)  Representativeness

Question 6

What is meant by "control of extraneous variables"?

Accepted Answer

A)  The intervention variable must be delivered by the researcher. 
B)  Only measurement instruments with established levels of validity should be used. 
C)  Research participants should refrain from expressing their thoughts until data collection is over. 
D)  Elimination, distribution, or holding steady variables that could influence the results even though they are not of interest in the study.

Question 7

Which statement is true about descriptive studies?

Accepted Answer

A)  Descriptive studies are one kind of experimental study. 
B)  Descriptive studies use random assignments of participants to treatment groups. 
C)  Descriptive studies require tight control over the phenomenon of interest. 
D)  Descriptive studies quantify the variables of interest.

Question 8

What is the main function of Institutional Review Boards?

Accepted Answer

A)  To make sure that researchers are not fudging data 
B)  To make sure that researchers have the credentials to be conducting research 
C)  To make sure that the rights of human participants are protected 
D)  To make sure that studies are well designed

Exam 5: Quantitative Descriptive Research