TRIAL QUESTIONS

Research Question

1. Which of the following sequence of major steps in research process is most

appropriate?

a. Identifying topic, collecting data, analysing data and reporting the results

b. Identifying a research problem, reviewing related literature, specifying the

objectives for the research, collecting data, analyzing data and reporting the
results

c. Specifying a research purpose, reviewing the literature, collecting data,

analysing data and reporting the results

2. A study to understand how human beings remember what they learn can be termed as
………………..

a. Basic research

b. Applied research

c. Evaluation research

3. Which of the following is not under the methodology section in the project work?

a. Accessible population

b. Discussion of findings

c. Sampling

4. The aspect of research that specifies the key variables and their possible relationship
as well as population is known as ……………

a. extraneous variable

b. statement of the problem

c. background to the study

5. A good research problem should be indicative of the following except..

a. Ambiguity
 b. Being researchable

c. Variable to be studied

6. Which of these steps in research process should be taken first before proceeding?

a. Find a topic

b. Identify an issue in need of investigation

c. Specify the purpose of the study

7. The most appropriate way to state the research hypothesis is to state the

a. Null hypothesis only

b. Research hypothesis only

c. Both the null hypothesis and research hypothesis only

8. A variable in an experiment research setting that is believed to make a difference in

another is known as …..

a. Confounding variable

b. Dependent variable

c. Independent variable

9. Practically, review of related literature should precede the statement of the problem.

a. True

b. False

10. The characteristics of scientific inquiry include the following except

a. Control of bias

b. Subjectivity

c. Verification by replication

11. When a researcher formulates a directional alternative hypothesis, she can test the
hypothesis using ….
 a. One-tail test

b. Two-tail test

c. A significant level

12. Which of the following hypothesis can be stated in a directional or non-directional

a. Null hypothesis only

b. Research hypothesis only

c. Both (A) and (B)

13. The sub-problems of a research problem are usually converted in …

a. Questionnaire items

b. Specific research hypotheses/questions

c. Specific solution to the main research questions

14. The statement that “it states what the researcher thinks the outcome will be” best
describes ……………

a. State of the problem

b. Significance

c. Hypothesis

15. The recommended sequence of review of literature is: locating secondary sources,
searching for indexes, and identifying key terms.

a. True

b. False

16. The review of related literature is useful for ……..

a. Determining the direction of a study

b. Identifying the methodology to be used in the study

c. Resolving contradictory findings

17. Which of the following sources of data is a primary source?

 a. A journal article published by a researcher

b. Scholarly textbooks

c. Both (a) and (b)

18. Which of the following is categorical variable?

a. Achievement

b. Party affiliation

c. Height

19. Which of the following listed ways of knowing is best?

a. Authority/Experts

b. Personal experience

c. Scientific method

20. The type of variable that is measured on nominal scale is said to be..

a. Continuous

b. Categorical

c. Dependent

21. To understand why the Asante's dance Adowa using their left hand, you must make
use of

a. Authority

b. Personal experience

c. Tradition

d. Media

22. When making use of the scientific method of inquiry, the first step to start with is to

a. design an experiment

b. make observation

c. propose hypothesis
 d. test hypothesis

23. That research starts with a problem and ends with a problem implies it is ………. in
characteristic

a. Analytical

b. Critical

c. Cyclical

d. Empirical

24. The statement, ‘research includes direction and procedure means research requires;

a. Meaning

b. Plan

c. Problem

d. question

25. The type of research which often lacks a practical application especially in the short
term is.........................research

a. applied

b. basic

c. evaluation

d. social impact

26. The type of research that is widely used in large bureaucratic organisation is ……….

a. research and development

b. social impact assessment

c. evaluation

d. action

27. Which of the following is NOT a limitation of personal experience as a way of

knowing?
 a. Selective observation

b. Premature closure

c. Halo effect

d. Distortion

28. Which of the following variables is a categorical variable?

a. Achievement

b. Aptitude

c. Gender

d. Income

29. Which of the following variables can serve as an independent variable?

a. Achievement

b. Attitude

c. Method of teaching

d. Gender of a teacher

30. Which of the scales of measurement can be used to measure the weight of students?

a. Nominal

b. Ordinal

c. Interval

d. Ratio

31. In proposing a research statement for a qualitative research designs, the researcher
would use ………………….to propose a research statement.

a. deductive reasoning

b. inductive reasoning

c. logical reasoning

d. his/her experience
32. In selecting a good research problem, all the characteristics listed can be considered
except should

a. be clear and unambiguously stated

b. not represent ethical position

c. not necessarily communicate the purpose of the study

d. ask about the relationship between two or more variables

33. The study of psychological issues or problems to seek knowledge for its own sake is
to _________________ as the study of psychological issues or problems that have
practical significance and potential solutions is to _____________

a. basic; applied

b. applied; basic

c. applied; evaluation

d. basic; action

34. All these can serve as purpose of literature review except

a) resolution of contradictory findings

b) Identification of useful methodology technique

c) Delimitation of the research problem

d) Desirable replication

35. In conducting research, which of the following steps should generally be taken first?

a. Deciding on kinds of data to collect

b. Formulation of the problem

c. Formulation of research topic for the study

d. Identification of research questions to guide the study

36. A review of the literature prior to formulating research questions allows the researcher
to do which of the following?
 a. To become familiar with prior research on the phenomenon of interest

b. To identify potential methodological problems in the research area

c. To develop a list of pertinent problems relative to the phenomenon of interest

d. All of the above

37. Sources of researchable problems can include all the following except

a. practical issues that require solutions

b. questions about ideals or values within the society

c. researchers’ own experiences as educators

d. theory and past research

38. The most important reason for conducting research is that it……….

a. describes a hidden problem

b. determines everything that we do

c. fills the gap in our knowledge

d. guides our value systems and traditions

39. The process involves every member in the class who is participating in the study to
have an equal chance of being assigned to any groups being compared. This refers to
as

a. Experimental grouping

b. Manipulation of subjects

c. Random assignment

d. Random sampling

40. What type of conclusions is warranted from descriptive studies?

a. Casual

b. Casual comparative
 c. Current characteristics

d. Relationship

41. A plan or blueprint which specifies how data relating to a given problem should be
collected, organised and analysed is known as

a. Descriptive design

b. Hypothesis

c. Proposal

d. Research design

42. A researcher decides to look at the perception of SHS students in Tema Municipality
towards implementation of the double track system. What is type of design will you
advice the researcher to use?

a. Case study

b. Casual comparative

c. Descriptive design

d. Experimental design

43. Which of the following is NOT a step involved in descriptive research?

a. cost involved in undertaking research

b. Definition of the purpose of the problem

c. Interpretation of results

d. Selection of method of data collection2

44. The following are methods of non-probability sampling EXCEPT

_______________sampling

a. Purposive

b. Quota

c. Cluster
 d. Convenient

45. Nana Nsiah became a member of a law firm he was studying for his research so he
could observe from inside the group but his identity as a researcher was not known.
What kind of observation is described here?

a. Active

b. Direct

c. Participant

d. Structured

46. A researcher wants to undertake a study in a sample whose population of study is

similar in the characteristics of interest. What will be the most appropriate sampling
technique?

a. Cluster

b. Simple random

c. Stratified

d. Systematic

47. Fynn is conducting survey of student opinion of the dining hall at his university. Fynn
decided to conduct his survey by using every tenth name on the registrar’s
alphabetical list of all students at his school. The type of sampling technique that Finn
is using is_____________ sampling

a. Cluster

b. Purposive

c. Stratified

d. Systematic

48. The sampling frame is most similar to the

a. Elements

b. Population
 c. Respondents

d. Sample

49. Probability sampling is to stratified as non- probability sampling is to __________

sampling

a. Convenient

b. Purposive

c. Quota

d. Snowball3

50. Action research differs most from other forms of educational research in its emphasis
on

a. Analysis of qualitative data about one’s situation

b. Collaboration between researchers

c. Generation of generalizable findings

d. Obtaining knowledge to apply to one’s local situation

51. A principle of action research that ensures that co-researchers’ ideas are equally
accepted as potential resources for creating interpretive categories of analysis among
the participant is

a. Collaborative resource

b. Dialectical critique

c. Plural structure

d. Reflexive critique

52. Which of the following describe an observer who is a member of the group being
observed but maintains some distance as a researcher?

a. Complete participant

b. Complete observer
 c. Observer participant

d. Participant observer

53. Observer will vary in the degree to which they

a. Are influenced by the experimental

b. Are involved with the participating in the setting

c. Are trained for conducting the study

d. Interact with the participant bias

54. In publishing the action research report, one’s key findings in terms of the research
question is provided under

a. Analysis and discussion

b. Conclusions

c. Implications for practice

d. Introduction

55. Imagine that you wanted to assess students’ opinion of the in-out-out-in system of
accommodation, by surveying a subgroup of 250 level 100 students at University of
Ghana. In this situation, the subgroup of students represents the ________, and all of
the level 100 students at University of Ghana represent the ____________.

a. Cluster sample; sample

b. Population; sample

c. Sample; population

d. Sample; random sample

56. In a study, a researcher wants to have an in-depth understanding of some pertinent

issues regarding the perception of toddlers. Which of the following instrument is the
most appropriate for the study?
 a. Interview guide

b. Observation guide

c. Questionnaire

57. Upon what basis do researchers pick cases for purposive sampling?

a. Based on stratified randomization

b. For purposes of generalization

c. Knowledge about issues under study

d. Non availability of respondents for the study

58. When the sample size increases, the result obtained approaches what exists in the
population

a. False

b. True

59. The probability of a research evolving after a complete cycle describes its
………….nature

A. Completeness

B. Circular

C. investigative

D. comprehensive

60. A possible guess or proposed solution to a research problem to be verified by

collecting data is known as ………………………

A. delimitation

B. limitation

C. hypothesis

D. the problem
61. In the introductory part of a research proposal, the statement of the problem is
preceded by the

A. the problem

B. hypothesis

C. background

D. delimitation

62. “Men have farmed for centuries, so it is a continuation of what had happened for a
long time”. Which of the sources of knowledge relates to the statement above?

A. authority

B. experience

C. scientific inquiry

D. tradition

63. Which of the following sources of knowledge is the best in terms of credibility and
objectivity?

A. authority

B. personal experience

C. the scientific method

D. tradition

64. Research that aims to solve perplexing questions of theoretical nature with little direct
influence in action, performance or policy decision is the

A. action research

B. basic

C. evaluation
 D. applied

65. The pivot around which the whole research effort turns is the ………

A. findings

B. questionnaire

C. research analysis

D. research problem

66. The following statements are the characteristics of research except………

A. research begins with an issue

B. research demands a plan

C. research requires clear statement of problem

D. research is vertical

67. Which of the following is the purpose of action research? To ………

A. find out how to teach

B. involve students in research

C. make teachers have interest in teaching

D. solve classroom problem

68. Which stage in a research process does researcher gather relevant information for
solution to a problem?

A. data analysis

B. data collection

C. instrument development

D. questionnaire administration

69. What name is given to a variable which measures the effect of another variable?

A. categorical

B. extraneous
 C. dependent

D. independent

70. Which of the following serves as the plan of a study?

A. research question

B. research proposal

C. statement of the problem

D. research design

71. Research can be defined as ………..?

A. a systematic investigation to generate knowledge or explain a phenomenon.

B. data collection and dissemination

C. solving problems

D. assuming answers to questions

72. Mensah, a third year student of UCC, selected his research problem after reading
through journals and newspapers. What is the source of his research problem?

A. development agency

B. replication

C. literature

D. text books

73. Which of the following best presents the layman’s view about a research?

A. scientific inquiry

B. data collection
 C. fact finding

D. tentative search

74. Results of any scientific study in education can lead to a formulation or modification
of an Educational policy.

A. True

B. False

75. Which of the following variables in education can serve as an independent variable?

A. achievement

B. performance

C. Type of reinforcement

D. students’ level of obedience

76. There are ……………. major stages in the research cycle.

A. 2

B. 4

C. 5

D. 3

77. In education a type of research that seeks to develop products to improve educational
practice is known as ……

A. applied research

B. action research

C. research and development

D. evaluation research
78. A method of conducting an objective investigation systematically; involving making
an observation and conducting an experiment to test a hypothesis is the
……………………..

A. background to the study

B. investigation

C. hypothesizing

D. scientific method of inquiry

79. In a research, any situation under study is described as a ………….

80. The application of scientific methods to solve educational problems

describes…………………….

81. A clear and concise, yet elaborated statement of a research problem is known as the

A. the problem

B. hypothesis

C. background

D. statement of the problem

82. As a teacher, how best can research help you to improve your practices? By
……………

A. acquiring research skills

B. establishing knowledge

C. indicating what works

D. helping students to know what they are taught

83. The introduction section of a research report should clearly state the following except
the………..……….

A. design to be used

B. limitation of the study

C. problem to be investigated
 D. research questions

84. The first step in selecting a sample is to ………….….

A. compile a list of the population

B. decide how to stratify the population

C. define the population

D. determine how to randomize

85. Which of the following sampling methods is not a non-probability sampling method?

A. convenience

B. cluster

C. quota

D. purposive54

86. A section of the research report that acknowledges the source of opinions, points of
view and generalization is known as ………….

A. conclusion

B. introduction

C. reference

87. Abena Yawson, a KG1 teacher in her action research wanted to solve hyperactive
behavior among her pupils. Which of the following data collection techniques would
be appropriate for the study?

A. interview

B. questionnaire

C. observation

D. test

88. The researcher decides to select a sample by taking simple random samples from
three sub groups that have been identified from the population. What type of sampling
was used?
 A. cluster

B. convenience

C. proportional

D. stratified

89. The following are used in the explanation of research except………

A. analysis and interpretation of results

B. data collection

C. inability to identify a problem

D. organization of data

90. The method of k nowing which is characterized by being exact is known

as……………..

A. deduction

B. induction

C. precision

D. syllogism

91. Preparation and organization of data contributes to conclusion validity of a study.

A. TRUE

B. FALSE

92. Research will help one to acquire the following skills except…………

A. conceptualizing

B. organizing

C. reaching

D. writing

93. The kind of research in which variables are manipulated and the effect of the
manipulation upon the variable observed is referred to as ……………….research
 A. descriptive

B. experimental

C. qualitative

D. quantitative

94. A variable that can take only two forms is known as a ……..variable

A. categorical

B. continuous

C. confounding

D. dichotomous

95. The abstract should accurately, completely and concisely capture the following
essentials of the study except……………………..

A. conclusion

B. implications

C. methodology used

D. results of the study

96. A research data may be edited to …………..

A. categorize the data

B. develop a scoring procedure to guide the researcher

C. identify and correct mistakes in the data

D. reduce the list of codes to manageable themes

97. Which part of the research report offers a brief description of the nature of the
research problem and statement of the research questions

A. conclusion

B. methodology

C. introduction
 D. the body

98. A carefully selected subset of the units that comprise that study population is
the…………………

99. As a teacher, how best can research help you to improve upon your practice? By

A. acquiring research skills

B. establishing knowledge

C. helping students know what they are taught

D. indicating what works

100. Which of the following is a general purpose of research in education? To

A. assemble knowledge

B. enable people earn higher qualification

C. encourage authorship

D. generate new pedagogical knowledge

Supply Answers to the Following Statements

1. For the purpose of identifying types of research and how they are conducted,
research are classified using purpose, method and

…………………………………………………………………

2. Which type of study repeats a completed research with relatively minor changes
that will further contributes to knowledge by either confirming or disconfirming earlier
finding? …………………………..

3. The type of research purposely for developing effective product for use in schools
is known as……………………………………………..........

4. Variables that explains a relation or provides a causal link between other variables
is termed as …………………………………………………..

5. A problem is researchable means ……………

6. Gray Anderson 1998, has maintained that there are characteristics of educational
research which can be grouped into three categories namely ……………………..
3marks

.......................................................................................................................................
....................

7. Identify and four (4) issues you will keep in mind when writing your review of
literature. 4 marks

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

8. List any three characteristics of a good observation. 3 marks

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

9. List any two of the three modes by which researchers could record their interview
data.

2 marks
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………

10. The process that involves a tendancy for one group to be overrepresented in a
study is known as…………………………………….

11. What is non-probability sampling?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………

Key/answers for supply questions

6. i. the purpose of the research ii. the procedures of the research

iii. the role of the research.

7. i. use evidence ii. be selective iii. Quotes sparingly

iv. Summarize and synthesize v. keep your own voice

 vi. use caution when paraphrasing

8. Gentle in approach, Sensitive to respondents, Able to steer interview process,

Open minded.

9. i. By making mental notes of the answers

ii. By making written records of the answers

iii. By making tape or video recording of the interview

10. Sampling bias

11. Sampling procedure which does not provide equal and predictable chance of a
subject being selected.
ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. a. What is research in a scholarly sense?

b. Discuss five characteristics of research.

Answer

1a. Research in a scholarly sense is a systematic investigation to increase

knowledge and/or understanding of selected phenomenon. It is a process through
which we can solve the problems that confronts us in terms of describing,
understanding and explaining phenomenon. Basically, it refers to a scientific search
or investigation which follows a sequentially planned process to collect data and to
establish a fact.

A research from the scholarly perspective is not data collection per se even though
data are collected in any scientific inquiry; it involves data interpretation. Also, it is
not transporting data from one place to another. It is not fact finding per se as may
be perceived by the lay man. It however, a process involving identification of a
problem, data collection, organization and analysis of data and interpretation of the
results.

1b. Characteristics of a research

i. it begins with a question, an issue or problem in the mind of the researcher

ii. It requires a plan

iii. It demands a clear statement of the problem

iv. Research deals with the main problem through sub-problems

v. it seeks direction through appropriate hypothesis or specific research questions

vi. It deals with facts and their meanings

vii. Research is circular in nature

NB. Refer to note on characteristics of a research for detailed explanation

2. a. Distinguish between probability and non-probability sampling procedures with

two examples to illustrate each.

b. which of the two main sampling procedures can result in a more representative
sample? Justify your response
c. under what condition(s) will the use of a simple random sample be most
appropriate?

Answer.

2a. probability sampling procedures are sampling approaches that gives each
element/individual in the population equal opportunity to be selected to represent the
population. It calls for the listing of all elements/individuals in the population.

Examples : i. simple random sampling (randomization) ii. stratified sampling

iii. Systematic sampling iv. Cluster sampling etc. (refer to sampling techniques in the
note)

While non-probability sampling procedure is the sampling approach that does not
give equal opportunity to elements/individuals in the population to be selected.

Examples. i. convenience sampling ii. Purposive sampling iii. Quota sampling iv.
Snow ball sampling. Etc. (refer to sampling techniques in the note)

The differences between the two include:

i. Probability sampling gives each element in the population equal chance of being
included while non-probability sampling does not require knowing or listing all
elements.

ii. Selection of probability samples involve complete listing of elements while non-
probability sampling does not require knowing or listing all elements.

2b. Probability sampling will result in a more representative sample than

nonprobability because each element has an equal chance of being selected. The
use of techniques such as cluster, stratified sampling offers each sub-group within
the population to be fairly represented.

2c. The simple random sampling is appropriate when the population of study is
similar in characteristics or nature of interest. It is important to note that the simple
random sampling is appropriate when the population of study is similar in
characteristics of interest to the researcher.

3a. Explain the term research problem.

Research problem is the question, problem, issue that the researcher would like to
answer OR a problem that the researcher would like to solve of investigate into. It is
also, the perplexing issues bordering the mind of the researcher which he seeks to
investigate. (Refer to notes for details)
3b. Supposing you want to carry out a research, explain in detail any four sources
from which you would obtain your research problem.

Answer.

NB. The question is only demanding sources of a research problem. (refer to note for
details)

A problem from research may come from any of the following sources.

i. Existing theories ii. Personal experiences iii. Looking around (environment)

iv. Experts in specific areas (authority in the area of interest) v. literature

vi. Ideas from external sources (NGOs etc)

vii. Replication of past studies viii. Attending conferences, seminars, workshops,

clinics etc.
3c. Explain in details four characteristics that your research problem should
possess.

Answer

NB. The question is demanding characteristics of a research problem and not

characteristics of a research. (refer to note for details)

i. It should be researchable ii. It should be clearly stated

iii. It should indicate the variables of interest iv. It should name the population of the
study v. It should not be about moral or ethical issues

vi. It should be stated in a question or statement form. vii. It should be significant viii.
It should be feasible for the researcher to carry out

ix. .Results should add to knowledge x. the researcher should have the financial
base to undertake the study.

4a. What is a descriptive research design?

A descriptive research design is a research which specifies the nature of a given

phenomenon. It determines and reports the way things are. Descriptive research
thus, involves collecting data in order to test hypothesis or answer questions
concerning the current status of the subject of the study.

4b. Discuss any five steps involved in a descriptive research design.

NB. This question did not require a chronological listing of the steps; so any five is
accepted in this case.

i. Clear definition of the problem or question to be answered

ii. Selection of the method of data collection.

iii. Selection of sample for the study (sampling)

iv. Data collection

v. Editing, Coding and analysis of data using relevant procedures (organization and
presentation of data)

vi. Interpretation of results (discussion of findings)

ADDITIONAL TRIAL ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. Discuss any four purposes of educational research

2. What is a questionnaire

3. Explain five advantages of using a questionnaire to gather data for research

4. Discuss any four characteristics of non-mailed questionnaire

5. What is Action Research?

6. State and describe any five steps or procedures in conducting Action Research

7. Describe any two types of hypothesis

8. Discuss any five characteristics of a good research hypothesis

9. Describe any two types of interviews

10. Discuss any five skills that an interviewer should possess

11. Explain the difference between a population and a sample

12. Discuss five reasons for sampling

13. Differentiate between a target population and accessible population

14. Explain clearly when each of the following techniques is most appropriate for
data collection. i. questionnaire ii. Interview iii. Observation

15. State and explain two advantages and two disadvantages of questionnaire in
data collection

16. Describe any two characteristics of a good research problem

17. Define and explain research in an academic sense

KEY TO QUESTIONS 35. B 70. B
1. C 36. D 71. A
2. A 37. B 72. C
3. B 38. C 73. C
4. B 39. C 74. A
5. A 40. C 75. C
6. B 41. D 76. B
7. A 42. C 77. C
8. C 43. A 78. D
9. B 44. C 79. Phenomenon/
10. B 45. C problem
11. C 46. B 80. Educational
12. C 47. D research
13. B 48. B 81. D
14. C 49. C 82. C
15. B 50. D 83. A
16. B 51. A 84. C
17. A 52. D 85. B
18. B 53. B 86. C
19. C 54. A 87. C
20. B 55. C 88. D
21. A 56. B 89. C
22. B 57. C 90. C
23. C 58. B 91. A
24. B 59. B 92. C
25. B 60. C 93. B
26. C 61. C 94. D
27. D 62. D 95. B
28. C 63. C 96. C
29. C 64. B 97. C
30. D 65. D 98. SAMPLE
31. B 66. D 99. D
32. C 67. D 100. D
33. A 68. B
34. A 69. C