1. Research is-
(a) A purposeful, systematic activity.
(b) Conducted for purely academic purposes.
(c) Conducted to answer questions about practical issues.
(d) A random, unplanned process of discovery.
Ans-A
2. All good research aims at-
(a) Betterment of society.
(b) Developing generalizations, theories, and principles.
(c) Solving routine problems.
(d) None of the above
Ans-B
3. A grand theory-
(a) Explains interrelationships among concepts.
(b) Is highly abstract.
(c) Broad explanation of the phenomenon in a discipline.
(d) All the above
Ans-C
4. The idea that knowledge comes from experience is-
(a) Rationalism
(b) Deductive reasoning
(c) Logic
(d) Empiricism
Ans-D
5. A theory is defined as-
(a) Set of systematically related statements
(b) Law like generalizations
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
Ans-C
6. Epistemology refers to-
(a) A term specifically used in the social sciences.
(b) A term used to study the types of diseases.
(c) Acceptable level of knowledge in a field of study.
(d) A type of interviewing technique.
Ans-C
7. Which of the following is a function of theory?
(a) Integrating and summarizing current knowledge
(b) Making predictions
(c) Explaining phenomena
(d) All of the above
Ans-B
8. Which of the following term explains the idea that knowledge comes from experience?
(a) Rationalism
(b) Empiricism
(c) Logic
(d) Deduction
Ans-B
9. In every field, research pursuits promote systematic and gradual advancement of knowledge but discoveries are rare because [December 1997]
(a) Result is a continuous critical investigation.
(b) It is not common to be able to think beyond a grooved channel.
(c) Sustained experimental work needed for discovery is not easily forthcoming.
(d) Most people lack the depth of knowledge needed for it.
Ans-D
10. ‘Metaphysics’ means-
(a) A branch of Physics
(b) Exploring the nature of ultimate reality
(c) Physics of metals
(d) Physics of weather
Ans-B
11. Which of the following statements is not correct? [June 1997]
(a) A researcher is expected to be a well-read person.
(b) One research gives birth to another research.
(c) All researchers contribute to existing knowledge.
(d) A good researcher is a nice person.
Ans-D
12. Which of the following is defined as a systematic method of evaluating statistical data based on the results of several independent studies of the same problem?
(a) Factor analysis
(b) Meta-analysis
(c) Systematic analysis
(d) None of the above
Ans-B
13. The quality of a research study is mainly evaluated on the basis of
(a) The place of publication.
(b) The manner in which the recommendations are implemented.
(c) The rigour with which it was conducted.
(d) None of the above
Ans-C
14. The quality of research is judged by the [December 1998]
(a) Relevance of research
(b) Methodology adopted in conducting the research
(c) Depth of research
(d) Experience of the researcher
Ans-B
15. One of the following is not a quality of a researcher? [December 2005]
(a) Unison with that of which he is in search.
(b) He must be of the alert mind.
(c) Keenness in enquiry.
(d) His assertion to outstrip the evidence.
Ans-A
16. Which of the following periodical is specifically meant for publishing research work?
(a) Magazine
(b) Monographs
(c) Journals
(d) Books
Ans-C
17. Which of the following options are the main tasks of research in modern society? [June 2006]
(I) To keep pace with the advancement in the knowledge.
(II) To discover new things.
(III) To write a critique on the earlier writings.
(IV) To systematically examine and critically analyse the investigations or sources with objectivity.
(a) IV, II, and I
(b) I, II, and III
(c) I and III
(d) II, III, and IV
Ans-A
18. Which of the following description is true in the context of defining ‘theory’?
(a) An organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon.
(b) Tentative explanations that new data either support or do not support.
(c) Apt to drive further research.
(d) None of the above
Ans-A
19. Research can be conducted by a person who [December 2006]
(a) Has studied research methodology.
(b) Holds a postgraduate degree.
(c) Possesses thinking and reasoning ability.
(d) Is a hard worker.
Ans-C
20. The best quality of a researcher is-
(a) Curiosity
(b) Active imagination
(c) Ability
(d) All the above
Ans-D
21. The result of building up information from pieces of information is known as
(a) An analysis
(b) A synthesis
(c) A synopsis
(d) None of the above
Ans-B
22. The result of setting out a reasoned argument in steps is known as
(a) A comparison
(b) A debate
(c) An evaluation
(d) An analysis
Ans-C
23. A researcher is generally expected to-
(a) Study the existing literature in a field.
(b) Generate new principles and theories.
(c) Synthesise different ideas
(d) None of the above
Ans-B
24. What do you consider as the main aim of interdisciplinary research? [June 2006]
(a) To bring out holistic approach to research.
(b) To reduce the emphasis of single subject in research domain.
(c) To oversimplify the problem of research.
(d) To create a new trend in research methodology.
Ans-A
25. One of the essential characteristics of research is
(a) Replicability
(b) Generalizability
(c) Usability
(d) None of the above
Ans-B
26. The depth of any research can be judged by [June 2006]
(a) Title of the research.
(b) Objectives of the research.
(c) Total expenditure on the research.
(d) Duration of the research.
Ans-B
27. Which of the following statements is true about the theory?
(a) It explains the phenomenon in a simple manner.
(b) It explains the ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions.
(c) It can be a well-developed explanatory system.
(d) All the above
Ans-D
28. The research is always [December 2008]
(a) Verifying the old knowledge.
(b) Exploring new knowledge.
(c) Filling the gaps between the knowledge.
(d) All the above
Ans-D
29. Which of the following is a function of theory?
(a) Summarizing the current knowledge
(b) Making predictions
(c) Explaining phenomena
(d) All the above
Ans-D
30. The feasibility of a research study generally depends upon
(a) Cost factor
(b) Time required to conduct research
(c) Skills set of the researcher
(d) All the above
Ans-D
31. An empiricist believes that-
(a) Natural science methods should not be applied to social science research.
(b) Social science methods cannot be applied in natural sciences.
(c) Knowledge is acquired through our sensory perceptions.
(d) None of the above
Ans-C
32. The experimental study is based on-
(a) Law of a single variable
(b) Manipulation
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
Ans-C
33. What is the position held by a positivist as far as acquiring knowledge is concerned?
(a) A general positive attitude towards research.
(b) Scientific research should be based on value-free, empirical observations.
(c) Exact knowledge can be acquired from society.
(d) None of the above
Ans-B
34. The approach which is based on the assumption that social phenomena can be explained by observing cause and effect is
(a) Positivism
(b) Interpretivism
(c) Qualitative
(d) None of the above
Ans-A
35. An ontological question is usually about-
(a) Diagnose of a medical problem.
(b) Study of things outside ourselves, an external reality.
(c) Use of questionnaires or interviews in project.
(d) Acceptable level of knowledge.
Ans-B
36. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a researcher?
(a) Industrious and persistent.
(b) Specialist rather than a generalist.
(c) Objective
(d) Not versatile in his interest and even in his native abilities.
Ans-D
37. An important practical issue to consider while designing a research project is
(a) An interesting theoretical perspective.
(b) Add to knowledge of researcher only.
(c) Availability of time and other resources.
(d) None of the above
Ans-C
38. The two main approaches of a research are-
(a) Data collection and data analysis
(b) Surveys and questionnaires
(c) Sampling and data collection
(d) Qualitative and quantitative
Ans-D
39. A researcher designs an experiment to test how variables interact to influence how well children learn spelling words. In this case, the main purpose of the study is-
(a) Explanation
(b) Description
(c) Influence
(d) Prediction
Ans-A
40. Qualitative research is-
(a) Without any specific purpose.
(b) Primarily concerned with in-depth exploration of phenomena.
(c) Deals with the collection and analysis of numerical data.
(d) None of the above
Ans-B
41. Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct answer from the code given below. [December 2004]
List-I List-II
A Historical method I Past events
B Survey method II Vision
C Philosophical method III Present events
D Experimental method IV Future action
Codes:-
(a) A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
(b) A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
(c) A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
(d) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
Ans-A
42. Which of the following research specifically requires objectivity to discover facts and causes from the data gathered for the purpose?
(a) Quantitative research
(b) Fundamental research
(c) Qualitative research
(d) Action research
Ans-A
43. In psychology and education, experimental research is also termed as
(a) S–R (stimulus–response) research
(b) Analytical research
(c) Historical research
(d) Post Facto research
Ans-A
44. Fundamental research is usually carried out in
(a) Classroom
(b) Field setting
(c) Laboratory conditions
(d) Social setting
Ans-C
45. The research which is exploring new facts through the study of the past is called
(a) Philosophical research
(b) Historical research
(c) Mythological research
(d) Content analysis
Ans-B
46. The scientific method can be used-
(a) Only in physical sciences such as physics and chemistry.
(b) Only in social sciences.
(c) Both in physical and social sciences.
(d) None of the above
Ans-C
47. In the method of naturalistic observation, there will be-
(a) Haphazard behaviour as it naturally occurs.
(b) Setting up of controlled experiments by which they uncover causal elements in behaviour.
(c) Set out to actively observe subjects in their natural environments.
(d) Interview subjects at different stages of life.
Ans-C
48. Which of the following is a form of explanatory research in which the researcher develops a theoretical model and empirically tests the model to determine how well the model fits the data?
(a) Causal modelling
(b) Predictive research
(c) Descriptive research
(d) Exploratory research
Ans-A
49. Match the following two lists.
List-I List-II
A. Experimental I Criticism
B .Historical II Control
C .Case study III Interpretative
D .Ethnography IV Intensive
Codes:-
(a) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-V
(b) A-I, B-II, C-V, D-III
(c) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-V
(d) A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
Ans-D
50. The important prerequisites of research in sciences, social sciences and humanities are [December 2005]
(a) Laboratory skills, records, supervisor and topic.
(b) Supervisor, topic, critical analysis and patience.
(c) Archives, supervisor, topic and flexibility in thinking.
(d) Topic, supervisor, good temperament and preconceived notions
Ans-B