100 mcqs of research methodology for ppsc fpsc nts test

[nida.imran]

I. Basics of Research Methodology
1. Research is:
A) Systematic investigation
B) Random search
C) Biased opinion
D) None of these
Answer: A
2. Which of the following is not a characteristic of research?
A) Empirical
B) Logical
C) Subjective
D) Systematic
Answer: C
3. Which research method involves a deep study of a single individual or group?
A) Survey
B) Case Study
C) Experimental
D) Longitudinal
Answer: B
4. The goal of basic research is to:
A) Solve immediate problems
B) Gain knowledge
C) Improve techniques
D) Test products
Answer: B
5. Action research is done to:
A) Create new theory
B) Apply theory
C) Solve practical problems
D) None of the above
Answer: C

II. Research Types and Approaches
6. The type of research that aims at understanding phenomena from the perspective of those involved is:
A) Qualitative
B) Quantitative
C) Applied
D) Descriptive
Answer: A
7. Quantitative research uses which method?
A) Statistical
B) Narrative
C) Observation
D) Interview
Answer: A
8. Historical research deals with:
A) The past events
B) Present data
C) Future prediction
D) None of these
Answer: A
9. A hypothesis is:
A) Final conclusion
B) A guess
C) A testable statement
D) Unverifiable assumption
Answer: C
10. Research designed to generate knowledge for application is:
A) Basic research
B) Applied research
C) Descriptive research
D) Analytical research
Answer: B

III. Hypothesis and Variables
11. A null hypothesis states that:
A) There is no relationship
B) There is a significant relationship
C) All variables are independent
D) The result is true
Answer: A
12. A variable that is manipulated is:
A) Independent
B) Dependent
C) Intervening
D) Extraneous
Answer: A
13. The effect is shown by the:
A) Independent variable
B) Dependent variable
C) Moderator variable
D) Control variable
Answer: B
14. What is operational definition?
A) A theoretical meaning
B) A dictionary meaning
C) A measurable definition
D) None of these
Answer: C
15. Which variable causes change?
A) Independent
B) Dependent
C) Confounding
D) Control
Answer: A

IV. Sampling Methods
16. Random sampling gives:
A) Equal chance to all
B) Unequal chance
C) Biased selection
D) None of these
Answer: A
17. Which sampling method is non-probability?
A) Stratified
B) Cluster
C) Convenience
D) Simple random
Answer: C
18. The sample that accurately represents the population is called:
A) Biased
B) Representative
C) Convenient
D) Accidental
Answer: B
19. Snowball sampling is mainly used in:
A) Marketing
B) Hard-to-reach populations
C) Random experiments
D) Classroom studies
Answer: B
20. Which is a probability sampling technique?
A) Quota sampling
B) Convenience sampling
C) Systematic sampling
D) Purposive sampling
Answer: C


V. Research Design and Techniques (21-25)
21. Which research design is best suited for testing cause-and-effect relationships?
A) Experimental
B) Case Study
C) Correlational
D) Descriptive
Answer: A
22. Which type of research is used to describe a phenomenon as it exists?
A) Experimental
B) Descriptive
C) Analytical
D) Longitudinal
Answer: B
23. A research design where the researcher manipulates an independent variable to observe its effect on the dependent variable is called:
A) Experimental design
B) Observational study
C) Case study
D) Survey research
Answer: A
24. Which is the first step in research design?
A) Review literature
B) Formulate hypothesis
C) Select research methodology
D) Define the research problem
Answer: D
25. In a longitudinal study, data is collected:
A) At a single point in time
B) Over an extended period of time
C) Only once
D) From a small sample
Answer: B

VI. Data Collection Methods (26-30)
26. The method of collecting data by asking questions is known as:
A) Observation
B) Survey
C) Experiment
D) Interview
Answer: B
27. Which of the following is a disadvantage of secondary data?
A) Easy availability
B) Relevance to the research problem
C) Data may be outdated
D) Cost-effective
Answer: C
28. Which method is used for gathering data in an uncontrolled environment?
A) Experiments
B) Surveys
C) Observation
D) Interviews
Answer: C
29. What is the main advantage of using a questionnaire for data collection?
A) In-depth responses
B) Time-consuming
C) Cost-effective and quick
D) Requires extensive training
Answer: C
30. Which data collection method involves direct interaction between the researcher and the subject?
A) Secondary data analysis
B) Survey
C) Observation
D) Interview
Answer: D

VII. Statistical Tools and Analysis (31-35)
31. Which of the following is used to measure the relationship between two variables?
A) Correlation
B) Regression
C) Both A and B
D) Hypothesis testing
Answer: C
32. Which test is used to compare the means of two groups?
A) Chi-square test
B) T-test
C) ANOVA
D) Z-test
Answer: B
33. A correlation coefficient of 0.8 indicates:
A) Strong positive relationship
B) Strong negative relationship
C) No relationship
D) Weak positive relationship
Answer: A
34. Which of the following is an assumption for conducting a parametric test?
A) Data is normally distributed
B) Data is non-parametric
C) Data is ordinal
D) None of these
Answer: A
35. Which test is used for comparing more than two groups?
A) T-test
B) Chi-square test
C) ANOVA
D) Regression analysis
Answer: C

VIII. Validity and Reliability (36-40)
36. The degree to which an instrument measures what it is supposed to measure is called:
A) Reliability
B) Validity
C) Accuracy
D) Consistency
Answer: B
37. Which of the following refers to the consistency of a research instrument?
A) Reliability
B) Validity
C) Precision
D) Reproducibility
Answer: A
38. A test is valid if:
A) It produces consistent results
B) It measures what it claims to measure
C) It is administered at regular intervals
D) It is conducted on a large sample
Answer: B
39. Which type of validity ensures that the measurement accurately reflects the concept being measured?
A) Construct validity
B) Content validity
C) Criterion validity
D) Predictive validity
Answer: A
40. Which method improves reliability in research?
A) Increasing sample size
B) Reducing the number of variables
C) Using multiple raters
D) Using a random sample
Answer: C
Here is the continuation of the Research Methodology MCQs for PPSC:

IX. Literature Review (41-45)
41. The purpose of a literature review is to:
A) Collect data for analysis
B) Critique previous research
C) Summarize findings from previous studies
D) All of the above
Answer: D
42. A review of literature is essential in the research process because it helps in:
A) Understanding the theoretical framework
B) Identifying gaps in existing research
C) Developing hypotheses
D) All of the above
Answer: D
43. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a conceptual framework in research?
A) Provide a detailed methodology
B) Highlight the relationship between variables
C) Suggest data analysis techniques
D) Collect literature data
Answer: B
44. Which of the following is NOT part of a good literature review?
A) Identifying key themes and trends
B) Summarizing previous research findings
C) Citing all references in the study
D) Skipping the analysis of related works
Answer: D
45. The literature review in research helps the researcher to:
A) Confirm the research hypothesis
B) Understand the topic’s background
C) Avoid conducting unnecessary research
D) All of the above
Answer: D

X. Research Ethics (46-50)
46. Which of the following is an ethical principle in research?
A) Ensuring participant confidentiality
B) Fabricating data
C) Plagiarism
D) All of the above
Answer: A
47. Informed consent means that research participants:
A) Are coerced into participating
B) Understand the research and agree voluntarily
C) Are paid for participation
D) Are anonymous
Answer: B
48. Which of the following is considered a breach of research ethics?
A) Using existing data with permission
B) Falsifying research findings
C) Collaborating with colleagues
D) Reporting the results accurately
Answer: B
49. Which concept is NOT typically involved in ethical research practice?
A) Honesty in reporting
B) Respect for the participants' rights
C) Data manipulation
D) Fairness in research dissemination
Answer: C
50. Ethical approval for a research study is generally granted by:
A) The university's ethics committee
B) The government
C) The funding agency
D) The researcher’s family
Answer: A

XI. Data Analysis (51-55)
51. Which of the following software tools is commonly used for statistical data analysis in research?
A) Microsoft Word
B) SPSS
C) Photoshop
D) Google Docs
Answer: B
52. Descriptive statistics include:
A) Mean, median, mode
B) T-tests
C) Correlation coefficient
D) Regression analysis
Answer: A
53. A bar graph is used to represent:
A) Relationships between continuous data
B) Discrete data in categories
C) Regression analysis results
D) Frequency distribution
Answer: B
54. Which test is used to measure the difference between observed and expected frequencies in categorical data?
A) T-test
B) ANOVA
C) Chi-square test
D) Regression test
Answer: C
55. A researcher uses data from a secondary source without modifying it. This type of analysis is called:
A) Primary analysis
B) Descriptive analysis
C) Secondary analysis
D) Exploratory analysis
Answer: C

XII. Report Writing (56-60)
56. The first section of a research report is typically:
A) Discussion
B) Abstract
C) Conclusion
D) References
Answer: B
57. The main purpose of the conclusion section in a research report is to:
A) Summarize the research findings
B) Discuss the limitations of the study
C) Present the future scope of research
D) All of the above
Answer: D
58. Which of the following should be included in the methodology section of a research paper?
A) Research design and data collection methods
B) Results of data analysis
C) A detailed literature review
D) None of the above
Answer: A
59. When referencing a book in a research paper, which of the following information is essential?
A) Author's name, year of publication, title of the book, publisher
B) Author's name and title only
C) Year of publication and publisher only

Here is the continuation of the Research Methodology MCQs for PPSC:

IX.


XIII. Research Limitations (61-65)
61. A limitation in research refers to:
A) A limitation on data collection methods
B) The area of study not being covered
C) Factors that affect the generalizability of results
D) All of the above
Answer: D
62. The researcher’s inability to control all variables in an experimental design is an example of:
A) External validity
B) Internal validity
C) Experimental limitations
D) Sample size limitation
Answer: C
63. Which of the following is NOT a limitation in research?
A) Limited sample size
B) Data collection method errors
C) Non-compliance with ethical guidelines
D) Accurate measurement of variables
Answer: D
64. Sampling bias is a limitation because it results in:
A) A larger sample
B) A more representative sample
C) A non-representative sample
D) None of the above
Answer: C
65. The limited scope of research is considered a:
A) Research problem
B) Research hypothesis
C) Research limitation
D) Data analysis issue
Answer: C



XIV. Types of Research (66–70)
66. Research aimed at gaining new knowledge without immediate application is called:
A) Applied research
B) Basic research
C) Exploratory research
D) Descriptive research
Answer: B
67. Which research method investigates a problem that was not clearly defined before?
A) Exploratory research
B) Descriptive research
C) Experimental research
D) Analytical research
Answer: A
68. Which research involves using numerical data and statistical analysis?
A) Qualitative
B) Quantitative
C) Action
D) Historical
Answer: B
69. The research conducted to solve an immediate problem is known as:
A) Fundamental research
B) Pure research
C) Applied research
D) Longitudinal research
Answer: C
70. Historical research deals with:
A) Current trends
B) Future predictions
C) Events from the past
D) Experimental data
Answer: C

XV. Sampling Techniques (71–75)
71. A method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected:
A) Random sampling
B) Stratified sampling
C) Cluster sampling
D) Convenience sampling
Answer: A
72. Sampling based on specific characteristics of a population:
A) Systematic sampling
B) Stratified sampling
C) Quota sampling
D) Judgmental sampling
Answer: B
73. Which of the following is a non-probability sampling technique?
A) Simple random sampling
B) Cluster sampling
C) Convenience sampling
D) Stratified sampling
Answer: C
74. What type of sampling selects individuals who are easiest to access?
A) Snowball sampling
B) Random sampling
C) Purposive sampling
D) Convenience sampling
Answer: D
75. Which sampling technique is used when population elements are grouped and then clusters are randomly selected?
A) Simple random sampling
B) Systematic sampling
C) Cluster sampling
D) Quota sampling
Answer: C

XVI. Hypothesis and Variables (76–80)
76. A hypothesis is defined as:
A) A proven theory
B) A tentative statement that can be tested
C) A permanent conclusion
D) An imaginary concept
Answer: B
77. A variable that is manipulated to observe its effect is called:
A) Dependent variable
B) Independent variable
C) Extraneous variable
D) Moderator variable
Answer: B
78. Which variable is observed and measured for change in an experiment?
A) Independent variable
B) Control variable
C) Dependent variable
D) Manipulated variable
Answer: C
79. A null hypothesis states that:
A) There is no significant difference or effect
B) There is a strong relationship between variables
C) Research will be successful
D) Data will be analyzed
Answer: A
80. When a hypothesis is rejected but actually true, it is called:
A) Type I error
B) Type II error
C) Null error
D) Positive error
Answer: A

XVII. Measurement Scales (81–85)
81. Which of the following is a nominal scale?
A) Temperature
B) Height
C) Gender
D) Weight
Answer: C
82. An ordinal scale involves:
A) Categories with no order
B) Categories with a meaningful order
C) Precise measurements
D) Equal intervals
Answer: B
83. Which scale has a true zero point?
A) Nominal
B) Ordinal
C) Interval
D) Ratio
Answer: D
84. Which scale allows addition and subtraction, but not multiplication and division?
A) Nominal
B) Ordinal
C) Interval
D) Ratio
Answer: C
85. Height and weight are examples of which type of scale?
A) Ordinal
B) Interval
C) Ratio
D) Nominal
Answer: C

XVIII. General Concepts (86–100)
86. Research that uses existing theories to explain new data is called:
A) Deductive
B) Inductive
C) Applied
D) Basic
Answer: A
87. Research that starts with data collection and ends with theory formulation is:
A) Inductive
B) Deductive
C) Experimental
D) Theoretical
Answer: A
88. An example of primary data is:
A) Newspaper articles
B) Census data
C) Interviews
D) Textbooks
Answer: C
89. What do we call a detailed plan of the research project?
A) Hypothesis
B) Research design
C) Abstract
D) Literature review
Answer: B
90. Which of the following is NOT a step in the research process?
A) Problem identification
B) Hypothesis testing
C) Data fabrication
D) Data analysis
Answer: C
91. A research report should be written in a:
A) Subjective tone
B) Poetic style
C) Systematic and clear manner
D) Random format
Answer: C
92. What is a characteristic of good research?
A) Unreliable
B) Systematic
C) Biased
D) Unethical
Answer: B
93. A concise summary of a research study is called:
A) Introduction
B) Methodology
C) Abstract
D) Appendix
Answer: C
94. Which of the following is NOT a research method?
A) Experimentation
B) Observation
C) Narration
D) Survey
Answer: C
95. Which one is a non-scientific method of knowing things?
A) Tenacity
B) Experiment
C) Observation
D) Logical reasoning
Answer: A
96. What is the final step in the research process?
A) Hypothesis testing
B) Data collection
C) Report writing
D) Interpretation and recommendation
Answer: D
97. The term "plagiarism" refers to:
A) Generating new ideas
B) Stealing someone else's work
C) Conducting a survey
D) Using statistics
Answer: B
98. Which of the following ensures consistency of results?
A) Validity
B) Reliability
C) Generalizability
D) Sampling
Answer: B
99. Which part of research shows the findings and outcomes?
A) Abstract
B) Results
C) Introduction
D) Literature review
Answer: B
100. Which of the following tools is best for analyzing qualitative data?
A) SPSS
B) NVivo
C) Excel
D) T-test
Answer: B:


101. Which of the following is not a characteristic of good research?
A) Systematic
B) Logical
C) Subjective
D) Replicable
Answer: C