🧩 Section A – Basics of Research (Meaning, Characteristics, and Objectives)
Q1. Research is primarily aimed at:
A) Increasing personal opinions
B) Discovering new knowledge systematically
C) Supporting established facts only
D) Promoting subjective understanding
Answer: B
Explanation: Research systematically seeks new or validated knowledge.
Q2. Which of the following is not a characteristic of research?
A) Systematic
B) Controlled
C) Intuitive
D) Empirical
Answer: C
Q3. The first step in the research process is:
A) Data collection
B) Identifying the problem
C) Report writing
D) Data analysis
Answer: B
Q4. “Research is a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts.” This definition is given by:
A) Kerlinger
B) Clifford Woody
C) Creswell
D) Best & Kahn
Answer: B
Q5. Which of the following best differentiates research from information gathering?
A) Use of internet
B) Systematic scientific method
C) Compilation of facts
D) Reference to books
Answer: B
Q6. The key objective of applied research is:
A) Formulation of theories
B) Solving real-life problems
C) Generalization of knowledge
D) Developing abstract concepts
Answer: B
Q7. “Action research” is primarily undertaken to:
A) Develop new theories
B) Improve local practices
C) Collect secondary data
D) Establish general laws
Answer: B
Q8. A researcher studies classroom discipline problems to improve his teaching methods. It is an example of:
A) Basic research
B) Applied research
C) Action research
D) Fundamental research
Answer: C
Q9. The purpose of evaluation research is:
A) To assess effectiveness of a program
B) To study past trends
C) To test hypotheses
D) To generate theories
Answer: A
Q10. The term ‘research methodology’ refers to:
A) The tools of data collection
B) The logic and process behind research methods
C) The design of questionnaire
D) The statistical software used
Answer: B
📚 Section B – Types and Approaches of Research
Q11. Which approach focuses on observable and measurable facts?
A) Interpretivism
B) Positivism
C) Constructivism
D) Critical theory
Answer: B
Q12. Post-positivism differs from positivism because it:
A) Rejects empirical data
B) Accepts multiple realities and fallibility
C) Avoids objectivity
D) Rejects both qualitative and quantitative research
Answer: B
Q13. Qualitative research is primarily:
A) Deductive
B) Objective
C) Contextual and interpretive
D) Statistical
Answer: C
Q14. Quantitative research mainly uses:
A) Text and narrative data
B) Open-ended interviews
C) Numerical and statistical data
D) Participant observation
Answer: C
Q15. Historical research is concerned with:
A) Present trends
B) Future prediction
C) Past events
D) Experimental studies
Answer: C
Q16. Which research combines elements of qualitative and quantitative methods?
A) Empirical research
B) Mixed method research
C) Case study
D) Ethnography
Answer: B
Q17. Which of the following is a type of qualitative research?
A) Correlational study
B) Experimental study
C) Phenomenology
D) Survey research
Answer: C
Q18. A study aimed at understanding classroom culture through observation is:
A) Quantitative research
B) Experimental research
C) Ethnographic research
D) Analytical research
Answer: C
Q19. Which of the following studies cause-and-effect relationships?
A) Descriptive research
B) Experimental research
C) Historical research
D) Qualitative research
Answer: B
Q20. “A study comparing male and female teachers’ job satisfaction” is an example of:
A) Descriptive research
B) Experimental research
C) Applied research
D) Correlational research
Answer: D
🧠 Section C – Steps of Research Process
Q21. The step after formulating a hypothesis is:
A) Review of literature
B) Data analysis
C) Designing research
D) Report writing
Answer: C
Q22. The purpose of literature review is to:
A) List all available books
B) Identify research gaps and avoid duplication
C) Finalize hypothesis
D) Write references
Answer: B
Q23. A hypothesis must be:
A) General and non-testable
B) Testable and measurable
C) Unclear but flexible
D) Based only on beliefs
Answer: B
Q24. “There is no significant difference between rural and urban students’ achievement.” — This is an example of:
A) Directional hypothesis
B) Non-directional hypothesis
C) Null hypothesis (H₀)
D) Alternative hypothesis (H₁)
Answer: C
Q25. In research, a variable that is manipulated is:
A) Independent variable
B) Dependent variable
C) Controlled variable
D) Intervening variable
Answer: A
Q26. The variable that responds to changes in the independent variable is:
A) Controlled variable
B) Dependent variable
C) Moderator variable
D) Extraneous variable
Answer: B
Q27. Which of the following ensures that research can be replicated?
A) Subjectivity
B) Objectivity and transparency
C) Bias and personal views
D) Random assumptions
Answer: B
Q28. “Operational definition” of a variable means:
A) Theoretical meaning
B) Dictionary meaning
C) Measurable form of the variable
D) Abstract idea
Answer: C
Q29. The main purpose of a research design is to:
A) Provide financial support
B) Act as a blueprint for research process
C) Collect references
D) Ensure ethical approval
Answer: B
Q30. In which type of research design does manipulation and control of variables occur?
A) Experimental
B) Descriptive
C) Analytical
D) Historical
Answer: A
📊 Section D – Sampling
Q31. Sampling is preferred when:
A) Population is very small
B) Study involves entire population
C) Population is large and time is limited
D) Only qualitative data are needed
Answer: C
Q32. The main objective of sampling is to:
A) Include all individuals
B) Save time and resources
C) Increase complexity
D) Ensure bias
Answer: B
Q33. Every member having an equal chance of selection refers to:
A) Systematic sampling
B) Purposive sampling
C) Random sampling
D) Cluster sampling
Answer: C
Q34. In stratified sampling, the population is divided based on:
A) Convenience
B) Random selection
C) Homogeneous groups or strata
D) Time and cost
Answer: C
Q35. Snowball sampling is most suitable for:
A) Easily accessible populations
B) Hidden or hard-to-reach groups
C) Large scale surveys
D) Experimental research
Answer: B
Q36. Which of the following is a non-probability sampling technique?
A) Simple random
B) Stratified random
C) Purposive
D) Cluster
Answer: C
Q37. Sampling error can be reduced by:
A) Decreasing sample size
B) Increasing sample size and randomness
C) Using convenience sampling
D) Ignoring variability
Answer: B
Q38. The accuracy of sample results depends mainly on:
A) Number of variables
B) Sample size and representation
C) Sampling bias
D) Hypothesis formulation
Answer: B
Q39. Systematic sampling involves selection based on:
A) Equal intervals
B) Personal judgment
C) Snowballing
D) Cluster grouping
Answer: A
Q40. Quota sampling is used when:
A) Randomization is possible
B) Sampling frame is available
C) Researcher divides population by characteristics and fills quotas
D) Only census is possible
Answer: C
📈 Section E – Data Collection and Analysis
Q41. Primary data is collected:
A) From published sources
B) Directly from respondents
C) From journals
D) From reports
Answer: B
Q42. Which of the following is a primary data collection method?
A) Literature review
B) Interviews
C) Newspaper data
D) Textbook study
Answer: B
Q43. Secondary data refers to:
A) Original information collected first-hand
B) Information already available in other sources
C) Personal observation
D) Survey response
Answer: B
Q44. A questionnaire should have:
A) Ambiguous questions
B) Leading questions
C) Clear, concise, and relevant questions
D) Double negatives
Answer: C
Q45. Observation is most appropriate when:
A) Events can’t be manipulated
B) Respondents are unwilling to answer
C) Behaviour must be directly seen
D) All the above
Answer: D
Q46. Which measure of central tendency is least affected by extreme values?
A) Mean
B) Median
C) Mode
D) Range
Answer: B
Q47. Correlation measures:
A) Difference between groups
B) Relationship between variables
C) Comparison between means
D) Level of reliability
Answer: B
Q48. Which statistical test is used to compare two means?
A) Chi-square
B) t-test
C) ANOVA
D) Regression
Answer: B
Q49. ANOVA is used when:
A) Comparing two means
B) Comparing more than two means
C) Analyzing relationships
D) Measuring variability only
Answer: B
Q50. In research, coding means:
A) Translating data into numerical form for analysis
B) Encrypting data
C) Editing questionnaires
D) Designing sampling frame
Answer: A
✍️ Section F – Research Reporting and Documentation
Q51. The last step in the research process is:
A) Data collection
B) Report writing and dissemination
C) Hypothesis formulation
D) Sampling
Answer: B
Q52. A research report should be:
A) Personal and emotional
B) Objective, concise, and logical
C) Opinion-based
D) Narrative and descriptive only
Answer: B
Q53. In APA style, the reference for a book is given as:
A) Author, Year, Title, Publisher
B) Title, Author, Year, Publisher
C) Publisher, Title, Author, Year
D) Author, Title, Publisher, Year
Answer: A
Q54. Which of the following is not a section in a typical research report?
A) Abstract
B) Methodology
C) Review of literature
D) Hypothesis testing only
Answer: D
Q55. Plagiarism refers to:
A) Paraphrasing
B) Using others’ work without credit
C) Quoting with citation
D) Editing text
Answer: B
Q56. Bibliography includes:
A) Only cited works
B) All works consulted
C) Only online sources
D) References used by others
Answer: B
Q57. In a research paper, “Abstract” means:
A) Introduction
B) Summary of key points and findings
C) References
D) Background theory
Answer: B
Q58. The main purpose of referencing is:
A) Avoid plagiarism and acknowledge sources
B) Fill up space
C) Impress reviewers
D) Confuse readers
Answer: A
Q59. Which software can manage references automatically?
A) Photoshop
B) Mendeley
C) Excel
D) PowerPoint
Answer: B
Q60. The part of a thesis that states “what was found” is:
A) Methodology
B) Results and Discussion
C) Review of literature
D) Introduction
Answer: B
💻 Section G – ICT and Research
Q61. ICT enhances research by:
A) Limiting access to information
B) Providing digital tools for collection and analysis
C) Promoting plagiarism
D) Replacing researchers
Answer: B
Q62. Which of the following is a plagiarism detection tool?
A) Turnitin
B) MATLAB
C) Mendeley
D) SurveyMonkey
Answer: A
Q63. Which software is commonly used for statistical analysis?
A) SPSS
B) Word
C) Excel only
D) PowerPoint
Answer: A
Q64. Google Scholar is used for:
A) Chatting
B) Finding academic articles and citations
C) Social networking
D) Video calls
Answer: B
Q65. In research, data visualization means:
A) Printing tables
B) Presenting data through graphs and charts
C) Typing results
D) Narrating text
Answer: B
Q66. Which of the following is an open-source statistical software?
A) SPSS
B) SAS
C) R
D) Excel
Answer: C
Q67. Which of the following is a digital research database?
A) Netflix
B) JSTOR
C) Facebook
D) Wikipedia
Answer: B
Q68. ICT promotes open access research through:
A) Subscription-only journals
B) Free sharing of peer-reviewed research online
C) Restricting publication
D) Private access
Answer: B
Q69. The main ethical issue with using AI tools in research is:
A) Increased accuracy
B) Overreliance and plagiarism
C) Time efficiency
D) Collaboration
Answer: B
Q70. An online survey platform is:
A) Canva
B) SurveyMonkey
C) Turnitin
D) Grammarly
Answer: B
⚖️ Section H – Research Ethics
Q71. Ethical research means:
A) Manipulating data ethically
B) Following honesty and integrity
C) Hiding results
D) Ignoring consent
Answer: B
Q72. “Informed consent” means:
A) Participants know and agree to the research
B) Researcher hides study details
C) Data are fabricated
D) Only teacher approval is taken
Answer: A
Q73. Fabrication in research means:
A) Inventing data or results
B) Proper referencing
C) Paraphrasing
D) Translation
Answer: A
Q74. Confidentiality ensures:
A) Sharing all information publicly
B) Protecting participant identity
C) Publishing raw data
D) Promoting transparency
Answer: B
Q75. Which of the following violates research ethics?
A) Using consent forms
B) Acknowledging sources
C) Plagiarizing material
D) Keeping data secure
Answer: C
Q76. Honesty, objectivity, and accountability are part of:
A) Research design
B) Research ethics
C) Research tools
D) Data analysis
Answer: B
Q77. Which body often oversees ethical compliance in institutions?
A) Ethics Review Board
B) Library Committee
C) Publication Division
D) IT Cell
Answer: A
Q78. Ethical clearance is needed especially when:
A) Dealing with humans or animals
B) Writing literature review
C) Editing reports
D) Using software
Answer: A
Q79. Which of these promotes academic integrity?
A) Copy-paste writing
B) Proper citation
C) Falsification
D) Data suppression
Answer: B
Q80. Plagiarism can be avoided by:
A) Quoting without citation
B) Using quotation marks and references
C) Paraphrasing without source
D) Copying tables
Answer: B
📘 Section I – Advanced & Assertion–Reason Questions
Q81. Assertion (A): Research must be logical and empirical.
Reason (R): Without logic, research cannot ensure validity.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
Q82. Assertion (A): Qualitative research emphasizes understanding rather than measurement.
Reason (R): It focuses on meanings derived from human experience.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.
Q83. Assertion (A): Sampling error decreases with larger samples.
Reason (R): Larger samples represent population characteristics better.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.
Q84. Assertion (A): Secondary data is always more reliable.
Reason (R): It is collected by trained professionals.
Answer: A is false, R is true.
🎯 Section J – Case-based & Applied Questions
Q85. A teacher wants to find out whether a new online teaching tool improves students’ test performance. The most appropriate research design is:
A) Descriptive research
B) Experimental research
C) Historical research
D) Action research
Answer: B
Explanation: Experimental design involves testing cause-and-effect (tool → performance).
Q86. A researcher analyzes published journals and previous studies to identify gaps. This step is called:
A) Hypothesis testing
B) Review of literature
C) Data analysis
D) Evaluation research
Answer: B
Q87. A Ph.D. scholar uses Turnitin before submitting a thesis. This ensures:
A) Objectivity in data
B) Ethical and plagiarism-free work
C) Quantitative analysis
D) Hypothesis validation
Answer: B
Q88. “What are the major factors influencing teacher motivation in higher education?” — This research question belongs to:
A) Descriptive research
B) Historical research
C) Experimental research
D) Diagnostic research
Answer: A
Explanation: It seeks to describe characteristics/factors.
Q89. A study aiming to “evaluate the success of the National Education Policy 2020” would be classified as:
A) Action research
B) Evaluative research
C) Historical research
D) Qualitative research
Answer: B
Q90. When a researcher uses SPSS to analyze data from a large-scale survey, it is an example of:
A) Quantitative analysis using ICT
B) Qualitative content analysis
C) Manual calculation
D) Postmodern research
Answer: A
Q91. A teacher collects data during a lesson to immediately adjust teaching strategies. This is:
A) Summative evaluation
B) Formative evaluation
C) Diagnostic evaluation
D) Experimental research
Answer: B
Explanation: Formative = ongoing feedback during instruction.
Q92. In a study on “Stress among college teachers,” stress level is a:
A) Independent variable
B) Dependent variable
C) Intervening variable
D) Control variable
Answer: B
Q93. When a researcher keeps all participants’ data anonymous, they are following:
A) Research design principles
B) Ethical guidelines
C) Quantitative methods
D) Sampling protocols
Answer: B
Q94. Which of the following statements best defines Reliability?
A) Accuracy of measurement
B) Consistency of results over time
C) Clarity of hypothesis
D) Relevance of literature
Answer: B
Q95. Which type of validity tests whether an instrument measures the theoretical construct it claims to measure?
A) Content validity
B) Criterion validity
C) Construct validity
D) Predictive validity
Answer: C
Q96. Which tool is most suitable for measuring students’ attitudes toward research?
A) Observation schedule
B) Likert scale
C) Aptitude test
D) Essay writing
Answer: B
Q97. Assertion (A): A null hypothesis assumes no significant difference between groups.
Reason (R): It provides a basis for statistical testing.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.
Q98. Assertion (A): Research ethics demand that participants must be aware of study objectives.
Reason (R): It ensures informed consent and transparency.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
Q99. Assertion (A): In mixed-method research, both numerical and textual data are collected.
Reason (R): The goal is to combine objectivity and depth of understanding.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.
Q100. Assertion (A): Open access journals restrict access to paid subscribers only.
Reason (R): They aim to increase profit margins.
Answer: Both A and R are false.
Explanation: Open access = free availability of peer-reviewed work.