Research Aptitude
Question 1
A researcher intends to explore the effect of possible factors for the organisation of effective mid-day meal interventions. Which research method will be most appropriate for this study?
Options:
(1) Historical method
(2) Descriptive survey method
(3) Experimental method
(4) Ex-post-facto method
Answer: (2)
Explanation:
The study aims to describe existing conditions and identify influencing factors without manipulating variables, therefore descriptive survey is appropriate.
Question 2
Which of the following is an initial mandatory requirement for pursuing research?
Options:
(1) Developing a research design
(2) Formulating a research question
(3) Deciding about data analysis procedure
(4) Formulating a research hypothesis
Answer: (2)
Explanation:
Research begins with establishing a research problem or question.
Hypothesis and design come only after defining the problem.
Question 3
The format of thesis writing is the same as in:
Options:
(1) Preparation of a research paper
(2) Writing of seminar presentation
(3) A research dissertation
(4) Presenting a workshop/conference paper
Answer: (3)
Explanation:
A thesis and a dissertation share the same structure and sections such as introduction, literature review, method, results and conclusion.
Question 4
In the qualitative research paradigm, which of the following may be considered critical?
Options:
(1) Data collection with standardised research tools
(2) Sampling design with probability techniques
(3) Data collection with bottom-up empirical evidences
(4) Data gathering with top-down systematic evidences
Answer: (3)
Explanation:
Qualitative research emphasises natural experiences of participants, building understanding from the ground upwards, not from rigid tools.
Question 5
From the following list of statements identify the set which has negative implications for research ethics:
(i) A researcher critically examines others’ findings
(ii) Related studies are cited without proper references
(iii) Research findings are basis for policy making
(iv) Conduct of practitioner is screened using research evidence
(v) A study is replicated to verify findings
(vi) Both policy-making and implementation are based on research findings
Options:
(1) (i), (ii), (iii)
(2) (ii), (iii), (iv)
(3) (ii), (iv), (vi)
(4) (i), (iii), (v)
Answer: (2)
Explanation:
Lack of proper referencing and using research to judge individuals violate ethical standards. Policy use is ethical when done responsibly.
Question 6
In a research on child-rearing practices and stress-proneness, null hypothesis is rejected at 0.01 level. What decision is warranted?
Options:
(1) Research hypothesis will also be rejected
(2) Research hypothesis will be accepted
(3) Both hypotheses will be rejected
(4) No decision can be taken
Answer: (2)
Explanation:
Rejecting H₀ at high significance indicates strong support for H₁; therefore, the research hypothesis is accepted.
Question 7
Which sequence of research steps is nearest to scientific method?
Options:
(1) Suggested solution → Consequences → Perceiving problem → Testing
(2) Perceiving problem → Defining → Hypothesising → Deducing consequences → Testing
(3) Defining → Causes → Population → Sampling → Data collection → Analysis
(4) Identifying causes → Defining → Hypothesis → Sampling → Data → Conclusion
Answer: (2)
Explanation:
Scientific method uses the sequence observation → problem → hypothesis → prediction → testing → conclusion.
Question 8
Which of the sets of activities best indicate the cyclic nature of Action Research?
Options:
(1) Reflect, Observe, Plan, Act
(2) Observe, Act, Reflect, Plan
(3) Act, Plan, Observe, Reflect
(4) Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect
Answer: (4)
Explanation:
Action research follows PAOR cycle: Plan → Act → Observe → Reflect, and continuously repeats for improvement.
Question 9
In which activity is potential for nurturing creative and critical thinking relatively greater?
Options:
(1) Preparing research summary
(2) Presenting seminar paper
(3) Participation in research conference
(4) Participation in a workshop
Answer: (4)
Explanation:
Workshops provide active participation, practical engagement and collaborative problem-solving, promoting creativity and critical thinking.
Question 10
The problem of research ethics is concerned with which aspect of research activities?
Options:
(1) Following thesis format
(2) Data analysis
(3) Defining population
(4) Evidence-based reporting
Answer: (4)
Explanation:
Ethics relate to honesty, transparency, originality and accurate reporting of findings without manipulation.
Question 11
Match research types with their characteristics:
(a) Fundamental research
(b) Applied research
(c) Action research
(d) Evaluative research
Characteristics:
(i) Finding out impact
(ii) Developing explanation through theory
(iii) Improving existing situation
(iv) Exploring theory for use in practice
Options:
(1) v, iv, iii, ii
(2) i, ii, iii, iv
(3) ii, iii, iv, v
(4) (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)
Answer: (4)
Explanation:
Fundamental → theory development
Applied → application of theory
Action → improvement in practice
Evaluative → measuring effectiveness
Question 12
Which of the following sequences of research steps is logical?
Options:
(1) Problem → Analysis → Design → Hypothesis → Data → Conclusion
(2) Design → Hypothesis → Problem → Analysis → Conclusions → Data
(3) Problem → Hypothesis → Design → Data collection → Analysis → Conclusion
(4) Problem → Tools → Hypothesis → Interpretation → Data
Answer: (3)
Explanation:
This follows correct research progression beginning with problem and ending with interpreted conclusions.
Question 13
Match research methods with data collection tools:
(a) Experimental method
(b) Ex-post-facto method
(c) Descriptive survey method
(d) Historical method
Tools:
(i) Primary and secondary sources
(ii) Questionnaire
(iii) Standardised tests
(iv) Typical characteristic tests
Options:
(1) ii, i, iii, iv
(2) iii, iv, ii, i
(3) ii, iii, i, iv
(4) ii, iv, iii, i
Answer: (4)
Explanation:
Experimental → standardised tests
Ex-post-facto → trait-based characteristic tests
Survey → questionnaire
Historical → documents and records
Question 14
The issue of research ethics is most pertinent at which stage of research?
Options:
(1) Problem formulation
(2) Defining population
(3) Data collection and interpretation
(4) Reporting the findings
Answer: (4)
Explanation:
Final reporting determines truthful representation of results, avoiding plagiarism, fabrication and falsification.
Question 15
In which of the following contexts is reporting format formally prescribed?
Options:
(1) Doctoral-level thesis
(2) Conference of researchers
(3) Seminars and workshops
(4) Symposia
Answer: (1)
Explanation:
A doctoral thesis has strict formatting rules including structure, referencing and academic language.
Question 16
The principal of a school conducts interviews with teachers and students to explore ways of enhancing participation in programmes. This relates to:
Options:
(1) Evaluation research
(2) Fundamental research
(3) Action research
(4) Applied research
Answer: (3)
Explanation:
Action research is conducted within an institution to solve an immediate practical problem and improve performance.