Introduction to Research in Education, 9th Edition by Donald Ary - Test Bank

Introduction to Research in Education, 9th Edition by Donald Ary – Test Bank

 

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Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

Chapter 5—The Hypothesis

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A hypothesis provides

a.	direction for research.
b.	tentative explanation of phenomena.
c.	framework for interpretation of findings.
d.	a and b
e.	a, b, and c

 

 

ANS:  E                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

2. Which one of the following is the first step in testing a hypothesis?

a.	Deducing consequences that can be observed.
b.	Asking the views of authorities to see if it satisfies the criteria.
c.	Selecting or developing research instruments for data collection
d.	Reviewing the literature in the field to see if the hypothesis is consistent with the body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

3. An advantage of the hypothesis is that it provides

a.	direction to the research.
b.	a definitive explanation of phenomena that facilitates the extension of knowledge.
c.	a framework for reporting the conclusions of the study.
d.	a and b
e.	a and c

 

 

ANS:  E                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

4. Which one of the following should be included in the statement of a hypothesis?

a.	The variables under investigation
b.	The source from which the hypothesis is derived
c.	The contribution of the hypothesis to the body of knowledge
d.	All of these are true

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

5. Which of the following is not part of the research plan?

a.	Problem
b.	Data analysis
c.	Hypothesis
d.	Finding
e.	Method

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

 

6. Which of the following is not acceptable from a research perspective? The researcher

a.	replicated the study.
b.	analyzed the results.
c.	tested the hypothesis.
d.	proved the theory.
e.	predicted a difference.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

7. Which kind of research study is most often conducted without hypotheses?

a.	Experimental	c.	Correlational
b.	Causal-comparative	d.	Survey

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

8. “First-born children scored significantly higher on the need-achievement scale than those born later.” This statement is a

a.	directional hypothesis.	c.	hypothesis that cannot be tested.
b.	nondirectional hypothesis.	d.	finding of a research study.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

9. Research hypotheses may result from

a.	theories.	c.	the findings of previous research.
b.	observation.	d.	a, b, and c

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

10. When a hypothesis is confirmed in an empirical investigation, one concludes that

a.	the hypothesized relationship has been proven to be true.
b.	the theory from which the hypothesis was derived has been proven to be true.
c.	it is probable that the hypothesized relationship is true.
d.	it is just as probable that the hypothesized relationship is false as it is true.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

11. Which of the following would best meet the criteria of a testable hypothesis?

a.	High school teachers don’t spend enough time in one-to-one work experiences.
b.	Computers should be part of the mathematics curriculum in grades 1-6.
c.	Competing with boys in a sport not sex-specific will lessen a girl’s expectation for success.
d.	Social learning and development are enhanced by democratic education.
e.	Pupils’ failure to read is due to a lack of compassion in some teachers.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

12. If a hypothesis is stated in an “if-then” form, the independent variable is part of

a.	the “if” of the statement.	c.	either the “if” or “then” of the statement.
b.	the “then” of the statement.	d.	None of these is true.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

 

13. Which of the following would be the most suitable hypothesis for study?

a.	The Columbus school district has too many janitors.
b.	For learning-disabled students, attending a regular classroom is better than attending a segregated classroom.
c.	Solutions to math problems should be taught with computers as well as with paper-and-pencil computation.
d.	Nonsense words are forgotten more quickly than meaningful words.
e.	Teachers who have had a counseling course will be better teachers than those who have not had a counseling course.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

14. Is this statement a hypothesis? “The purpose of this research is to study introverts and extroverts by examining their social behaviors and home life.”

a.	Yes, because it states the main purpose of the study.
b.	Yes, because it will lead to the testing of the significance between groups.
c.	No, because it doesn’t state a relationship to be tested.
d.	No, because the statement isn’t presented in the form of a question.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

15. Which one of the following represents a testable hypothesis that might have been derived from a theory of instruction?

a.	Learning by discovery should be the central focus in teaching at the elementary school level.
b.	It is the responsibility of teachers to organize material in logical and meaningful segments.
c.	Learning and retention increase if the teaching materials are made meaningful for the students.
d.	The first step that every teacher should take is to motivate students for learning tasks.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

16. “Children in the fourth grade who receive positive remarks on their English papers will show a greater increase in English achievement than those who receive neutral or no remarks.” This is an example of

a.	directional research hypothesis.	c.	nondirectional research hypothesis.
b.	directional null hypothesis.	d.	nondirectional null hypothesis.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

17. Which of the following illustrates the null hypothesis?

a.	There is no significant difference in the achievement of groups taught by Method A and Method B.
b.	The difference in the effects on achievement of Method A and Method B equals zero.
c.	There is no relationship between the method of teaching and achievement.
d.	All of these are true.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

 

18. One of the postulates of Piaget’s theory of egocentric behavior is that egocentric children have a conception of reality based only on their own point of view. Which of the following represents a testable hypothesis that could be derived through deductive reasoning from this theory?

a.	Egocentric children are unpopular among their classmates.
b.	Egocentric children rate themselves higher in status with their classmates than they actually are rated by others.
c.	Small-group cooperative learning activities will be better for egocentric children than individualized learning projects.
d.	Egocentric children will be less popular with teachers than will nonegocentric children.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

19. An important consideration in formulating a research hypothesis is to make sure

a.	it is stated in the null form.
b.	the variables can be operationally defined.
c.	the statement does not imply a value judgment.
d.	b and c
e.	a, b, and c

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

20. “There is no significant correlation between intelligence and social adjustment.” This is an example of a

a.	null hypothesis.	c.	directional hypothesis.
b.	nondirectional hypothesis.	d.	a and b

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

21. “There is significant positive correlation between academic self-concept and attitude toward school.” This is an example of a

a.	directional hypothesis.
b.	testable hypothesis.
c.	statistical hypothesis.
d.	a and b
e.	a, b, and c

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

22. A null hypothesis is a

a.	statistical term for hypotheses that the data fail to confirm.
b.	statistical hypothesis that says no relationship exists between the variables under investigation.
c.	research hypothesis that has been rejected by research findings.
d.	research hypothesis that states no relationship exists between the variables under investigation.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

23. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

a.	A hypothesis must be testable.
b.	A hypothesis must have explanatory power.
c.	A hypothesis must be consistent with the existing body of knowledge.
d.	A hypothesis must be based on a well-established theory.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

24. An investigator began with a precise and logical hypothesis. He ran a well-planned and well-conducted experiment to test the deduced consequences of this hypothesis. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis. The investigator should report that

a.	his study was a failure.
b.	the hypothesis was proved false.
c.	the hypothesis is probably true but experimental conditions did not permit the effect to be observed.
d.	None of these is true.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

25. On the basis of her experience a teacher has formulated a hypothesis regarding the relationship between participation in class discussions and retention of abstract materials. This teacher’s hypothesis could be classified as

a.	an inductive hypothesis.	c.	an alternative hypothesis.
b.	a deductive hypothesis.	d.	a null hypothesis.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

26. Testing a hypothesis involves determining

a.	its parsimony.
b.	its logical consistency.
c.	if systematic observations confirm it.
d.	whether it fits with pervious knowledge.
e.	All of these are true.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

27. Which one of the following statements made to distinguish between theory and hypothesis is correct?

a.	Theories are based on factual information, while hypotheses are the researchers’ guesswork.
b.	Theories are more general than hypotheses and ; usually give rise to a number of hypotheses to be tested by researchers.
c.	Theory and hypothesis are terms used interchangeably by scientists to refer to their views on the relationship between scientific variables.
d.	A theory is a hypothesis that has been confirmed by research findings.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

28. Which of the following is not a function of a hypothesis? It provides

a.	a tentative explanation of phenomena.	c.	direction for research.
b.	a testable explanation of phenomena.	d.	a proven explanation of phenomena.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

 

Exhibit 5-1  During a fire drill a teacher marched the class from their floor classroom to the playground and waited there with them until the drill was over. Upon returning the teacher found Peter, one of the pupils, waiting at his desk. The teacher has formed several hypotheses, which are given in answer options a-d. Choose the hypothesis that best answers the question.

 

29. Refer to Exhibit 5-1. Which of the hypotheses violated the criterion that: hypotheses must be consistent with the organized body of knowledge.

a.	Peter is an inherently bad boy who had stepped out of line and ran to the classroom by the back stairs in order to infuriate the teacher.
b.	Peter leapt from the ground directly into the classroom window.
c.	Peter has an identical twin whom the teacher did not know about. He and Peter arranged with the principal to stage the fire drill so that they could play this trick on the teacher.
d.	Peter slipped into the boy’s room on the way out and returned to his seat from there.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

30. Refer to Exhibit 5-1. Which of the hypotheses violated the criterion that: hypotheses must be testable.

a.	Peter is an inherently bad boy who had stepped out of line and ran to the classroom by the back stairs in order to infuriate the teacher.
b.	Peter leapt from the ground directly into the classroom window.
c.	Peter has an identical twin whom the teacher did not know about. He and Peter arranged with the principal to stage the fire drill so that they could play this trick on the teacher.
d.	Peter slipped into the boy’s room on the way out and returned to his seat from there.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

31. Refer to Exhibit 5-1. Which of the hypotheses violated the criterion that: hypotheses should follow the principle of parsimony in providing explanations.

a.	Peter is an inherently bad boy who had stepped out of line and ran to the classroom by the back stairs in order to infuriate the teacher.
b.	Peter leapt from the ground directly into the classroom window.
c.	Peter has an identical twin whom the teacher did not know about. He and Peter arranged with the principal to stage the fire drill so that they could play this trick on the teacher.
d.	Peter slipped into the boy’s room on the way out and returned to his seat from there.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

32. Refer to Exhibit 5-1. Which of the hypotheses violated the criterion that: this hypothesis does not violate any of these criteria.

a.	Peter is an inherently bad boy who had stepped out of line and ran to the classroom by the back stairs in order to infuriate the teacher.
b.	Peter leapt from the ground directly into the classroom window.
c.	Peter has an identical twin whom the teacher did not know about. He and Peter arranged with the principal to stage the fire drill so that they could play this trick on the teacher.
d.	Peter slipped into the boy’s room on the way out and returned to his seat from there.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

33. Hypotheses derived from Kohlberg’s moral development model could be classified as

a.

deductive hypotheses.

b.

inductive hypotheses.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

34. “Children with higher GPA will express greater satisfaction with school than children with lower GPA.” This is an example of a

a.	testable hypothesis.
b.	directional hypothesis.
c.	null hypothesis.
d.	a and b
e.	a and c

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

35. When a hypothesis is not confirmed in an empirical investigation, one concludes that

a.	the study was not conducted properly.
b.	the theory from which the hypothesis was derived is false.
c.	the null hypothesis of the study is the true hypothesis.
d.	None of these is true.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

36. “Thumbsucking is the effect of fixation at the oral stage of development.” This hypothesis is

a.	judgmental.
b.	not testable.
c.	derived from a theory.
d.	a and b
e.	b and c

 

 

ANS:  E                    PTS:   1

 

37. A researcher stated the following hypothesis: “Use of the inquiry method in teaching high school social studies results in an improvement in students’ thinking ability.” Which term in the above hypothesis would most need an operational definition?

a.	Inquiry method
b.	Students
c.	Thinking ability
d.	High school
e.	Improvement

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

38. A hypothesis which is formulated following the observed relationship between phenomena is classified as a/an

a.	inductive hypothesis.	c.	workable hypothesis.
b.	deductive hypothesis.	d.	alternative hypothesis.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

Exhibit 5-2: Consider the hypothesis: “At-risk children who are placed in a regular classroom will show greater increase in achievement than will at-risk children who attend special classes.”

 

39. Refer to Exhibit 5-2. What is the independent variable in the above hypothesis?

a.	Learning
b.	Social competence
c.	Institutional programs
d.	Mentally disabled
e.	Regular classroom placement

 

 

ANS:  E                    PTS:   1

 

40. Refer to Exhibit 5-2. What is the dependent variable in the above hypothesis?

a.	Learning
b.	Achievement
c.	Attend public school programs
d.	Special education programs
e.	At-risk children

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

41. “The Cuisenaire method of teaching arithmetic will have an effect on arithmetic achievement in the second grade.” This statement is an example of a

a.	null hypothesis.	c.	vague and poorly stated hypothesis.
b.	nondirectional research hypothesis.	d.	hypothesis that lacks explanatory power.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

42. “There will be a positive relationship between adolescents’ attitudes toward school and their academic achievement.” This hypothesis is a

a.	testable hypothesis.
b.	directional research hypothesis.
c.	nondirectional hypothesis.
d.	a and b
e.	b and c

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

43. “Children who receive immediate reinforcement will show greater gains in arithmetic achievement than children who receive delayed reinforcement.” This statement presents

a.	a clearly stated testable hypothesis.
b.	a broad and general hypothesis which should be broken down into at least two hypotheses.
c.	a hypothesis which is not consistent with the previous knowledge.
d.	the objective of a study on the effect of immediate vs. delayed reinforcement.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

44. A teacher observed that during the weeks when the children in her class used computer drills the boys made much higher scores on the spelling quizzes. The teacher wished to investigate this observed relationship in a systematic way. Which of the following research hypotheses would be appropriate for this investigation?

a.	Computer drills are superior in teaching boys to spell.
b.	Use of computer drills results in higher spelling achievement for boys than the use of traditional materials.
c.	There will be no significant difference in the spelling achievement of boys taught by computer drills and those taught by traditional materials.
d.	Classroom teachers do not use appropriate materials in teaching boys to spell.
e.	Boys have fewer opportunities to respond and to receive reinforcement in the traditional classroom, which affects their spelling achievement.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

 

Exhibit 5-3: Evaluate the adequacy of each of the following statements as a scientific hypothesis.

 

45. Refer to Exhibit 5-3. Students’ failure to read is the direct consequence of the irresponsibility of teachers.

a.	adequate hypothesis
b.	inadequate, not testable
c.	inadequate, no statement of relationship
d.	inadequate, not consistent with the existing body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

46. Refer to Exhibit 5-3. Pupils will differ from one another in achievement and in reading skills.

a.	adequate hypothesis
b.	inadequate, not testable
c.	inadequate, no statement of relationship
d.	inadequate, not consistent with the existing body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

47. Refer to Exhibit 5-3. There will be a significant negative correlation between students’ verbal ability and their performance in a problem-solving task.

a.	adequate hypothesis
b.	inadequate, not testable
c.	inadequate, no statement of relationship
d.	inadequate, not consistent with the existing body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

48. Refer to Exhibit 5-3. Children who do not resolve the Oedipus complex before the age of eight will show a greater degree of homosexuality as adults than will children who do.

a.	adequate hypothesis
b.	inadequate, not testable
c.	inadequate, no statement of relationship
d.	inadequate, not consistent with the existing body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

49. Refer to Exhibit 5-3. There is a negative relationship between students’ social maturity and their participation in social activities.

a.	adequate hypothesis
b.	inadequate, not testable
c.	inadequate, no statement of relationship
d.	inadequate, not consistent with the existing body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

50. Refer to Exhibit 5-3. There is a positive relationship between teachers’ expectations of students and the actual achievement of the students.

a.	adequate hypothesis
b.	inadequate, not testable
c.	inadequate, no statement of relationship
d.	inadequate, not consistent with the existing body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

51. Refer to Exhibit 5-3. Elementary school pupils whose teachers ask questions at the higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy will score higher on a criterion measure than will pupils whose teachers ask questions at the lower levels.

a.	adequate hypothesis
b.	inadequate, not testable
c.	inadequate, no statement of relationship
d.	inadequate, not consistent with the existing body of knowledge

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

Exhibit 5-4: Examine the hypotheses provided in answer options a-d, then answer the questions.

 

52. Refer to Exhibit 5-4. Which one is a directional hypothesis?

a.	The presentation of advance organizers will raise the amount of learning and retention of the subsequently presented materials.
b.	There is no significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement.
c.	There is an interaction effect between method of teaching mathematics and gender of students upon learning of mathematics in high school.
d.	There is a relationship between the emotional maturity of elementary school children and their experiences during the first two years of their childhood.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

53. Refer to Exhibit 5-4. Which one is a null hypothesis?

a.	The presentation of advance organizers will raise the amount of learning and retention of the subsequently presented materials.
b.	There is no significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement.
c.	There is an interaction effect between method of teaching mathematics and gender of students upon learning of mathematics in high school.
d.	There is a relationship between the emotional maturity of elementary school children and their experiences during the first two years of their childhood.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

54. Refer to Exhibit 5-4. Which one involves more than one dependent variable?

a.	The presentation of advance organizers will raise the amount of learning and retention of the subsequently presented materials.
b.	There is no significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement.
c.	There is an interaction effect between method of teaching mathematics and gender of students upon learning of mathematics in high school.
d.	There is a relationship between the emotional maturity of elementary school children and their experiences during the first two years of their childhood.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

55. Refer to Exhibit 5-4. Which one has most likely been derived from a theory?

a.	The presentation of advance organizers will raise the amount of learning and retention of the subsequently presented materials.
b.	There is no significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement.
c.	There is an interaction effect between method of teaching mathematics and gender of students upon learning of mathematics in high school.
d.	There is a relationship between the emotional maturity of elementary school children and their experiences during the first two years of their childhood.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

56. Refer to Exhibit 5-4. Which one is not testable?

a.	The presentation of advance organizers will raise the amount of learning and retention of the subsequently presented materials.
b.	There is no significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement.
c.	There is an interaction effect between method of teaching mathematics and gender of students upon learning of mathematics in high school.
d.	There is a relationship between the emotional maturity of elementary school children and their experiences during the first two years of their childhood.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

57. Refer to Exhibit 5-4. Which one involves more than one independent variable?

a.	The presentation of advance organizers will raise the amount of learning and retention of the subsequently presented materials.
b.	There is no significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement.
c.	There is an interaction effect between method of teaching mathematics and gender of students upon learning of mathematics in high school.
d.	There is a relationship between the emotional maturity of elementary school children and their experiences during the first two years of their childhood.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

58. The purpose of a pilot study is to

a.	help the researcher decide if the study is feasible.
b.	assess the appropriateness and practicality of the data-collection instruments.
c.	provide experience in finding solutions to unanticipated problems.
d.	all of these are true.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

59. Which of the following would be the most suitable hypothesis for a research study?

a.	Indiana University admits too many out-of-state students.
b.	Indiana University admits too few out-of-state students.
c.	Students who studied computer science in high school are better prepared for college than students who studies traditional courses.
d.	Students who took Latin in high school will score higher on the English placement test than students who did not take Latin.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

60. A teacher wishes to compare a new approach to teaching math (Method A) with the traditional approach (Method B), because she thinks Method A will improve the learning of math. Prior to the study, what general research hypothesis should the teacher state?

a.	The traditional method (Method B) of teaching math is inadequate.
b.	Method A should be utilized to teach math.
c.	Can Method A be used successfully to teach math in this particular situation?
d.	Students will learn more math with Method A than with Method B.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

 

61. There is a negative relationship between the number of older siblings and the mental maturity scores of six-year-old children. This statement is an example of a

a.	null hypothesis.	c.	nondirectional hypothesis.
b.	directional hypothesis.	d.	research problem.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

Exhibit 5-5: Evaluate the adequacy of each of the following statements as a scientific hypothesis.

 

62. Refer to Exhibit 5-5. Children who attend Sunday School are more likely to go to Heaven than children who do not.

a.	inadequate, less than two variables	c.	inadequate, not testable
b.	inadequate, no statement of relationship	d.	adequate hypothesis

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

63. Refer to Exhibit 5-5. Pupils will differ from one another in reading achievement and arithmetic achievement.

a.	inadequate, less than two variables	c.	inadequate, not testable
b.	inadequate, no statement of relationship	d.	adequate hypothesis

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

64. Refer to Exhibit 5-5. Children from homes of a high socioeconomic status will make more positive evaluations of a variety of school-related concepts than will children from homes of low socioeconomic status.

a.	inadequate, less than two variables	c.	inadequate, not testable
b.	inadequate, no statement of relationship	d.	adequate hypothesis

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

65. Elementary school children who study programming will score higher on a reasoning test than similar children who do not study programming. This statement is an example of

a.	a directional research hypothesis.	c.	a null hypothesis.
b.	a nondirectional research hypothesis.	d.	none of these is true.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

Exhibit 5-6: Classify each of the following hypotheses as directional research, nondirectional research, or null.

 

66. Refer to Exhibit 5-6. There is a relationship between students’ use of word processing and the quality of their written compositions.

a.	directional research	c.	null.
b.	nondirectional research

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

67. Refer to Exhibit 5-6. There is no difference in the attitudes toward school of children who read above grade level and those who read below grade level.

a.	directional research	c.	null.
b.	nondirectional research

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

68. Refer to Exhibit 5-6. Elementary school children who read above grade level will have more positive attitudes toward school than those who read at or below grade level.

a.	directional research	c.	null.
b.	nondirectional research

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

69. Refer to Exhibit 5-6. There is no relationship between intelligence and ordinal position of birth among siblings.

a.	directional research	c.	null.
b.	nondirectional research

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

70. Refer to Exhibit 5-6. Methods A and B are equally effective in teaching English composition.

a.	directional research	c.	null.
b.	nondirectional research

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

71. Which one of the following is not included in the criteria for an acceptable research hypothesis?

a.	It explains existing data in simpler terms than competing hypotheses do.
b.	It has better than a 50 percent chance of being true.
c.	It fits into a framework of existing theories.
d.	It does not contradict the laws of nature.
e.	It presents an adequate explanation of the research problem.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

72. Which of the following statements is/are true of null hypotheses?

a.	They state that there is no relationship between variables.
b.	They are used to determine how likely it is that observed results are due to chance alone.
c.	They are hypotheses that researchers typically hope to retain.
d.	a and b are true.
e.	a, b, and c are true.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

73. The main advantage of a pilot study of a proposed research study is

a.	it permits a check of the data collection and the analysis procedures.
b.	it provides more control over the procedures than is generally possible in the actual research project.
c.	it enables the researcher to know in advance the likely outcome of the study.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

74. Null hypotheses are employed to

a.	prove there is a relationship between the variables of the study.
b.	prove there is no relationship between the variables.
c.	investigate why there is no relationship when one is expected.
d.	compare findings of a study with what would be expected by chance.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

 

75. When testing a hypothesis, a researcher uses

a.	inductive reasoning to determine the expected consequences
b.	deductive reasoning to determine the expected consequences.
c.	both a and b.
d.	neither a nor b.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

76. If the research hypothesis states that alcohol affects short-term memory, the null hypothesis states

a.	alcohol does not decrease short-term memory.
b.	alcohol decreases short-term memory.
c.	alcohol has no effect on short-term memory.
d.	alcohol increases short-term memory.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

77. The null hypothesis that is appropriate to state with a directional research hypothesis asserts that

a.	the independent variable has no effect.
b.	chance alone is responsible for the observed differences between conditions.
c.	the independent variable does not have an effect in the direction predicted by the research hypothesis (H1).
d.	b and c.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

78. The null hypothesis is a hypothesis that

a.	predicts that the treatment will have an effect.
b.	is denoted by the symbol H1.
c.	is always stated in terms of population parameters.
d.	all of these are true.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

79. If the researcher has a reasonably high expectation concerning the relationship between the variables of the study, he/she would most likely state the hypothesis in a(n) ____ form.

a.	interrogative
b.	directional
c.	nondirectional
d.	null
e.	objective

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

80. Research hypotheses can be derived by reasoning ____ from theories or ____ from observation.

a.

inductively, deductively

b.

deductively, inductively

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

81. Educational theories are useful ,in part, because they

a.	provide the research methodology.	c.	verify observations.
b.	generate hypotheses.	d.	prove predictions.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

 

82. A researcher stated the following hypothesis: The new instructional program in middle school social studies will produce more enlightened voters than the traditional program. This hypothesis most violates the criterion that hypotheses should be

a.	worthy of investigation.
b.	testable.
c.	stated as concisely as possible.
d.	consistent with the existing body of knowledge.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

83. The tentative speculations that researchers make about the relationship between the variables in a study are called

a.	constructs.	c.	hypotheses.
b.	theories.	d.	principles.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

84. Which of the following hypotheses is directional?

a.	There will be a significant relationship between the number of hours students work and their grade point averages.
b.	There will be a significant difference in the achievement of students taught by Method A and those taught by Method B.
c.	There will be a significant relationship between parent and student reports of family involvement in homework.
d.	Students who participate in extracurricular activities will have significantly more positive attitudes toward school than students who do not participate in extracurricular activities.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1

 

85. Which of the following is an acceptable hypothesis?

a.	Students taught by the phonics method achieve higher reading scores than students taught by the whole language approach.
b.	The phonics method will be better than the whole language approach in elementary reading instruction.
c.	Elementary schools should return to the use of phonics in teaching reading.
d.	Elementary school teachers prefer the phonics method in teaching reading.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

86. The acceptance of a theory as a basis for research depends primarily on its

a.	parsimonious explanation of observed facts.
b.	usefulness in leading to confirmable hypotheses.
c.	consistency with previously established knowledge.
d.	ability to point up new areas of investigation.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

87. According to Sir Karl Popper, one can disprove a theory by gathering

a.	positive evidence.	c.	supporting evidence.
b.	negative evidence.	d.	none of these are true.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

 

88. Consider the hypothesis: The severe weather that has hit the United States in recent months is punishment for the decline in morals in our society. This is an example of a hypothesis that is

a.	falsifiable.
b.	parsimonious.
c.	not falsifiable.
d.	confirmable.
e.	testable.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

89. Which of the following is a testable hypothesis?

a.	Global warming will result in more tsunamis in the next 100 years.
b.	People who claim to have been abducted by aliens have higher scores on a paranoia scale than people in the general population.
c.	A list of meaningful words can be memorized more quickly than a list of nonsense syllables.
d.	Prayer will bring about healing of those stricken with AIDS.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

90. Educational researchers test the generalizability of research findings already reported by

a.	deduction.	c.	replication.
b.	induction.	d.	description.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    OBJ:   WWW

 

91. In which of the following types of research is a hypothesis most likely to “emerge” following observation?

a.	Correlational
b.	Quasi-experimental
c.	Qualitative
d.	Quantitative
e.	Inferential

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

92. If the research hypothesis is: Tangible reinforcement is more effective in promoting the learning of math concepts among kindergarten children than intangible reinforcement, the alternate hypothesis is

a.	Tangible and intangible reinforcement are equally effective in promoting the learning of math concepts among kindergarten children.
b.	Tangible reinforcement is less effective in promoting the learning of math concepts among kindergarten children than intangible reinforcement.
c.	There is no significant difference in the effect of tangible and intangible reinforcement on the learning of math concepts among kindergarten children.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1

 

93. How do researchers usually handle a null hypothesis?
94. Adopt it but try to revise it.
95. Assess it and try to debug it.
96. Assume it is true but try to reject it.
97. Study it and try to prove it.

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1

 

94. Which of the following pairs involving types of variables is not correct?
95. extraneous, outcome
96. independent, cause
97. attribute, subject difference
98. dependent, effect

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1

 

 

SHORT ANSWER

 

1. What is the difference between the research problem and the research hypothesis?

 

ANS:

The problem asks a question about the relationship between two (or more) variables. The hypothesis states the expected answer to the question.

 

2. Students in a research class often say that they want to prove the hypotheses of their study. What would you say to these student researchers?

 

ANS:

It is not possible to prove a hypothesis. Based on the data gathered, the researcher tentatively retains or rejects the hypothesis.

 

3. List four characteristics of an acceptable hypothesis for a research study.

 

ANS:

It states the expected relationship between variables, it is testable, it is consistent with the existing body of knowledge, and it is stated simply and concisely.

 

4. Cognitive dissonance theory states that requiring persons to express an opinion that goes against their real belief may cause the persons to change their belief. Deduce a testable hypothesis from this theory.

 

ANS:

A smoker who is required to write a report documenting the health risks of smoking will change their attitudes toward smoking.

 

5. Why does a quantitative researcher state a hypothesis before gathering data?

 

ANS:

 

A hypothesis indicates that the researcher has sufficient knowledge in the area to undertake the investigation and the hypothesis gives direction to the collection of the data. A well-grounded hypothesis may save the researcher a great deal of time and effort.

 

 

6. List three purposes of a hypothesis in research.

 

ANS:

The hypothesis provides (a) a tentative explanation for the phenomenon under investigation, (b) direction to the research process, and (c) a framework for reporting the findings and conclusions.

 

7. What components make up a quantitative research plan?

 

ANS:

 

A statement of the research problem, a statement of the hypothesis(es) with operational definitions of the variables, the proposed methodology specifying the design, population, sampling procedure, and measuring instruments, and the proposed data analysis.

 

8. Distinguish between directional and nondirectional research hypothesis.

 

ANS:

A directional research hypothesis specifies the direction of the predicted relationship between variables; a nondirectional hypothesis states that a relationship exists but does not specify the direction of the expected finding.

 

9. A researcher is interested in the relationship between ability grouping and reading achievement among third graders. State (a) a research hypothesis (b) alternate hypothesis (c) a null hypothesis for this study,

 

ANS:

Research: Third graders who have been placed in reading class according to their reading ability will achieve at a higher level on a end-of-year standardized reading test than will third graders who were placed in heterogeneous groups.

 

Alternate: Third graders who are placed in heterogeneous groups will achieve at a higher level on a end-of-year standardized reading test than will third graders who are placed in homogeneous groups.

 

Null: There is no relationship between using ability grouping for third grade reading and students’ achievement on an end-of-year standardized reading test.

 

10. What is the purpose of a null hypothesis in a research study?

 

ANS:

A null hypothesis permits researchers to assess whether an apparent relationship is genuine or is likely to be a function of chance. If statistical tests indicate that the observed relationship has only a very slight probability of occurring by chance, then we can reject the null in favor of the alternate hypothesis.

 

 

 

ESSAY

 

1. It is often said that “The hypothesis is the heart of a research study.” Explain why you think this would be true.

 

ANS: Responses will vary.

 

2. What are the characteristics you would look for in a usable hypothesis?

 

ANS: Responses will vary.