Q.1 Which of the following best describes qualitative research in psychology?
It focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.
It explores subjective experiences and meanings.
It uses only experimental manipulation.
It always relies on large sample sizes.
Explanation - Qualitative research in psychology emphasizes understanding individuals' subjective experiences, thoughts, and feelings rather than focusing solely on numerical data.
Correct answer is: It explores subjective experiences and meanings.
Q.2 Which method is commonly used in qualitative psychology research?
Structured survey with Likert scales
Randomized controlled trial
In-depth interviews
Meta-analysis
Explanation - In-depth interviews allow researchers to explore participants' experiences and perspectives in detail, which is central to qualitative research.
Correct answer is: In-depth interviews
Q.3 Thematic analysis is a technique used to:
Test hypotheses using statistical tests
Identify patterns and themes in qualitative data
Calculate effect sizes in experiments
Randomly assign participants to groups
Explanation - Thematic analysis is a qualitative method used to systematically identify and report patterns (themes) within textual data.
Correct answer is: Identify patterns and themes in qualitative data
Q.4 Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?
Emphasis on generalizability
Focus on numerical scoring
Contextual understanding of participants
Use of standardized tests exclusively
Explanation - Qualitative research seeks to understand the context and meaning of participants' experiences rather than producing purely generalizable results.
Correct answer is: Contextual understanding of participants
Q.5 In qualitative research, 'triangulation' refers to:
Using multiple methods or sources to improve validity
Applying statistical significance tests
Conducting a double-blind experiment
Sampling a single population repeatedly
Explanation - Triangulation strengthens qualitative research by using different methods, sources, or investigators to cross-verify findings.
Correct answer is: Using multiple methods or sources to improve validity
Q.6 Which type of qualitative interview allows participants to speak freely with minimal guidance?
Structured interview
Semi-structured interview
Unstructured interview
Forced-choice interview
Explanation - Unstructured interviews are flexible and open-ended, allowing participants to share their thoughts in their own words.
Correct answer is: Unstructured interview
Q.7 A case study in psychology is an example of:
A quantitative research design
A qualitative research design
A meta-analysis
A survey-based experiment
Explanation - Case studies provide detailed descriptions of an individual or group, focusing on rich qualitative information rather than numerical analysis.
Correct answer is: A qualitative research design
Q.8 Participant observation is primarily used to:
Collect statistical data
Understand social behavior in natural contexts
Test experimental hypotheses
Measure intelligence objectively
Explanation - Participant observation involves observing and sometimes engaging with participants to gain insight into their natural behaviors and interactions.
Correct answer is: Understand social behavior in natural contexts
Q.9 Which of the following is a limitation of qualitative research?
Rich, contextual insights
Difficulty in generalizing findings
Flexibility in research design
Exploration of subjective experiences
Explanation - Qualitative research provides depth and context, but findings are often specific to the studied cases and not easily generalizable.
Correct answer is: Difficulty in generalizing findings
Q.10 Grounded theory is a method aimed at:
Developing a theory based on data
Testing an existing hypothesis
Conducting randomized experiments
Measuring variables quantitatively
Explanation - Grounded theory involves generating theories inductively by systematically analyzing qualitative data.
Correct answer is: Developing a theory based on data
Q.11 Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?
Participant age in years
Responses to open-ended interview questions
Test scores on a cognitive assessment
Number of errors in a task
Explanation - Qualitative data is descriptive and textual, such as participants' verbal or written responses.
Correct answer is: Responses to open-ended interview questions
Q.12 Content analysis in qualitative research involves:
Counting word frequencies and identifying themes
Calculating correlation coefficients
Random assignment of participants
Measuring response times
Explanation - Content analysis systematically examines text to identify patterns, trends, or themes.
Correct answer is: Counting word frequencies and identifying themes
Q.13 Reflexivity in qualitative research refers to:
The researcher reflecting on their influence on the study
Ensuring double-blind procedures
Minimizing measurement error
Calculating statistical effect sizes
Explanation - Reflexivity is the process by which qualitative researchers acknowledge and critically reflect on how their own perspectives may affect data collection and interpretation.
Correct answer is: The researcher reflecting on their influence on the study
Q.14 Which sampling method is common in qualitative research?
Random sampling
Purposive sampling
Stratified sampling
Systematic sampling
Explanation - Purposive sampling involves selecting participants who are particularly knowledgeable or experienced regarding the research topic.
Correct answer is: Purposive sampling
Q.15 Which of these is NOT typically a goal of qualitative research?
Understanding lived experiences
Generating hypotheses
Testing causal relationships statistically
Exploring social processes
Explanation - Qualitative research focuses on exploration, meaning, and understanding rather than statistical hypothesis testing.
Correct answer is: Testing causal relationships statistically
Q.16 Narrative analysis primarily focuses on:
Quantifying responses
Studying the structure and content of personal stories
Comparing experimental groups statistically
Calculating reliability coefficients
Explanation - Narrative analysis examines how individuals make sense of events and experiences through storytelling.
Correct answer is: Studying the structure and content of personal stories
Q.17 Which ethical consideration is particularly important in qualitative research?
Obtaining informed consent
Randomizing participants
Applying statistical corrections
Using double-blind procedures
Explanation - Because qualitative research often involves personal and sensitive information, ensuring informed consent and confidentiality is critical.
Correct answer is: Obtaining informed consent
Q.18 Discourse analysis is used to study:
Patterns in spoken or written language
Numerical survey data
Reaction time in cognitive tasks
Experimental manipulation effects
Explanation - Discourse analysis examines language use to understand social and psychological phenomena.
Correct answer is: Patterns in spoken or written language
Q.19 A limitation of unstructured interviews is:
They produce rich qualitative data
They are time-consuming and hard to analyze systematically
They allow participants freedom of expression
They provide context-specific insights
Explanation - While unstructured interviews provide depth, coding and interpreting responses can be labor-intensive and subjective.
Correct answer is: They are time-consuming and hard to analyze systematically
Q.20 Which of the following best defines a phenomenological approach in psychology?
Studying statistical correlations between variables
Understanding individuals' lived experiences
Testing experimental hypotheses
Measuring behavior under controlled conditions
Explanation - Phenomenology focuses on capturing the essence of participants' experiences from their perspective.
Correct answer is: Understanding individuals' lived experiences
Q.21 Which of the following best represents data collection in qualitative research?
Structured multiple-choice questionnaires
Open-ended interviews, observations, and document analysis
Standardized IQ testing
Reaction-time experiments
Explanation - Qualitative data collection methods focus on rich, descriptive data that captures experiences and meanings.
Correct answer is: Open-ended interviews, observations, and document analysis
Q.22 Member checking is a technique in qualitative research used to:
Verify the accuracy of interpretations with participants
Randomly assign participants to groups
Conduct statistical validation
Blind the researcher to the data
Explanation - Member checking involves returning findings to participants to ensure their experiences are represented accurately.
Correct answer is: Verify the accuracy of interpretations with participants
Q.23 Which of the following is a strength of qualitative research?
High generalizability
Provides rich and in-depth understanding
Produces numerical effect sizes
Enables causal conclusions
Explanation - Qualitative research excels at providing detailed insights into human experiences, even if results cannot be generalized statistically.
Correct answer is: Provides rich and in-depth understanding
Q.24 Ethnography as a qualitative method involves:
Immersing the researcher in a community to observe behaviors and culture
Conducting laboratory-based cognitive experiments
Measuring variables using surveys
Performing statistical analyses
Explanation - Ethnography requires researchers to participate in and observe a community to understand social and cultural dynamics.
Correct answer is: Immersing the researcher in a community to observe behaviors and culture