EDFR 6300 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
100+ QUESTIONS & VERIFIED SOLUTIONS | LATEST
2026/2027
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH METHODS | GRADED A+
EXAM OVERVIEW
The EDFR 6300 Exam assesses understanding of educational research methods, data collection and
analysis, research design, statistical concepts, ethics in research, and interpretation of findings .
Key Coverage Areas:
• Research design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
• Statistical concepts and interpretation
• Measurement, validity, and reliability
• Ethical standards (IRB, FERPA, informed consent)
• Instrumentation and data collection
• Types of research studies (experimental, correlational, causal-comparative, survey)
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Question 1
The first step of the scientific method is to:
• A) Formulate a hypothesis
• B) Recognize and define a problem
• C) Review the literature
• D) Collect data
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The scientific method begins with recognizing and defining a problem. This initial step
establishes the focus and purpose of the research .
,Question 2
The philosophical assumption that addresses the nature of reality is referred to as:
• A) Epistemology
• B) Ontology
• C) Axiology
• D) Methodology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ontology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality and existence. In
research, it shapes whether a researcher views reality as objective (quantitative) or socially constructed
(qualitative) .
Question 3
Basic researchers collect data primarily to:
• A) Solve immediate practical problems
• B) Develop theories
• C) Evaluate programs
• D) Inform policy decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Basic research (also called pure research) is conducted to advance knowledge and develop
theories, rather than to solve immediate practical problems. Applied research focuses on practical
applications .
Question 4
Action research is used to:
• A) Test theoretical hypotheses
• B) Find and solve problems
• C) Develop new research methods
• D) Establish statistical significance
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Action research is conducted by practitioners to identify and solve problems within their own
educational settings (classrooms, schools). It is context-specific and focused on practical improvement .
Question 5
One difference between qualitative and quantitative research is that:
• A) Qualitative researchers use larger sample sizes
• B) Quantitative researchers state hypotheses prior to beginning the study
• C) Qualitative research cannot be published
• D) Quantitative research does not use statistics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Quantitative research typically begins with specific hypotheses derived from theory.
Qualitative research often uses research questions rather than formal hypotheses and allows
hypotheses to emerge during the study .
Question 6
The Federal Act that protects the privacy of educational records is referred to as:
• A) HIPAA
• B) FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
• C) IRB
• D) IDEA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents
certain rights regarding their children's educational records, which transfer to the student at age 18 .
Question 7
Of the following, informed consent accurately refers to:
• A) A verbal agreement to participate
• B) A parent's legal permission for their children to participate in a study knowing the true
nature of the study
• C) A school district's approval to conduct research
100+ QUESTIONS & VERIFIED SOLUTIONS | LATEST
2026/2027
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH METHODS | GRADED A+
EXAM OVERVIEW
The EDFR 6300 Exam assesses understanding of educational research methods, data collection and
analysis, research design, statistical concepts, ethics in research, and interpretation of findings .
Key Coverage Areas:
• Research design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
• Statistical concepts and interpretation
• Measurement, validity, and reliability
• Ethical standards (IRB, FERPA, informed consent)
• Instrumentation and data collection
• Types of research studies (experimental, correlational, causal-comparative, survey)
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Question 1
The first step of the scientific method is to:
• A) Formulate a hypothesis
• B) Recognize and define a problem
• C) Review the literature
• D) Collect data
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The scientific method begins with recognizing and defining a problem. This initial step
establishes the focus and purpose of the research .
,Question 2
The philosophical assumption that addresses the nature of reality is referred to as:
• A) Epistemology
• B) Ontology
• C) Axiology
• D) Methodology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ontology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality and existence. In
research, it shapes whether a researcher views reality as objective (quantitative) or socially constructed
(qualitative) .
Question 3
Basic researchers collect data primarily to:
• A) Solve immediate practical problems
• B) Develop theories
• C) Evaluate programs
• D) Inform policy decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Basic research (also called pure research) is conducted to advance knowledge and develop
theories, rather than to solve immediate practical problems. Applied research focuses on practical
applications .
Question 4
Action research is used to:
• A) Test theoretical hypotheses
• B) Find and solve problems
• C) Develop new research methods
• D) Establish statistical significance
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Action research is conducted by practitioners to identify and solve problems within their own
educational settings (classrooms, schools). It is context-specific and focused on practical improvement .
Question 5
One difference between qualitative and quantitative research is that:
• A) Qualitative researchers use larger sample sizes
• B) Quantitative researchers state hypotheses prior to beginning the study
• C) Qualitative research cannot be published
• D) Quantitative research does not use statistics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Quantitative research typically begins with specific hypotheses derived from theory.
Qualitative research often uses research questions rather than formal hypotheses and allows
hypotheses to emerge during the study .
Question 6
The Federal Act that protects the privacy of educational records is referred to as:
• A) HIPAA
• B) FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
• C) IRB
• D) IDEA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents
certain rights regarding their children's educational records, which transfer to the student at age 18 .
Question 7
Of the following, informed consent accurately refers to:
• A) A verbal agreement to participate
• B) A parent's legal permission for their children to participate in a study knowing the true
nature of the study
• C) A school district's approval to conduct research
