COUNSELING RESEARCH
EXAMINATION|QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION GRADED A+
STUDY GUIDE SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
UNIVERSITY
Question 1
A researcher investigates the effect of counseling on depression by
measuring scores before and after therapy in the same group. This design
is:
A. Cross-sectional design
B. Randomized controlled trial
C. Pretest–posttest design
D. Case study only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pretest–posttest designs measure change in the same group
over time.
Question 2
Which is MOST important for establishing causality in counseling
research?
A. Convenience sampling
B. Random assignment
C. Large sample size only
D. Descriptive statistics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Random assignment reduces selection bias and supports
causal inference.
Question 3
A study examines relationship between stress and anxiety without
manipulating variables. This is:
,A. Experimental study
B. Correlational study
C. Case-control trial
D. RCT
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correlational studies examine relationships without
manipulation.
Question 4
Which validity refers to whether a test measures what it is intended to
measure?
A. Internal validity
B. Construct validity
C. External validity
D. Face validity only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Construct validity ensures accurate measurement of
theoretical concepts.
Question 5
A sample that includes participants easily available to the researcher is:
A. Random sample
B. Stratified sample
C. Convenience sample
D. Systematic sample
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Convenience sampling uses readily accessible participants.
Question 6
Which statistical measure is MOST appropriate for central tendency?
, A. Variance
B. Standard deviation
C. Mean
D. Correlation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mean represents the average score.
Question 7
A p-value of 0.03 indicates:
A. No significance
B. Statistical significance at 0.05 level
C. Perfect correlation
D. No variability
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: p < 0.05 is commonly considered statistically significant.
Question 8
Which design BEST controls for confounding variables?
A. Case study
B. Randomized controlled trial
C. Survey
D. Qualitative interview
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: RCTs minimize confounding through random assignment.
Question 9
Reliability in research refers to:
A. Accuracy of measurement
B. Consistency of measurement
EXAMINATION|QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION GRADED A+
STUDY GUIDE SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
UNIVERSITY
Question 1
A researcher investigates the effect of counseling on depression by
measuring scores before and after therapy in the same group. This design
is:
A. Cross-sectional design
B. Randomized controlled trial
C. Pretest–posttest design
D. Case study only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pretest–posttest designs measure change in the same group
over time.
Question 2
Which is MOST important for establishing causality in counseling
research?
A. Convenience sampling
B. Random assignment
C. Large sample size only
D. Descriptive statistics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Random assignment reduces selection bias and supports
causal inference.
Question 3
A study examines relationship between stress and anxiety without
manipulating variables. This is:
,A. Experimental study
B. Correlational study
C. Case-control trial
D. RCT
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correlational studies examine relationships without
manipulation.
Question 4
Which validity refers to whether a test measures what it is intended to
measure?
A. Internal validity
B. Construct validity
C. External validity
D. Face validity only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Construct validity ensures accurate measurement of
theoretical concepts.
Question 5
A sample that includes participants easily available to the researcher is:
A. Random sample
B. Stratified sample
C. Convenience sample
D. Systematic sample
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Convenience sampling uses readily accessible participants.
Question 6
Which statistical measure is MOST appropriate for central tendency?
, A. Variance
B. Standard deviation
C. Mean
D. Correlation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mean represents the average score.
Question 7
A p-value of 0.03 indicates:
A. No significance
B. Statistical significance at 0.05 level
C. Perfect correlation
D. No variability
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: p < 0.05 is commonly considered statistically significant.
Question 8
Which design BEST controls for confounding variables?
A. Case study
B. Randomized controlled trial
C. Survey
D. Qualitative interview
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: RCTs minimize confounding through random assignment.
Question 9
Reliability in research refers to:
A. Accuracy of measurement
B. Consistency of measurement
