MLS Research Methods and Data Literacy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which research design is most appropriate when a librarian wants to understand how patrons naturally behave in the library without manipulating variables?
- Experimental design
- Observational/naturalistic study (Correct answer)
- Quasi-experimental design
- Cross-sectional survey
Correct answer: Observational/naturalistic study
Observational or naturalistic studies allow researchers to document behavior in real settings without introducing artificial conditions.
Question 2: In library and information science research, what does 'triangulation' refer to?
- Measuring three variables simultaneously
- Using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings (Correct answer)
- Applying a three-step coding process
- Sampling from three different populations
Correct answer: Using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings
Triangulation strengthens research validity by corroborating findings through multiple methods, sources, or investigators.
Question 3: A librarian conducts a usability study of the library catalog and collects think-aloud protocols from 12 participants. This is an example of:
- Quantitative research
- Mixed-methods research
- Qualitative research (Correct answer)
- Bibliometric analysis
Correct answer: Qualitative research
Think-aloud protocols generate narrative, non-numerical data about user cognition, making this a qualitative approach.
Question 4: Which sampling technique would a researcher use when they want every member of the library's registered user base to have an equal chance of being selected?
- Purposive sampling
- Convenience sampling
- Simple random sampling (Correct answer)
- Snowball sampling
Correct answer: Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling ensures each member of the population has an equal, independent probability of selection.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in library research involving human subjects?
- To evaluate statistical methodology
- To protect participants from harm and ensure ethical conduct (Correct answer)
- To review the library's budget allocations
- To certify that findings meet publication standards
Correct answer: To protect participants from harm and ensure ethical conduct
IRBs review research protocols to safeguard participant welfare, privacy, and informed consent before studies begin.
Question 6: A researcher calculates a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 for a survey measuring information literacy self-efficacy. What does this indicate?
- The survey has poor construct validity
- The survey items have high internal consistency reliability (Correct answer)
- The sample size is adequate
- The survey is free of response bias
Correct answer: The survey items have high internal consistency reliability
Cronbach's alpha measures internal consistency; a value above 0.80 is generally considered acceptable to high.
