Part 1 (MCQ 1–25)
1. What is the first step in the health research process?
A. Data collection
B. Statistical analysis
C. Formulating the research question
D. Writing the conclusion
Answer: C
2. The primary goal of health research is to:
A. Increase publications
B. Improve the health of the population
C. Develop new laboratory equipment
D. Earn research funding
Answer: B
3. A research question is best defined as:
A. A statement of study objectives
B. An uncertainty that the investigator wants to resolve through research
C. A statistical hypothesis
D. A literature review
Answer: B
4. A clear research question helps the investigator to:
A. Choose an appropriate study design
B. Reduce publication cost
C. Eliminate the need for ethics approval
D. Avoid statistical analysis
Answer: A
5. A good research question mainly helps identify:
A. Study participants, outcomes, and study design
B. Journal impact factor
C. Research funding agency
D. Publication date
Answer: A
6. Research questions generally originate from:
A. Personal opinions only
B. Existing uncertainty or data needs
C. Social media discussions
D. Government regulations only
Answer: B
7. While translating uncertainty into a research question, the problem should be:
A. Broad and ambiguous
B. Written in complex scientific language
C. Framed in specific terms
D. Left open-ended
Answer: C
8. A research question should focus on:
A. Multiple unrelated problems
B. One issue at a time
C. Funding opportunities
D. Publication strategy
Answer: B
9. A research question should ideally be written in:
A. Technical statistical language
B. Everyday language
C. Legal language
D. Computer programming language
Answer: B
10. A research question is always expressed as:
A. A hypothesis
B. A conclusion
C. A question
D. A recommendation
Answer: C
11. Which of the following should a research question clearly express?
A. What the investigator wants to know
B. Expected study results
C. Future publications
D. Research funding requirements
Answer: A
12. Which of the following should NOT be included in a research question?
A. The uncertainty to be resolved
B. What the investigator wants to know
C. What the study may ultimately contribute to science
D. The population of interest
Answer: C
13. Which of the following is a common source of research questions?
A. Continuous review of published literature
B. Ignoring previous studies
C. Random guessing
D. Social media trends
Answer: A
14. Attending scientific conferences helps formulate research questions because it:
A. Eliminates the need for literature review
B. Provides exposure to new ideas and techniques
C. Guarantees publication
D. Removes ethical concerns
Answer: B
15. Applying new technologies to old health problems may generate:
A. Research questions
B. Research misconduct
C. Publication bias
D. Statistical errors
Answer: A
16. Which personal quality can help generate meaningful research questions?
A. Careful observation
B. Laziness
C. Overconfidence
D. Memorization
Answer: A
17. A good mentor contributes mainly by:
A. Writing the research paper
B. Identifying and refining research questions
C. Conducting statistical analysis alone
D. Publishing the study
Answer: B
18. Research questions are broadly classified into:
A. Clinical and Laboratory
B. Basic and Applied
C. Descriptive and Analytical
D. Quantitative and Qualitative
Answer: C
19. A descriptive research question primarily aims to:
A. Compare two treatments
B. Measure or describe a quantity
C. Test a drug
D. Establish causality
Answer: B
20. Which of the following is TRUE for descriptive research questions?
A. They involve comparison groups.
B. They require interventions.
C. They measure observations without comparison groups.
D. They always require hypotheses.
Answer: C
21. Analytical research questions generally involve:
A. Measuring prevalence only
B. Comparison or intervention to test a hypothesis
C. Describing a disease burden only
D. Literature review only
Answer: B
22. Which of the following is an example of a descriptive research question?
A. Does Drug A reduce blood pressure more than Drug B?
B. What is the prevalence of hypertension among adults?
C. Is smoking associated with lung cancer?
D. Does exercise improve blood glucose levels?
Answer: B
23. Which of the following is an analytical research question?
A. What is the prevalence of obesity?
B. How many children are vaccinated?
C. Does regular exercise reduce fasting blood sugar compared with no exercise?
D. What is the average BMI of medical students?
Answer: C
24. Analytical research questions are mainly designed to:
A. Estimate quantities only
B. Test specific hypotheses
C. Describe characteristics only
D. Measure prevalence only
Answer: B
25. Choosing whether a research question is descriptive or analytical is important because it influences:
A. Font size of the manuscript
B. Study design and statement of objectives
C. Journal selection
D. Research funding
Answer: B
Part 2 (MCQ 26–50)
26. What is the first step in conceiving a good research question?
A. Collect data
B. Review state-of-the-art literature
C. Write the hypothesis
D. Select the sample
Answer: B
27. After reviewing the literature, the next step is to:
A. Publish the study
B. Raise a research question
C. Perform statistical analysis
D. Collect data
Answer: B
28. Before finalizing a research question, investigators should determine whether it is:
A. Easy to publish
B. Worth investigating
C. Short in length
D. Written in technical language
Answer: B
29. Which of the following is the fourth step in conceiving a research question?
A. Sharpen the initial question
B. Define measurable exposures and outcomes
C. Conduct statistical analysis
D. Write objectives
Answer: B
30. The final step in formulating a research question is to:
A. Formulate the hypothesis
B. Refine the question by specifying details
C. Prepare the manuscript
D. Conduct peer review
Answer: B
31. Which of the following is an example of an exposure in a diabetes study?
A. Fasting blood sugar level
B. Brisk walking for one hour daily
C. HbA1c result
D. Diabetic complications
Answer: B
32. Which of the following is the outcome in the diabetes exercise example?
A. Walking
B. Body weight
C. Fasting blood sugar level
D. Age
Answer: C
33. Why should exposures and outcomes be operationally defined?
A. To reduce printing costs
B. To ensure they are measurable
C. To shorten the research paper
D. To simplify statistical software
Answer: B
34. Which statement represents a well-refined research question?
A. Does exercise help diabetics?
B. Among type 2 diabetics, does one hour of brisk walking daily reduce fasting blood sugar?
C. Is exercise useful?
D. Should everyone exercise?
Answer: B
35. Which of the following is NOT usually specified while refining a research question?
A. Study population
B. Exposure
C. Outcome
D. Journal name
Answer: D
36. Which acronym is used to evaluate whether a research question is worthwhile?
A. SMART
B. PICOT
C. FINER
D. CONSORT
Answer: C
37. In the FINER criteria, F stands for:
A. Focused
B. Feasible
C. Flexible
D. Fundamental
Answer: B
38. Which FINER criterion asks whether enough participants and resources are available?
A. Interesting
B. Relevant
C. Feasible
D. Novel
Answer: C
39. Which FINER criterion evaluates whether the study adds new knowledge?
A. Ethical
B. Interesting
C. Novel
D. Relevant
Answer: C
40. Which FINER criterion ensures the study complies with ethical standards?
A. Feasible
B. Ethical
C. Interesting
D. Relevant
Answer: B
41. Which FINER criterion considers whether the findings can improve science or public health practice?
A. Novel
B. Relevant
C. Ethical
D. Interesting
Answer: B
42. A research question that cannot recruit enough participants fails which FINER criterion?
A. Interesting
B. Relevant
C. Feasible
D. Ethical
Answer: C
43. A study repeating an already well-established finding without adding new information mainly lacks:
A. Feasibility
B. Novelty
C. Ethics
D. Relevance
Answer: B
44. Which FINER criterion asks whether researchers are motivated to conduct the study?
A. Interesting
B. Ethical
C. Relevant
D. Feasible
Answer: A
45. A study involving unethical procedures is unlikely to receive approval because it fails the:
A. Feasible criterion
B. Ethical criterion
C. Interesting criterion
D. Novel criterion
Answer: B
46. Which statement best describes a research hypothesis?
A. A literature review
B. A specific version of the research question
C. A study conclusion
D. A statistical test
Answer: B
47. A research hypothesis primarily provides the basis for:
A. Writing the discussion
B. Statistical testing
C. Choosing the journal
D. Preparing references
Answer: B
48. Which of the following research questions requires a hypothesis?
A. What is the prevalence of hypertension?
B. What is the average BMI of adults?
C. Does regular exercise reduce fasting blood sugar compared with no exercise?
D. How many medical students smoke?
Answer: C
49. Which type of research question generally does NOT require a hypothesis?
A. Analytical
B. Experimental
C. Descriptive
D. Comparative
Answer: C
50. Which of the following words in a research question usually indicates an analytical question requiring a hypothesis?
A. Estimate
B. Measure
C. Compared with
D. Describe
Answer: C
Part 3 (MCQ 51–75)
51. Which of the following terms in a research question usually indicates an analytical study?
A. Estimate
B. Describe
C. Compared with
D. Measure
Answer: C
52. A research hypothesis should include the main elements of the study, namely:
A. Funding, timeline, and budget
B. Sample, exposure, and outcome
C. Authors, journal, and references
D. Ethics committee and sponsor
Answer: B
53. Which type of research question requires a statement of hypothesis?
A. Descriptive
B. Exploratory only
C. Analytical
D. Qualitative only
Answer: C
54. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good hypothesis?
A. Simple
B. Specific
C. Stated after data analysis
D. Stated in advance
Answer: C
55. A good hypothesis should ideally involve:
A. Multiple exposures and multiple outcomes
B. One exposure and one outcome
C. Multiple outcomes only
D. Multiple interventions only
Answer: B
56. The term “a priori” means the hypothesis should be:
A. Written after statistical analysis
B. Stated before the study begins
C. Modified after publication
D. Written after data collection
Answer: B
57. A hypothesis should mainly be focused on the:
A. Secondary objective
B. Primary objective
C. Literature review
D. Budget
Answer: B
58. Which statement is the best example of a research hypothesis?
A. Exercise is good.
B. Among type 2 diabetics, brisk walking for one hour daily reduces fasting blood sugar compared with no walking.
C. Diabetes is common.
D. Physical activity should be encouraged.
Answer: B
59. Which characteristic ensures there is no ambiguity about study variables?
A. Simplicity
B. Novelty
C. Specificity
D. Feasibility
Answer: C
60. A descriptive research question usually does NOT require:
A. Study objectives
B. Data collection
C. Research hypothesis
D. Literature review
Answer: C
61. Objectives are primarily derived from the:
A. Results section
B. Research question
C. Statistical software
D. Discussion section
Answer: B
62. When translating a research question into objectives, the objective should be written in:
A. Everyday language
B. Scientific and epidemiological language
C. Legal terminology
D. Technical statistical equations
Answer: B
63. A statement of objective should:
A. Cover many unrelated questions
B. Focus on limited and specific aspects of the research question
C. Include expected results
D. Include statistical conclusions
Answer: B
64. Objectives should ideally be classified into:
A. Clinical and laboratory
B. Primary and secondary
C. Internal and external
D. Short-term and long-term
Answer: B
65. A descriptive objective usually uses which operational verb?
A. Compare
B. Determine
C. Estimate
D. Evaluate
Answer: C
66. Which operational verb is generally preferred for an analytical objective?
A. Estimate
B. Determine
C. Observe
D. Describe
Answer: B
67. Which of the following is the best descriptive objective?
A. Determine whether exercise reduces blood sugar.
B. Estimate the prevalence of physical activity among diabetics.
C. Compare diabetic complications.
D. Evaluate walking habits.
Answer: B
68. Which of the following is the best analytical objective?
A. Estimate obesity prevalence.
B. Determine whether brisk walking reduces fasting blood sugar.
C. Describe exercise habits.
D. Measure body weight.
Answer: B
69. According to the lecture, which verb should generally be avoided in writing study objectives?
A. Estimate
B. Determine
C. Study
D. Measure
Answer: C
70. Which statement is a correctly written analytical objective?
A. To study diabetes.
B. To determine whether physical activity reduces diabetic complications.
C. To know diabetes.
D. To observe patients.
Answer: B
71. Which of the following is an example of a poorly written objective?
A. Estimate the prevalence of hypertension.
B. Determine whether smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
C. Study hypertension.
D. Determine the effect of vaccination on disease incidence.
Answer: C
72. In a descriptive study, the preferred operational verb is:
A. Determine
B. Estimate
C. Compare
D. Evaluate
Answer: B
73. A researcher writes: “Determine whether depression is more common among diabetics than healthy individuals.” This is an example of:
A. Descriptive objective
B. Analytical objective
C. Hypothesis-free objective
D. Qualitative objective
Answer: B
74. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
A. Descriptive study — Determine
B. Analytical study — Estimate
C. Descriptive study — Estimate
D. Analytical study — Observe only
Answer: C
75. Which statement best summarizes the relationship among research question, hypothesis, and objectives?
A. Objectives are written first, followed by the hypothesis.
B. A research question leads to objectives, and analytical questions may additionally require a hypothesis.
C. Hypothesis replaces objectives.
D. Objectives are independent of the research question.
Answer: B
Part 4 (MCQ 76–100)
76. Which of the following best describes a primary objective?
A. A statement written after data analysis
B. The main purpose of the study derived from the research question
C. A summary of study findings
D. A statistical conclusion
Answer: B
77. Secondary objectives are generally used to:
A. Replace the primary objective
B. Address additional questions related to the primary objective
C. State the hypothesis
D. Present study conclusions
Answer: B
78. Which statement is the BEST example of a primary objective?
A. To study diabetes.
B. To determine the effect of brisk walking on fasting blood sugar among patients with type 2 diabetes.
C. To know about exercise.
D. To evaluate diabetic patients.
Answer: B
79. Which operational verb is most appropriate for a descriptive objective?
A. Determine
B. Compare
C. Estimate
D. Correlate
Answer: C
80. Which operational verb is most appropriate for an analytical objective?
A. Estimate
B. Determine
C. Describe
D. Observe
Answer: B
81. Which of the following objective statements is poorly written?
A. Estimate the prevalence of hypertension among adults.
B. Determine whether smoking increases the risk of COPD.
C. To study hypertension.
D. Determine the association between obesity and diabetes.
Answer: C
82. A good statement of objective should:
A. Be vague and broad
B. Clearly specify what is to be measured
C. Include expected results
D. Contain multiple unrelated aims
Answer: B
83. Which of the following is an example of a descriptive objective?
A. Determine whether exercise lowers blood sugar.
B. Estimate the prevalence of obesity among adolescents.
C. Compare two antihypertensive drugs.
D. Evaluate a new vaccine.
Answer: B
84. Which of the following is an analytical objective?
A. Estimate the prevalence of anemia.
B. Determine whether iron supplementation improves hemoglobin levels.
C. Measure BMI of students.
D. Describe dietary habits.
Answer: B
85. Which statement is TRUE regarding study objectives?
A. Objectives should be written after results are obtained.
B. Objectives guide the entire research process.
C. Objectives are optional.
D. Objectives are identical to conclusions.
Answer: B
86. Which of the following represents a descriptive research question?
A. Does obesity increase cardiovascular risk?
B. What is the prevalence of obesity among school children?
C. Is Drug A superior to Drug B?
D. Does vaccination reduce mortality?
Answer: B
87. Which of the following represents an analytical research question?
A. What is the prevalence of diabetes?
B. How many patients smoke?
C. Does regular physical activity reduce the risk of hypertension?
D. What is the average age of patients?
Answer: C
88. Which step follows the formulation of a good research question in the research life cycle?
A. Publication
B. Formulation of study objectives
C. Writing the discussion
D. Peer review
Answer: B
89. Which of the following best describes the relationship between a research question and study objectives?
A. They are unrelated.
B. Objectives are developed directly from the research question.
C. Objectives replace the research question.
D. Research questions are written after objectives.
Answer: B
90. Which statement regarding hypotheses is CORRECT?
A. Every descriptive study requires a hypothesis.
B. Hypotheses are required only for analytical studies.
C. Hypotheses are written after data collection.
D. Hypotheses are optional for analytical studies.
Answer: B
91. Which characteristic is MOST important in a well-formulated research question?
A. Complexity
B. Clarity
C. Length
D. Technical terminology
Answer: B
92. A researcher asks, “Does daily brisk walking reduce fasting blood sugar among type 2 diabetics?” This is an example of:
A. Descriptive question
B. Analytical question
C. Qualitative question
D. Ecological question
Answer: B
93. Which of the following BEST represents the FINER criterion Relevant?
A. Enough participants are available.
B. The research advances scientific knowledge or improves health practice.
C. The study uses advanced statistical software.
D. The study is inexpensive.
Answer: B
94. Which FINER criterion assesses whether a study is likely to receive ethics committee approval?
A. Feasible
B. Interesting
C. Ethical
D. Relevant
Answer: C
95. A research question that confirms or extends previous findings fulfills which FINER criterion?
A. Interesting
B. Novel
C. Ethical
D. Feasible
Answer: B
96. According to the research life cycle, recommendations generated from research are primarily shared with:
A. Journal editors only
B. Study participants only
C. Relevant stakeholders
D. Funding agencies only
Answer: C
97. Which of the following is the BEST source for identifying research gaps?
A. Random internet searches
B. Continuous review of scientific literature
C. Newspaper advertisements
D. Television programs
Answer: B
98. Which of the following is the BEST example of refining a vague research question?
A. Is exercise good?
B. Among adults with type 2 diabetes, does 60 minutes of brisk walking daily reduce fasting blood sugar compared with no regular exercise?
C. Should people exercise?
D. Is diabetes dangerous?
Answer: B
99. Which statement best summarizes the purpose of a research question?
A. To predict the study outcome
B. To identify the uncertainty that research aims to answer
C. To summarize research findings
D. To prepare statistical tables
Answer: B
100. Which statement BEST summarizes Lecture 02?
A. Research begins with data collection.
B. A well-formulated research question leads to an appropriate hypothesis and clearly defined objectives, forming the foundation of a successful research study.
C. Hypotheses are required for every research study.
D. Objectives are written after completion of the study.
Answer: B
