CITI RESEARCH STUDY
DESIGN PRACTICE TEST
COMPLETE 55 QUESTIONS
Question 1: A research team wants to study whether nightly screen exposure is
associated with sleep duration in �rst-year university students. Which step should come �rst when giving the project a clear scienti�c direction?
Choices:
1) Select the statistical software 2) Formulate a focused research question 3) Recruit the largest sample available 4) Choose a journal for publication
Correct Answer: Formulate a focused research question
Explanation: A focused research question guides the choice of population, variables, design, measurements, and analysis. Statistical software and publication decisions come later.Page 1
Question 2: Which statement best describes an operational de�nition in a research study?
Choices:
1) A broad theory that explains why a phenomenon exists 2) A prediction that no association will be observed 3) A precise description of how a variable will be measured or manipulated 4) A list of all articles found in a literature search Correct Answer: A precise description of how a variable will be measured or manipulated Explanation: An operational de�nition converts an abstract construct into a speci�c measurable or manipulable variable so that the study can be implemented and replicated.Question 3: A hypothesis predicts that adults receiving a reminder text will attend more follow-up visits than adults receiving no reminder. Which element is the dependent variable?
Choices:
1) Receipt of a reminder text 2) Attendance at follow-up visits 3) Age of the participants 4) Assignment procedure
Correct Answer: Attendance at follow-up visits
Explanation: The dependent variable is the outcome expected to change as a function of the intervention. Here, follow-up attendance is the outcome being compared.Page 2
Question 4: What is the main purpose of a literature review when planning a new
study?
Choices:
1) To guarantee statistically signi�cant results 2) To identify what is already known and where important gaps remain 3) To replace the need for a research question 4) To determine the �nal sample size without assumptions Correct Answer: To identify what is already known and where important gaps remain Explanation: A literature review summarizes existing evidence, reveals inconsistencies or gaps, and helps justify and re�ne the new research question.
Question 5: Which research question is most speci�c and testable?
Choices:
1) Why is exercise good?2) Does health matter to people?3) Among adults with hypertension, does a 12-week walking program reduce mean systolic blood pressure compared with usual activity?4) What is the best way to improve public health?Correct Answer: Among adults with hypertension, does a 12-week walking program reduce mean systolic blood pressure compared with usual activity?Explanation: The third question identi�es a population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and time frame, making it suitable for a de�ned research design and analysis.Page 3