Liberty University HSCO 500 - Quiz 4 - Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation Latest 2026/2027 | Complete Solution Guide
Liberty University HSCO 500 - Quiz 4
Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation - Complete Solution Guide
Latest 2026/2027 | Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned with Christian Integration
Total Questions Format Cognitive Levels Question Style Sections
35% Recall
70% Scenario-based
60 Multiple Choice (A-D) 45% Application 6 Topic Areas
30% Direct Recall
20% Analysis
SECTION 1: Research Design and Methodology (Quantitative, Qualitative, &
Mixed Methods) (Q1 - Q10)
Cognitive level mix: ~35% recall, ~45% application, ~20% analysis. Focus: research paradigms (positivist, constructivist, pragmatic,
transformative), quantitative designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, survey), qualitative designs (phenomenology,
grounded theory, ethnography, case study), and mixed methods designs (convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential,
embedded).
Q1: A doctoral candidate wants to study how battered women in a faith-based shelter describe their experience
of spiritual restoration after trauma. The most appropriate research design is:
A. Experimental design with treatment and control groups
B. Phenomenology, which seeks to understand the lived experience of participants who have shared a particular
phenomenon [CORRECT]
C. Correlational design measuring spiritual well-being scores
D. Grounded theory aiming to generate a substantive theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phenomenology is the correct choice because the researcher wants to understand the lived experience of spiritual
restoration from the perspective of battered women who have directly experienced it. Phenomenology focuses on the essence of
lived experience. Experimental design (A) is inappropriate for studying subjective experience. Correlational design (C) measures
relationships between variables rather than lived experience. Grounded theory (D) aims to generate theory from data rather than
describe the essence of an experience.
Q2: A counseling researcher randomly assigns clients to either a CBT group or a person-centered therapy group
to compare the effect on depression scores. This design is:
A. Quasi-experimental because clients are assigned to groups
B. True experimental design, because participants are randomly assigned to treatment conditions enabling causal
inference [CORRECT]
C. Correlational because two groups are being compared
D. Mixed methods because two therapies are involved
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A true experimental design requires random assignment of participants to treatment and control (or comparison)
groups, which allows the researcher to infer causality. Random assignment controls for confounding variables.
Quasi-experimental (A) lacks random assignment. Correlational (C) examines relationships without manipulation. Mixed
methods (D) combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, which is not what is described.
Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned | Christian Integration Page 1
,Liberty University HSCO 500 - Quiz 4 - Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation Latest 2026/2027 | Complete Solution Guide
Q3: A researcher studies the culture of an urban community mental health center over six months by conducting
participant observations, in-depth interviews, and reviewing documents. This design is:
A. Ethnography, which studies cultural groups through immersion and observation in their natural setting
[CORRECT]
B. Case study of one client
C. Phenomenology of staff experience
D. Grounded theory development
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethnography is the correct design because the researcher is immersing themselves in the culture of a community
mental health center over time, using multiple data sources (observation, interviews, documents) to understand the cultural
patterns and shared meanings of the group. Case study (B) focuses on an in-depth exploration of a single bounded system.
Phenomenology (C) focuses on lived experience, not cultural patterns. Grounded theory (D) aims to develop theory, not describe
culture.
Q4: A researcher is interested in developing a substantive theory about how pastoral counselors navigate dual
relationships in rural congregations. The most appropriate methodology is:
A. Phenomenology
B. Ethnography
C. Grounded theory, which aims to generate a theory grounded in data collected from participants who have
experienced the phenomenon [CORRECT]
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grounded theory is the correct methodology because the researcher's explicit goal is to develop a substantive theory
that is grounded in data. Grounded theory uses systematic data collection and analysis procedures (open, axial, and selective
coding) to generate a theory explaining a process or phenomenon. Phenomenology (A) describes lived experience. Ethnography
(B) describes culture. Case study (D) explores a bounded system in depth.
Q5: A mixed methods researcher collects quantitative survey data on client satisfaction and qualitative interview
data on the counseling experience, analyzes both data sets independently, and then merges the findings for
interpretation. This is which mixed methods design?
A. Explanatory sequential design
B. Exploratory sequential design
C. Convergent (concurrent) design, which collects and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously
and then merges the findings [CORRECT]
D. Embedded design
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The convergent (concurrent) design collects quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously, analyzes both
independently, and then merges or integrates the findings to provide a comprehensive understanding. The key feature is the
simultaneous collection and merging. Explanatory sequential (A) collects QUAN first, then qual to explain the QUAN results.
Exploratory sequential (B) collects qual first, then QUAN to test or generalize. Embedded (D) nests one type of data within
another.
Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned | Christian Integration Page 2
, Liberty University HSCO 500 - Quiz 4 - Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation Latest 2026/2027 | Complete Solution Guide
Q6: A researcher conducts a quantitative study first, then follows with a qualitative phase to help explain and
elaborate on the quantitative findings. This is which mixed methods design?
A. Convergent design
B. Explanatory sequential design, in which the qualitative phase is used to explain and interpret the quantitative
results [CORRECT]
C. Exploratory sequential design
D. Cross-sectional design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The explanatory sequential design involves two phases: first quantitative data is collected and analyzed, then
qualitative data is collected to help explain, elaborate, or follow up on the quantitative findings. This design answers 'why' or
'how' questions that arise from the quantitative results. Convergent (A) collects both simultaneously. Exploratory sequential (C)
starts with qualitative. Cross-sectional (D) is not a mixed methods design.
Q7: Which research paradigm aligns most closely with the belief that reality is socially constructed, multiple,
and subjective, and that the researcher should seek to understand the participant's perspective?
A. Positivist paradigm
B. Constructivist (interpretivist) paradigm, which holds that reality is constructed by individuals through their
interactions and interpretations [CORRECT]
C. Pragmatic paradigm
D. Transformative paradigm
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The constructivist (interpretivist) paradigm holds that reality is socially constructed, subjective, and multiple, and that
the role of the researcher is to understand the participant's perspective through interaction and interpretation. Positivist (A)
assumes a single objective reality that can be measured. Pragmatic (C) focuses on what works to address the research question.
Transformative (D) focuses on empowerment and social justice for marginalized groups.
Q8: A researcher wants to study the effectiveness of a new trauma-focused therapy but cannot randomly assign
clients to groups because of clinical and ethical concerns. Instead, the researcher uses two existing therapy
groups at a clinic. This design is:
A. True experimental design
B. Quasi-experimental design, because participants are not randomly assigned but the researcher still
manipulates the independent variable using intact groups [CORRECT]
C. Correlational design
D. Phenomenological design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A quasi-experimental design is used when the researcher manipulates the independent variable but cannot randomly
assign participants to groups, often using intact groups (e.g., existing therapy groups, classrooms). Quasi-experiments provide less
control over confounding variables than true experiments. True experimental (A) requires random assignment. Correlational (C)
does not involve manipulation. Phenomenological (D) is a qualitative approach to lived experience.
Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned | Christian Integration Page 3
Liberty University HSCO 500 - Quiz 4
Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation - Complete Solution Guide
Latest 2026/2027 | Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned with Christian Integration
Total Questions Format Cognitive Levels Question Style Sections
35% Recall
70% Scenario-based
60 Multiple Choice (A-D) 45% Application 6 Topic Areas
30% Direct Recall
20% Analysis
SECTION 1: Research Design and Methodology (Quantitative, Qualitative, &
Mixed Methods) (Q1 - Q10)
Cognitive level mix: ~35% recall, ~45% application, ~20% analysis. Focus: research paradigms (positivist, constructivist, pragmatic,
transformative), quantitative designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, survey), qualitative designs (phenomenology,
grounded theory, ethnography, case study), and mixed methods designs (convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential,
embedded).
Q1: A doctoral candidate wants to study how battered women in a faith-based shelter describe their experience
of spiritual restoration after trauma. The most appropriate research design is:
A. Experimental design with treatment and control groups
B. Phenomenology, which seeks to understand the lived experience of participants who have shared a particular
phenomenon [CORRECT]
C. Correlational design measuring spiritual well-being scores
D. Grounded theory aiming to generate a substantive theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phenomenology is the correct choice because the researcher wants to understand the lived experience of spiritual
restoration from the perspective of battered women who have directly experienced it. Phenomenology focuses on the essence of
lived experience. Experimental design (A) is inappropriate for studying subjective experience. Correlational design (C) measures
relationships between variables rather than lived experience. Grounded theory (D) aims to generate theory from data rather than
describe the essence of an experience.
Q2: A counseling researcher randomly assigns clients to either a CBT group or a person-centered therapy group
to compare the effect on depression scores. This design is:
A. Quasi-experimental because clients are assigned to groups
B. True experimental design, because participants are randomly assigned to treatment conditions enabling causal
inference [CORRECT]
C. Correlational because two groups are being compared
D. Mixed methods because two therapies are involved
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A true experimental design requires random assignment of participants to treatment and control (or comparison)
groups, which allows the researcher to infer causality. Random assignment controls for confounding variables.
Quasi-experimental (A) lacks random assignment. Correlational (C) examines relationships without manipulation. Mixed
methods (D) combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, which is not what is described.
Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned | Christian Integration Page 1
,Liberty University HSCO 500 - Quiz 4 - Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation Latest 2026/2027 | Complete Solution Guide
Q3: A researcher studies the culture of an urban community mental health center over six months by conducting
participant observations, in-depth interviews, and reviewing documents. This design is:
A. Ethnography, which studies cultural groups through immersion and observation in their natural setting
[CORRECT]
B. Case study of one client
C. Phenomenology of staff experience
D. Grounded theory development
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethnography is the correct design because the researcher is immersing themselves in the culture of a community
mental health center over time, using multiple data sources (observation, interviews, documents) to understand the cultural
patterns and shared meanings of the group. Case study (B) focuses on an in-depth exploration of a single bounded system.
Phenomenology (C) focuses on lived experience, not cultural patterns. Grounded theory (D) aims to develop theory, not describe
culture.
Q4: A researcher is interested in developing a substantive theory about how pastoral counselors navigate dual
relationships in rural congregations. The most appropriate methodology is:
A. Phenomenology
B. Ethnography
C. Grounded theory, which aims to generate a theory grounded in data collected from participants who have
experienced the phenomenon [CORRECT]
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grounded theory is the correct methodology because the researcher's explicit goal is to develop a substantive theory
that is grounded in data. Grounded theory uses systematic data collection and analysis procedures (open, axial, and selective
coding) to generate a theory explaining a process or phenomenon. Phenomenology (A) describes lived experience. Ethnography
(B) describes culture. Case study (D) explores a bounded system in depth.
Q5: A mixed methods researcher collects quantitative survey data on client satisfaction and qualitative interview
data on the counseling experience, analyzes both data sets independently, and then merges the findings for
interpretation. This is which mixed methods design?
A. Explanatory sequential design
B. Exploratory sequential design
C. Convergent (concurrent) design, which collects and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously
and then merges the findings [CORRECT]
D. Embedded design
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The convergent (concurrent) design collects quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously, analyzes both
independently, and then merges or integrates the findings to provide a comprehensive understanding. The key feature is the
simultaneous collection and merging. Explanatory sequential (A) collects QUAN first, then qual to explain the QUAN results.
Exploratory sequential (B) collects qual first, then QUAN to test or generalize. Embedded (D) nests one type of data within
another.
Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned | Christian Integration Page 2
, Liberty University HSCO 500 - Quiz 4 - Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation Latest 2026/2027 | Complete Solution Guide
Q6: A researcher conducts a quantitative study first, then follows with a qualitative phase to help explain and
elaborate on the quantitative findings. This is which mixed methods design?
A. Convergent design
B. Explanatory sequential design, in which the qualitative phase is used to explain and interpret the quantitative
results [CORRECT]
C. Exploratory sequential design
D. Cross-sectional design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The explanatory sequential design involves two phases: first quantitative data is collected and analyzed, then
qualitative data is collected to help explain, elaborate, or follow up on the quantitative findings. This design answers 'why' or
'how' questions that arise from the quantitative results. Convergent (A) collects both simultaneously. Exploratory sequential (C)
starts with qualitative. Cross-sectional (D) is not a mixed methods design.
Q7: Which research paradigm aligns most closely with the belief that reality is socially constructed, multiple,
and subjective, and that the researcher should seek to understand the participant's perspective?
A. Positivist paradigm
B. Constructivist (interpretivist) paradigm, which holds that reality is constructed by individuals through their
interactions and interpretations [CORRECT]
C. Pragmatic paradigm
D. Transformative paradigm
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The constructivist (interpretivist) paradigm holds that reality is socially constructed, subjective, and multiple, and that
the role of the researcher is to understand the participant's perspective through interaction and interpretation. Positivist (A)
assumes a single objective reality that can be measured. Pragmatic (C) focuses on what works to address the research question.
Transformative (D) focuses on empowerment and social justice for marginalized groups.
Q8: A researcher wants to study the effectiveness of a new trauma-focused therapy but cannot randomly assign
clients to groups because of clinical and ethical concerns. Instead, the researcher uses two existing therapy
groups at a clinic. This design is:
A. True experimental design
B. Quasi-experimental design, because participants are not randomly assigned but the researcher still
manipulates the independent variable using intact groups [CORRECT]
C. Correlational design
D. Phenomenological design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A quasi-experimental design is used when the researcher manipulates the independent variable but cannot randomly
assign participants to groups, often using intact groups (e.g., existing therapy groups, classrooms). Quasi-experiments provide less
control over confounding variables than true experiments. True experimental (A) requires random assignment. Correlational (C)
does not involve manipulation. Phenomenological (D) is a qualitative approach to lived experience.
Quiz Score Benchmark: 57/60 | CACREP Aligned | Christian Integration Page 3
