How much confidence should you place in a single research study?
How much confidence should you place in a single research study?
Options:
(a) You should completely trust a single research study
(b) You should trust research findings after different researchers have found the same findings
(c) Neither a nor b
(d) Both a and b
✅ Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
A single research study, no matter how well designed, may have limitations such as sampling error, researcher bias, or contextual constraints. Therefore, scientific knowledge becomes reliable only when research findings are replicated by different researchers in different contexts. Replication increases validity, reliability, and generalizability of findings. Educational decisions should be based on accumulated evidence rather than isolated studies. Trusting multiple studies ensures accuracy and minimizes error. Hence, confidence should be placed when findings are consistently supported by multiple research studies.
10 PPSC-Oriented Facts:
- Replication strengthens research validity.
- Single studies may have limitations.
- Scientific knowledge is cumulative.
- Reliability depends on consistency.
- Bias can affect results.
- Evidence-based practice relies on multiple studies.
- Generalization requires repetition.
- Peer review supports credibility.
- Research ethics demand accuracy.
- Multiple studies ensure trustworthiness.