Which of the following quantitative research questions is superior?

Which of the following quantitative research questions is superior? (a) “What is the effect of participation in various extracurricular activities on academic performance?”

(b) “What effect does playing high school football have on students' GPA during the football season?”

(c) Both a & b

(d) None

✅ Correct option: (b)

Explanation:

A superior quantitative research question is one that is specific, clearly defined, and measurable. Option (b) is superior because it clearly identifies: The independent variable (playing high school football), The dependent variable (grade point average), The population (high school students), The time frame (during the football season). Option (a), although relevant, is too broad and vague. It includes “various extracurricular activities,” which introduces multiple variables and reduces clarity. Quantitative research benefits from precision so that variables can be measured accurately and statistically analyzed. Therefore, option (b) is the superior quantitative research question.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Quantitative questions must be measurable Specific variables improve research quality Clear populations strengthen validity Time frame enhances precision Broad questions reduce clarity Variables must be operationalized GPA is a measurable outcome Quantitative research uses statistics Precision improves reliability Focused questions guide analysis