“200”, Aptitude Test
Questions and Answers for Research Officer II – The Office of Treasury Registrar (OTR).
ABSTRACT
This set of 200 multiple-choice questions
with answers prepares candidates for the Research Officer II aptitude test at
the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR), Tanzania. It covers research
methods, economics, statistics, finance, investment, public administration, and
project management. The questions reflect the test style, enhance analytical
skills, and provide clear rationales to strengthen understanding and exam
readiness.
Prepared by:
Research Officer
Compiled by Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa.
A lawyer stationed in Dar-es-salaam.
0628729934.
Date: September 1, 2025
Dear applicants,
This collection of questions and answers
has been prepared to help all of you to understand the key areas tested during
the aptitude test. The goal is to provide a useful, and practical study guide
so you can all perform confidently and fairly in the selection process. I wish
you the best of luck, and may this resource support you in achieving success!
Warm regards,
Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa
For Personal Use by Applicants Preparing
for Research Officer II – The Office of Treasury Registrar interview.
ALL
QUESTIONS TOGETHER.
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of research in public institutions such as the Office of the Treasury Registrar?
A. To collect opinions for policy debates B. To create knowledge that informs
decision-making C. To ensure compliance with financial regulations D. To reduce
the workload of management
Answer: B
Rationale: Research in public institutions is
primarily conducted to create and generate knowledge that can inform
evidence-based decision-making, improve efficiency, and provide guidance for
policies and programs. While compliance and workload reduction are important,
they are outcomes of informed decisions, not the direct purpose.
2. When developing a research program, the
first essential step is to:
A. Write the final report B. Define research objectives C. Collect secondary
data D. Conduct data analysis
Answer: B
Rationale: Defining research objectives is the first
step in research program development because it gives direction, scope, and
purpose to the study. Without clear objectives, subsequent steps such as data
collection or analysis lack focus and may not achieve meaningful results.
3. Which research design is most appropriate
when assessing the relationship between government investments and economic
growth over ten years?
A. Experimental B. Cross-sectional C. Longitudinal D. Case study
Answer: C
Rationale: Longitudinal research is best suited for
examining changes and relationships over an extended period, such as ten years.
Cross-sectional studies provide a snapshot at one point in time, while
experimental and case studies cannot adequately capture trends across long
durations.
4. The main role of documentation in research
is to:
A. Store unused materials B. Demonstrate transparency and reproducibility C.
Replace statistical analysis D. Simplify research questions
Answer: B
Rationale: Documentation ensures transparency,
accuracy, and reproducibility of research. It allows other researchers or
institutions to understand the process followed, validate results, and build
upon the findings. It is a critical part of professional research standards.
5. Which of the following is NOT a
characteristic of good research?
A. Systematic process B. Based on logical reasoning C. Free from bias D.
Conducted only when results are favorable
Answer: D
Rationale: Good research must be systematic,
logical, and objective, with results reported regardless of whether they are
favorable or unfavorable. Suppressing results undermines credibility, validity,
and the integrity of the research process.
6. In statistical research, the measure of
how closely data points cluster around the mean is called:
A. Variance B. Correlation C. Skewness D. Regression
Answer: A
Rationale: Variance measures the degree of spread of
data points around the mean. Correlation shows the strength of a relationship,
skewness shows asymmetry in distribution, and regression models relationships.
Variance directly reflects dispersion.
7. Which of the following best explains the
role of international research collaboration for the OTR?
A. To compete with foreign institutions B. To share knowledge and strengthen
capacity C. To eliminate domestic research needs D. To replace local expertise
Answer: B
Rationale: International collaboration provides
knowledge exchange, technical expertise, and access to broader resources. It
does not replace local research but strengthens capacity and global relevance.
Competition and elimination of local expertise are not objectives.
8. Which of the following is considered a
primary source of data in research?
A. Journal articles B. Government statistical reports C. Data collected through
surveys D. Research reviews
Answer: C
Rationale: Primary sources of data are those
collected firsthand by the researcher through methods such as surveys,
interviews, or experiments. Journals and government reports are secondary
sources that interpret or compile existing data.
9. The process of ensuring that research
results can be generalized to a larger population is called:
A. Validity B. Reliability C. Generalizability D. Standardization
Answer: C
Rationale: Generalizability refers to the extent
research findings can apply to a wider population beyond the sample studied.
Validity and reliability are essential for accuracy and consistency, but
generalizability focuses on broader application.
10. In economics, “opportunity cost” refers
to:
A. The cost of resources used in research B. The benefit of the chosen
alternative C. The value of the next best alternative forgone D. The monetary
expense incurred in investment
Answer: C
Rationale: Opportunity cost is the value of the next
best alternative that must be forgone when a choice is made. It reflects
trade-offs, which are crucial in economic decision-making, planning, and
resource allocation.
11. Which statistical test is most appropriate
for comparing the mean incomes of two independent groups?
A. Chi-square test B. Independent samples t-test C. ANOVA D. Correlation
Answer: B
Rationale: An independent samples t-test is used to
compare the means of two independent groups. Chi-square is for categorical
variables, ANOVA compares more than two groups, and correlation measures
relationships, not differences in means.
12. In policy research, a consultative forum
is MOST useful for:
A. Finalizing financial reports B. Sharing knowledge and gaining stakeholder
input C. Avoiding research expenses D. Documenting individual preferences
Answer: B
Rationale: Consultative forums create a platform for
stakeholders to share knowledge, exchange perspectives, and provide feedback on
policies or proposals. This enhances inclusiveness and legitimacy in
decision-making.
13. Which of the following best measures
inflation trends in an economy?
A. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) B. Consumer Price Index (CPI) C. Employment
Rate D. Balance of Payments
Answer: B
Rationale: CPI measures the average change in prices
of consumer goods and services, making it a key indicator of inflation. GDP
measures output, employment rates reflect labor markets, and balance of
payments deals with international trade.
14. Which of the following is a limitation of
cross-sectional research design?
A. It requires too much time B. It is always expensive C. It uses multiple
samples D. It cannot establish causality
Answer: D
Rationale: Cross-sectional designs provide a
snapshot at one point in time and cannot establish causal relationships. They
are generally quicker and less costly than longitudinal studies but limited in
explaining cause-effect dynamics.
15. Which principle is central to ethical
research involving human participants?
A. Maximizing data collection B. Prioritizing publication speed C. Obtaining
informed consent D. Reducing costs
Answer: C
Rationale: Informed consent ensures participants
voluntarily agree to participate with full knowledge of the study’s purpose,
risks, and benefits. This principle safeguards participants’ rights and is
central to research ethics.
16. Which of the following is an example of
qualitative research data?
A. Household income levels B. National GDP figures C. Responses from focus
group discussions D. Monthly inflation rates
Answer: C
Rationale: Qualitative data is descriptive and
non-numeric, such as opinions or perceptions gathered from interviews and focus
groups. Income, GDP, and inflation are quantitative, expressed in numerical
values.
17. Which financial concept explains the
decrease in purchasing power of money over time?
A. Compound interest B. Inflation C. Liquidity D. Depreciation
Answer: B
Rationale: Inflation directly reduces the purchasing
power of money as prices of goods and services increase. Compound interest
relates to growth of investments, liquidity to ease of converting assets, and
depreciation to asset value loss.
18. What is the main advantage of using
secondary data in research?
A. It is inexpensive and time-saving B. It ensures absolute accuracy C. It
eliminates the need for analysis D. It guarantees originality
Answer: A
Rationale: Secondary data, such as government
reports or published studies, saves time and resources because it already
exists. However, it may not be fully accurate or specific, so researchers must
carefully evaluate its relevance.
19. In economic development, the Human
Development Index (HDI) measures:
A. Only income per capita B. Total government expenditure C. Health, education,
and income dimensions D. The rate of inflation
Answer: C
Rationale: HDI is a composite index that considers
life expectancy (health), education levels, and per capita income. It provides
a broader picture of development compared to GDP alone.
20. Which of the following is the BEST method
to reduce researcher bias?
A. Ignoring contradictory data B. Limiting sample size C. Choosing supportive
participants only D. Using random sampling techniques
Answer: D
Rationale: Random sampling reduces bias by giving
all individuals in the population an equal chance of selection. This improves
objectivity and validity of findings compared to selective or biased sampling.
21. Which of the following is considered a
limitation of GDP as a measure of national welfare?
A. It measures production accurately B. It ignores income distribution and
social well-being C. It is widely used internationally D. It accounts for
market activities
Answer: B
Rationale: GDP focuses on economic output but
ignores distribution of income, environmental impact, and social indicators.
Thus, it cannot fully reflect welfare or quality of life.
22. In project planning, a logical framework
(logframe) is used mainly to:
A. Eliminate risks B. Establish clear objectives, activities, and indicators C.
Replace financial budgeting D. Shorten implementation time
Answer: B
Rationale: A log frame provides a structured
approach to project planning by outlining goals, objectives, activities,
outputs, and measurable indicators. It enhances clarity and accountability in
project execution.
23. Which of the following is the MOST
reliable sampling method for achieving representativeness?
A. Random sampling B. Convenience
sampling C. Judgmental sampling D. Snowball sampling
Answer: A
Rationale: Random sampling ensures every individual
in the population has an equal chance of selection, enhancing
representativeness and reducing bias compared to non-probability methods.
24. Which financial ratio best measures an
institution’s ability to meet short-term obligations?
A. Debt-to-equity ratio B. Current ratio C. Return on investment D.
Price-to-earnings ratio
Answer: B
Rationale: The current ratio compares current assets
to current liabilities, showing the institution’s capacity to cover short-term
obligations. Other ratios measure leverage, profitability, or market value.
25. In hypothesis testing, the probability of
rejecting a true null hypothesis is called:
A. Type I error B. Type II error C. Confidence level D. Power of the test
Answer: A
Rationale: Type I error occurs when a true null
hypothesis is incorrectly rejected. Type II error is failing to reject a false
null, confidence level reflects certainty, and power measures the ability to
detect true effects.
26. Which of the following BEST defines
economic development as distinct from economic growth?
A. Increase in GDP per capita only B. Expansion of export earnings C. Quantitative and qualitative improvement
in living standards D. Increase in government revenues
Answer: C
Rationale: Economic development refers to both
quantitative (income, GDP) and qualitative (education, health, equality)
improvements in people’s lives, while economic growth mainly reflects output
increase.
27. Which type of research involves testing a
theory or hypothesis under controlled conditions?
A. Experimental research B. Descriptive research C. Exploratory research D.
Action research
Answer: A
Rationale: Experimental research manipulates
variables in controlled conditions to test causal relationships. Descriptive
and exploratory describe or explore phenomena, while action research solves
immediate problems.
28. The OTR’s mandate in managing public
investments requires research that focuses mainly on:
A. Entertainment value B. Random observations C Personal opinions D.
Evidence-based decision-making
Answer: D
Rationale: Research in the OTR context must provide
evidence-based findings to guide investment decisions, ensuring accountability
and financial sustainability in managing public resources.
29. Which of the following is MOST important
for ensuring validity in research findings?
A. Large sample size B. Proper research design C. Expensive data collection D.
Speedy analysis
Answer: B
Rationale: Validity is achieved when a study
accurately measures what it intends to measure. A sound research design
underpins validity, regardless of cost, speed, or sample size.
30. In statistics, the median is:
A. The sum of values divided by number of observations B. The middle value when
data is ordered C. The most frequently occurring value D. The square root of
variance
Answer: B
Rationale: The median is the central value in an ordered dataset. The mean is the average, mode is the most frequent, and variance relates to dispersion.
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