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Master's Kankor practice questions

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Question 1Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In introductory economics, which factor of production is paid rent as its return?

  1. Entrepreneurship
  2. Land Correct answer.
  3. Labour
  4. Capital

Explanation

In classical factor-payment theory each factor earns a distinct return: land earns rent, labour earns wages, capital earns interest, and entrepreneurship earns profit. Rent is therefore specifically tied to the use of natural resources.

Question 2Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which branch of philosophy studies the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge?

  1. Epistemology Correct answer.
  2. Aesthetics
  3. Logic
  4. Ethics

Explanation

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge, belief, justification, and truth. The other branches address different questions: ethics concerns right action, aesthetics concerns beauty, and logic concerns valid inference.

Question 3Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

What is the primary function of red blood cells in the human body?

  1. Producing antibodies
  2. Clotting blood at wound sites
  3. Digesting dietary fats
  4. Transporting oxygen to tissues Correct answer.

Explanation

Red blood cells are packed with haemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in peripheral tissues. Their main physiological role is therefore oxygen transport.

Question 4Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which gas is the most abundant component of Earth's atmosphere by volume?

  1. Argon
  2. Nitrogen Correct answer.
  3. Carbon dioxide
  4. Oxygen

Explanation

Dry air is roughly 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, with argon and carbon dioxide present only in trace amounts. Nitrogen is therefore the dominant atmospheric gas.

Question 5Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

What is the value of the expression 3 + 4 × 2² according to the standard order of operations?

  1. 14
  2. 49
  3. 19 Correct answer.
  4. 28

Explanation

Exponentiation is performed first (2² = 4), then multiplication (4 × 4 = 16), and finally addition (3 + 16 = 19). Operations are not evaluated simply left to right.

Question 6Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which organelle is described as the powerhouse of the eukaryotic cell because it generates most of the cell's ATP?

  1. Ribosome
  2. Mitochondrion Correct answer.
  3. Lysosome
  4. Golgi apparatus

Explanation

Mitochondria host oxidative phosphorylation, in which the electron transport chain drives ATP synthesis. This makes them the principal site of aerobic energy production in eukaryotic cells.

Question 7Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following is a primary source of information for academic research?

  1. A peer-reviewed report of an original experiment Correct answer.
  2. An encyclopaedia entry on the topic
  3. A textbook chapter summarising several studies
  4. A newspaper article reviewing recent findings

Explanation

Primary sources present original, first-hand data or evidence produced by the researcher, such as an experiment report. Secondary sources interpret, summarise, or comment on such primary material.

Question 8Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In statistics, which measure of central tendency is most affected by extreme outliers?

  1. Interquartile range
  2. Median
  3. Mode
  4. Mean Correct answer.

Explanation

The arithmetic mean sums all values, so a single extreme observation shifts it substantially. The median and mode depend on position or frequency and are far more resistant to outliers.

Question 9Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A firm's total revenue is 5,000 units of currency and its total cost is 4,200 units. What is its profit?

  1. 0.84 units
  2. 1,200 units
  3. 9,200 units
  4. 800 units Correct answer.

Explanation

Profit is total revenue minus total cost, so 5,000 − 4,200 = 800. The other figures come from adding the values, dividing them, or an arithmetic slip.

Question 10Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which process describes the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of higher water potential to lower water potential?

  1. Active transport
  2. Diffusion of ions
  3. Osmosis Correct answer.
  4. Facilitated diffusion

Explanation

Osmosis is the net movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane down a water-potential gradient. It differs from active transport, which requires energy, and from solute diffusion.

Question 11Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A solution contains 0.25 moles of solute dissolved in 500 mL of solution. What is its molarity?

  1. 0.25 M
  2. 0.50 M Correct answer.
  3. 2.0 M
  4. 0.125 M

Explanation

Molarity is moles of solute divided by litres of solution: 0.25 mol ÷ 0.500 L = 0.50 M. Failing to convert millilitres to litres is the usual source of error.

Question 12Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following best describes the concept of opportunity cost?

  1. The money actually paid for a good
  2. The total cost of producing all units
  3. The value of the next best alternative forgone Correct answer.
  4. The cost that does not vary with output

Explanation

Opportunity cost measures the value of the best alternative given up when a choice is made. It is broader than accounting cost because it includes benefits sacrificed, not just money spent.

Question 13Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a perfectly competitive market, a firm maximises profit in the short run by producing where marginal cost equals marginal revenue, provided that price exceeds which value?

  1. Average variable cost Correct answer.
  2. Total fixed cost
  3. Marginal fixed cost
  4. Average total cost

Explanation

A competitive firm should keep producing in the short run as long as price covers average variable cost, even if it does not cover total cost. If price falls below average variable cost, shutting down minimises losses.

Question 14Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following statements about the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in science is accurate?

  1. A hypothesis is a testable prediction, while a theory is a well-supported explanatory framework Correct answer.
  2. A hypothesis and a theory are interchangeable terms
  3. A theory is always proven beyond any doubt
  4. A theory is a guess, while a hypothesis is well established

Explanation

A hypothesis is a specific, testable proposition about an expected outcome, whereas a theory is a broad explanatory framework supported by substantial evidence. Theories are well supported but remain open to revision.

Question 15Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following is a key function of the legislative branch in a democratic system?

  1. Conducting monetary policy
  2. Interpreting the constitution
  3. Commanding the armed forces
  4. Enacting and amending laws Correct answer.

Explanation

The legislature's core function is to make, amend, and repeal laws on behalf of the electorate. Interpreting the constitution belongs to the judiciary, while military command and monetary policy belong to the executive and central bank respectively.

Question 16Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A student reads that a study found a correlation between two variables. Which conclusion is logically justified?

  1. The relationship must be spurious
  2. The variables are associated but causation is not established Correct answer.
  3. One variable definitely causes the other
  4. The result proves the hypothesis

Explanation

Correlation indicates that two variables vary together, but it does not by itself establish that one causes the other. Confounding variables or reverse causation may explain the association.

Question 17Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following best explains why enzymes speed up biochemical reactions?

  1. They lower the activation energy by stabilising the transition state Correct answer.
  2. They increase the activation energy of the reaction
  3. They are consumed in the reaction and regenerated
  4. They raise the temperature of the reaction mixture

Explanation

Enzymes provide an alternative reaction pathway in which the transition state is stabilised, lowering the activation energy. They are not consumed and do not alter the overall free-energy change of the reaction.

Question 18Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a right-angled triangle, the two shorter sides have lengths 6 cm and 8 cm. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

  1. 14 cm
  2. 48 cm
  3. 10 cm Correct answer.
  4. 12 cm

Explanation

By the Pythagorean theorem the hypotenuse squared equals 6² + 8² = 36 + 64 = 100, so the hypotenuse is 10 cm. The result follows from taking the square root of the sum.

Question 19Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?

  1. Coal
  2. Natural gas
  3. Petroleum
  4. Wind Correct answer.

Explanation

Wind energy is naturally replenished on human timescales and is therefore renewable. Fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and petroleum are finite and take millions of years to form.

Question 20Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A country's nominal GDP rises by 6% in a year while the general price level rises by 4%. Approximately what is the real GDP growth rate?

  1. 2% Correct answer.
  2. 4%
  3. 24%
  4. 10%

Explanation

Real growth is approximately nominal growth minus inflation: 6% − 4% = 2%. Real GDP adjusts for price changes so that growth reflects changes in output.

Question 21Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following statements about the normal distribution is correct?

  1. It is bounded between 0 and 1
  2. It describes only discrete outcomes
  3. Its mean is always zero
  4. It is symmetric about its mean Correct answer.

Explanation

The normal distribution is symmetric about its mean, and its mean, median, and mode coincide. Its parameters are the mean and standard deviation, and it applies to continuous data.

Question 22Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a market, demand increases while supply remains unchanged. What is the expected effect on equilibrium price and quantity?

  1. Price rises and quantity rises Correct answer.
  2. Price rises and quantity falls
  3. Price falls and quantity falls
  4. Price falls and quantity rises

Explanation

An increase in demand shifts the demand curve to the right, raising both the equilibrium price and the equilibrium quantity along an unchanged supply curve. Both variables move in the same direction as demand.

Question 23Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A researcher wants to test whether a new teaching method improves exam scores. Which design best supports a causal claim?

  1. Randomly assigning students to the new method or the standard method Correct answer.
  2. Surveying students who chose the new method voluntarily
  3. Comparing national averages before and after the method was introduced
  4. Interviewing teachers about their impressions of the method

Explanation

Random assignment balances confounding factors across groups, so differences in outcomes can be attributed to the method itself. Observational comparisons and self-selection leave open alternative explanations.

Question 24Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following best explains why a monopoly may produce a lower quantity than a perfectly competitive market?

  1. Monopolists have no fixed costs
  2. Monopolists cannot earn positive profit
  3. Monopolists face rising marginal costs only
  4. Monopolists set price above marginal cost, reducing quantity demanded Correct answer.

Explanation

A profit-maximising monopolist equates marginal revenue with marginal cost and charges a price above marginal cost. Because marginal revenue lies below price, output is lower than the competitive level where price equals marginal cost.

Question 25Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In an experiment, a catalyst is added to a reversible reaction at equilibrium. Which statement correctly describes the effect?

  1. The equilibrium constant increases
  2. Equilibrium is reached faster but its position is unchanged Correct answer.
  3. The equilibrium position shifts towards the products
  4. The reaction becomes irreversible

Explanation

A catalyst lowers the activation energy of both the forward and reverse reactions equally, so equilibrium is attained more quickly. It does not alter the equilibrium constant or the position of equilibrium.

Question 26Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which structure in a eukaryotic cell contains the genetic material and is bounded by a double membrane with pores?

  1. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum
  2. The nucleus Correct answer.
  3. The lysosome
  4. The Golgi apparatus

Explanation

The nucleus is enclosed by a double membrane (the nuclear envelope) perforated by nuclear pores that regulate transport of molecules such as mRNA. Other organelles listed are single-membrane compartments with different functions.

Question 27Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A body moves in a straight line with constant acceleration from rest. After 4 seconds its velocity is 12 m/s. What distance has it travelled?

  1. 6 m
  2. 48 m
  3. 24 m Correct answer.
  4. 12 m

Explanation

With constant acceleration from rest, average velocity is half the final velocity, so v_avg = 6 m/s, and distance = 6 × 4 = 24 m. Equivalently s = ½at² with a = 3 m/s².

Question 28Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following is the correct order of the stages of mitosis?

  1. Metaphase, prophase, telophase, anaphase
  2. Anaphase, telophase, prophase, metaphase
  3. Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase Correct answer.
  4. Prophase, anaphase, metaphase, telophase

Explanation

Mitosis proceeds through prophase (chromosomes condense), metaphase (chromosomes align at the equator), anaphase (sister chromatids separate), and telophase (nuclear envelopes re-form). This sequence is fixed.

Question 29Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which branch of philosophy deals with the nature of knowledge, its scope, and how we justify beliefs?

  1. Aesthetics
  2. Ethics
  3. Logic
  4. Epistemology Correct answer.

Explanation

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, belief, and justification. The other branches concern beauty, moral conduct, and valid reasoning respectively.

Question 30Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a class of 40 students, 25 study Mathematics and 18 study Physics, and 10 study both. How many study neither subject?

  1. 17
  2. 7 Correct answer.
  3. 15
  4. 3

Explanation

By inclusion–exclusion, students studying at least one subject = 25 + 18 − 10 = 33. Therefore 40 − 33 = 7 study neither.

Question 31Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following best describes the role of a primary key in a relational database table?

  1. It uniquely identifies each row and cannot contain duplicate values Correct answer.
  2. It stores the largest numeric value in the table
  3. It encrypts sensitive columns automatically
  4. It links the table to a spreadsheet file

Explanation

A primary key is a column or set of columns whose values are unique and non-null for every row, giving each record a distinct identity. Foreign keys, by contrast, reference primary keys in other tables.

Question 32Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of the executive branch in a state?

  1. It elects the members of the judiciary by popular vote
  2. It interprets the constitution in disputes between citizens
  3. It drafts and ratifies constitutional amendments alone
  4. It implements and enforces laws passed by the legislature Correct answer.

Explanation

The executive branch, headed by the government or head of state, is responsible for carrying out and administering laws. Interpretation of law belongs to the judiciary, and law-making to the legislature.

Question 33Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A student dissolves 20 g of a substance in water to make 250 mL of solution. What is the concentration in g/L?

  1. 8 g/L
  2. 50 g/L
  3. 5 g/L
  4. 80 g/L Correct answer.

Explanation

Concentration in g/L = mass (g) ÷ volume (L). Here 250 mL = 0.25 L, so 20 ÷ 0.25 = 80 g/L.

Question 34Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a market, the price of a substitute good rises sharply. Assuming other factors are constant, what happens to demand for the original good?

  1. Demand decreases, shifting the demand curve to the left
  2. Demand is unchanged but supply shifts right
  3. Demand increases, shifting the demand curve to the right Correct answer.
  4. Quantity demanded falls along the same demand curve

Explanation

When a substitute becomes more expensive, consumers switch toward the original good, increasing its demand and shifting the demand curve rightward. A change in the price of a related good shifts demand rather than moving along the curve.

Question 35Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which statement correctly distinguishes an observational study from a randomised controlled trial?

  1. The observational study always has a larger sample size
  2. The randomised trial cannot measure quantitative outcomes
  3. Only the observational study can use statistical tests
  4. Only the randomised trial assigns treatments, allowing stronger causal inference Correct answer.

Explanation

Random assignment of treatment in an RCT balances confounding variables across groups, supporting causal claims. Observational studies merely record exposures that subjects choose or experience, so confounding remains a threat.

Question 36Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A gas occupies 2.0 L at 300 K at constant pressure. What volume will it occupy at 600 K?

  1. 3.0 L
  2. 1.0 L
  3. 2.0 L
  4. 4.0 L Correct answer.

Explanation

Charles's law states that volume is directly proportional to absolute temperature at constant pressure: V₂ = V₁ × T₂/T₁ = 2.0 × 600/300 = 4.0 L.

Question 37Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following describes the function of a catalyst in terms of reaction energetics?

  1. It increases the energy of the products
  2. It provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy Correct answer.
  3. It changes the equilibrium constant of the reaction
  4. It raises the activation energy so fewer collisions succeed

Explanation

A catalyst lowers the activation energy by offering an alternative reaction pathway, increasing the fraction of collisions with sufficient energy. It does not alter the thermodynamics or the equilibrium constant.

Question 38Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A firm's fixed costs are 1,000 and its variable cost per unit is 20. If it produces 50 units, what is its average total cost per unit?

  1. 20
  2. 40 Correct answer.
  3. 60
  4. 1,020

Explanation

Total cost = fixed cost + variable cost = 1,000 + (20 × 50) = 2,000. Average total cost = 2,000 ÷ 50 = 40 per unit.

Question 39Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following is the correct definition of a valid deductive argument?

  1. An argument whose conclusion is probable given the premises
  2. An argument whose conclusion must be true if its premises are true Correct answer.
  3. An argument that persuades most listeners
  4. An argument whose premises are all in fact true

Explanation

Validity is a structural property: in a valid deductive argument, it is impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion false. Truth of premises is a separate matter called soundness.

Question 40Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A survey finds that students who eat breakfast score higher on average than those who skip it. Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Eating breakfast causes higher scores
  2. The result is invalid because it is observational
  3. An association exists, but causal direction and confounders are unresolved Correct answer.
  4. Skipping breakfast causes lower scores

Explanation

Observational data show association only; factors such as socioeconomic status or sleep could affect both breakfast habits and scores. Causal direction and confounding require experimental control.

Question 41Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a normal distribution with mean 70 and standard deviation 10, approximately what percentage of observations lie between 60 and 80?

  1. About 95%
  2. About 68% Correct answer.
  3. About 99.7%
  4. About 50%

Explanation

The interval from one standard deviation below to one above the mean contains roughly 68% of a normal distribution under the empirical rule. Two standard deviations would contain about 95%.

Question 42Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which statement about the relationship between wavelength and photon energy is correct?

  1. Photon energy depends only on the speed of light
  2. Photon energy is independent of wavelength
  3. Longer wavelength corresponds to higher photon energy
  4. Shorter wavelength corresponds to higher photon energy Correct answer.

Explanation

Photon energy is given by E = hc/λ, so energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. Shorter wavelengths therefore carry more energy per photon.

Question 43Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A country's consumer price index rises from 120 to 126 over a year. What is the inflation rate?

  1. 10%
  2. 4.8%
  3. 6%
  4. 5% Correct answer.

Explanation

Inflation rate = (new index − old index)/old index × 100 = (126 − 120)/120 × 100 = 5%. The base for the calculation is the initial index, not the new one.

Question 44Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following best describes the concept of comparative advantage between two countries?

  1. Each country specialises in the good it has historically always produced
  2. Each country specialises in the good it can produce in the largest quantity
  3. Each country specialises in the good for which its opportunity cost is lower Correct answer.
  4. Each country specialises in the good it produces most cheaply in money terms

Explanation

Comparative advantage is based on relative opportunity cost: a country gains from trade by specialising where its opportunity cost of production is lower than its partner's. Absolute output or money cost does not determine the gain from trade.

Question 45Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a chemical reaction, 2 mol of a reactant produce 1 mol of product with a 50% yield. How many moles of product are actually obtained?

  1. 2 mol
  2. 4 mol
  3. 1 mol
  4. 0.5 mol Correct answer.

Explanation

The theoretical yield is 1 mol of product from 2 mol of reactant. Applying the 50% yield gives 1 × 0.50 = 0.5 mol actually obtained.

Question 46Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

Which of the following correctly describes the function of the myelin sheath on a neuron's axon?

  1. It releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
  2. It insulates the axon and speeds up impulse conduction Correct answer.
  3. It stores neurotransmitters until they are needed
  4. It generates the resting membrane potential

Explanation

Myelin is a lipid-rich insulating layer produced by glial cells that increases conduction velocity by enabling saltatory conduction between nodes of Ranvier. Neurotransmitter release occurs at axon terminals.

Question 47Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A monopolist faces a downward-sloping demand curve. Why does marginal revenue fall below price for each additional unit sold?

  1. Selling an extra unit requires lowering the price on all units sold Correct answer.
  2. Marginal cost is always zero for a monopolist
  3. Consumers always buy less at lower prices
  4. The monopolist has no fixed costs

Explanation

Because the monopolist must reduce price to sell more, the extra revenue from the additional unit is offset by the lower price received on all previously sold units, so marginal revenue lies below price.

Question 48Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A buffer solution contains a weak acid and its conjugate base. Adding a small amount of strong acid to it will primarily do which of the following?

  1. Convert some conjugate base into weak acid, barely changing pH Correct answer.
  2. Neutralise the buffer completely so pH falls to zero
  3. Convert some weak acid into conjugate base, raising pH sharply
  4. Increase the buffer's capacity without changing pH

Explanation

Added strong acid is consumed by the conjugate base, forming more weak acid and shifting the equilibrium slightly. Because the ratio of conjugate base to weak acid changes only modestly, pH changes very little.

Question 49Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

A researcher tests a new drug against a placebo and finds a p-value of 0.03 with a significance level of 0.05. Which interpretation is correct?

  1. The result is statistically significant, though it does not prove the effect is large or important Correct answer.
  2. The probability the null hypothesis is true equals 0.03
  3. There is a 3% chance the study was conducted incorrectly
  4. The drug is effective for 97% of patients

Explanation

A p-value below the chosen alpha leads to rejecting the null hypothesis, so the finding is statistically significant. The p-value is the probability of data this extreme if the null were true, not the probability the null is true or a measure of effect size.

Question 50Subject-specific specialization knowledge (program field)

In a simple pendulum, the period depends primarily on which combination of factors?

  1. Length and gravitational acceleration Correct answer.
  2. Amplitude and gravitational acceleration
  3. Mass and amplitude for small swings
  4. Mass and length

Explanation

For small oscillations, T = 2π√(L/g), so the period depends on pendulum length and gravitational acceleration and is independent of mass. Amplitude affects the period only at large swings, where the small-angle approximation fails.