Confounding Variables in Research

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What is the primary characteristic of convergent validity?

No relationship between the measure and other constructs
A strong relationship between the scores obtained from two different methods of measuring the same construct (correct)
A strong relationship between two different constructs
A weak relationship between two similar measures

What is the purpose of stratified random sampling?

To ensure that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected
To obtain a large and diverse sample
To divide a population into sub-groups based on demographic characteristics
To ensure that sub-groups are adequately represented in the sample (correct)

What is the main difference between convergent and divergent validity?

The type of sampling method being used
The type of constructs being measured
The relationship between the measures and the constructs (correct)
The number of measures being used

What is the main advantage of systematic sampling?

It is an easy method for obtaining an essentially random sample (D) Signup and view all the answers

When is simple random sampling most useful?

When the population is homogeneous and every member has an equal chance of being selected (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of systematic sampling?

The selections are not really random or independent (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a confounding variable?

It is a variable that influences the dependent variable and also varies with the independent variable (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity refers to the extent to which a measure can predict behaviour according to a theory?

Predictive validity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between internal and external validity?

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study can establish cause-and-effect relationships, while external validity refers to the extent to which results can be generalised (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity refers to the extent to which a measure is significantly related to an existing measure of the same variable?

Concurrent validity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of an extraneous variable?

It is a variable that is not directly related to the independent or dependent variable (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity refers to the extent to which a measure behaves exactly the same as the variable itself?

Construct validity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of probability sampling?

Each individual has an equal chance of being selected. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the major drawback of quota sampling?

It allows for biased samples. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using randomization in sampling?

To eliminate bias in the selection process. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for variables that may provide an alternative explanation for a study's findings?

Confounding variables. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using convenience sampling?

It is a time-effective method for obtaining a sample. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for any factor that can undermine or provide an alternative explanation for a study's findings?

Threat to internal validity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using proportionate stratified sampling?

It guarantees a perfectly representative sample of the population. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In cluster sampling, what is the unit of random selection?

Clusters (preexisting groups) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is deception in research, and when is it justified?

Deception is when participants are withheld information about a study, and it is justified when participants' knowledge of the true purpose will have a negative impact. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is deception sometimes necessary in research?

Because participants may change their behavior if they know the true purpose of the study. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of cluster sampling?

Some strata may have limited representation in the sample. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of informing participants about the true purpose of a study?

They may change their behavior or responses. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of generating a testable prediction in the scientific method?

To formulate a tentative answer or explanation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key principle of the scientific method?

Empirical (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between reliability and validity?

Reliability measures consistency, validity measures whether it measures what it purports to measure (A) Signup and view all the answers