Psychology 101: Scientific Method and Experimentation

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What is the primary aim of a scientific experiment in psychology?

To develop theories of human behaviour
To observe natural behaviours
To establish correlation between variables
To identify cause and effect relationships (correct)

What is the role of an independent variable in an experiment?

To control for extraneous variables
To be manipulated by the experimenter (correct)
To be measured for its effect on another variable
To measure the outcome of the experiment

Which step in the scientific method involves translating an idea into a testable hypothesis?

Step 1: Formulate a testable hypothesis (correct)
Step 5: Report Findings
Step 2: Select the research method design
Step 3: Collect Data

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

To provide a baseline for comparison (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a measurable condition, event, characteristic, or behaviour in a study?

Variable (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

A hypothesis is untested, while a theory is supported by evidence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the change in behaviour that occurs when individuals are aware they are being observed?

Observer effect (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method involves a person-to-person dialogue to obtain information about a particular topic?

Interview (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of statistical analysis in the research process?

To determine the significance of the findings (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of publishing research findings in a scientific journal?

To allow other experts to evaluate and critique the study (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an application of psychology in everyday life?

Sports psychology (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of converting observations into numbers?

Quantification (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of an experiment?

To examine the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of survey research?

Self-report data are often unreliable (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of case studies?

They are useful for studying a specific phenomenon in-depth (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of direct observation?

It involves the careful observation of behavior without intervention (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration in selecting a research design?

The ethical and practical considerations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of identifying participants in a study?

To select the most appropriate participants for the study (C) Signup and view all the answers