Psychology Research Methods Quiz

Learning based on observation and gathering information through the senses. This approach forms the foundation of scientific investigation.

A carefully planned and structured approach to studying phenomena. It involves precise observation, systematic recording, and rigorous analysis.

Questions designed to uncover observable truths about the world. They are answerable through direct observation and data collection.

The practice of making research findings publicly available through publications like scientific articles. This allows for the sharing of knowledge, improvement of methods, and replication of studies.

A discipline that resembles scientific research but lacks the core principles of the scientific approach. Often, these claims lack empirical evidence or are not falsifiable.

The tendency to focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs while ignoring evidence that contradicts them. This can lead to biased conclusions.

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb we use to simplify decision-making. While they can be helpful, they can also lead to errors in judgment.

A reliable general result that can be consistently observed across different studies.

A well-established explanation of a phenomenon that provides insights into the variables, processes, and structures involved.

A specific prediction about the relationship between variables, often derived from a theory.

The process of evaluating a theory by examining how well its predictions align with empirical data.

A detailed and specific explanation of a phenomenon using equations, computer programs, or biological processes.

The characteristic or variable being measured in a research study.

A description of the concept being measured, outlining its essential features, characteristics, and relation to other variables.

A specific and detailed description of how a construct will be measured in a research study.

The extent to which a measure consistently produces similar results under consistent conditions.

A research method that studies the behavior of a small group of participants over time, focusing on individual responses rather than averaging group data. It involves experimental manipulation and control, as well as structured data and quantitative analysis.

A design in single-subject research where the baseline behavior is measured (Phase A), followed by the introduction of a treatment (Phase B), and then the removal of the treatment (Phase A) to assess the treatment's impact on behavior.

A design in single-subject research where multiple treatments are introduced sequentially, with each phase followed by a baseline phase to assess the effectiveness of each treatment.

A type of single-subject research design where treatments are alternated on short intervals to compare their effects on behavior. It is beneficial when comparing treatments that have similar effects but differ in their delivery methods.

A design in single-subject research where the baseline behavior is measured across multiple participants or settings, and the intervention is introduced to only one at a time. This allows for a more controlled assessment of the treatment's effect.

A scale used to measure attitudes towards others, groups, or ideas. It includes reverse scoring, where items are worded oppositely to assess consistency in responses.

Using a scale with labels that range from a positive extreme to its opposite. For example, a scale might range from 'strongly like' to 'strongly dislike', with options for varying levels of agreement in between.

A type of question used in surveys. It presents respondents with a limited number of options and asks them to select all that apply.

A method of sampling where each member of the population has a known and equal chance of being selected.

A technique that aims to address non-response bias by ensuring the sample accurately reflects the proportions of different subgroups within the population.

A method for designing questions used in surveys. It stands for Brief, Relevant, Unambiguous, Specific, and Objective. Effective items follow these guidelines.

A type of scale used in surveys, where respondents choose a numerical rating to indicate the intensity of a specific emotion, feeling, or experience.

A method of sampling where the probability of a population member being selected for the sample is known. It requires a clear definition of the population and a sampling frame.

A scale used to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement with a particular statement. It typically includes options like 'strongly disagree', 'disagree', 'neutral', 'agree', and 'strongly agree'.

The amount of influence an independent variable (IV) has on a dependent variable (DV). It tells you how much change in the DV occurs for every one unit change in the IV.

A statistical analysis technique that groups multiple variables based on their correlations. It helps discover underlying patterns and relationships.

A factor is a theoretical construct that is discovered through factor analysis. It represents a common underlying dimension or influence.

Surveys rely on self-reported information from participants; this means they are asked to provide their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

The order of questions or response options can impact the way respondents answer. Early items might influence later responses.

Presenting response options that are in the middle of a scale can make them seem more neutral or typical, leading people to choose them more often.

Open-ended questions allow respondents to provide their own answers in their own words.

Close-ended questions provide a set of predefined response options for respondents to choose from.

The process by which respondents answer a question involves interpreting the question, accessing relevant information, forming a judgment, and then selecting a response.

The surrounding context, such as the order of questions or the response options, can influence how respondents interpret and answer questions.