Psychology Research Methods Quiz

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What is indicated by a negative correlation between two variables?

As one variable increases, the other decreases. (correct)
There is no relationship between the variables.
Both variables increase together.
Both variables remain constant.

Which of the following best describes the independent variable in an experiment?

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher. (correct)
The variable that is kept constant.
The outcome that is measured.
The group that receives the treatment.

What is the purpose of random assignment in an experiment?

To create a representative sample of the population.
To eliminate the need for a control group.
To minimize preexisting differences between groups. (correct)
To ensure the control group receives the treatment.

In a double-blind study, who is unaware of who is receiving the treatment?

Neither the participants nor the experimenters. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a confounding variable?

A variable that influences both the dependent and independent variables. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a placebo condition in an experiment?

No treatment is administered, but participants believe they are receiving one. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What best describes a representative sample?

A sample that accurately reflects the population's characteristics. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does generalizability refer to in research?

The extent to which results can be applied to a broader context. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable in an experiment?

A variable that is manipulated to observe its effect (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does sampling bias refer to?

A bias that occurs when some members of the population are less likely to be included (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?

Interviews providing insights into personal experiences (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of peer review?

To evaluate research proposals and publications by experts (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis?

A testable prediction often implied by a theory (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'validity' refer to in research?

The accuracy of a test in measuring what it intends to (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does a correlation coefficient indicate?

The strength and direction of a relationship between two variables (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is 'naturalistic observation'?

Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'third variable problem' refer to?

A confounding variable that may lead to misleading relationships (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'overconfidence' in research refer to?

The tendency to be more confident than correct in one's beliefs and judgments (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of inferential statistics?

To make predictions about a population based on a sample (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which measure of central tendency is defined as the middle value in a sorted list of numbers?

Median (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive skew in a dataset indicate?

Most values are low, with a few high outliers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does standard deviation measure in a dataset?

The amount of variation or dispersion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

To approve and ensure ethical standards in research involving human subjects (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a normal curve?

A bell-shaped curve with most measurements concentrated around the mean (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does statistical significance tell us about experimental results?

The results are probably true and not random (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of percentile rank?

The percentage of scores at or below a specific score (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is informed consent?

Permission granted with knowledge of possible consequences (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does informed assent refer to?

Agreement from a minor unable to give legal consent (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the act of misleading someone about a situation?

Deception (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of confederates in research?

Research team members posing as participants (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is debriefing in a research study?

Offering participants an explanation of the study post-completion (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective in psychology focuses on internal mental processes?

Cognitive (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective emphasizes observable behaviors and interactions with the environment?

Behaviorism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the biological perspective in psychology focus on?

Physiological bases of behavior (A) Signup and view all the answers