Research Methods in Psychology
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What is the primary function of a moderating variable in a relationship between independent and dependent variables?

  • It establishes a causal link between the variables.
  • It replaces the independent variable.
  • It directly affects the dependent variable.
  • It modifies the strength or direction of the relationship. (correct)

    • A mediating variable explains why an independent variable affects a dependent variable.

    True (A)

    Give an example of a moderating variable from the provided content.

    Worker's inclination to check the manual

    A diverse workforce results in ______, which leads to higher organizational effectiveness.

    <p>creative synergy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the terms with their definitions:

    <p>Moderating variable = A factor that influences the strength of a relationship Mediating variable = A factor that explains the relationship between two other variables Independent variable = The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect Dependent variable = The outcome variable that is measured</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the scenario where a manager observes low employee morale, what is being suggested to improve morale?

    <p>Enhanced working conditions and pay (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The presence of manuals always guarantees higher product quality.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the mediating step does not arise in a relationship between independent and dependent variables?

    <p>The effect on the dependent variable will not happen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in hypothesis testing?

    <p>State the null and alternative hypothesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A sample is always larger than the entire population.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a representative sample?

    <p>A representative sample is a subset of the population that accurately reflects the population, including its important differences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ is the process of selecting the right individuals, objects, or events as representatives for the entire population.

    <p>sampling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Population = The entire group of interest for a study Sampling Frame = The subset of the population you can sample from Element = A single member of the population Subject = A single member of the sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step involves executing the sampling process?

    <p>Execute the sampling process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Normality in data means that a normal distribution is not presumed.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of selecting the right individuals, objects, or events as representatives for the entire population is known as _____ .

    <p>sampling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a double-blinded study?

    <p>Neither the experimenter nor the subjects know whether the treatment was given. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Solomon Four-Group Design involves more than two groups.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the treatment effect in a pre- and post-test experimental design represent?

    <p>The difference between the post-test and pre-test measurements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In quasi-experimental designs, the treatment effect can be calculated as O2 - O1, where O refers to _____.

    <p>observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the experimental design with its description:

    <p>True Experimental Design = Involves both experimental and control groups with pre- and post-testing Quasi-Experimental Design = Uses existing groups without random assignment Ex Post Facto Design = Analyzes outcomes based on past exposure to variables Simulation = Studies phenomena in a controlled environment without specific cause-effect relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a threat to the validity of time series data?

    <p>Instrumentation effects (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A sensory study including a diverse participant group accurately reflects the experiences of all people.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the purpose of using a time series design in experiments.

    <p>To collect data on the same variable at regular intervals over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of a literature review?

    <p>To evaluate documents critically in relation to proposed research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A literature review eliminates the risk of 'reinventing the wheel'.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of study aims to relate findings to the findings of others?

    <p>Contribution study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A literature review provides useful insights into the research methods that others have used to provide an answer to similar research ______.

    <p>questions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of study with its appropriate purpose:

    <p>Descriptive study = Describe what is already known Inductive study = Find an argument for exploratory study Deductive study = Identify variables and expected relationships Critical study = Evaluate the effectiveness of key terms and context</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of a literature review?

    <p>Disregarding previous findings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Literature reviews only include published documents.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the independent variable in an experimental design?

    <p>The variable that is manipulated (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do literature reviews help with in terms of terminology?

    <p>Introducing relevant terminology and defining key terms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In experimental design, extraneous variables do not need to be controlled for.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technique involves randomly assigning participants to groups in an experiment?

    <p>Randomization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The manipulation of the independent variable is referred to as _______.

    <p>treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a condition for proving cause-and-effect relationships?

    <p>The dependent variable should be manipulated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anonymity and confidentiality are unimportant when conducting research.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one possible advantage of using multiple methods in data collection?

    <p>Diminishing potential disadvantages or bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the null hypothesis (H0) state?

    <p>There is no effect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Type I error occurs when the null hypothesis is incorrectly accepted.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the common significance level (alpha) used in hypothesis testing?

    <p>0.05</p> Signup and view all the answers

    We accept the null hypothesis when we fail to reject it, which can also be connected to a Type ______ error.

    <p>II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to hypothesis testing with their definitions:

    <p>Type I error = Rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true Type II error = Failing to reject the null hypothesis when it is false Alpha = Significance level indicating the probability of Type I error Beta = Probability of committing a Type II error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is the first step in hypothesis testing?

    <p>State the null and alternative hypotheses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The power of a test refers to the probability of failing to reject the null hypothesis when it is actually true.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In hypothesis testing, what do you compare to determine if you can reject the null hypothesis?

    <p>The found level of significance with the desired level of significance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Research

    • Business research is a process of finding solutions to problems through targeted and systematic study. The systematic approach ensures objective and data-driven answers, beneficial to managers in their workplace.
    • It involves a set of steps, including identifying a problem area, outlining research objectives and questions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This structured process leads to sound decisions.
    • Primary data is collected directly by researchers, while secondary data already exists. Business research often uses data from both sources, including newspapers, social media, etc.
    • Basic research aims to develop a body of knowledge, while applied research focuses on solving a specific managerial problem.

    Research Areas

    • Common business research areas touch on accounting, finance, management, marketing, and human resources. Potential areas of particular interest could include mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment risk, compensation strategies, new product development, consumer behavior, conflict resolutions, employee well-being, and acceptance of new technologies.

    Research Methods

    • Qualitative methods, often with smaller, non-random samples, aim to understand social phenomena. Methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations are used.
    • Quantitative methods employ larger, statistically representative samples, often focusing on numerical data. This typically allows for conclusions on a larger scale than qualitative research.

    Research Approaches

    • Researchers explore various options such as internal (e.g., in-house team) and external (e.g., consultant teams) researchers. Decisions are often driven by budget, expertise needed, time availability, and organizational knowledge.
    • Good research is scientific, a systematic procedure based on reason, experience, and evidence rather than hunches and intuition.
    • The hallmarks of good research include: purposiveness, rigor, testability, replicability, precision and confidence, objectivity, generalizability, and parsimony.

    Defining the Management Problem

    • To start an applied research project, a manager often needs further information or wants to find an area for improvement. It could be a new product launch, entering a new market, or any other operational concern.
    • The "action problem" type often involves identifying a difference between the desired state and actual state, such as poor employee satisfaction or slow sales.
    • Defining the research problem involves narrowing down the management problem and turning it into a scientifically relevant question that can be explored and evaluated with clear objectives.

    Research Problem and Questions

    • The research problem should focus on a specific, unambiguous, and targeted concern.
    • Research questions should directly correspond to the research objectives, enabling clear and easily measurable answers.
    • Research questions, in both qualitative and quantitative research, are designed to narrow the research down to a clear scope and focus, which should inform the theoretical framework.
    • The researcher should clarify what they are seeking to understand (Research Questions/Objectives) to establish a relationship between variables

    The Literature Review

    • The literature review gathers and critically evaluates previous research and existing theories relevant to the chosen topic.
    • It establishes the context of the study, identifies gaps in knowledge, and provides a foundation for building a strong research argument.
    • A literature review often involves evaluating previous studies' methodologies, findings, and conclusions, which provides a firm groundwork for new research.
    • Researchers should consider whether previously conducted research addresses the same topic of interest, is there a gap, are there controversies among existing theories.

    Theoretical Framework & Hypotheses

    • A theoretical framework explains how variables are related and why.
    • It guides the research by explaining the expected relationships between those variables.
    • Testable hypotheses are developed based on the established relationships and theories. These hypotheses suggest predicted outcomes.
    • For instance, based on the theory that more training will increase productivity.

    Sampling

    • A sample is a subset of a larger population, used to represent the entire population.
    • A representative sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the population.
    • Probability sampling methods provide each population member with a known chance of selection, useful for generalizability.
    • Non-probability sampling methods do not guarantee all members have equal chance of selection, but may be more economical when generalizability is not a key concern.
    • Researchers need various techniques like simple random sampling and stratified sampling to ensure the data collected from their sample generalizes to the target population.

    Qualitative Data Analysis

    • Qualitative data analysis involves a three-step process: data reduction (coding), data display (organization), and drawing conclusions. Through these, researchers analyze data (e.g., interviews and observation) to identify patterns, themes, and relationships to answer research questions.

    Quantitative Data Analysis

    • Quantitative data analysis starts by inputting the collected data into a statistical software package. This allows for data entry, cleaning, manipulation, and further analysis.
    • This data is then analyzed to find patterns to help determine the validity and significance of relationships.

    Experimental Designs

    • To test cause-and-effect relationships or test a new theory, researchers use rigorous methods within controlled experimental settings.
    • Experimental designs include factors to consider like the setting, sample size, participant sampling, groups, and measurements.

    Questionnaire Design

    • Researchers should carefully consider the wording and the structure to avoid bias or misunderstandings.
    • Careful consideration of question type (closed vs open), wording, and sequencing ensure high quality.
    • Validity and reliability concerns apply to questionnaires to ensure the measurement instrument is both repeatable and reflects the desired constructs
    • Researchers are mindful of issues like social desirability bias when designing questionnaires.

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    Research Methods PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers fundamental concepts in research methods, including the roles of moderating and mediating variables in relationships between independent and dependent variables. It also touches on hypothesis testing and sampling methods, providing examples to illustrate these ideas. Test your understanding of these essential research principles and improve your knowledge in psychology.

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