Research Methods Terminology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does a high 'r' value indicate in a research study?

A low probability of the null hypothesis being true.

A strong correlation between the variables being studied. (correct)

A high probability of a Type I error.

A weak correlation between the variables being studied.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific theory?

Based on personal beliefs and opinions (correct)

Empirically well-supported

Fruitful (predictive)

Consistent with other scientific theories

What type of reasoning is used to support a scientific theory?

Deductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning (correct)

Abductive reasoning

All of the above

What is the purpose of a null hypothesis in scientific research?

To assume that there is no relationship between variables. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a Type I error in hypothesis testing?

Rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'p-value' in statistical hypothesis testing?

The probability of obtaining the observed results if the null hypothesis is true. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the BEST example of a pseudoscience?

Astrology (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the degree to which a sample accurately reflects the population from which it was drawn?

Representative (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios represents a statistically significant result?

A study finds a correlation of r = -0.7 between two variables, with a p-value of 0.01. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of random sampling in research?

To ensure that the sample is representative of the population. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a parameter and a statistic?

A parameter is a numerical summary of a population, while a statistic is a numerical summary of a sample. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does a p-value of 0.05 indicate?

There is a 5% chance of observing the results if there is no real effect. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of random assignment in a controlled experiment?

To minimize the effect of confounding variables on the outcome. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is most likely to reveal causal relationships between variables?

Controlled experiments (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the impact of a new teaching method on student test scores. What type of study would be most appropriate?

Controlled experiment (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a p-value less than 0.01?

The results are statistically significant, indicating a very low chance of error. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a Type II Error?

Failing to reject a null hypothesis despite evidence of a relationship. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does NHST stand for, and why is it important?

Null Hypothesis Significance Testing; it ensures that conclusions are subjective. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best distinguishes a scientific theory from everyday theories?

Scientific theories are comprehensive frameworks supported by empirical evidence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a Type I Error?

A researcher finds a correlation between study habits and performance that is coincidental. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can a p-value of $p < 0.001$ indicates about research results?

There is a negligible chance of error at less than 0.1%. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hypothesis testing, what does a True Negative signify?

The researcher correctly identifies that no relationship exists. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Terminology

Empirical Methods: Approaches to inquiry that rely on measurement and observation.
Ethics: Professional guidelines for researchers to protect participants and avoid conflicts of interest.
Hypotheses: Logical ideas that can be tested.
Systematic Observation: Carefully observing the natural world to understand phenomena.
Theories: Groups of related phenomena or observations.
Confounds: Factors that prevent drawing causal inferences from an experiment.
Correlation: Relationship between two variables measured simultaneously.
Independent Variable: The variable the researcher manipulates.
Dependent Variable: The variable the researcher measures.
Experimenter Expectations: When the experimenter's expectations influence the outcome of a study.
Longitudinal Study: Research that follows the same group of participants over time.
Operational Definitions: Specific measures of a concept used in research.
Participant Demand: When participants behave in a way they think is expected.
Placebo Effect: When participants' behavior changes due to receiving a treatment, even if it's a placebo.
Quasi-Experimental Design: Research that does not use random assignment to conditions.
Random Assignment: Assigning participants to conditions by chance.

Learning Objectives

Describe how scientific research changed the world.
Identify the key characteristics of the scientific approach.
Discuss benefits and problems created by science.
Explain how psychological science improved the world.
Outline ethical guidelines psychologists follow.

Essential Elements of Science

Systematic Observation: Organized and controlled observations to minimize bias.
Testable Hypotheses: Observations lead to testable hypotheses and theories.
Democratic Nature: Science encourages debate and evidence-based conclusions.
Cumulative Knowledge: Scientific progress builds on previous discoveries.

Advances in Psychological Research

Psychology is a young science (150 years old).
Methods, designs, and statistical tools have improved.
Research tools now account for self-reports, peer reports, memory measures, and biological measures.
Improvements in measuring happiness are evident

Ethics in Psychological Research

Psychologists follow ethical guidelines to protect participants.
Informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, and benefits/risks balancing are crucial ethical considerations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key terms related to research methods in psychology and other fields. This quiz covers essential concepts such as empirical methods, hypotheses, ethics, and more. Each question will help reinforce your understanding of research design and analysis.