Scientific Method Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a hypothesis in the scientific method?

A description of a phenomenon

A specific prediction about the outcome of a study (correct)

A collection of data

An explanation for a series of observations

What does it mean to control for extraneous variables in a study?

Including extraneous variables in the experimental design

Measuring extraneous variables to see how they affect the outcome

Manipulating extraneous variables to see their effects on the independent variable

Minimizing the influence of extraneous variables on the dependent variable (correct)

What is the purpose of a single study?

To prove or disprove a theory

To collect all possible data about a phenomenon

To develop a new theory

To test a specific hypothesis related to a theory (correct)

What is a key characteristic of the scientific method?

Systematic observation and data collection (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a theory and a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a specific prediction derived from a theory. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When data support a theory, what does this suggest?

The theory is strengthened. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of a dependent variable (DV)?

It is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the independent variable (IV) in the study on the effect of chocolate on memory in different age groups?

The age group of the participants (children, young adults, and elderly). (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the study investigating the effect of chocolate on memory in different age groups?

To understand how chocolate consumption affects memory performance differently across age groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a dependent variable (DV) in the study on the relationship between concept typicality and categorization?

The age of the participants. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of using multiple convergent measures for dependent variables?

Greater ability to pinpoint the exact mechanism of the relationship between the IV and DV. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the independent variable (IV) in the study examining the influence of concept typicality on categorization?

The type of concept being categorized (e.g., typical vs. atypical). (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible dependent variable (DV) in the study on the effect of chocolate on memory?

The amount of time spent on the memory task. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions using multiple convergent measures for dependent variables. Why would this approach be helpful in a study?

It helps to validate the results and increase confidence in the findings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of measurement scale is used when ranking runners based on finishing position in a marathon?

Ordinal (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these examples represents a variable measured on a ratio scale?

Number of correct answers on a test (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these examples represents a variable measured on an interval scale?

Temperature measured in degrees Fahrenheit (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of measurement scale is used for categorizing the color of a person's hair - blond, brown, black, or red?

Nominal (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that a variable measured on an interval scale has an arbitrary zero point?

The zero point is not a meaningful value in the context of the variable. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to study the effect of a new drug on blood pressure. They measure blood pressure before and after administering the drug. What type of measurement is being used in this scenario?

Pre- and post-test (C) Signup and view all the answers

A study using an ordinal scale to measure the level of customer satisfaction with a new product would likely use which of these as measurement options?

Completely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, Completely Dissatisfied (A), Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between an interval scale and a ratio scale?

Ratio scales have an absolute zero point, while interval scales do not. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the operationalization of wealth?

Asking people to report their income on various ranges (less than $20,000, between $20,000 and 50,000, and more than $50,000). (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the independent variable in an experimental design?

Factors that the researcher manipulates. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of keeping variables constant (controlled) in an experimental design?

To eliminate the influence of extraneous factors on the dependent variable. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an operationalization of well-being?

Coding the value of a car from 1 (older, lower-status vehicle) to 5 (new, high-status vehicle in good condition). (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the cupboard theory of mother-infant attachment?

The theory states that babies develop attachment to their mothers because they associate them with food. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a variable that can be operationalized?

Weather (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of operationalizing a concept?

To define a concept in a way that is measurable and objective. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid example of an operational definition for the concept of 'intelligence'?

Ability to learn and adapt to new situations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of defining 'intelligence' using the 'Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale' illustrate the process of operationalization?

It provides a concrete and measurable way to define an abstract concept. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, which of the following BEST represents a situation where a researcher is applying operationalization?

A researcher using a questionnaire to measure participants' opinions about a political issue. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using multiple possible operational definitions for a concept?

It allows researchers to study a concept from different perspectives. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Operationalization can be considered a bridge between _ and _.

Theory, data (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples BEST illustrates a concept that is NOT easily operationalized?

Creativity (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the provided example of operationalizing 'gratitude toward one's relationship partner', why are two different operational definitions presented?

To demonstrate that there is no single 'correct' operational definition. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods in Psychology: Basic Concepts

Independent Variables (IVs):
- Type and method of manipulation
- Number of IVs
Dependent Variables (DVs):
- Measurement scales
- Measurement time points
Extraneous Variables (EVs):
- How to control EVs

The Scientific Method

A systematic approach
Uses observations, hypothesis testing, and theory development based on evidence
Forms a cyclical process, with data supporting or revising theories

Operationalization of Concepts and Variables

Theory: A set of statements describing general principles of how variables relate to each other
Conceptual Variables: Abstract concepts based on theoretical development
- Examples: Intelligence, attitude, attachment
Operational Variables: Operational definitions of conceptual variables
- Examples: Intelligence (performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), Attitude (number of positive attributes thought of when judging a particular item), and Attachment (time spent with surrogate mothers).

Design/Experimental Plan

Systematic plan where researchers manipulate one or more variables while keeping other variables constant.
Observe the outcome of these manipulations
Independent Variables (IVs): Manipulated (changed) factors by researchers.
Dependent Variables (DVs): Measured responses (behavioral, physiological, neural, etc.).
Extraneous Variables (EVs): Factors kept constant (through control measures).

Independent Variables (IV): Manipulation

Types of Manipulation
- Presence/Absence: binary manipulation (e.g., chocolate vs. no chocolate)
- Quantitative: manipulating a variable's amount (e.g., 10g, 20g of chocolate).
- Qualitative: changing a category of a variable (e.g., dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate)
- Staged: researcher creates a situation (e.g., social stress vs. no social stress).
- Operational Definitions: clear, replicable definitions of IVs
Types of experimental participants
- Inter-participants: different participants for each level of the IV
- Intra-participants: same participants tested on all levels of the IV

Independent Variables (IV): Number & Levels

Several IVs can be studied in a single experiment.
Levels of the IV refer to the values the IV can take.

Dependent Variables (DV): Measurement

DV reflects the effect of an IV.
Measured characteristics could be behavioural, physiological, and neural.
Multiple measurements (convergent measures) enhance reliability and accuracy.

Extraneous Variables (EV): Control

EVs confound IV effects by varying systematically along with the IV.
Controlling EVs ensures accurate investigation of IV effects.
Methods for controlling EVs: random assignment, matching, or counterbalancing.

Measurement Scales

Nominal: Categories without order (e.g., gender, species of monkeys).
Ordinal: Categories with order (e.g., ranking preference of chocolate).
Interval: Equal intervals between values (but no true zero), (e.g., IQ test scores).
Ratio: Equal intervals and true zero point (e.g., height, weight).

Measurement Time Points

Pre-test/Post-test: Measuring the DV before and after manipulation of the IV

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Description

Test your understanding of the scientific method through this quiz. Explore key concepts such as hypotheses, variables, and the relationship between theory and evidence. Perfect for students studying research methods or science fundamentals.