Scientific Research Basics Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main purposes of providing citations in scientific writing?

  • To give credit to the authors contributing (correct)
  • To confuse the reader
  • To make the paper longer
  • To eliminate the need for footnotes

    • Peer review involves feedback from specialists and helps ensure the quality of published studies.

    True

    What are theories, and why are they considered helpful?

    Theories are statements formulated to explain phenomena and establish a framework for meaningful generalizations.

    A strong theory must be able to account for most, if not all, of the existing _____ in its domain.

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

    Which of the following is NOT a standard for judging the strength of a theory?

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

    Match the following concepts with their definitions:

    <p>Theory = Framework for generalizations Hypothesis = Testable question based on a theory Research Purpose = Statement of research aims Research Question = Specific concern to be answered</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A hypothesis is more general than a theory.

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

    What is the primary difference between a study's purpose and its research question?

    <p>The purpose is a clear statement of the goals of the research, while the research question is a specific concern to be addressed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a threat to internal validity caused by changes in measuring instruments or observers?

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

    The Pygmalion effect refers to the phenomenon where subjects perform better when they are being monitored.

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

    What does attrition refer to in research studies?

    <p>People dropping out of the study.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A ________ study gathers past information to analyze for research.

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

    Match the following research design features with their descriptions:

    <p>Single = Data reported on individuals Group = Averages of multiple points Within = Own control group with varying orders Between = Comparing different conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a design that tests two different age groups at the same time?

    <p>Cross-sectional</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Statistical regression involves subjects naturally gravitating towards average scores over repeated tests.

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

    What is the main difference between a priori and post hoc questions?

    <p>A priori questions are asked before research, while post hoc questions arise after research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a deferred treatment control condition?

    <p>To clarify differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment phases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a time series experimental design, only group data is collected.

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

    What does it mean when a participant is referred to as their own control?

    <p>The participant is compared to themselves over different phases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a within-group repeated measures design, the main advantage is that variability due to individual ______ is minimized.

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

    Match the following experimental designs with their descriptions:

    <p>AB = Treatment followed by a withdrawal of treatment ABA = Treatment, withdrawal, then reintroduction of treatment ABAB = Alternating between treatment and withdrawal Changing criterion = Adjusting goals based on the previous level of achievement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum number of data points required in a baseline phase?

    <p>3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the ABA design, researchers prefer to see the performance maintain in the second A phase.

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

    How does the removal of treatment in a time series phase differ from a control condition?

    <p>The removal of treatment does not serve exactly like a control condition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can high attrition lead to in a study?

    <p>Selection bias in results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A heterogeneous participant sample provides better internal validity than a homogeneous one.

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

    What is external validity?

    <p>The degree to which results can be generalized to the target population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A design that uses very large sample sizes to detect true effects or associations is called _____ and _____ design.

    <p>Survey, Epidemiological</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following data types with their definitions:

    <p>Ratio = Equal intervals with a true meaningful zero Ordinal = Ranked data with meaningful order but not equal intervals Interval = Equal intervals without a true zero Categorical/Nominal = Data grouped into distinct categories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two ways to investigate heterogeneous populations with good experimental control?

    <p>Both A and B</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to collect many data points per participant in a single-subject design?

    <p>Increased reliability, shows trends or stability of data, more data points allow for better analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The trade-off between internal and external validity often requires sacrificing some internal validity for greater external validity.

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

    What does the second B phase in an ABAB design provide evidence for?

    <p>That the treatment is the cause of increased scores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a multiple baseline across subjects design, the same intervention is applied to different target behaviors.

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

    What is a potential issue if both control behavior and treatment behavior improve simultaneously?

    <p>External factors could be contributing to the change in behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The three principles of fair treatment for research participants are respect for persons, beneficence, and _______.

    <p>social justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Respect for persons = Participants can leave the study anytime Beneficence = The study benefits the whole population Social Justice = Fair distribution of benefits and burdens External Validity = Generalizability of findings beyond the study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does graphical analysis in single-subject studies help to reveal?

    <p>Changes in behaviors over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Possibility is more associated with group designs in terms of treatment effects.

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

    What are the two opposing forces in the explanation of study participation on a consent form?

    <p>Legal requirements and participant understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can high attrition in a study lead to?

    <p>Selection bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Homogeneous samples are generally better for internal validity than heterogeneous samples.

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

    What is external validity?

    <p>How well the results are generalized to the target population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A study using large sample sizes to detect true effects is known as _____ and _____ design.

    <p>survey, epidemiological</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following data types with their characteristics:

    <p>Categorical = Mutually exclusive categories Ratio = Equal intervals with a true zero Ordinal = Ordered categories without equal intervals Interval = Ordered data with equal intervals but no true zero</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of an independent variable in an experiment?

    <p>It is the presumed cause of the dependent variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Extraneous variables do not affect the outcome of a study.

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

    What does internal validity refer to in an experimental study?

    <p>Sufficient control of extraneous variables that ensures changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A _____ variable is one that can be manipulated in an experiment.

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

    Match the following types of variables with their definitions:

    <p>Extraneous = Uncontrolled variables that may confound results Confounding = Extraneous variables that influence the dependent variable Controlled = Variables that are kept constant to minimize effects Dependent = The variable that is measured as an outcome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes a predictor variable?

    <p>It is studied to determine its relationship with a predicted variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internal validity is considered 'tight' when it provides a strong account of causation between variables.

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

    What distinguishes categorical variables from continuous variables?

    <p>Categorical variables have distinct categories (present/absent), while continuous variables can take an infinite number of values within a range.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a deferred treatment control condition primarily designed to avoid?

    <p>Withholding treatment from participants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a within-group repeated measures design, individual differences among participants are increased.

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

    What is the minimum number of data points required in a baseline phase?

    <p>3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In time series designs, the collection of measurements over a period of time involves systematic _____ of the dependent variable.

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

    Match the following time series designs with their descriptions:

    <p>AB = Treatment followed by cessation of treatment ABAB = Treatment, stop, treatment again, stop Alternating treatments = Comparing two treatments in a repeated manner Changing criterion = Altering levels of achievement as each is reached</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which design specifically shows a participant compared to themselves?

    <p>Single-subject design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A larger sample size guarantees higher external validity in research studies.

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

    What happens in an ABA design if performance drops in the second A phase?

    <p>It indicates the effect of removing the treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term _____ is used to describe when criteria or levels of achievement change as each is reached.

    <p>changing criterion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these statements is a primary benefit of a within-group repeated measures design?

    <p>Allows for direct comparisons among treatments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a second B phase in an ABAB design indicate?

    <p>It strengthens the evidence that treatment causes increased scores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In multiple baseline across subjects design, one intervention is provided to multiple subjects measuring the same behavior.

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

    What is a key factor to consider if a control behavior improves simultaneously as a treatment behavior?

    <p>External factors may be influencing the behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The three principles of fair treatment for research participants are respect for persons, beneficence, and _______.

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

    Match the following designs with their definitions:

    <p>Multiple baseline across subjects = One intervention is provided to several subjects measuring the same behavior Multiple baseline across behaviors = Intervention introduced sequentially for different behaviors ABAB design = Reversal design involving treatment and control phases Graphical analysis = Analyses the full pattern of data over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do researchers conduct graphical analysis in single-subject studies?

    <p>To see growth or lack thereof over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Possibility is more related to group designs than it is to single-subject designs.

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

    What can you conclude about treatment efficacy if control behavior improves when treatment behavior does?

    <p>There may be other contributing factors apart from treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In research ethics, beneficence refers to the study's ability to provide ____ to participants and the population.

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

    Match the research terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Respect for persons = Protecting participants with diminished autonomy Beneficence = Maximizing benefits while minimizing risks Justice = Fair distribution of research benefits and burdens Consent form = Document explaining participant rights and study details</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which threat to internal validity occurs when subjects change due to natural development over time?

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

    The Pygmalion effect suggests that individuals perform better when they are under observation.

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

    What is the difference between a priori and post hoc questions?

    <p>A priori questions are formulated before research, while post hoc questions arise after research and lack sufficient evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ________ occurs when participants drop out of a study, potentially skewing results.

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

    Match the following terms related to research design:

    <p>Single = Data reported on individuals Between = Comparing different conditions Longitudinal = Testing over time Retrospective = Gathering past information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the Hawthorne effect?

    <p>Participants change their behavior because they are being observed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Statistical regression means that subjects with low scores tend to test lower in subsequent assessments.

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

    What is the main purpose of randomization in participant selection?

    <p>To control for differences in characteristics between treatment and control groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Within-group designs allow researchers to use each participant as their own _______.

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

    Which of the following best describes treatment order effects?

    <p>Participants are influenced by their performance in previous tests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Variables

    • A measurable characteristic that can change or be changed.
    • Extraneous: Variables that may affect the dependent variable, influencing, moderating, or enhancing the effect of the independent variable.
    • Confounding: Extraneous variables that aren't controlled for in a study.
    • Controlled: Extraneous variables recognized and kept constant to minimize their impact.
    • Predictor: Variables studied to determine their relationship, investigating how strongly and in what ways they are associated.
    • Predicted: Variables studied to determine their relationship, investigating how strongly and in what ways they are associated.
    • Active: Variables that can be manipulated, such as the intensity of a treatment.
    • Attribute: Variables that can't be changed, such as gender or language background.
    • Categorical: Measured as present or absent, with discrete categories.
    • Continuum: Measured on a scale with a range of infinite values.

    Experimental Control

    • Internal Validity: Sufficient control of extraneous variables and attributes to ensure that changes in the dependent variable are caused by the independent variable.
    • "Tight" Design: High internal validity, minimizing potential threats.
    • "Full of Holes" Design: Low internal validity, allowing for more explanations beyond the independent variable's influence.
    • "Rules out Competing Explanations": High internal validity demonstrates that the observed effects are due to the independent variable rather than other factors.

    Threats to Internal Validity

    • History: Events occurring during a study that can influence the dependent variable.
    • Maturation: Changes in participants over time that can influence the dependent variable.
    • Reactive Measures: Participants' reactions to a pretest that can influence subsequent tests.
    • Instrumentation: Changes in the calibration of measuring instruments or observers that can influence results.
    • Statistical Regression: Tendency for extreme scores to regress toward the mean.
    • Differential Subject Selection: Difference in characteristics between groups that can influence results.
    • Attrition: Participants dropping out of the study, potentially introducing bias.
    • Treatment Order Effects: The sequence of treatments can influence results.
    • Researcher Bias: Researcher expectations or beliefs that can influence results.
    • Effects of Being in a Study:
      • Pygmalian Effect: Participants' performance rises due to the researcher's expectations.
      • Hawthorne Effect: Participants' behavior changes due to the awareness of being observed.
      • Placebo Effect: Participants' belief in treatment, even if it's inert, leads to perceived benefits.

    Research Questions

    • A priori: Questions formulated before research begins.
    • Post hoc: Questions that arise during or after research. Post hoc answers are less certain because they lack sufficient evidence.

    Research Design Features

    • Single-Subject: Data reported individually.
    • Group: Averages of multiple data points.
    • Within-Group: Participants serve as their own control, comparing different conditions within the same individuals.
    • Between-Group: Participants are randomly assigned to different groups, comparing across groups.
    • Retrospective: Studying past information.
    • Prospective: Gathering information in the present.
    • Longitudinal: Observing the same individuals over time.
    • Cross-Sectional: Comparing different individuals at the same time.
    • Deferred Treatment Control Condition: Control group receives the intervention after an initial assessment period, allowing for a stable baseline comparison.
    • Ethical Considerations: Deferred treatment ensures that the control group eventually benefits from the intervention.

    Within- Group Repeated Measures Design

    • Comparison of two treatments: Allows comparing the effects of different treatments within the same individuals, reducing variability.
    • Greater experimental control: Minimizes individual difference variability, leading to greater statistical power.

    Time Series Experimental Design

    • Single-subject or small-group designs: Systematic collection of measurements over time to observe the effects of interventions.
    • Phases: Distinct periods of time in a time-series design, such as baseline and treatment phases.
    • Minimum Data Points: Minimum of three data points per phase are needed with more points being better to show a clear pattern.

    Time Series Designs

    • AB Design: Baseline (A) followed by treatment (B) and ends at the end of treatment.
    • ABAB Design: Baseline (A) followed by treatment (B), then back to baseline (A) and finally back to treatment (B).
    • Alternating Treatments Design: Alternating different treatments (Tx A, Tx B) to compare their effects.
    • Changing Criterion Design: Treatment target or criterion changes as each is reached.

    Multiple Baseline Designs

    • Multiple Baseline Across Subjects: Applying an intervention to multiple subjects with shared characteristics, observing its effect across individuals.
    • Multiple Baseline Across Behaviors: Applying an intervention to a single participant's different behaviors, observing its effect across behaviors.

    Data Analysis

    • Graphical Analysis: Visualizing the full pattern of data in a single-subject study, providing insights into trends and changes.

    Single-Subject Design vs Group Design

    • Possibility vs. Probability: Single-subject designs focus on the possibility of an effect, while group designs analyze the probability.

    Research Ethics

    • Three Principles:
      • Respect for Persons: Protecting participants with diminished autonomy and allowing them to withdraw at any time.
      • Beneficence: Ensuring benefits for participants and society, with acceptable risk-benefit ratio.
      • (Social) Justice: Ensuring fairness and unbiased distribution of benefits and burdens across society.
    • Consent Forms: Balancing detailed information with clear language comprehension for participants.

    Sample Size

    • Group Designs: Factors influencing sample size include the number of variables, population characteristics, research design, and measurement precision.
    • Homogeneous Samples: Samples with similar characteristics which are better for internal validity.
    • Heterogeneous Samples: Samples with diverse characteristics.
    • Large Sample Sizes: Used in surveys and epidemiological studies for representativeness and detecting true associations
    • Single-Subject Designs: Numerous data points per participant for a more comprehensive understanding of individual changes.

    Validity

    • External Validity: The generalizability of research findings to the target population.
    • Internal Validity-External Validity Trade-off: Sometimes sacrificing internal validity for better applicability to the general population.

    Data Types

    • Ratio Data: Equal intervals with a meaningful zero point.
    • Ordinal Data: Ordered categories with unequal intervals.
    • Interval Data: Equal intervals but no true zero point.
    • Categorical Data: Mutually exclusive categories, often used for qualitative descriptions.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of scientific writing, theories, and research methodologies. This quiz covers important concepts like citations, hypotheses, research questions, and various research designs. Perfect for students and enthusiasts looking to enhance their understanding of scientific principles.

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