Social Psychology Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

Why can some findings in social psychology appear obvious after they are revealed?

Because most social psychology studies confirm common-sense assumptions about human behavior.
Due to the hindsight bias, where people perceive events as more predictable after they know the outcome. (correct)
Because of the simplicity and transparency of research methodologies employed in social psychology.
Because social behaviors are universally understood and require no formal study.

In what way does applied research differ from basic research in social psychology?

Applied research is conducted in controlled laboratory settings, unlike basic research, which occurs in natural environments.
Applied research focuses on theoretical constructs, while basic research addresses practical problems.
Applied research uses more rigorous methodologies, whereas basic research relies on qualitative data.
Applied research aims to solve real-world issues, while basic research seeks to expand general understanding and improve theories. (correct)

What is the critical role of theories in scientific research?

Theories are sets of assumptions that are not tested but are accepted as fact.
Theories provide definitive answers to complex phenomena.
Theories organize principles to explain observed phenomena, informing the development of testable hypotheses. (correct)
Theories act as a preliminary stage before hypothesis formation.

Considering Rusbult’s Investment Model, how do satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investment size interact to influence commitment in relationships?

Commitment is strengthened by high satisfaction and investment, but weakened by the presence of attractive alternatives. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a hypothesis in the context of scientific inquiry?

To propose a testable statement about the relationship between variables. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to study the effect of violent video games on aggression levels in teenagers. Considering the ethical implications and practical limitations, which research design would be the MOST suitable to initially explore this?

A correlational study measuring the amount of time teenagers spend playing violent video games and their scores on a standardized aggression questionnaire. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A social psychologist is interested in testing the hypothesis that 'exposure to positive social media content increases an individual's self-esteem.' Which of the following study designs would BEST allow the researcher to establish a causal relationship between these variables?

An experiment in which participants are randomly assigned to view either positive or neutral social media content, and their self-esteem is measured before and after the exposure. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to investigate the impact of group size on individual effort in a collaborative task. Participants are randomly assigned to groups of varying sizes (2, 4, or 6 people) and asked to complete a problem-solving activity. Which statistical analysis is MOST appropriate to compare the mean individual effort across the three group sizes?

One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher finds a statistically significant correlation of $r = -0.65$ between hours of sleep and symptoms of anxiety. Which of the following interpretations is the MOST accurate?

There is a moderate negative relationship, suggesting that as hours of sleep increase, anxiety symptoms tend to decrease. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher hypothesizes that people are more likely to help a stranger in need when they are in a good mood. To test this, they manipulate participants' moods by showing them either a funny or a neutral video clip, and then stage a scenario where the participant has an opportunity to help a 'stranger.' What is the MOST significant potential ethical concern in this study?

The use of deception and potential psychological distress. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher conducts an experiment and fails to find a statistically significant effect, contrary to their hypothesis. Which of the following is the LEAST likely explanation for this null result?

The researcher used a very lenient (high) alpha level, increasing the chance of a Type I error. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating the quality of evidence supporting a claim, which of the following factors is MOST crucial in determining the reliability of research findings?

The use of peer-reviewed primary research methods and publication in reputable, high-impact journals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research methodology, what is the PRIMARY distinction between basic and applied research?

Basic research focuses on fundamental principles and theories, while applied research seeks to solve practical problems. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does a strong correlation coefficient, such as r = 0.75, enhance the ability to predict the association between two variables?

It significantly improves the accuracy of predicting one variable's value based on the other's value. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In experimental design, what is the primary reason for randomly assigning participants to different conditions?

To evenly distribute extraneous variables among conditions, enhancing internal validity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What critical condition must be met to establish internal validity in an experimental study?

All variables that could provide alternative explanations of the effect on the dependent variable must be controlled. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In research methodology, what is the primary concern when evaluating a study's external validity?

The extent to which the study's findings can be generalized to other populations and contexts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can the presence of a spurious relationship critically mislead researchers in correlational studies?

By suggesting a genuine relationship between variables when the association is due to chance or a third variable. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When might researchers opt for correlational studies over experimental designs, despite the limitation in determining causation?

When direct manipulation of the independent variable is ethically problematic or practically infeasible. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of a cover story primarily contribute to a study's design?

By increasing the study's external validity by preventing participants from guessing the true hypothesis. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a study finds a strong negative correlation between exercise frequency and body mass index (BMI), what inference can be reliably drawn?

Higher exercise frequency is associated with lower BMI, but causation cannot be determined from this alone. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between mundane realism and psychological realism in the context of experimental design?

Mundane realism focuses on the physical setting resembling real life, while psychological realism concerns the similarity of psychological processes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does understanding the direction of a correlation enhance the interpretation of relationships between variables?

It indicates whether variables move in the same or opposite directions, revealing the nature of their association. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher choose to conduct a field experiment instead of a lab experiment?

To enhance the study's mundane realism and improve external validity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to control extraneous variables when aiming to establish causality in experimental research?

To ensure that observed effects are due to the manipulated independent variable alone. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary trade-off when choosing a field experiment over a laboratory experiment?

Increased external validity is often gained at the cost of lower internal validity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does combining lab and field experiments contribute to the validity of research findings?

It provides more convincing validity information by addressing limitations of each method. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a correlation coefficient of r = .00 between two variables A and B?

There is no linear association between Variables A and B, meaning knowing the value of one does not help predict the other. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately represents a primary disadvantage of relying on surveys and questionnaires in research?

The potential for inaccuracy due to participant response biases or misunderstandings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of an annotated review, what is involved in the 'critical synthesis' of two articles on the same topic?

Identifying and discussing the similarities, differences, and potential contradictions between the articles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant benefit of selecting a published study on the same subject as a provided topic article for an annotated review?

It provides a basis for comparative analysis and critical evaluation of research approaches and findings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to study the impact of a new social media campaign on voter turnout. To establish causality, which research method is most appropriate?

Experimental Study, manipulating campaign exposure to observe changes in voter turnout. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When creating an annotated bibliography for empirical research articles, which element is MOST important to include?

An evaluation of the research methodologies and a summary of the key findings. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. Considering ethical and practical limitations, which research method is MOST suitable?

Correlational study, analyzing existing data on socioeconomic status and healthcare access. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research methodology, what does maximizing both internal and external validity generally entail?

Balancing the integrity of causal inferences with the generalizability of findings to other populations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In a critical synthesis of two research articles with conflicting findings, which approach demonstrates the HIGHEST level of critical thinking?

Highlighting methodological differences to explain the divergent results. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following study designs would be LEAST suitable for testing a causal hypothesis?

A cross-sectional survey measuring attitudes and behaviors at one point in time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A study finds a positive correlation between ice cream sales and crime rates. What is the MOST accurate conclusion?

A third variable, like temperature, might influence both ice cream sales and crime rates. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating the quality of a research study, what is the MOST critical aspect to consider?

The appropriateness of the methods used to address the research question. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates an inductive approach to theory development in social psychology?

Observing patterns in social media usage and then developing a theory about the relationship between online interaction an feelings of social isolation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is interested in studying the impact of violent video games on aggression in teenagers. Considering the ethical implications and practical constraints, which combination of research methods would provide the MOST comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon?

A correlational study measuring the association between video game playing habits and aggression scores, combined with an experimental study manipulating the type of video game played and measuring immediate aggressive responses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a study examining the effectiveness of a new anti-bullying program in schools, researchers collect data through student surveys, teacher observations, and school disciplinary records. To establish interrater reliability, which of the following procedures would be MOST appropriate?

Have multiple researchers independently analyze the student survey data and then compare the consistency of their findings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

An ethnographer aims to study the social dynamics within a local activist group. Which of the following approaches would be MOST aligned with the principles of ethnographic research?

Actively participating in the group's activities and immersing themselves in their daily routines while documenting observations and conversations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying historical trends in gender roles by examining marriage records, census data, and popular magazines from the past century. This research approach would be best described as:

Archival research. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A study finds a strong positive correlation between ice cream sales and crime rates. Which of the following is the MOST accurate interpretation of this result?

A third variable, such as hot weather, may be influencing both ice cream sales and crime rates. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A social psychologist is conducting an experiment to examine the effect of public speaking training on individuals' self-reported anxiety levels. What constitutes the MOST critical aspect of ensuring the internal validity of this experiment?

Randomly assigning participants to either the public speaking training group or a control group. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In an experimental study on altruism, researchers manipulate the perceived cost of helping a stranger (low vs. high) and measure participants' likelihood of offering assistance. Which of the following potential confounds would pose the GREATEST threat to the study's internal validity?

Participants in the high-cost condition being systematically more empathetic than those in the low-cost condition. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have predicted it all along.

Basic Research

Studies designed to improve theories and increase our understanding of social phenomena.