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What is the primary purpose of survey research in psychology?
What is the primary purpose of survey research in psychology?
Survey research only includes qualitative data collection methods.
Survey research only includes qualitative data collection methods.
False
What is a key characteristic of survey research?
What is a key characteristic of survey research?
It employs a predetermined set of questions.
Survey research involves a systematic approach where a selected sample of individuals fills out a ________.
Survey research involves a systematic approach where a selected sample of individuals fills out a ________.
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Which of the following is a critical aspect to evaluate when assessing potential biases in a survey?
Which of the following is a critical aspect to evaluate when assessing potential biases in a survey?
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Match the research methods with their focus:
Match the research methods with their focus:
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Correlational research can study relationships among naturally occurring variables.
Correlational research can study relationships among naturally occurring variables.
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An exhaustive examination of the methods used is essential to ascertain the ________ of the survey findings.
An exhaustive examination of the methods used is essential to ascertain the ________ of the survey findings.
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What does a correlation coefficient of -1.00 indicate?
What does a correlation coefficient of -1.00 indicate?
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A positive correlation between two variables means that both variables increase together.
A positive correlation between two variables means that both variables increase together.
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What is the purpose of sampling in research?
What is the purpose of sampling in research?
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A __________ is a comprehensive list of members within a population.
A __________ is a comprehensive list of members within a population.
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Match the terms with their definitions:
Match the terms with their definitions:
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An increase in volunteer activities may lead to a decrease in which of the following?
An increase in volunteer activities may lead to a decrease in which of the following?
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The characteristics of a sample should not mirror those of the larger population.
The characteristics of a sample should not mirror those of the larger population.
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Provide an example of a variable that could show a positive correlation.
Provide an example of a variable that could show a positive correlation.
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What is a primary advantage of personal interviews compared to other survey methods?
What is a primary advantage of personal interviews compared to other survey methods?
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Stratified random sampling guarantees that the sample will represent the entire population accurately.
Stratified random sampling guarantees that the sample will represent the entire population accurately.
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What is one major disadvantage of mail surveys?
What is one major disadvantage of mail surveys?
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Stratified random sampling involves dividing the population into __________.
Stratified random sampling involves dividing the population into __________.
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Which survey method is best suited for sensitive topics?
Which survey method is best suited for sensitive topics?
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Match the survey method with its primary disadvantage:
Match the survey method with its primary disadvantage:
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Telephone interviews can help in accessing a diverse population.
Telephone interviews can help in accessing a diverse population.
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Name one technique used in stratified random sampling.
Name one technique used in stratified random sampling.
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What is an example of a source of bias in sampling?
What is an example of a source of bias in sampling?
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Nonprobability sampling guarantees that every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.
Nonprobability sampling guarantees that every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.
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What is the main characteristic of selection bias?
What is the main characteristic of selection bias?
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____ sampling is often used in psychological studies and involves individuals who are easily accessible.
____ sampling is often used in psychological studies and involves individuals who are easily accessible.
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Match the following sampling approaches with their characteristics:
Match the following sampling approaches with their characteristics:
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Which group is often over-represented in psychological research samples?
Which group is often over-represented in psychological research samples?
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Response bias affects the final sample by ensuring it is always representative.
Response bias affects the final sample by ensuring it is always representative.
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In terms of sampling, what does 'bias' refer to?
In terms of sampling, what does 'bias' refer to?
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Which of the following is NOT a method to improve survey response rates?
Which of the following is NOT a method to improve survey response rates?
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A longitudinal design allows researchers to assess changes in the same individuals over time.
A longitudinal design allows researchers to assess changes in the same individuals over time.
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What is the primary disadvantage of cross-sectional design?
What is the primary disadvantage of cross-sectional design?
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In a ___ design, different individuals are surveyed at various points in time to observe changes.
In a ___ design, different individuals are surveyed at various points in time to observe changes.
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Match the survey designs to their descriptions:
Match the survey designs to their descriptions:
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Which design is best suited for observing individual changes over time?
Which design is best suited for observing individual changes over time?
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Response bias can be completely eliminated by personalizing surveys.
Response bias can be completely eliminated by personalizing surveys.
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What challenge is associated with longitudinal studies?
What challenge is associated with longitudinal studies?
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What is the main purpose of using questionnaires in psychological research?
What is the main purpose of using questionnaires in psychological research?
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Reliability refers to the accuracy of the measurement results.
Reliability refers to the accuracy of the measurement results.
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What are the two types of validity required for establishing construct validity?
What are the two types of validity required for establishing construct validity?
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To enhance reliability in measurement, researchers can increase the number of ______ used in the questionnaire.
To enhance reliability in measurement, researchers can increase the number of ______ used in the questionnaire.
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Match the following concepts to their definitions:
Match the following concepts to their definitions:
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What is the purpose of using correlation matrices in research?
What is the purpose of using correlation matrices in research?
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It is unnecessary to pretest a questionnaire before using it in research.
It is unnecessary to pretest a questionnaire before using it in research.
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What is one method researchers can use to verify construct validity?
What is one method researchers can use to verify construct validity?
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Study Notes
Survey Research Methods in Psychology
- Survey research is a crucial method in psychology for gathering data on opinions, attitudes, and preferences.
- Researchers use surveys to predict behavior.
- A structured approach using predetermined questions ensures consistent data collection.
- Survey scope can vary from specific issues (e.g., TV program opinions) to comprehensive behavioral patterns (e.g., TV watching habits).
Survey Bias
- A key question in survey research is whether surveys are inherently biased.
- To assess potential bias, researchers must critically evaluate procedures and analyses.
- A survey's sponsor's vested interest in the results should not be used as a sole basis for judging bias.
- Thoroughly assessing the method is essential to determine credibility.
Correlational Research
- Correlational research explores the relationship between naturally occurring variables like attitudes, preferences, intelligence, emotions, age, and gender.
- Correlation coefficients measure the strength and direction of these relationships on a scale from -1.00 to +1.00.
- Negative correlations indicate opposing trends, while positive correlations indicate similar trends.
- Examples include a positive correlation between smoking years and lung cancer risk, and a negative correlation between volunteer activities and depressive moods.
Obtaining a Sample
- In survey research, accurate representation of the larger population is paramount, not just the responses collected.
- Careful selection is essential to generalize findings.
- Key terms in sampling:
- Population: The total set of individuals of interest (e.g., all citizens of a country).
- Sampling frame: A list of members in the population (e.g., a student roster).
- Sample: A subset of the population (e.g., a class of students).
- Element: Each individual within the population.
Sample Representation
- The goal is for the sample to accurately reflect the population's characteristics.
- Accurate representation allows researchers to generalize findings from the sample to the larger population.
- For example, if 30% of a population are freshmen, the sample should also have roughly 30% freshmen.
Bias and Representativeness
- Bias occurs when a sample's characteristics significantly differ from the target population.
- This can lead to overrepresentation or underrepresentation of specific groups, potentially impacting the overall findings.
Sources of Bias
- Selection Bias: When the sampling method favors certain segments of the population.
- Response Bias: Occurs when selected individuals fail to complete and return surveys, potentially skewing the results by only including certain views.
Sampling Approaches
- Nonprobability Sampling: Does not guarantee equal chance of selection for all population members. Common methods include convenience sampling, often used in psychological studies.
- Probability Sampling: Guarantees equal selection chance for all population members. Methods include stratified random sampling, which divides the population into subgroups (strata) and randomly selects participants within each stratum to better represent the population.
Survey Methods
- Four main survey methods include: mail, personal interviews, telephone, and internet.
Improving Survey Response Rates
- Personalizing questionnaires, minimizing effort required, selecting engaging topics, and establishing rapport can improve response rates.
Survey Research Designs
- Cross-Sectional Design: A snapshot of the population at one point in time.
- Successive Independent Samples Design: Multiple cross-sectional surveys with different samples over time to observe changes.
- Longitudinal Design: Following the same sample over multiple time periods.
Questionnaires and Measurement
- Questionnaires are common tools for collecting data in psychology, often using scales for various variables (attitudes, demographic information, preferences).
- Reliability refers to the consistency of measurement. Test-retest reliability measures consistency of scores over multiple tests.
- Validity refers to how accurately a measure reflects the intended concept. Construct validity assesses if the measure is appropriate to the concept being studied.
Questionnaire Construction
- When creating a questionnaire, researchers should use established reliable and valid measures.
- Crafting effective survey questions is crucial for clear and insightful data collection.
Critical Evaluation
- Researchers must critically evaluate survey responses, aiming for accuracy and mitigating bias.
- Factors such as reactivity and social desirability bias need to be taken into account.
- The limitations of correlational data need awareness.
Path Analysis
- Researchers can use path analysis to understand complex relationships that reveal interpersonal dynamics. Understanding how different variables interact can reveal causes and effects.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the methodologies used in survey research within the field of psychology. It covers aspects such as data collection, potential biases in surveys, and correlational research. Test your knowledge on how surveys are structured and their significance in understanding human behavior.
