Zipf's Law and Human Behavior Quiz

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What does the text suggest is an assumption for the success of an approach that uses clustering?

A random selection process

An underlying universal matching method (correct)

A complex algorithm

A variety of clustering techniques

What is described as a 'curious case study' in the text?

The research on human behavior

Zipf's observation (correct)

The use of clustering

The work of other researchers

What do Zipf's books tend to be in terms of their readership?

Obscure and rarely cited

Widely cited but not widely read (correct)

Popular among researchers only

Widely read and cited

What does Zipf use as an example in his book 'Human Behavior and the Principle of Least Effort' to illustrate his observation?

Languages and word frequencies (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text caution against regarding scientific research?

Acceptance of poor science erodes the perceived need for responsible research (A) Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does the text emphasize regarding researchers' behavior?

Always ask skeptical questions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an observation and a tested hypothesis?

An observation is based on data, whereas a tested hypothesis relies on predictions confirmed by data. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended that experiments and hypotheses should be blind?

To prevent bias and ensure the experiment provides genuine confirmation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What principle suggests choosing a simpler explanation over a complex one?

Occam's razor (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one key component of a strong research paper according to the text?

Precise and interesting hypothesis (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of assembling supporting evidence in research?

To validate or at least not falsify the hypothesis (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text emphasize constructing arguments related to evidence in presenting hypotheses?

To establish a clear logical connection between the hypothesis and the evidence (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying potential problems and addressing them in a research paper?

To acknowledge the limitations of the research (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a research paper to have convincing evidence according to the text?

To persuade readers to make informed decisions (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does skepticism play in evaluating a research paper according to the text?

It ensures that readers critically assess the work (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does a researcher use evidence to persuade readers in a research paper?

By presenting objective evidence and supporting explanations (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why should a researcher carefully explain potential problems in a research paper?

To clarify limitations and explain why certain aspects are not universally applicable (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason given in the text for ensuring that a research paper has enough convincing data?

To persuade readers to be critical and skeptical (C) Signup and view all the answers