Chapter 02 Main Bank Multiple Choice Questions - 2.4 removed PDF

Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 1) Which of the following is subjective? a. the height of a tree b. the speed of a reflex c. the weight of a soil sample d. the value of a painting Correct...

Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 1) Which of the following is subjective? a. the height of a tree b. the speed of a reflex c. the weight of a soil sample d. the value of a painting Correct: Subjective refers to observations that are shaped by prior beliefs, expectations, experiences, and even mood. In contrast, observations like height, speed, and weight are objective, because everyone should generally agree on them given the same tools, the same methods, and the same context. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 32 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 2) _______________assumes that there are facts about the world that can be observed and tested independently from the individual who describes them. a. Subjectivity b. Objectivity c. Validity d. Generalizability Correct: Objectivity suggests that everyone should be able to agree on certain facts given the same tools, the same methods, and the same context. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 32 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 3) Which of the following is one of the five characteristics of quality research listed in the textbook? Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 1 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research a. using subjective measurements b. keeping sensitive results secret c. making sure results can be replicated d. avoiding generalizing results Correct: According to the textbook, quality scientific research 1. is based on measurements that are objective, valid, and reliable; 2. can be generalized; 3. uses techniques that reduce bias; 4. is made public; and 5. can be replicated. Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 32 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand the five characteristics of quality scientific research. 4) In order to make objective measurements, psychologists generally measure ___________. a. behaviour b. introspection c. thoughts d. feelings Correct: Objective measurements are measurements that, within an allowed margin of error, are consistent across instruments and observers. Because behaviour can be seen and recorded, it can generally be measured objectively. Thoughts and feelings are much more difficult to measure objectively, because they cannot be directly measured. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 32 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand the five characteristics of quality scientific research. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 2 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 5) A group of researchers are studying depression in a sample of patients. Each researcher independently assesses the level of depression in each patient, but their assessments do not match. The problem with the research is that a. depression cannot be studied scientifically. b. the researchers do not have an objective measure of depression. c. there are too many researchers. d. the patients are not really depressed. Correct: Objective measurements are measurements that, within an allowed margin of error, are consistent across instruments and observers. In this example, the fact that different researchers cannot agree on the depression levels in the same patient indicates that they are not using an objective measurement. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 32–34 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand the five characteristics of quality scientific research. 6) In research, the object, concept, or event being measured is called a ____________. a. data unit b. population c. variable d. sample Correct: The term variable refers to the object, concept, or event being measured. Psychologists have developed a variety of instruments to take objective measures of variables related to behaviour and thought Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 33 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 3 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 7) A researcher uses a blood pressure cuff (technically called a sphygmomanometer) to measure the blood pressure of participants while they are shown sexual, violent, or relaxing videos. The blood pressure measurement in this study is an example of ______________. a. a variable b. a sample c. self-reporting d. a demand characteristic Correct: The term variable refers to the object, concept, or event being measured. Psychologists have developed a variety of instruments to take objective measures of variables related to behaviour and thought. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 33 Skill: Applied Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 8) ______________ is a method where researchers typically use interviews, phone surveys, and questionnaires to directly collect responses from the people being studied. a. Generalizing b. Random sampling c. Self-reporting d. Blind sampling Correct: A common method used by psychologists is self-reporting, a method in which responses are provided directly by the people who are being studied, typically through face-to-face interviews, phone surveys, paper and pencil tests, and web-based questionnaires. Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 48 Skill: Conceptual Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 4 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 9) The purpose of operational definitions in science is to a. keep participants from knowing which treatment group they are in. b. reduce demand characteristics. c. increase ecological validity. d. carefully define terms and variables so they can be objectively studied. Correct: Operational definitions are statements that describe the procedures (or operations) and specific measures that are used to record observations. By carefully defining psychological terms such as "intelligence" or "happiness," everyone can understand exactly how these variables are being objectively measured. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 33 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 10) Before beginning a study on the health effects of obesity, a group of researchers agree that, for the purposes of their research, anyone with a Body Mass Index greater than 30 kg/m2 will be considered obese. This is an example of _______________. a. a confounding variable b. an operational definition c. convenience sampling d. an appeal to common sense Correct: Operational definitions are statements that describe the procedures (or operations) and specific measures that are used to record observations. By carefully defining the terms in a study, everyone can understand exactly how the variables are objectively measured. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 5 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Page Reference: 33 Skill: Applied Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 11) According to your text, which of the following have researchers concluded about the "Mozart effect"? a. Listening to classical music, but not other types of music, causes a long-lasting improvement in several types of thinking and reasoning. b. Listening to all types of music causes a long-lasting improvement in several types of thinking and reasoning. c. Listening to classical music appears to have only a small, short-lasting effect on spatial reasoning. d. Listening to classical music has no effect on any type of thinking or reasoning. Correct: Despite the reaction of legislators and the general public, listening to classical music appears to only cause a small increase in spatial reasoning that only lasts for about 10 minutes. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 33–34 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand the five characteristics of quality scientific research. 12) __________ is consistency of measurement. a. Random assignment b. Validity c. Reliability d. Confounding variable Correct: A measure demonstrates reliability when it provides consistent and stable answers across multiple observations and points in time. Answer: c Diff: 1 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 6 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Type: MC Page Reference: 34 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 13) Dr. Sparks is concerned because he gave Julie a new intelligence test that he personally designed and her scores do not seem very consistent. Which aspect of psychological testing is Dr. Sparks concerned with? a. validity b. self-report measures c. reliability d. falsifiability Correct: Reliability refers to how consistent and stable measurements are across multiple observations and points in time. In this example, the inconsistency of Julie's test scores indicates that the test is not reliable. Although it is likely that the test is also not valid (i.e., it does not really measure intelligence), Dr. Sparks' immediate concern is clearly with the reliability of the test. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 34 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the concepts of reliability and validity to examples. 14) When assessing patients' personalities using an "ink blot" test that she created, Dr. Hardcastle is gaining confidence in the test's reliability. Which of the following is likely to be happening? a. Her patients are enjoying being tested every day. b. The test is generating approximately the same results each time. c. The test is measuring what it is supposed to be measuring. d. The test is likely to be uninformative. Correct: Reliability refers to how consistent and stable measurements are across multiple observations and points in time. For the test in the example to be reliable, the results for Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 7 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research each patient must be approximately the same each time they are retested. This does not necessarily imply that the test has validity, and is actually measuring what it is supposed to be measuring (personality). Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 34 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the concepts of reliability and validity to examples. 15) Brittany, a softball player who plays catcher for the local university, has thrown out base stealers at the rates of 42, 39, and 41 percent over her three years. Her performance could be considered which of the following? a. valid b. invalid c. reliable d. not reliable Correct: Reliability refers to how consistent and stable measurements are across multiple observations and points in time. In this example, Brittany's performance is very consistent over the three years. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 34 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the concepts of reliability and validity to examples. 16) __________ is the extent to which a measure assesses what it claims to measure. a. Operationalization b. Reliability c. Validity d. Control group Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 8 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Correct: Validity refers to the degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what it claims to measure. Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 34 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 17) Jasmine took a self-administered online intelligence test three times yesterday and obtained scores of 124, 128, and 125. This made her feel great because the score she received from the psychologist last month at school was only a 95. What characteristic might the online test be lacking? a. reliability b. validity c. both reliability and validity d. Nothing. The test appears to have both reliability and validity. Correct: Validity refers to the degree to which an instrument or procedure actually measures what it claims to measure. In this example, the test is clearly reliable because she received approximately the same score each time. However, because the score is drastically higher than she received on the professionally administered test, it is likely that the online test is not actually measuring her intelligence. Answer: b Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 34 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the concepts of reliability and validity to examples. 18) The degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events is called __________. a. objectivity b. reliability Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 9 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research c. validity d. generalizability Correct: In psychological research, generalizability refers to the degree to which one set of results can be applied to other situations, individuals, or events. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 34 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 19) One way to increase the possibility that research results will generalize is to study a ____________ sample. a. small b. large c. single-person d. convenience Correct: All other things being equal, the results of studies with large samples are more likely to generalize than those conducted with smaller samples. Using convenience sampling increases the risk that the results will not generalize because it does not use random sampling. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 35 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 20) Which of the following is true? a. Researchers typically study populations because it is often too difficult to study samples. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 10 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research b. Researchers typically study samples because it is often too difficult to study populations. c. Researchers typically include both samples and populations in their research. d. Researchers typically avoid studying both populations and samples. Correct: A population is the group that researchers want to generalize about. However, because populations are usually very large, psychologists typically study a sample (i.e., a select group of population members). Once the sample has been studied, then the results may be generalized to the population as a whole. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 35 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 21) The most important factor to ensure that one's results apply to other people in other settings is to use a. a convenience sample. b. extremely small sample sizes. c. random assignment. d. a random sample. Correct: In order for a sample to generalize to a population psychologists prefer to use random sampling and large sample sizes whenever possible. The idea of random sampling is distinct from random assignment, which is a technique used in experiments to make groups as similar as possible before manipulating the independent variable. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 35 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 11 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 22) Although not ideal, researchers often use _______________ samples, which are samples of individuals that are the most readily available. a. random b. confound c. ecological d. convenience Correct: Obtaining a true random sample can be extremely difficult to do. In practice, psychologists are more likely to settle for convenience samples, which are samples of individuals that are the most readily available. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 35 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 23) Ecological validity refers to a. whether the results of a laboratory study can be applied to the real world. b. the impact of a scientific study on the environment. c. the degree to which animal research can be applied to humans. d. the degree to which naturalistic research techniques are used. Correct: Because of the artificial nature of the laboratory research, the results sometimes have low ecological validity, which is the degree to which the results of a laboratory study can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 35 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 12 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 24) Ursula works in an office. One day, her boss tells her that researchers will be in the office to observe productivity. Because she knows she is being observed, Ursula finds that she is working harder than she normally does. What is this an example of? a. the placebo effect b. the Heisenberg principle c. a single-blind study d. the Hawthorne effect Correct: The Hawthorne effect is a term used to describe situations in which behaviour changes as a result of being observed. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 35 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 25) The term demand characteristics refers to a. a set of personality traits that most good scientists share. b. unintended cues that suggest how study participants should behave. c. statements that describe the specific measures that are used to record observations. d. claims based on anecdotal evidence. Correct: When studying human behaviour, a major concern is demand characteristics, inadvertent cues given off by the experimenter or the experimental context that provide information about how participants are expected to behave. Demand characteristics can range from very subtle to obvious influences on the behaviour of research participants. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 36–38 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 13 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 26) Louis is participating in a survey on undergraduate drug use. When the interviewer asks Louis whether he has used illegal drugs in the last 6 months, he lies and says 'no' because he doesn't want the interviewer to have a poor opinion of him. Louis's response is an example of ________________. a. socially desirable responding b. sampling bias c. peer review d. an appeal to authority Correct: Socially desirable responding occurs when research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favourably. This type of bias is particularly relevant when the study involves an interview in which the researcher has face-to-face contact with the volunteers. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 36 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 27) Alex, a university student, wants to know how many of her dorm mates have tried marijuana, so she decides to survey everyone on her floor. Despite rumours to the contrary, the results suggest that fewer than ten percent of her classmates have tried the drug. What is the most likely explanation for her findings? a. People being interviewed often change their answers to increase the chances that they will be viewed favourably. b. Her dorm mates did not understand the question. c. Alex did not calculate the findings correctly. d. Surveys are not an acceptable means to gather new information. Correct: Socially desirable responding occurs when research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favourably. This type of bias is particularly relevant when the study involves an interview in which the researcher has face-to-face contact with the volunteers. Answer: a Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 14 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 36 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 28) Eila is participating in a psychological experiment for one of the graduate students at her university. She is pretty confident that she knows the true intent of the study and is trying to answer the questions accordingly. A common pitfall in experiments, Eila is falling prey to ______________. a. intentionality b. the Rosenthal effect c. observer bias d. demand characteristics Correct: Demand characteristics are inadvertent cues given off by the experimenter or the experimental context that provide information about how participants are expected to behave. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 36 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 29) An important danger of the various types of research bias discussed in Chapter 2 is that they lead us a. to become anxious or depressed about our place in the world. b. to draw incorrect conclusions and then become convinced that they are accurate. c. to doubt our intuition and gut feelings in important real-life circumstances. d. to underestimate our general levels of cognitive abilities and skills. Correct: Both researchers and participants can be affected by bias. If procedures are not used to reduce its impact, biases can alter the results of an experiment and lead researchers to draw incorrect conclusions. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 15 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 36–38 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 30) One difficulty in conducting medical research is that participants often assume that any treatment will be effective in alleviating their symptoms. Therefore, a researcher has to design an experiment that measures the influence of ____________. a. random selection b. medical confounds c. the Rosenthal effect d. the placebo effect Correct: The placebo effect is a measureable and experienced improvement in health or behaviour that cannot be attributable to a medication or treatment. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 38–39 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 31) When people report feeling better after taking medication even though it hasn't had time to be effective, they are experiencing _________________. a. the experimenter bias effect b. low reliability c. the placebo effect d. confirmation bias Correct: The placebo effect is a measureable and experienced improvement in health or behaviour that cannot be attributable to a medication or treatment. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 16 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 38–39 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 32) Dr. Wilkins randomly assigns subjects to one of two groups. He is interested in the effects of caffeine on anxiety levels. He gives subjects in the first group an extra two cups of coffee a day for six months. The second group receives an extra two cups of decaffeinated coffee a day for the same time period. Importantly, subjects do not know whether they are being given regular or decaffeinated coffee. By providing one group with decaffeinated coffee, Dr. Wilkins is trying to account for which potential element of the experiment? a. participant fraud b. inter-rater reliability c. the placebo effect d. variability Correct: The placebo effect is a measureable and experienced improvement in health or behaviour that cannot be attributable to a medication or treatment. In this example, subjects drinking coffee may act more anxiously simply because they expect coffee to make them anxious. Because subjects do not know whether they are receiving regular or decaffeinated coffee, Dr. Wilkins can control for this effect. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 38–39 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 33) Lisa, a university student, had a great time at the party last night. She danced, sang karaoke, and even played the "Rock Band" video game—all behaviours that she had never exhibited in public before. She had been drinking the "punch" all night long, which she was told contained high levels of alcohol. Lisa was quite surprised to find out the next Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 17 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research morning that the punch did NOT contain any alcohol. What concept may explain Lisa's behaviour? a. the Rosenthal effect b. illusory correlations c. the noce bo effect d. the placebo effect Correct: The placebo effect is a measureable and experienced improvement in health or behaviour that cannot be attributable to a medication or treatment. Lisa's change in behaviour after drinking the punch is similar to the reaction of patients when given a placebo that they expect to improve their health. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 38–39 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. 34) What is the best way to reduce the social desirability bias in research? a. use random sampling b. provide anonymity and confidentiality c. use random assignment d. submit the research to peer review Correct: Socially desirable responding occurs when research participants respond in ways that increase the chances that they will be viewed favourably. The best technique for reducing the social desirability bias is by providing anonymity and confidentiality to the volunteers. Random sampling, random assignment, and peer review generally cannot control for the social desirability bias. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 38 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand how biases might influence the outcome of a study. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 18 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 35) In a single-blind study, who is "blind" to the treatment? a. the peer reviewers b. the participants c. the experimenters d. both the experimenters and participants Correct: In a single-blind study, only the participants are prevented from knowing the true purpose of the study and which type of treatment they are receiving (for example, a placebo or a drug). In contrast, in a double-blind study, both the participants and the experimenters are "blind" to the exact treatment each participant receives until after the study has concluded. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 39 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 36) An experiment is said to be __________ when neither researchers nor participants are aware of who is in the experimental or control group. a. single-blind b. unfalsifiable c. a placebo d. double-blind Correct: In a double-blind study, neither the participant nor the experimenter knows the exact treatment for any individual. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 39 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 19 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 37) How does conducting a double-blind study attempt to remedy the effect of bias? a. The experimenter does not know but the participant does know what condition the participant is assigned to. b. The experimenter and the participant both know what condition the participant is assigned to. c. The experimenter knows but the participant does not know what condition the participant is assigned to. d. Neither the experimenter nor the participant knows what condition the participant is assigned to. Correct: In a double-blind study, neither the participant nor the experimenter knows the exact treatment for any individual. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 39 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 38) A mechanism by which experts in a field carefully screen the work of their colleagues is known as ____________. a. experimental validity b. experimenter bias effect c. peer review d. peer assessment Correct: Before research findings can be published they go through peer review—a process in which papers submitted to publication in scholarly journals are read and critiqued by experts in the specific field of study. Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 39 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 20 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to the principles of scientific research. 39) The peer review process is designed to a. block alternative therapies from being made available to the general public. b. identify flaws in a research study's methods, findings, and conclusions. c. make researchers feel bad when their article is not published. d. place obstacles in front of people whose theories differ from mainstream science. Correct: Peer reviewers critique the methods and results of research articles submitted to journals and make recommendations to the editor regarding the merits of the research. In this process, the editors and reviewers serve as gatekeepers for the discipline, ensuring that the best research is made public. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 39 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand the five characteristics of quality scientific research. 40) Without the process of replication as part of the scientific process, what would happen? a. Incorrect results would often go uncorrected. b. Demand characteristics would have larger effect on data. c. The Hawthorne effect would increase. d. Samples would be less representative of the populations they came from. Correct: Replication is the process of repeating a study and finding a similar outcome each time. This is part of the self-correcting process of science that helps to identify incorrect results. Answer: a Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 40 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 21 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand the five characteristics of quality scientific research. 41) The main purpose of replicating studies is to a. keep the scientific community aware of the results. b. renew drug and technology patents based on the research. c. ensure that the results are correct. d. secure extra funding. Correct: Replication is the process of repeating a study and finding a similar outcome each time. This is part of the self-correcting process of science that helps to identify incorrect results. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 41 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand the five characteristics of quality scientific research. 42) Chen believes that red cars are more likely to be stolen than non-red cars because one week after she bought a red car, it was stolen. This is an example of which type of evidence? a. anecdotal b. falsified c. common-sense d. authoritative Correct: Anecdotal evidence is an individual's story about an observation or event that is used to make a claim as evidence. Although sometimes correct, it is too unreliable to be the basis for scientific conclusions. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 41 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 22 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Skill: Applied Objective: Analyze whether anecdotes, authority figures, and common sense are reliably truthful sources of information. 43) Support for a claim that is based on a story about an individual or event is called ___________ evidence. a. anecdotal b. narrative c. objective d. authoritative Correct: Anecdotal evidence is an individual's story about an observation or event that is used to make a claim as evidence. Although sometimes correct, it is too unreliable to be the basis for scientific conclusions. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 41 Skill: Factual Objective: Analyze whether anecdotes, authority figures, and common sense are reliably truthful sources of information. 44) In general, which of the following is true about anecdotal evidence? a. It is reliable as long as the facts are correct. b. It takes a long time to collect. c. It is the basis for most scientific conclusions. d. It is poor and unreliable. Correct: Anecdotal evidence is an individual's story about an observation or event that is used to make a claim as evidence. Although sometimes correct, it is too unreliable to be the basis for scientific conclusions, even if the basic facts of the story are correct. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 23 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Page Reference: 41 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Analyze whether anecdotes, authority figures, and common sense are reliably truthful sources of information. 45) Appeals to authority are generally considered a(n) ____________ kind of evidence because _______________________. a. reliable; experts know a lot about their subjects b. reliable; experts don't want to ruin their reputations by being wrong c. unreliable; most experts don't know what they are talking about d. unreliable; expertise is not actually evidence Correct: An appeal to authority is the belief in an expert's claim even when no supporting data or scientific evidence is present. Expertise is not actually evidence; the word "expert" describes the person making the claim, not the claim itself. The expert could be mistaken, dishonest, overpaid, or misquoted. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 41 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Analyze whether anecdotes, authority figures, and common sense are reliably truthful sources of information 46) Claims based on common sense a. should be considered true. b. should be considered false. c. may be true, but cannot be evaluated by this standard alone. d. should be considered true, but only if offered by an expert in the subject. Correct: Claims based on common sense, tradition, or novelty may be worthy of consideration, but whether something is true or not cannot be evaluated by these standards alone. Answer: c Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 24 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 42 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Analyze whether anecdotes, authority figures, and common sense are reliably truthful sources of information. 47) Kia and her friend are discussing why so many child actors become troubled adults. Kia says, "Obviously they were spoiled as children, which made them unprepared to become adults." From a scientific point of view, what is wrong with Kia's statement? a. It is based on anecdotal evidence. b. It is an appeal to authority. c. It is an appeal to common sense. d. Nothing; it is a well-supported conclusion. Correct: Appeals to common sense are claims that appear to be sound, but lack supporting scientific evidence. They may be worthy of consideration, but whether something is true or not cannot be evaluated by these standards alone. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 42 Skill: Applied Objective: Analyze whether anecdotes, authority figures, and common sense are reliably truthful sources of information. 48) Which of the following is one of the questions that a researcher should ask herself before conducting a research study? a. "How can I avoid using statistics to analyze my results?" b. "What research strategies should I use to test my hypothesis?" c. "Will I be able to prove my hypothesis?" d. "How can I guarantee that I obtain subjective results?" Correct: Because there are several types of designs, psychologists must choose the one that best addresses the research question and that is most suitable to the subject of their Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 25 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research research. Recall from Chapter 1 that the goal of scientific research is to test hypotheses, not to prove hypotheses. Also, the goal of science is to obtain objective results, not subjective results. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 44–45 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 49) _____________ research does not attempt to explain how or why something happened, but instead it is an opportunity to present observations about the characteristics of the subject. a. Descriptive b. Quasi-experimental c. Experimental d. Subjective Correct: The goal of descriptive research is to simply describe the thing being studied. In psychology, this is usually accomplished by using case studies, naturalistic observation, or surveys and questionnaires. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 45 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 50) Which of the following is NOT a descriptive research method? a. case study b. naturalistic observation c. experiment d. survey Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 26 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Correct: The goal of descriptive research is to simply describe the thing being studied. In psychology, this is usually accomplished by using case studies, naturalistic observation, or surveys and questionnaires. Experimental designs are used for determining cause- and-effect relationships. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 45–48 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 51) A(n) ____________ involves an extremely deep and detailed information-gathering from a single individual over a long period of time. a. case study design b. correlational design c. experimental design d. naturalistic observation design Correct: A case study is an in-depth report about the details of a specific case. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 45 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 52) Sarah, a graduate student in psychology, just heard about a five-year-old child who has already learned calculus. She is thinking about conducting an in-depth study of the child for her dissertation. Sarah is considering which research method? a. naturalistic observation b. experiment c. correlational d. case study Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 27 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Correct: A case study is an in-depth report about the details of a specific case. While some of Sarah's research might involve naturalistic observation, it is unlikely that Sarah could study the child in depth using this technique. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 45 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 53) Why is it difficult to make generalizations based on the results of case study research? a. Case study research is, by definition, immune to the error of making generalizations. b. Case studies involve far too many people to allow for generalizations. You would be better off using a research design that uses fewer participants. c. Because a case study involves only one or a few subjects, their actions may be atypical and not representative of a larger group of people or population. d. The statistics involved in case study research do not allow one to draw larger conclusions about a population. Correct: The main drawback to the case study design is that the findings that seem to apply to one case may not apply to others, so there is no guarantee that the case study can be generalized to other individuals and situations. Answer: c Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 46–47 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Analyze the pros and cons of descriptive, correlational, and experimental research designs. 54) Which of the following statements is true about naturalistic observation? a. It recreates natural conditions in the laboratory as closely as possible to make an experiment more valid. b. It involves observing behaviour in its natural context. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 28 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research c. It is basically the same process as objective introspection. d. It involves observing behaviour in the lab without taking formal notes or using technological equipment to measure the experimental findings. Correct: When psychologists engage in naturalistic observation, they unobtrusively observe and record behaviour as it occurs in the subject's natural environment. Any research that takes place in an artificial laboratory setting is, by definition, not naturalistic observation. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 47–48 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 55) Watching behaviour in real-world settings is known as ___________. a. a case study b. a correlation design c. naturalistic observation d. a self-report Correct: When psychologists engage in naturalistic observation, they unobtrusively observe and record behaviour as it occurs in the subject's natural environment. Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 47–48 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 56) Dr. Watson wanted to know which gender was better at sharing at the sixth-grade level, so he went to the local middle school to observe lunch periods. This is a form of ____________. a. case study Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 29 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research b. naturalistic observation c. experimental design d. confirmation bias Correct: When psychologists engage in naturalistic observation, as in this example, they unobtrusively observe and record behaviour as it occurs in the subject's natural environment. Dr. Watson's research is not a case study because he is not studying one student in depth. It also is not an experiment, because he is only observing, not manipulating independent variables. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 47–48 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 57) A researcher is interested in determining how frequently bullying behaviour occurs in real-life settings. This researcher would best be advised to use the _________________. a. case study design b. correlational design c. experimental design d. naturalistic observation design Correct: Naturalistic observation is generally the best method for studying behaviour in natural settings. A case study of one bully or victim would be unlikely to generalize to bullying in general, and correlational and experimental designs are used to study the relationships between two or more variables. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 47–48 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 30 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 58) Dr. Potter, an English professor, is curious about his students' attitudes toward one of his favourite books. What research method is he most likely to use to gather this information? a. case study b. survey c. experiment d. correlational Correct: The survey method is generally the most appropriate when we are interested in people's attitudes or opinions. A case study would only tell the professor about a single student's attitudes, and correlational and experimental designs are used to study the relationships between two or more variables. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 48 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 59) If you are interested in examining the relationship between the number of class days missed and one's subsequent semester grade point average, you would be best served to use a(n) ________ to study this relationship. a. case study design b. correlational design c. experimental design d. naturalistic observation design Correct: Correlational research involves measuring the degree of association between two or more variables. In this example, the goal is to find the correlation between days missed and grade point average. Experimental designs can also be used to find relationships between variables, but are more complicated and they are generally only used when the goal of the research is to find cause-and-effect relationships. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 31 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 60) Two variables are said to have a correlation when scores on one variable a. are unrelated to the scores on the second variable. b. are related to scores on the second variable. c. cause the scores on the second variable. d. are different from the scores on the second variable. Correct: When two variables are related so that the value of the first variable is associated with the value of the second, the two variables are said to be correlated. This does not necessarily mean that the first variable causes the value of the second variable— an important concept in correlational research is that correlation is a measure of association, not a measure of causality. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 61) Which of these is a type of correlation discussed in your text? a. normal b. parallel c. skewed d. negative Correct: Correlations are usually classified as either positive or negative, depending on whether the two variables change in the same direction (positive), or are inversely related (negative). Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 32 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 62) As the average daily temperature in Edmonton, Alberta, decreases the number of persons who are observed wearing sweaters in the workplace increases. This is an example of a(n) ________ correlation. a. illusory b. negative c. positive d. zero Correct: When an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in another (or vice versa) the two variables are said to be negatively correlated. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 63) One hopes that the amount of time a student spends studying would show a(n) __________ correlation with the student's grades. a. negative b. zero c. positive d. illusory Correct: When two variables are positively correlated, an increase in the first variable is associated with an increase in the second variable. In this example, an increase in studying should be associated with an increase in grade. Answer: c Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 33 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 64) There is a negative correlation between wearing one's seat belt and the severity of injuries received during an accident. Which statement correctly illustrates this correlation? a. The more often you wear your seat belt, the more serious the injury you are likely to receive in an accident. b. The more you wear your seat belt, the less likely you are to suffer serious injuries in an accident. c. Wearing your seatbelt prevents you from being injured in an accident. d. Failing to wear your seat belt increases the likelihood that you will sustain serious injuries in an accident. Correct: A negative correlation means that as one variable increases the other decreases. In this example, the more you wear your seatbelt the less likely you are to be injured. At first, this may seem the same as saying "wearing seatbelts prevents injury" or "failing to wear seatbelts increases injury," however, these are statements of causality, not simply correlation. A negative correlation between seatbelt wearing and injury could be the result of safe driving habits (i.e., safe drivers are more likely to wear their seatbelts and also be involved in less serious accidents). Answer: b Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 65) A graph that can be used to represent the pattern of relationship between scores from two variables is called a ____________. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 34 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research a. bar graph b. frequency polygon c. histogram d. scatterplot Correct: Relationships between two variables (i.e., correlations) can be visualized when presented in a graph called a scatterplot. The other types of graphs listed are not used to visualize correlations. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 49 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 66) Dr. Schott's scatterplot reveals no real patterns or clusters. In fact, the data seems to fall randomly on the graph. This pattern of results is most likely from which type of correlation? a. positive b. zero c. negative d. skewed Correct: When the dots on a scatterplot do not follow any discernable pattern, it indicates that the correlation between the two variables is close to zero. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 35 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 67) Dr. Stanhope is trying to determine which type of correlation is represented on his scatterplot, in which nearly all of his data are clustered along a diagonal line running from higher numbers on the left down to lower numbers on the right. Which type of correlation is represented by this pattern? a. positive b. zero c. negative d. We need more information to draw a conclusion. Correct: When the dots on a scatterplot show a pattern that is slanted downward to the right, it indicates that there is a negative correlation between the two variables. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 68) Mr. Jones, a sixth-grade science teacher, has tried to predict his students' end-of-the- year grades by looking at their grades from the previous year. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any systematic relationship between these two variables. The correlation between these two variables is probably ____________. a. near zero b. positive c. negative d. near 1.0 Correct: If there is little to no pattern in the relationship between two variables, the correlation coefficient will be close to zero. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Applied Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 36 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 69) Which correlation coefficient is most likely to describe the relationship between brushing one's teeth and the number of cavities one gets? a. –.62 b. +.83 c. –.08 d. +.45 Correct: Because better dental hygiene is associated with fewer cavities, the correlation between the two variables should be fairly strong and negative. –.08 is a very weak negative correlation, making –.62 the most likely answer. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 70) A correlation coefficient will always range between: a. 0 and 1. b. –10 and +10. c. 0 percent and 100 percent. d. –1.0 and +1.0. Correct: Correlation coefficients can range from –1.0 to +1.0, with –1.0 being a perfect negative correlation, +1.0 a perfect positive correlation, and 0 being no correlation. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 50 Skill: Factual Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 37 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 71) Which of the following correlations represents the weakest degree of relation between two variables? a. Daily calcium intake and bone mass density, correlation coefficient = +.11 b. Degree of exposure to lead and IQ scores in children, correlation coefficient = –.12 c. Hours of exposure to media violence and aggressive behaviour, correlation coefficient = +.31 d. Number of cigarettes smoked per day and incidence of lung cancer, correlation coefficient = +.39 Correct: The magnitude or strength of a correlation coefficient is indicated by its absolute value. The closer to an absolute value of 1, the stronger the correlation. While it may at first seem that –.12 is weaker than +.11, the absolute value of.11 is less than.12. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 50 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 72) Which of the following correlation coefficients represents the strongest degree of relation between two variables? a. +.19 b. –.25 c. +.43 d. –.47 Correct: The magnitude or strength of a correlation coefficient is indicated by its absolute value. The closer to an absolute value of 1, the stronger the correlation. While it may at first seem that +.43 is stronger than –.47, the absolute value of.43 is less than.47. Answer: d Diff: 2 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 38 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Type: MC Page Reference: 50 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand what it means when variables are positively or negatively correlated. 73) Correlational research designs are NOT appropriate for purposes of _______________. a. causation b. description c. prediction d. describing relationships Correct: Because correlations are measures of association and not causality, correlational research cannot be used to determine cause-and-effect relationships. Correlational research is good, however, for finding and describing relationships, and can allow researchers to make predictions about one variable based on its correlation with a second variable. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 49–50 Skill: Factual Objective: Analyze the pros and cons of descriptive, correlational, and experimental research designs 74) The perception of a statistical association between two variables where none exists is known as ______________. a. confirmation bias b. illusory correlation c. existence proof d. type II error Correct: Illusory correlations are relationships that really only exist in the mind, rather than reality. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 39 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 50 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 75) When asked if there are more ice cream cones sold in November or July, Mary answers "July" immediately. She is surprised to find out that there is little to no difference between the two months in terms of ice-cream-cone sales. Mary's error is most clearly an example of ___________________. a. imaginary correlation b. common sense c. superstitions d. illusory correlation Correct: Illusory correlations are relationships that really only exist in the mind, rather than reality. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 50 Skill: Applied Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 76) The only research design that allows one to make inferences on cause- effect is the ________ design. a. case study b. correlational c. experimental d. naturalistic observation Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 40 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Correct: It is the manipulation of variables along with random assignment that allows an experiment to make cause-and-effect conclusions. The other research methods listed do not permit causal inferences. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 51 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand how experiments help demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships. 77) What is the main difference between an experiment and a correlational study? a. A correlational study involves the manipulation of variables, while an experiment does not. b. An experiment uses random sampling, while a correlational study uses random assignment. c. A correlational study looks at the relationship between independent and dependent variables, while an experiment looks at the relationship between confounding variables. d. An experiment involves the manipulation of variables, while a correlational study does not. Correct: It is the manipulation of variables along with random assignment that allows an experimenter to make cause-and-effect conclusions about the independent and dependent variables. Correlational studies do not involve specific independent and dependent variables, and do not involve manipulation or random assignment. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 51 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand how experiments help demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships. 78) One key aspect of an experiment that is missing in other research designs is a. the ability to test predictions. b. the use of variables. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 41 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research c. the use of operational definitions. d. random assignment. Correct: All research methods generally use variables, operational definitions, and can be used to test predictions made by theories. The experimental method, however, is the only type of research that involves random assignment. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 51 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand how experiments help demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships. 79) A research design characterized by random assignment of participants to conditions and manipulation of an independent variable is called a(n) ________________. a. case study b. naturalistic observation c. experiment d. survey Correct: The experimental method is the only type of research that involves random assignment and the manipulation of one or more independent variables. Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 51 Skill: Factual Objective: Understand how experiments help demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships. 80) Professor Golder is studying hyperactivity in preschool-age children. She is concerned that differences in child rearing, diet, and so forth may affect her results. To minimize these potential preexisting variables, she should be sure to do which of the following? a. Use random assignment when forming her groups. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 42 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research b. Include an independent variable. c. Include a dependent variable. d. Assign boys to the experimental group and girls to the control group. Correct: In an experiment, it is the random assignment of participants to different groups that insures that the groups are roughly equal. This is important, because without random assignment, preexisting differences between participants could act as confounding variables and end up affecting the results. While the independent and dependent variables are also an important part of the experimental method, they do not help to control for preexisting variables. Answer: a Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 51–52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 81) Why is it important to make sure that different participant groups are roughly equivalent in terms of personal characteristics (e.g., age, gender) before any independent variable is introduced? a. It is important to treat all research participants equally so that they feel that they are not being manipulated. b. Research ethics forbid any experiment to take place when the participant groups are fundamentally different from each other. c. It is important so that no major differences between the groups unduly bias the results of the experiment. d. This is generally what happens when participants are allowed to choose their own groups. Correct: When the groups are different before the research begins, any changes in the dependent variable might be caused by those differences (which are called confounding variables). This problem is usually avoided by using random assignment. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 51–52 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 43 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand how experiments help demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships. 82) The __________ variable is what the experimenter manipulates (or varies). a. control b. dependent c. operational d. independent Correct: In an experiment, the independent variable is the variable that the experimenter manipulates to distinguish between the different groups. This is in contrast with the dependent variable, which is manipulated as part of the experiment and data from the different dependent variable groups are compared. The goal of an experiment is to determine if manipulating the independent variable affects the dependent variable. Answer: d Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 83) The variable that an experimenter assesses or measures is called the _______________. a. causal variable b. confounding variable c. dependent variable d. independent variable Correct: In an experiment, the dependent variable is the observation or measurement that is recorded during the experiment and subsequently compared across all groups. This is in contrast with the independent variable, which is the variable that the experimenter manipulates to distinguish between the different groups. The goal of an experiment is to determine if manipulating the independent variable affects the dependent variable. Answer: c Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 44 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 84) An administrator believes that the placement of motivational posters on the walls in classrooms of academic buildings will lead to increased GPAs (grade point averages) at his school. To test his theory, he randomly assigns certain classrooms within the university’s Faculty of Science to have the posters while others do not. None of the remaining four faculties will have any posters placed in their classrooms. What is the independent variable in this study? a. faculties b. classroom posters c. gender of the student d. grade point average Correct: In an experiment, the independent variable is the variable that the experimenter manipulates to distinguish between the different groups. The dependent variable is the variable which is measured and subsequently compared across all groups. The goal of an experiment is to determine if manipulating the independent variable affects the dependent variable. In this example, the goal is to determine if manipulating the posters affects the GPA scores. Answer: b Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 85) A medical doctor believes that the presence of aromatherapy candles will reduce the anxiety of first-time mothers-to-be during labour and will increase their reported satisfaction with their care at his hospital. He randomly assigns mothers to give birth in a room either with or without aromatherapy candles. What is the independent variable in this example? Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 45 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research a. anxiety level during labour b. number of previous birthing experiences c. room environment d. satisfaction with hospital care Correct: In an experiment, the independent variable is the variable that the experimenter manipulates to distinguish between the different groups. The dependent variable is the variable which is measured and subsequently compared across all groups. The goal of an experiment is to determine if manipulating the independent variable affects the dependent variable. In this example, the goal is to determine if manipulating the room environment with candles will affect the two dependent variables: anxiety and satisfaction with care. Answer: c Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 86) Professor Todd decides to test her hypothesis that eating chocolate prior to exams increases students' test scores. She randomly assigns students to two groups at the beginning of the semester. One group receives a bar of chocolate before each test, while the other group receives another type of candy. She compares their scores at the end of the year, and finds that the students who ate the chocolate scored an average of ten points higher on their exams. What is the dependent variable in this experiment? a. students' test scores b. chocolate bars c. the students themselves d. the professor Correct: In an experiment, the independent variable is the variable that the experimenter manipulates to distinguish between the different groups. The dependent variable is the variable which is measured and subsequently compared across all groups. The goal of an experiment is to determine if manipulating the independent variable affects the dependent variable. In this example, the goal is to determine if manipulating what students eat before an exam affects their performance. Answer: a Diff: 2 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 46 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 87) Professor Todd decides to test her hypothesis that eating chocolate prior to exams increases students' test scores. She randomly assigns students to two groups at the beginning of the semester. One group receives a bar of chocolate before each test, while the other group receives another type of candy. She compares their scores at the end of the year, and finds that the students who ate the chocolate scored an average of ten points higher on their exams. What is a fair conclusion that can be drawn from this experiment? a. Eating chocolate causes students' test scores to increase. b. Eating chocolate has no relationship to students' test scores. c. Eating chocolate may increase students' satisfaction with the class. d. Eating chocolate makes students happy. Correct: An experiment with random assignment to groups allows researchers to determine cause and effect between the independent and dependent variables. In this example, because the dependent variable was the students' test scores, it can be concluded that eating chocolate increased the test scores. While the chocolate may have also affected the students' satisfaction and happiness, this cannot be concluded based on the experiment's design. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 88) In an experiment, a researcher wants to avoid the presence of _______________. a. confounding variables b. dependent variables c. independent variables d. random assignment Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 47 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Correct: Confounding variables are variables outside of the researcher's control that might affect the results. In an experiment, it is important to avoid or control for confounding variables because they can make it difficult to determine if the independent variable is really affecting the dependent variable or not. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 89) In an experiment, the __________ group receives no manipulation. a. control b. dependent c. independent d. experimental Correct: A control group is the group that does not receive the treatment and therefore serves as a comparison for the experimental group(s). Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 90) A researcher wants to see whether she can make the typical administrative assistant job more motivating at Acme, Inc. To experimentally investigate this possibility, she randomly assigns administrative assistants to one of the following conditions: doing the job as it has always been done, having a computer performance monitoring device installed, receiving feedback about their performance on a weekly basis, or being given a say in how one's workload is structured and done. Which of the preceding conditions is an example of a control group? a. being given a say in how one's workload is structured and done Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 48 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research b. doing the job as it has always been done c. having a computer performance monitoring device installed d. receiving feedback on a weekly basis Correct: A control group is the group that does not receive the treatment and therefore serves as a comparison for the experimental group(s). Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 91) Ryan, a professional bass fisherman, is trying to determine which lure is most effective on Wakeby Lake: the plastic worm he normally uses or the new minnow-style lure he bought yesterday. Based on this scenario, what would constitute the control? a. the new minnow lure b. the plastic worm c. both the minnow lure and the plastic worm d. there is no control Correct: A control group is the group that does not receive the treatment and therefore serves as a comparison for the experimental group(s). In this example, Ryan normally uses the plastic worm, so this will act as a baseline to compare with the new lure he is "experimenting" with on the lake. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 92) Dr. Johansen randomly assigned subjects to three different groups during her last experiment. She then proceeded to give all the participants in the experiment a new study Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 49 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research technique designed to enhance their learning for the upcoming test. What critical error did she make during her experiment? a. She failed to identify the independent variable. b. She failed to identify the dependent variable. c. She failed to include an experimental group. d. She failed to include a control group. Correct: A control group is the group that does not receive the treatment and therefore serves as a comparison for the experimental group(s). In this example, by giving all of the participants the new study technique, Dr. Johansen will not have a control group to compare to the subjects with the new technique. While the independent and dependent variables were not explicitly stated in the example, they are clearly the new study technique and the exam performance, respectively. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Applied Objective: Apply the terms and concepts of experimental methods to research examples. 93) The group that receives the manipulation of an independent variable is called the _______________. a. control group b. dependent group c. experimental group. d. independent group Correct: The experimental group is the group in the experiment that is exposed to the independent variable. This is in contrast to the control group, which receives no manipulation. Answer: c Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Factual Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 50 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 94) Quasi-experimental designs are similar to true experimental designs, except for what difference? a. random assignment is not possible b. there is more than one independent variable c. there is more than one dependent variable d. there is no dependent variable Correct: Quasi-experimental research is a research technique in which the two or more groups that are compared are selected based on pre-determined characteristics, not random assignment. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 95) If researchers wanted to study the effect of various factors on reaction time, which factor would require the researchers to use a quasi-experimental design instead of an experimental design? a. alcohol b. sleep deprivation c. gender d. caffeine Correct: Quasi-experimental designs are used when the groups that are compared are selected based on pre-determined characteristics and random assignment cannot be used. In this example, participants could be randomly assigned to an experimental group that receives caffeine, alcohol, or is deprived of sleep. However, it is not possible to randomly assign participants to be male or female. Answer: c Diff: 3 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 51 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Type: MC Page Reference: 52 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology related to research designs. 96) The MKUltra project is often cited as an example of a. unethical research on animals. b. unethical research on human beings. c. why it is sometimes necessary to deceive participants. d. why REBs sometimes cause more harm than good. Correct: These studies of brainwashing and torture often had very negative effects on the participants. MKUltra was officially ended in 1973. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 55 Skill: Factual Objective: Apply the ethical principles of scientific research to examples. 97) What is the purpose of a research ethics board? a. to help protect research participants from abuse b. to hinder the research process by placing unnecessary hurdles in the way of researchers c. to help protect the university from lawsuits from unhappy research participants d. to encourage the use of deception in medical and psychological research with humans Correct: A research ethics board (REB)is a committee of researchers and officials charged with the protection of human research participants at an institution. The REB is intended to protect individuals in two main ways: (1) the committee weighs potential risks to the volunteers against the possible benefits of the research, and (2) it requires that volunteers agree to participate in the research. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 52 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Page Reference: 56 Skill: Factual Objective: Know the key terminology of research ethics. 98) Kendra serves on a committee whose job is to review proposed psychology studies. The committee refuses to approve one study because it feels the possible benefit from the research is too little given the potential risk to the participants. Kendra's committee is most accurately called an _________________. a. ethics commission b. inquisition c. academic safety advisory committee d. research ethics board Correct: A research ethics board (REB) is a committee of researchers and officials charged with the protection of human research participants at an institution. The REB is intended to protect individuals in two main ways: (1) the committee weighs potential risks to the volunteers against the possible benefits of the research, and (2) it requires that volunteers agree to participate in the research. Answer: d Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 56 Skill: Applied Objective: Know the key terminology of research ethics. 99) Which of the following is true about studies that potentially increase mortality salience in participants? a. Mortality salience is classified as a physical risk. b. Studies that increase mortality salience are unethical. c. Stress from mortality salience is typically short term and can be an acceptable risk. d. Studies that increase mortality salience are always acceptable. Correct: Making subjects more aware of death (mortality salience) is sometimes a side effect of measures used in psychological research. While it can cause psychological Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 53 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research stress, this tends to be short term. Therefore, the benefits of a study must be weighed against the risk to participants. Answer: c Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 56 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology of research ethics. 100) What is informed consent? a. Volunteers agree to participate in a study after the purpose, tasks, and risks of the study are explained to them. b. REBs must be informed about the purpose, tasks, and risks of a study before they approve it. c. Researchers agree to be legally responsible for the physical and psychological safety of their participants. d. Participants must be informed of the results of the study they participated in and give their consent before the research is published. Correct: Current research practice uses the concept of informed consent: A potential volunteer must be informed (know the purpose, tasks, and risks involved in the study) and give consent (agree to participate based on the information provided) without pressure. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 55 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology of research ethics. 101) Which of these is an essential concern regarding ethical principles for human research? a. Research participants must give informed consent. b. Research participants must be deceived so that they do not know the true nature of the research to which they are contributing. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 54 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research c. Research participants must be paid for their contribution. d. As long as informed consent has been given, research participants may be subjected to any level of physical or psychological pain or discomfort. Correct: Participants in psychological research must give informed consent (i.e., they must be told about the purpose, tasks, and any risks, and then consent to participate). This does not mean that informed consent allows researchers to do anything they want. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 57–58 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Know the key terminology of research ethics. 102) What effect does the planned use of deception have on the approval of a study? a. Studies with deception can be approved, but only if the deception is necessary and the risk to participants is minimal. b. The use of deception has no effect on the likelihood the study will be approved. c. Studies that involve deception go through a different approval process. d. Studies with deception are never approved. Correct: Deception can have serious consequences for participants. However, researchers can use deception under most circumstances when it is necessary. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 57 Skill: Factual Objective: Analyze the role of using deception in psychological research. 103) Professor Wagner is explaining to his subjects the purpose behind the experiment they just participated in, along with a general description of the results. He is engaging in what aspect of a research study? a. debriefing Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 55 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research b. informed consent c. institutional review d. deception Correct: After participating in a study, subjects undergo a full debriefing, in which the researchers explain the true nature of the study, and especially the nature of and reason for any deception. In contrast, informed consent must be obtained prior to participation. Answer: a Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 58 Skill: Applied Objective: Know the key terminology of research ethics. 104) Participants in modern psychology experiments are given the right to a. choose which treatment group they are in. b. with hold responses to questions they feel uncomfortable answering. c. review the results of the study before they are published. d. write a formal response to the published paper. Correct: Volunteers have the right to withdraw from the study, at any time, without penalty. The right to give informed consent stays with the participants throughout the entire study. Answer: b Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 58 Skill: Factual Objective: Apply the ethical principles of scientific research to examples. 105) Confidentiality requires researchers to do which of the following? a. Provide complete anonymity when collecting data. b. Erase all confidential data as soon as the results of the study are published. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 56 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research c. Use a double-blind procedure. d. Remove any specific information that can be connected with a participant when sharing data. Correct: Researchers cannot always guarantee complete anonymity when collecting data, but they must at least provide confidentiality. There are at least two parts to confidentiality. First, researchers cannot share specific data or observations that can be connected with an individual. Second, all records must be kept securely (for example, in a password-protected database or locked filing cabinet) so that identities cannot be revealed unintentionally. These records should be kept for a reasonable amount of time, even after the study has been published. Answer: d Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Reference: 58 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Apply the ethical principles of scientific research to examples. 106) Dr. Nolen wants to know the effects of removing portions of one's hippocampi on long-term memory, in the hopes of one day finding a cure for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The subjects for his study are most likely to be ___________. a. humans b. nonhuman animals c. robots d. insects Correct: Some research cannot ethically be conducted on humans, so nonhuman animals (most often mice or rats) are used instead. When researching human diseases, the closer the animal is to humans, the more likely it is that the results will generalize to people. Answer: b Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Reference: 58–59 Skill: Applied Objective: Understand why animals are often used in scientific research. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 57 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research 107) According to your text, which of the following is true of the use of animal research in psychology? a. Animal research is important for several reasons, but it requires attention to many of the same ethical issues that apply to human research. b. All animal research must be ended as soon as is possible because it is generally cruel. c. Animal research is misguided because psychology is the study of human behaviour. d. Animal research is useful because risk and discomfort to non-human subjects do not need to be addressed. Correct: There are several reasons to use non-human subjects in psychology research, especially when a procedure would be unethical on humans. However, many of the same ethical considerations for human research also apply to animal research, including the importance of minimizing unnecessary risk and discomfort. Answer: a Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Reference: 58–59 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand why animals are often used in scientific research. 108) Which of the following is an advantage of using non-human subjects in psychology research? a. Research on non-humans does not have to be reviewed by ethics committees. b. Many lab animals have relatively short life spans, so several generations can be observed. c. Researchers do not have to justify risk and discomfort by the potential scientific value of the research. d. There are no advantages of animal research over human research. Correct: Genetic research requires species with much shorter life spans than our own so that several successive generations can be observed. Animal research is reviewed by committees for ethical treatment, which requires any risk or discomfort to be justified, just as it is for human subjects. Answer: b Diff: 2 Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 58 of 59  Krause, Corts, Dolderman, Smith, Psychological Science, Canadian Edition, Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research Type: MC Page Reference: 58–59 Skill: Conceptual Objective: Understand why animals are often used in scientific research. Copyright © 2015 Pearson Canada Inc. Page 59 of 59