Research Methods in Psychology PDF

Research Methods in Psychology ============================== Which of the following is the primary advantage of the experimental method in psychological research? a. It allows researchers to study large populations. b. It can determine cause-and-effect relationships. c. It provides detailed...

Research Methods in Psychology ============================== Which of the following is the primary advantage of the experimental method in psychological research? a. It allows researchers to study large populations. b. It can determine cause-and-effect relationships. c. It provides detailed information about individual cases. d. It can observe natural behaviors without intervention. In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated by the researcher is called the: a. Dependent variable b. Control variable c. Independent variable d. Extraneous variable Correlational research differs from experimental research because: a. It does not manipulate variables and cannot determine cause-and-effect relationships. b. It uses controlled laboratory settings. c. It manipulates variables to determine causality. d. It involves only qualitative data. 2\. Experimental Design and Bias A double-blind study is used to: a\) Ensure that only the participants are unaware of the treatment they are receiving. b\) Eliminate experimenter bias and participant bias by ensuring that neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the experimental group. c\) Ensure that the sample is representative of the population. d\) Ensure that all variables are controlled. Sampling bias occurs when: a\) The sample is too small to produce valid results. b\) The sample does not accurately reflect the population being studied. c\) Researchers consciously influence the participants. d\) Random assignment is used in the study. Experimenter bias refers to: a\) The tendency of participants to respond in ways they think the researcher wants. b\) Unconscious influences of the researcher\'s expectations on the outcome of the study. c\) The selection of an unrepresentative sample for the experiment. d\) The inability to control extraneous variables. 3\. Ethics in Psychological Research Which of the following is NOT a basic ethical guideline in psychological research with human participants? a\) Participants must give informed consent. b\) Researchers must keep participants\' data confidential. c\) Researchers can deceive participants as long as the deception is revealed afterward. d\) Participants must be told about the hypothesis of the study before participating. The use of animals in psychological research is often justified because: a\) Animals are less expensive to use than human participants. b\) Some research cannot ethically be conducted with humans, but is important for understanding behavior. c\) It is easier to control extraneous variables in animal research. d\) Animal behavior is more predictable than human behavior. 4\. Descriptive and Correlational Research In a correlational study, a positive correlation indicates that: a\) Both variables increase together. b\) One variable increases while the other decreases. c\) The relationship between the variables is random. d\) Both variables decrease together. A case study is best described as: a\) A research method where a large population is studied using questionnaires. b\) An in-depth examination of an individual or a small group of people. c\) A study that focuses on the correlation between two variables. d\) A research method that uses experimental manipulation. One of the limitations of correlational research is: a\) It is time-consuming and expensive. b\) It is not useful for predicting behavior. c\) It cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships. d\) It relies on random assignment of participants. 5\. The Scientific Method and Statistics The scientific method involves which of the following steps? a\) Formulating a hypothesis, gathering data, analyzing data, and reporting findings b\) Observing behavior, finding correlations, and reporting findings c\) Generating a theory, gathering qualitative data, and forming a conclusion d\) Conducting experiments, making conclusions, and forming a hypothesis In psychological research, statistical significance refers to: a\) The importance of the results to the research field. b\) The probability that the observed findings are due to chance. c\) The size of the difference between the experimental and control groups. d\) The relevance of the data to the hypothesis. Central tendency in descriptive statistics includes which of the following measures? a\) Mean, median, and mode b\) Correlation coefficient and standard deviation c\) Probability and sample size d\) Experimental and control groups 6\. Common Issues in Psychological Research Replication of research studies is important because: a\) It ensures that the results are accurate and not due to chance. b\) It allows researchers to try different hypotheses. c\) It provides statistical significance to the data. d\) It eliminates experimenter bias. One of the major challenges in psychological research is overcoming subjectivity. This can be addressed by: a\) Collecting qualitative data. b\) Controlling extraneous variables and using objective measures. c\) Relying on case studies to avoid bias. d\) Using correlational research rather than experiments. 7\. Correlation vs. Causation Which of the following statements is correct about correlation? a\) A correlation proves that one variable causes changes in another. b\) A strong correlation always indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. c\) Correlation only shows that two variables are related, but not that one causes the other. d\) Correlation shows that the variables are unrelated. If researchers find a negative correlation between two variables, it means that: a\) Both variables increase together. b\) One variable increases while the other decreases. c\) There is no relationship between the variables. d\) Both variables decrease together. 51\. Neal Miller Neal Miller is known for: a\) His work on the unconscious mind and psychoanalysis. b\) Conducting research that combined behavioral and physiological approaches to psychology. c\) Establishing the principles of social psychology. d\) Developing humanistic psychology. 52\. Robert Rosenthal Robert Rosenthal is best known for: a\) His studies on statistical analysis in psychology. b\) Research on the placebo effect and experimenter expectancy effects. c\) Developing theories on cognitive development in children. d\) His work in psychoanalytic therapy. 53\. Stanley Schachter Stanley Schachter is famous for: a\) His research on the influence of social factors on behavior and emotion. b\) Conducting experiments on cognitive dissonance. c\) His work in operant conditioning. d\) Establishing the first psychological laboratory. 39\. Research Methods Research methods in psychology refer to: a\) The tools and techniques used to investigate psychological phenomena. b\) The hypotheses formed before conducting a study. c\) The statistical analyses performed after data collection. d\) The personal beliefs of researchers. 40\. Response Set A response set occurs when: a\) Participants provide consistent responses regardless of the question content, often to appear socially desirable. b\) Participants guess the correct answer in a study. c\) The researcher influences participants\' responses. d\) A sample is selected randomly from the population. 41\. Sample (Weiten and McCann contrast to \"Population\") A sample is: a\) The entire group of interest in a study. b\) A subset of the population selected for participation in a study. c\) The control group in an experiment. d\) The average score of all participants in a study. 42\. Sampling Bias Sampling bias occurs when: a\) Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. b\) The sample does not accurately represent the population from which it is drawn. c\) The sample size is too large to be manageable. d\) Random assignment is used effectively. 43\. Social Desirability Bias Social desirability bias is: a\) The tendency of participants to respond in a way that is perceived as favorable or acceptable by others. b\) The bias that occurs when researchers influence participants\' responses. c\) A bias resulting from selecting a non-representative sample. d\) The tendency for participants to behave differently when they know they are being observed. 44\. Statistical Significance Statistical significance indicates: a\) The findings of a study are likely due to chance. b\) The likelihood that the observed results are not due to random chance, typically at a threshold of less than 0.05. c\) That the sample size is large enough to make a conclusion. d\) The differences observed in the data are trivial. 45\. Statistics Statistics in psychology are used to: a\) Calculate averages and summarize data. b\) Analyze and interpret data collected from research. c\) Determine the significance of research findings. d\) All of the above. 46\. Survey A survey is: a\) A method of conducting experiments in a laboratory setting. b\) A research method used to gather data from a large group through questionnaires or interviews. c\) A technique for observing behavior in natural settings. d\) An analysis of existing data to draw conclusions. 47\. Standard A standard in research refers to: a\) The method used to collect data. b\) The average score of a group. c\) A consistent measure or benchmark used for comparison in research. d\) A statistical term indicating the central tendency. 48\. Theory A theory in psychology is: a\) A statement that predicts the outcome of a specific experiment. b\) A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence. c\) An isolated finding that cannot be generalized. d\) A simple guess about behavior. 49\. Variability Variability refers to: a\) The consistency of scores in a data set. b\) The degree to which scores in a data set differ from each other. c\) The average score of all participants in a study. d\) The relationship between two variables. 50\. Variables In research, variables are: a\) Constants that do not change throughout the study. b\) Factors that can vary or change within the context of a study, including independent and dependent variables. c\) The fixed outcomes of an experiment. d\) The data collected during the study. 1\. Anecdotal Evidence Anecdotal evidence refers to: a\) Research data gathered from large, randomized samples. b\) Personal stories or isolated examples that may not be scientifically valid. c\) Data collected through controlled experiments. d\) A statistical measure of cause and effect. 2\. Case Study A case study involves: a\) Analyzing the behavior of large populations. b\) An in-depth study of an individual or small group. c\) A correlational analysis between two variables. d\) Observing a sample in a laboratory setting. 3\. Confounding of Variables A confounding variable is: a\) A variable that is deliberately manipulated in a study. b\) An external factor that may unintentionally affect the dependent variable. c\) The variable being measured in the experiment. d\) The controlled variable in a study. 4\. Control Group In an experiment, the control group is: a\) The group that receives the treatment. b\) The group that does not receive the treatment and serves as a comparison. c\) The group that is exposed to all experimental conditions. d\) The group that receives a placebo treatment. 5\. Correlation A correlation refers to: a\) A cause-and-effect relationship between two variables. b\) A statistical relationship between two variables. c\) An experimental manipulation of variables. d\) The use of random assignment in an experiment. 6\. Correlation Coefficient The correlation coefficient indicates: a\) The likelihood that an observed relationship occurred by chance. b\) The strength and direction of the relationship between two variables. c\) The percentage of participants who showed a response to treatment. d\) The effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable. 7\. Correlational Research Correlational research is used to: a\) Determine cause-and-effect relationships. b\) Identify whether there is a relationship between two variables without manipulation. c\) Control extraneous variables in a study. d\) Investigate individual cases in depth. 8\. Data Collection Techniques Which of the following is a common data collection technique? a\) Random assignment b\) Surveys c\) Sampling bias d\) Control groups 9\. Dependent Variable The dependent variable in an experiment is: a\) The variable manipulated by the researcher. b\) The variable that is measured and expected to change in response to the independent variable. c\) The confounding variable in the study. d\) The random variable in the experiment. 10\. Descriptive Statistics Descriptive statistics are used to: a\) Test hypotheses and infer conclusions. b\) Summarize and organize data in a meaningful way. c\) Analyze the relationship between two variables. d\) Manipulate variables to observe outcomes. 11\. Double-Blind Procedure A double-blind procedure is designed to: a\) Keep participants unaware of the purpose of the study. b\) Prevent both the participants and the experimenters from knowing which group is receiving the treatment. c\) Ensure participants are randomly assigned to groups. d\) Prevent extraneous variables from influencing the outcome. 12\. Ethical Guidelines Which of the following is a key ethical guideline in psychological research? a\) Ensuring participants are always aware of the study's true purpose. b\) Obtaining informed consent from participants. c\) Avoiding the use of deception under any circumstances. d\) Requiring researchers to disclose results only to participants. 13\. Experiment An experiment is a research method that: a\) Describes behavior in a natural setting. b\) Examines cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables. c\) Studies the relationship between two non-manipulated variables. d\) Observes behavior in real-world environments. 14\. Experimental Group In an experiment, the experimental group: a\) Is the group that receives the experimental treatment. b\) Is the group that receives a placebo treatment. c\) Does not receive any treatment. d\) Is the group that remains constant throughout the study. 15\. Experimental Research The primary goal of experimental research is to: a\) Understand patterns of behavior in large populations. b\) Establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. c\) Observe natural behaviors without intervention. d\) Investigate individual differences in behavior. 16\. Experimenter Bias Experimenter bias occurs when: a\) The participants do not know which group they are in. b\) The researcher's expectations influence the outcome of the study. c\) Extraneous variables are not controlled. d\) Participants guess the purpose of the study. 17\. Extraneous Variables Extraneous variables are: a\) Variables that are intentionally manipulated in the study. b\) Factors other than the independent variable that could affect the dependent variable. c\) The variables that serve as controls in the experiment. d\) Unrelated factors that have no effect on the experiment. 18\. Frequency Distribution A frequency distribution is a: a\) Statistical method used to establish cause-and-effect relationships. b\) Table or graph showing how often different scores occur in a data set. c\) Technique for assigning participants to experimental groups. d\) Type of descriptive statistic used to calculate standard deviation. 19\. Frequency Polygon A frequency polygon is: a\) A type of graph used to plot the frequencies of different categories. b\) A descriptive statistic used to summarize data. c\) A correlational technique used in research. d\) A measure of central tendency. 20\. Hypothesis A hypothesis is: a\) A detailed description of research procedures. b\) A tentative statement that predicts a relationship between two variables. c\) The variable that is manipulated in an experiment. d\) A summary of the results of an experiment. 21\. Independent Variable The independent variable in an experiment is: a\) The variable that is measured to see if it changes. b\) The variable that is manipulated by the researcher. c\) The variable that remains constant throughout the experiment. d\) The variable affected by the manipulation. 22\. Inferential Statistics Inferential statistics are used to: a\) Summarize and describe data. b\) Determine whether the findings from a sample can be generalized to a population. c\) Calculate the mean, median, and mode. d\) Plot the distribution of scores in a data set. 23\. Journal A journal in the context of psychology refers to: a\) A diary of personal thoughts and reflections. b\) A periodical that publishes scholarly research articles in psychology. c\) A collection of statistical methods. d\) A notebook used for collecting raw data. 24\. Mean The mean is: a\) The most frequently occurring score in a data set. b\) The middle score in a distribution. c\) The sum of all scores divided by the number of scores. d\) A method used to display frequency distributions. 25\. Median The median is: a\) The most frequent score in a data set. b\) The average score of all participants. c\) The score that falls in the middle when all scores are arranged in order. d\) The range of scores in a data set. 26\. Meta-Analysis A meta-analysis is: a\) A study that examines a single case in depth. b\) A statistical method that combines the results of multiple studies to identify overall trends. c\) An experiment that measures two independent variables. d\) A technique used to assign participants randomly to groups. 27\. Mode The mode is: a\) The score that occurs most frequently in a data set. b\) The average score in a data set. c\) The middle score when all scores are ordered. d\) A measure of the variability of scores. 28\. Naturalistic Observation Naturalistic observation involves: a\) Manipulating variables in a controlled environment. b\) Observing behavior in its natural setting without interference. c\) Using statistical methods to analyze data. d\) Conducting experiments in a laboratory. 29\. Negatively Skewed Distribution A negatively skewed distribution is: a\) A distribution where most of the scores are high, with fewer low scores. b\) A distribution where the mean and median are the same. c\) A distribution where the tail points to the left, indicating more high scores. d\) A distribution with equal numbers of high and low scores. 30\. Normal Distribution A normal distribution is: a\) A distribution with a tail pointing to the left. b\) A symmetrical, bell-shaped curve where most scores cluster around the mean. c\) A skewed distribution with extreme outliers. d\) A distribution with an equal number of high and low scores. 31\. Operational Definition An operational definition refers to: a\) A hypothesis tested through observation. b\) A precise description of how variables will be measured or manipulated in a study. c\) A summary of the results of an experiment. d\) A method for randomly assigning participants to groups. 32\. Participants or Subjects Participants (or subjects) in psychological research are: a\) People or animals whose behavior is systematically observed in a study. b\) Researchers conducting the experiment. c\) Variables manipulated in the experiment. d\) Hypotheses tested by the study. 33\. Percentile Score A percentile score indicates: a\) The number of times a score occurs in a data set. b\) The proportion of scores below a particular value in a data set. c\) The average score in a distribution. d\) The standard deviation of the data. 34\. Placebo Effects The placebo effect occurs when: a\) Participants improve because of the actual treatment. b\) Participants experience changes because they believe they are receiving treatment, even though they aren't. c\) The independent variable causes changes in the dependent variable. d\) Experimenters manipulate the outcome of the study. 35\. Positively Skewed Distribution A positively skewed distribution is: a\) A symmetrical distribution where most scores are average. b\) A distribution where most scores are low, with fewer high scores. c\) A distribution where the mean and median are equal. d\) A distribution with an equal number of high and low scores. 36\. Random Assignment Random assignment ensures that: a\) Every participant in the study has an equal chance of being assigned to any group. b\) The same participants are used in every group of the experiment. c\) Participants are assigned to groups based on their characteristics. d\) The independent variable is not manipulated. 37\. Reactivity Reactivity occurs when: a\) Participants respond based on social desirability rather than truthfully. b\) Participants\' behavior changes because they know they are being observed. c\) The experimenter's expectations influence the study outcome. d\) Variables are randomly assigned in a study. 38\. Replication Replication in research refers to: a\) The manipulation of variables in an experiment. b\) Repeating a study to determine if the original findings can be duplicated. c\) Assigning participants to different groups. d\) Observing participants in their natural environments. 39\. Research Methods Research methods in psychology refer to: a\) The tools and techniques used to investigate psychological phenomena. b\) The hypotheses