Research methods in Psychology

Question 1

What is the primary goal of psychological research?

Answer 1

To understand and explain behavior and mental processes.

Question 2

True or False: A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

Answer 3

Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences and meanings, while quantitative research focuses on measuring variables and analyzing numerical data.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The ________ variable is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.

Answer 4

independent

Question 5

What type of research design involves observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulation?

Answer 5

Naturalistic observation

Question 6

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of correlational research? A) Positive correlation B) Negative correlation C) Experimental correlation D) Zero correlation

Answer 6

C) Experimental correlation

Question 7

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

Answer 7

To provide a baseline for comparison against the experimental group.

Question 8

True or False: Random assignment helps ensure that participants in different groups are equivalent at the start of the experiment.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What does the term ‘operational definition’ refer to in research?

Answer 9

A clear explanation of how variables are measured or manipulated in a study.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: A ________ study examines the same participants over a period of time.

Answer 10

longitudinal

Question 11

What is the main advantage of using surveys in psychological research?

Answer 11

They can gather data from a large number of participants quickly and efficiently.

Question 12

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a limitation of case studies? A) They provide in-depth information B) They are time-consuming C) They can be generalized to the population D) All of the above

Answer 12

B) They are time-consuming

Question 13

What does ‘external validity’ refer to in research?

Answer 13

The extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized to real-world settings.

Question 14

True or False: A double-blind study means that neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the experimental group.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What is a main ethical consideration in psychological research?

Answer 15

Informed consent from participants.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The ________ effect refers to changes in behavior that occur when participants know they are being observed.

Answer 16

Hawthorne

Question 17

What type of sampling method involves selecting participants based on their availability?

Answer 17

Convenience sampling

Question 18

Multiple choice: Which statistical measure indicates the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables? A) Mean B) Median C) Mode D) Correlation coefficient

Answer 18

D) Correlation coefficient

Question 19

What is the purpose of using a placebo in experimental research?

Answer 19

To control for the effects of participants’ expectations.

Question 20

True or False: Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the characteristics of a data set.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What is the main focus of experimental research?

Answer 21

To determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: The ________ variable is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Answer 22

dependent

Question 23

What type of research design compares different groups at a single point in time?

Answer 23

Cross-sectional study

Question 24

Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a non-experimental research method? A) Laboratory experiment B) Field experiment C) Survey D) Randomized control trial

Answer 24

C) Survey

Question 25

What does 'statistical significance' indicate in research findings?

Answer 25

That the results are unlikely to have occurred by chance.

Question 26

True or False: A sample is a subset of a population used to represent the larger group.

Answer 26

True

Question 27

What is the purpose of a literature review in research?

Answer 27

To summarize existing research and identify gaps in knowledge.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: The ________ method involves manipulating one variable to observe its effect on another variable in a controlled environment.

Answer 28

experimental

Question 29

What is the main limitation of correlational research?

Answer 29

It cannot establish causation between variables.

Question 30

Multiple choice: Which type of research design allows for the most control over extraneous variables? A) Observational study B) Case study C) Experimental study D) Longitudinal study

Answer 30

C) Experimental study