Research Methods in Psychology: Interactive Learning Quizzes for Sixth Form College

Question 1

In research, which concept refers to the extent to which a study is conducted in a realistic and meaningful setting?

Accepted Answer

Ecological validity

Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Question 2

In psychology, which data collection method involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its impact on a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Experiment

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Introspection

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Question 4

When designing a correlational study, which of these is a primary factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

Type of data collected

Answer

Random assignment of participants

Answer

Number of variables studied

Answer

Age of participants

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a type of quantitative research design?

Accepted Answer

Narrative design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Longitudinal design

Question 6

Which of the following is a sampling method that does not involve randomly selecting participants?

Accepted Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Systematic random sampling

Answer

Stratified random sampling

Question 7

Which of the following is a non-probability sampling method?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 8

In psychological research, what is the main purpose of random sampling?

Accepted Answer

To give every member of the population an equal chance of being chosen for the sample.

Answer

To choose a sample that is as big as possible.

Answer

To choose a sample that is easy to reach.

Answer

To choose a sample that represents a particular group within the population.

Question 9

To ensure objectivity and prevent biased results, which characteristic is essential when formulating a research question?

Accepted Answer

Absence of bias

Answer

Specificity

Answer

Testability

Answer

Relevance to existing research

Question 10

Which of the following is a measure of how spread out a set of data is?

Accepted Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

Mean

Answer

Median

Answer

Mode

Question 11

In psychological research, what is a primary ethical obligation researchers must uphold?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Answer

Intentionally misleading participants to protect the study's integrity

Answer

Ignoring the potential societal impact of the research findings

Answer

Conducting research only on individuals unable to give consent

Question 12

In designing a research study, which characteristic is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Controlling for potential confounding variables

Answer

Relying on personal beliefs and assumptions

Answer

Using a small sample size to save time and resources

Answer

Not requiring replication by other researchers

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a type of research design used in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Narrative

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Mixed methods

Question 14

Which research method is NOT directly linked to determining the validity of a study?

Accepted Answer

Use of a convenience sample

Answer

Random assignment of participants to conditions

Answer

Replication of findings across multiple studies

Answer

Use of reliable and standardized measures

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used research method in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Introspection

Answer

Experimental Method

Answer

Correlational Method

Answer

Observational Method

Question 16

Which of the following is a method of combining results from multiple studies?

Accepted Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Qualitative research

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a threat to the internal validity of a psychological experiment?

Accepted Answer

External validity

Answer

Participant bias

Answer

Confounding variables

Question 18

In psychological research, why are reliability and internal consistency essential?

Accepted Answer

Reliability ensures that a study can be replicated and produce consistent results.

Accepted Answer

Internal consistency indicates that the items in a measure assess the same underlying concept.

Answer

Reliability is less important than statistical significance.

Answer

Internal consistency is not necessary for measures with only one item.

Question 19

In psychology, which concept measures the extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to a wider population?

Accepted Answer

Generalizability

Answer

Validity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Bias

Question 20

In mixed methods research, a primary challenge arises when:

Accepted Answer

Interpreting the combined findings to gain a comprehensive understanding

Answer

Choosing methods that align with the research question

Answer

Ensuring consistency in the research design

Question 21

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Provides a low level of generalizability to the wider population.

Answer

Provides in-depth understanding and insights into participants' experiences.

Answer

Allows for the exploration of complex phenomena that may not be easily quantifiable.

Question 22

In psychological research, which ethical principle is crucial when working with vulnerable participants?

Accepted Answer

Participants deserve dignity and respect.

Answer

Deception is acceptable if benefits outweigh risks.

Answer

Personal information can be used without consent.

Answer

Debriefing is not necessary after deception.

Question 23

In psychological research, what is the commonly accepted threshold for statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

0.05

Answer

0.10

Answer

0.01

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a recognized research method in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Divination

Answer

Survey

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Observation

Question 25

What is a potential benefit of using self-report data in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It can be collected quickly from many participants.

Answer

It is inexpensive.

Answer

It is objective and reliable.

Answer

It eliminates experimenter bias.

Question 26

Which reliability assessment method involves giving the same research instrument to the same group of participants multiple times?

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability

Answer

Inter-rater reliability

Answer

Parallel-forms reliability

Answer

Split-half reliability

Question 27

In psychological research, what is the standard threshold for determining statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

0.05

Answer

0.01

Answer

0.10

Answer

0.20

Question 28

Which sampling method involves selecting every nth person from a population list?

Accepted Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 29

Internal validity refers to the extent to which:

Accepted Answer

The study's design and procedures minimize threats to the cause-effect relationship.

Answer

A study's findings can be applied to other contexts.

Answer

The researcher is unbiased in their approach.

Answer

The research design is experimental.

Question 30

In research methods, what is the non-probability sampling technique where participants are recruited through referrals?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 31

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using statistical software in data analysis?

Accepted Answer

Requires statistical expertise

Answer

Facilitates complex statistical calculations

Answer

Automates data entry and cleaning

Answer

Enhances data visualization

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a method used to assess the reliability of a research instrument?

Accepted Answer

Content validity

Answer

Test-retest method

Answer

Internal consistency analysis

Answer

Inter-rater reliability analysis

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of validity in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Face validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

Construct validity

Question 34

In hypothesis testing, a researcher makes a prediction about the outcome of a study. What is the term for the prediction made by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis

Answer

Theory

Question 35

Which ethical principle requires researchers to get participants' consent before involving them in a study?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Deception

Answer

Prioritizing researcher interests

Answer

Data confidentiality

Question 36

Which experimental design is considered the most reliable and unbiased due to its use of random assignment?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Question 37

Which of the following is a random sampling method where participants are selected based on specific characteristics to ensure representation from different subgroups within the population?

Accepted Answer

Stratified random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 38

Which of the following poses a threat to the reliability of a research instrument?

Accepted Answer

Observer bias

Answer

Using a large sample size

Answer

Using a structured observation schedule

Answer

Cross-checking data with other measures

Question 39

In psychological research, when is it ethically acceptable to use deception?

Accepted Answer

When essential for research goals and no alternatives exist.

Answer

Never, as it violates participant rights.

Answer

When participants are informed beforehand.

Answer

When it benefits participants in the long term.

Question 40

In psychological research with human participants, which action is unethical?

Accepted Answer

Withholding important information to prevent bias.

Answer

Obtaining informed consent before involving participants.

Answer

Prioritizing participants' well-being and safety.

Answer

Protecting participants' privacy by keeping data anonymous or confidential.

Question 41

Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods in psychology, discussing their key differences, similarities, advantages, and disadvantages.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research methods yield more generalizable results than qualitative methods.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research methods are more suitable for exploratory research questions, while quantitative methods are more appropriate for confirmatory research questions.

Answer

Qualitative and quantitative research methods are fundamentally different and cannot be used to address the same research questions.

Answer

Qualitative research methods are more objective than quantitative methods.

Question 42

Operationalizing variables in psychology involves:

Accepted Answer

Making variables measurable and specific

Answer

Preventing researcher bias

Answer

Increasing sample size

Answer

Ensuring ethical practices

Question 43

A distinction between a hypothesis and a theory is that a:

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis is a specific prediction, while a theory is a broader explanation.

Answer

Theory is a hypothesis that has been proven correct

Answer

Hypothesis and theory are synonymous.

Answer

There is no difference between a hypothesis and a theory.

Question 44

The primary reason for employing a control group in an experiment is to:

Accepted Answer

Control for confounding variables

Answer

Contrast the effects of various treatments

Answer

Increase the number of participants

Answer

Comply with ethical guidelines

Question 45

Which form of data analysis focuses on determining statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

Inferential statistics

Answer

Descriptive statistics

Answer

Correlation analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 46

In research, what is the primary purpose of effect size?

Accepted Answer

To measure the strength of a relationship or difference.

Answer

To determine the necessary sample size for a study.

Answer

To ensure the replicability of research findings.

Answer

To be used exclusively in qualitative research.

Question 47

Which of the following is a factor that enhances the generalizability of research findings?

Accepted Answer

Replication

Answer

Sampling bias

Answer

Demand characteristics

Question 48

What is the primary purpose of operationalizing variables in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To make them more measurable and observable

Answer

To reduce researcher bias

Answer

To increase the validity of the research findings

Answer

To improve the clarity of the research question

Question 49

What is the main distinction between a hypothesis and a research question?

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses are specific predictions, while research questions are more general

Answer

Hypotheses are testable, while research questions are not

Answer

Research questions are testable, while hypotheses are not

Answer

Research questions are less biased than hypotheses

Question 50

In an experimental research design, what is the primary function of a control group?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group

Answer

To eliminate bias from the research findings

Answer

To increase the validity of the research conclusions

Answer

To ensure that the research is conducted ethically

Question 51

In a psychological study aiming to identify factors influencing academic performance, what is the main purpose of conducting a literature review?

Accepted Answer

To summarize existing knowledge and identify gaps in research

Answer

To generate a hypothesis to be tested

Answer

To select appropriate research methods

Answer

To anticipate potential ethical issues

Question 52

Which of the following research methods involves gathering numerical data from participants using a structured questionnaire or interview?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study

Answer

Observation

Answer

Focus group

Question 53

In an experiment investigating the effects of different study techniques on exam performance, what is the independent variable being manipulated by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Study technique

Answer

Exam performance

Answer

Age of participants

Answer

Gender of participants

Question 54

Which statistical test is most appropriate to determine if there is a significant difference between the mean scores of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Correlation

Question 55

Which research method involves exploring and understanding the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals, often through in-depth interviews or observations?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Correlational research

Question 56

Which of the following is NOT a key step in the scientific method in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Publishing the results

Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Answer

Collecting and analyzing data

Answer

Drawing conclusions

Question 57

Which type of sampling method randomly selects participants from the population of interest?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 58

Which type of research design involves comparing two or more groups that differ on one or more independent variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Case study design

Answer

Observational design

Question 59

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

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison

Answer

To manipulate the independent variable

Answer

To measure the dependent variable

Answer

To replicate the study

Question 60

Which type of validity refers to the accuracy with which a measure represents the concept it is intended to measure?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

Statistical validity

Question 61

What is the primary responsibility of research ethics committees in ensuring the ethical conduct of psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing and approving research proposals to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines

Answer

Conducting research studies on behalf of researchers

Answer

Disseminating research findings in academic publications

Answer

Providing therapeutic support to research participants

Question 62

What is a primary benefit of using qualitative research methods in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Provides in-depth understanding of individual experiences

Answer

Allows for broad generalizations to a large population

Answer

Focuses on precise measurement and statistical analysis

Question 63

Which of these is NOT a core principle for designing strong psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Collecting data using multiple methods

Answer

Controlling for confounding variables

Answer

Randomly assigning participants to groups

Question 64

Why is operationalizing variables crucial in psychological research, and how does it enhance the accuracy and reliability of research findings?

Accepted Answer

Operationalizing variables clarifies their definition and measurement, reducing ambiguity and improving data collection accuracy.

Answer

Operationalization aids in generalizing research findings to larger populations, enhancing research representativeness.

Answer

Operationalization is unnecessary in qualitative research because it emphasizes subjective experiences.