Master Experimental Design in Psychology: Quizzes and Practice

Question 1

In an experiment, what is the primary function of a control group?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a comparison for the experimental group

Answer

To eliminate potential biases

Answer

To ensure the reliability of the results

Answer

To enhance the validity of the experiment

Question 2

In a within-subjects design, participants experience:

Accepted Answer

Different conditions in random order within the same group.

Answer

Different conditions in different groups.

Answer

Matched characteristics before group assignment.

Answer

All experimental conditions in a counterbalanced order.

Question 3

A double-blind experiment is one where:

Accepted Answer

Neither the participants nor the researcher know the experimental condition.

Answer

The participants know the experimental condition, but the researcher does not.

Answer

The researcher knows the experimental condition, but the participants do not.

Answer

The participants are matched on key characteristics before being assigned to groups.

Question 4

Which of the following statistical tests would be used to analyze the results of a two-group experiment with a categorical dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

chi-squared test

Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Correlation

Question 5

The researcher's expectations can influence the results of an experiment through:

Accepted Answer

Experimenter bias

Answer

Participant bias

Answer

Placebo effect

Answer

Confounding variables

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Observational study

Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison and control for extraneous variables

Answer

To ensure that the independent variable is the only factor influencing the dependent variable

Answer

To increase the reliability of the results

Answer

To enhance the generalisability of the findings

Question 8

What is the fundamental distinction between an independent variable and a dependent variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the outcome being observed and measured.

Answer

The dependent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the independent variable is the outcome being observed and measured.

Answer

Both variables are manipulated by the researcher.

Answer

Neither variable is manipulated by the researcher.

Question 9

What is the primary advantage of counterbalancing in experimental design?

Accepted Answer

It helps to control for order effects, ensuring that the sequence of experimental conditions does not influence the results.

Answer

It increases the reliability of the findings by reducing random error.

Answer

It reduces the risk of experimenter bias by blinding the experimenter to the experimental conditions.

Answer

It enhances the generalisability of the results to different populations.

Question 10

What is the first crucial step in the process of designing a psychological experiment?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a clear and specific research question

Answer

Selecting a representative sample of participants

Answer

Developing a hypothesis or prediction

Answer

Choosing an appropriate experimental design

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a type of experimental design commonly used in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Survey design

Answer

Repeated measures design

Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison and eliminate the possibility of alternative explanations

Answer

To measure the effect of the independent variable

Answer

To ensure that the results are not due to chance

Answer

To reduce the effects of confounding variables

Question 13

What is the fundamental distinction between independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is the outcome being measured.

Answer

The dependent variable is manipulated by the experimenter, while the independent variable is the outcome being measured.

Answer

Both variables are manipulated by the experimenter.

Answer

Both variables are outcomes being measured.

Question 14

What is a primary advantage of using a matched-pairs design in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

It minimizes the influence of individual differences between participants.

Answer

It increases the overall sample size.

Answer

It simplifies the process of controlling for confounding variables.

Answer

It is less time-consuming and costly to conduct.

Question 15

What is the null hypothesis in an experimental study?

Accepted Answer

The statement that there is no effect of the independent variable.

Answer

The statement that there is an effect of the independent variable.

Answer

The statement that the results are due to chance.

Answer

The statement that the results are significant.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a between-subjects design?

Accepted Answer

Participants are assigned to different groups based on a pre-existing characteristic.

Answer

Participants receive the same treatment in different orders.

Answer

Participants complete the same task twice, with different experimental conditions.

Question 17

Ethical considerations are an important aspect of experimental design. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 18

In experimental design, which method is most effective in reducing bias and the impact of confounding variables?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Answer

Matching participants

Answer

Blinding participants and researchers

Answer

Using placebo groups

Question 19

In an experiment, what is the purpose of a control group?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing the impact of extraneous variables

Answer

Comparing the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable

Answer

Enlarging the sample size

Answer

Adding complexity to the experiment

Question 20

Which example represents a between-subjects design?

Accepted Answer

Randomly assigning participants to either the experimental or control group

Answer

Testing participants before and after applying the experimental treatment

Answer

Matching participants based on specific traits before group assignment

Answer

Observing participants in their natural settings

Question 21

What is the primary advantage of employing a within-subjects design?

Accepted Answer

Diminished influence of extraneous variables

Answer

Reduced sample size requirement

Answer

Greater complexity of experimental manipulations

Answer

Enhanced convenience for the researcher

Question 22

What is the fundamental distinction between descriptive and experimental experiments?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive experiments describe phenomena, while experimental experiments test hypotheses

Answer

Experimental experiments are more intricate than descriptive experiments

Answer

Descriptive experiments omit control groups, unlike experimental experiments

Answer

Descriptive experiments are more prevalent in psychology than experimental experiments

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.

Answer

To reduce the variability of the results.

Answer

To eliminate the effects of extraneous variables.

Answer

To increase the sample size.

Question 24

What is the distinction between an independent variable and a dependent variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the factor being manipulated by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is the resulting outcome.

Answer

The dependent variable is the factor being manipulated by the experimenter, while the independent variable is the resulting outcome.

Answer

Both variables are dependent on each other.

Answer

There is no difference between independent and dependent variables.

Question 25

What is the main goal of random assignment in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the impact of pre-existing differences between participants.

Answer

To ensure equal distribution of participants across all experimental conditions.

Answer

To increase the accuracy of the results.

Answer

To eliminate the need for a control group.

Question 26

What is the key difference between a population and a sample?

Accepted Answer

The population is the entire group of interest, while the sample is a subset of the population.

Answer

The sample is the entire group of interest, while the population is a subset of the sample.

Answer

The population and the sample are synonymous.

Answer

There is no distinction between a population and a sample.

Question 27

What is the primary function of a hypothesis in an experimental design?

Accepted Answer

To guide the research and make predictions about the results.

Answer

To explain the findings of the study.

Answer

To provide evidence in support of a particular theory.

Answer

To increase the validity of the research.

Question 28

In psychological experiments, what is the placebo effect?

Accepted Answer

A perceived benefit experienced by participants who believe they are receiving an active treatment, even though they are actually receiving an inert substance.

Answer

A negative reaction experienced by participants as a result of taking an experimental medication.

Answer

A type of experimental design that involves randomly assigning participants to receive either an active treatment or a placebo.

Answer

A treatment that has been scientifically proven to be effective.

Question 29

Which of the following is an essential characteristic of a control group in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

It is randomly assigned to the experimental group or matched to the experimental group on all relevant variables.

Answer

It receives the same treatment as the experimental group.

Answer

It is larger than the experimental group.

Question 30

Which type of experimental design involves randomly assigning participants to different groups and manipulating the independent variable between groups?

Accepted Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Factorial design

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Within-subjects design

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of a double-blind experiment?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate bias from both the participants and the experimenter.

Answer

To increase the sample size.

Answer

To reduce the cost of the experiment.

Question 32

Which of the following is a threat to internal validity that can occur when participants are not randomly assigned to groups?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias

Answer

External validity

Answer

Confounding variables

Answer

Demand characteristics

Question 33

What is the key distinction between a hypothesis and a theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction, while a theory is a broad, well-supported explanation for a set of observations.

Answer

A hypothesis is a guess, while a theory is a fact.

Answer

A hypothesis is a law, while a theory is a principle.

Question 34

Which of the following measures quantifies the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlation coefficient

Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

T-test

Answer

Mean

Question 35

What is the primary purpose of a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To test the feasibility, practicality, and potential problems of a research study before conducting the main study.

Answer

To collect data for the main study.

Answer

To train the researchers involved in the study.

Answer

To test the hypothesis of the study.

Question 36

What is the primary role of the independent variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

To cause or influence a change in the dependent variable.

Answer

To measure the effect of the dependent variable.

Answer

To control for other variables that might affect the dependent variable.

Answer

To make the experiment more interesting.

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

To serve as a baseline for comparison, isolating the effects of the independent variable

Answer

To introduce bias into the experiment

Answer

To manipulate the independent variable in a different way

Answer

To increase the sample size and enhance statistical power

Question 38

Which type of experimental design is appropriate when the researcher wants to simultaneously examine the effects of two or more independent variables on a single dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Factorial design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Answer

Cross-sectional design

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Question 39

What is a key benefit of using a within-subjects design?

Accepted Answer

It reduces variability due to individual differences, enhancing the internal validity of the experiment.

Answer

It increases the likelihood of finding a statistically significant result, regardless of the actual effect size.

Answer

It increases the sample size, potentially increasing statistical power.

Answer

It eliminates the need for a control group, simplifying the experimental setup.

Question 40

What should be the primary ethical consideration when designing an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the rights and well-being of the participants.

Answer

Minimizing the cost and maximizing resources for the experiment.

Answer

Ensuring the validity and reliability of the results over ethical concerns.

Answer

Maximizing the number of participants to enhance generalizability.

Question 41

What is the main purpose of conducting a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To test the feasibility and effectiveness of the experimental design, identifying potential issues.

Answer

To collect preliminary data for the main study.

Answer

To determine the ideal sample size for the main study.

Question 42

Explain the fundamental distinction between an independent variable and a dependent variable.

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated or controlled by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the outcome or response being measured.

Answer

The dependent variable is manipulated, while the independent variable is measured by the researcher.

Answer

The independent variable is qualitative, whereas the dependent variable is quantitative.