Research Methods in Psychology: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

In psychological research, ethical principles are crucial. Which of the following are essential ethical guidelines that researchers must follow?

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants from potential physical or psychological harm

Answer

Prioritizing scientific objectivity over participant well-being

Answer

Obtaining informed consent only from participants over 18

Answer

Disclosing personal information about participants without their consent

Question 2

In psychological research, replication refers to repeating a study to verify its findings. What's the main reason for replication?

Accepted Answer

Confirming the reliability of the results

Answer

Evaluating the validity of the research design

Answer

Generalizing the results to a larger population

Answer

Determining the significance of the research question

Question 3

Which of the following is not a type of sampling error?

Accepted Answer

Measurement error

Answer

Sampling bias

Answer

Non-response error

Answer

Random error

Question 4

In psychological research, critically evaluate the use of animals, considering both the potential advantages and the ethical concerns.

Accepted Answer

Animal research is ethically acceptable when the potential benefits to humans outweigh the potential risks to animals and when strict ethical guidelines are followed to protect animal welfare.

Answer

Animal research is inherently unethical and should be prohibited.

Answer

The potential benefits of animal research always outweigh the ethical concerns.

Question 5

Define effect size and explain its importance in interpreting research findings.

Accepted Answer

Effect size is a numerical measure of the strength of the relationship between variables in a study.

Answer

Effect size indicates the number of participants in a study.

Answer

Effect size is only relevant when a study finds a statistically significant result.

Answer

Effect size is a qualitative measure that describes the direction of an effect.

Question 6

In psychological research, theories play a crucial role. Explain how theories influence the development of research questions, hypotheses, and the interpretation of findings.

Accepted Answer

Theories provide a framework for designing studies, formulating hypotheses, and interpreting results.

Answer

Theories solely interpret findings, not influencing research questions or hypotheses.

Answer

Theories have no impact on data collection in psychological research.

Answer

Theories apply only to qualitative research methods, not quantitative methods.

Question 7

What is the main purpose of a null hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To be disproved if the research findings are significant

Answer

To state the expected outcome of a study

Answer

To challenge the research hypothesis

Answer

To ensure that the research is conducted objectively

Question 8

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Data is collected through open-ended methods

Answer

Data is collected through structured questionnaires

Answer

Focuses on numerical analysis

Answer

Involves manipulating variables to observe cause-and-effect relationships

Question 9

How do validity and reliability differ in research?

Accepted Answer

Validity refers to the accuracy of the findings, while reliability refers to the consistency of the findings.

Answer

Reliability refers to the accuracy of the findings, while validity refers to the consistency of the findings.

Answer

Both validity and reliability refer to the accuracy of the findings.

Answer

Both validity and reliability refer to the consistency of the findings.

Question 10

Which ethical consideration in psychological research involves ensuring participants fully understand the study before participating?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Debriefing

Answer

Anonymity

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of conducting a power analysis?

Accepted Answer

To estimate the sample size required for a study

Answer

To calculate the probability of obtaining a statistically significant result

Answer

To assess the validity of the research findings

Answer

To determine the appropriate statistical test to use

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a measure of central tendency?

Accepted Answer

Range

Answer

Mean

Answer

Median

Answer

Mode

Question 13

What is the key distinction between correlation and causation?

Accepted Answer

A causation establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, while a correlation does not.

Answer

A correlation establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, while a causation does not.

Answer

Correlation and causation are essentially the same concept.

Answer

The direction of the relationship is reversed between correlation and causation.

Question 14

Which limitation of the experimental method is related to the artificial nature of the research environment?

Accepted Answer

Artificiality

Answer

Lack of generalisability

Answer

Ethical concerns

Answer

Demand characteristics

Question 15

What type of data collection method involves recording observations of behavior in a natural setting?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Survey

Answer

Interview

Question 16

What is the main purpose of a literature review?

Accepted Answer

Synthesize and summarize existing research on a topic

Answer

Introduce a new research question without any supporting evidence

Answer

Collect data for a new study

Answer

Evaluate the validity of research findings but not discuss the implications

Question 17

What is the ethical principle of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Participants must be fully informed about the study and their participation before agreeing to take part

Answer

Participants must be paid for their participation

Answer

Participants can withdraw from the study at any time

Answer

Participants' data will be kept confidential

Question 18

Which of the following is a sampling technique that ensures that all members of the population have an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 19

What is the main advantage of using a quasi-experimental design?

Accepted Answer

It can be used when it is not possible to randomly assign participants to conditions

Answer

It allows the researcher to control for more variables than an experimental design

Answer

It is less expensive and time-consuming than an experimental design

Answer

It is more likely to produce significant results than an experimental design

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of a between-subjects design?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the effects of different treatments on different groups of participants

Answer

Comparing the effects of different treatments on the same group of participants over time

Answer

Controlling for order effects

Answer

Increasing the statistical power of the study

Question 21

In research, what is the fundamental distinction between validity and reliability?

Accepted Answer

Validity assesses accuracy, while reliability measures consistency

Answer

Reliability measures accuracy, while validity measures consistency

Answer

Validity and reliability are interchangeable concepts

Answer

None of the aforementioned choices apply.

Question 22

Which of the following key principles of experimental design ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any of the experimental conditions?

Accepted Answer

Randomization

Answer

Control

Answer

Multiple independent variables

Answer

Double-blind procedure

Question 23

What is the main purpose of conducting a pilot study prior to a large-scale research investigation?

Accepted Answer

To collect preliminary data

Answer

To finalize the research design

Answer

To test the validity of the research instrument

Answer

To recruit participants

Question 24

Which of the following statistical measures represents the central value or 'average' of a set of data?

Accepted Answer

Mean

Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

Skewness

Answer

Kurtosis

Question 25

In an experimental design, what is the role of the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

It is the variable that the researcher manipulates or changes.

Answer

It is the variable that is measured or observed.

Answer

It is the variable that is controlled for.

Answer

It is the variable that is predicted to change.

Question 26

What is the ethical principle that requires researchers to obtain voluntary consent from participants before they participate in a study?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Debriefing

Answer

Protection from harm

Question 27

What is the primary function of a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To make a prediction about the outcome of a study

Answer

To explain the results of a study

Answer

To guide the design of a study

Answer

To ensure the reliability of a study

Question 28

Which of the following research methods involves administering questionnaires to a large number of participants?

Accepted Answer

Surveys

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Case studies

Question 29

In psychological research, what is the difference between a population and a sample?

Accepted Answer

A population is the entire group of interest, while a sample is a smaller, representative subset of that population.

Answer

A sample is the entire group of interest, while a population is a smaller, representative subset of that sample.

Answer

A population is the group of participants in a study, while a sample is the group of researchers conducting the study.

Answer

There is no difference between a population and a sample.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a crucial principle of experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Confounding

Answer

Control

Answer

Randomization

Answer

Manipulation

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of formulating a null hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To establish the anticipated outcome of a study

Answer

To test the effectiveness of an intervention

Answer

To demonstrate the efficacy of a specific treatment

Answer

To disprove the research hypothesis

Question 32

Which method of data collection is most suitable for gathering qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Survey

Answer

Observation

Answer

Experiment

Question 33

What is the distinguishing characteristic between a population and a sample?

Accepted Answer

A population encompasses the entire group, while a sample is a subset of that population.

Answer

A sample encompasses the entire group, while a population is a subset of that sample.

Answer

A population is a hypothetical group, whereas a sample is a real group.

Answer

There is no distinction between a population and a sample.

Question 34

Which statistical test is employed to determine the significance of a difference between two means?

Accepted Answer

T-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 35

What is the primary goal of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the research question and methodology

Answer

To secure funding for a research project

Answer

To disseminate the findings of a research study

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of a research study

Question 36

Which ethical principle mandates that researchers obtain informed consent from participants?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 37

What is the primary purpose of replication in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To confirm or refute the findings of a previous study

Answer

To generalize the findings of a previous study to a wider population

Answer

To explore new research questions

Answer

To evaluate the reliability of a research method

Question 38

In a between-subjects experimental design, each participant is:

Accepted Answer

Randomly assigned to only one experimental condition

Answer

Randomly assigned to multiple experimental conditions

Answer

Observed over multiple sessions in the same condition

Answer

Matched to other participants based on specific characteristics

Question 39

Which method of data collection is most appropriate when the researcher aims to gather in-depth, qualitative information from participants?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Questionnaires

Answer

Observations

Answer

Physiological measures

Question 40

Which statistical test is used to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test for independent samples

Answer

t-test for paired samples

Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Chi-square test

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of conducting a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To test the feasibility and effectiveness of a research design and procedures

Answer

To collect preliminary data for the main study

Answer

To recruit participants for the main study

Answer

To analyze the data from the main study

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 43

Which statistical test is typically used to compare the means of two independent groups in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 44

A research hypothesis in psychology is a:

Accepted Answer

Prediction about the relationship between variables

Answer

Statement of fact

Answer

Question that guides research

Answer

Summary of research findings

Question 45

In research design, which method allows for maximum control of extraneous variables?

Accepted Answer

True experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Non-experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental principle of experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Blinding of researchers

Answer

Random assignment of participants

Answer

Inclusion of a control group

Answer

Elimination of confounding variables

Question 47

What is the primary purpose of conducting a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To assess the feasibility and refine the design of a research study.

Answer

To collect preliminary data for analysis.

Answer

To confirm the research hypothesis.

Answer

To generalize the findings to a larger population.

Question 48

When selecting participants for a research study, which method ensures that all members of the population have an equal chance of being chosen?

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling

Answer

Non-probability sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 49

What is the fundamental difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative methods collect descriptive data, while quantitative methods collect numerical data.

Answer

Quantitative methods collect descriptive data, while qualitative methods collect numerical data.

Answer

Qualitative methods use deductive reasoning, while quantitative methods use inductive reasoning.

Answer

Qualitative methods generalize findings to a larger population, while quantitative methods do not.

Question 50

What is the primary goal of conducting a hypothesis test?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether a statistically significant difference exists between groups.

Answer

To accurately predict the outcome of a study.

Answer

To fully explain the mechanisms underlying a phenomenon.

Answer

To generalize the findings to a larger population.

Question 51

Which of the following methods is used to analyze qualitative research data?

Accepted Answer

Thematic analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Question 52

What is the fundamental purpose of conducting a meta-analysis in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a comprehensive summary of the findings from multiple studies on a specific topic, enhancing the overall understanding of a phenomenon.

Answer

To determine the most suitable research design for a particular research question.

Answer

To assess the validity of an individual research study.

Answer

To generate new data that can be directly used in a subsequent study.

Question 53

How does scientific skepticism contribute to the advancement of psychology? Discuss its role in promoting critical thinking, reducing bias, and expanding our understanding of psychological phenomena.

Accepted Answer

Skepticism encourages researchers to critically evaluate assumptions and seek evidence to support conclusions.

Accepted Answer

Skepticism fosters open-mindedness and challenges existing ideas, leading to scientific progress.

Answer

Skepticism eliminates personal beliefs and values from the research process.

Question 54

How does power analysis enhance the effectiveness of research design?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the sample size is large enough to detect meaningful effects.

Answer

It guarantees that ethical considerations are met.

Answer

It helps eliminate the possibility of Type I errors.

Answer

It enhances the generalizability of research findings.

Question 55

What is the significance of effect size in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It indicates the practical importance of a research finding.

Answer

It is only relevant in experimental research designs.

Answer

It is not important when comparing research findings from different studies.

Question 56

Which step is not part of conducting a systematic literature review?

Accepted Answer

Conducting an experiment

Answer

Developing a search strategy

Answer

Critically evaluating sources

Answer

Synthesizing findings

Question 57

Which research design enables the determination of a cause-and-effect relationship?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Question 58

How do cognitive biases affect the accuracy of research results?

Accepted Answer

They distort data collection and interpretation

Answer

They make research ethics unnecessary

Answer

They guarantee the validity of research findings

Answer

They enhance the reliability of research findings

Question 59

What is the primary purpose of operationalizing variables in a research study?

Accepted Answer

To define the variables precisely and make them measurable.

Answer

To eliminate bias from the research.

Answer

To increase the generalizability of the findings.

Question 60

Which of the following is a key advantage of using naturalistic observation as a research method?

Accepted Answer

It allows researchers to observe behavior in its natural context.

Answer

It is less time-consuming than other research methods.

Answer

It provides a high level of control over the research environment.

Question 61

What is the primary function of a control group in an experimental study?

Accepted Answer

To provide a basis for comparison and help rule out alternative explanations for the results.

Answer

To reduce bias in the results

Answer

To increase the sample size

Question 62

Why is replication crucial in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To verify the validity and reliability of research findings.

Answer

To explore new areas of research.

Answer

To test alternative hypotheses

Question 63

Identify the first crucial step in the scientific method.

Accepted Answer

Observation

Answer

Analysis

Answer

Experimentation

Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Question 64

Which type of validity refers to the consistency of measurements across multiple observers or instruments?

Accepted Answer

Inter-rater reliability

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

Face validity

Answer

Construct validity