Research Methods in Psychology Quizzes - Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which characteristic is NOT a feature of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Irrefutable statement

Answer

Based on evidence or theories

Answer

Testable and falsifiable

Answer

Derived from logical reasoning

Question 2

In psychology, research designs can be classified into which main categories?

Accepted Answer

Experimental, observational, and correlational

Answer

Experimental, observational, correlational, and neural network analysis

Answer

Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods

Answer

Naturalistic, longitudinal, and cross-sectional

Question 3

Which practice is a clear violation of ethical guidelines in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Changing or making up research data

Answer

Getting informed consent from participants

Answer

Keeping participants' data private and confidential

Answer

Allowing participants to leave the study whenever they want

Question 4

Which of the following is a secondary research design?

Accepted Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Case study

Answer

Survey

Question 5

Which research design lacks random assignment of participants to experimental conditions?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Answer

Factorial design

Question 6

In research, which sampling technique ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 7

When selecting a research design, researchers should consider various factors. Which of the following is an inappropriate consideration?

Accepted Answer

The researcher's personal opinions

Answer

The study's objective

Answer

The sample size

Answer

Available time and resources

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Narrative design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Question 9

Which of the following is an uncommon type of research design used in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Narrative design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Case study design

Question 10

Which research design specifically isolates the cause-and-effect relationship between variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Case study design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Question 11

In psychological research, which ethical principle is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Answer

Using deception to enhance data reliability

Answer

Ignoring potential risks to participants

Answer

Conducting research without ethical approval

Question 12

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between correlation and causation?

Accepted Answer

Correlation implies causation, but causation does not necessarily imply correlation.

Answer

Correlation is a necessary and sufficient condition for causation.

Answer

Causation can be directly inferred from a strong correlation, even in the presence of other factors.

Answer

Causation can be determined through observational studies, but not through experimental studies.

Question 13

What is a key benefit of utilizing random sampling?

Accepted Answer

Equal selection probability for all population members

Answer

Lower cost compared to other sampling methods

Answer

Simpler implementation than other sampling methods

Answer

Applicability to any population type

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Narrative design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Question 15

In psychological research, which principle holds the highest priority in ethical considerations?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the well-being of participants

Answer

Driving innovation in psychology

Answer

Ensuring research quality and reducing bias

Answer

Adhering to legal and institutional regulations

Question 16

Which ethical principle in psychological research prioritizes the well-being and decision-making rights of participants?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Research methodology

Answer

Longitudinal design

Answer

Cross-sectional design

Answer

Experimental design

Question 18

Which of the following is a defining feature of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizes understanding individual experiences and perspectives

Answer

Emphasizes numerical data

Answer

Employs statistical analysis to test hypotheses

Question 19

What is a key characteristic of a descriptive research design?

Accepted Answer

Systematic observation

Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Causal relationships

Question 20

Which ethical principle requires researchers to get participants' clear agreement before including them in a study?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Replication

Question 21

Which sampling method in psychology aims to create a sample that accurately reflects the population it's drawn from?

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 22

Which of the following is a key advantage of using a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring changes and trends in the same participants over time

Answer

Reducing bias in research findings

Answer

Lowering research costs

Answer

Generalizing findings to a wider population

Question 23

What is the key difference between experimental and non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Experimental designs manipulate independent variables to study their effects on dependent variables, while non-experimental designs do not.

Answer

Experimental designs always use quantitative data, while non-experimental designs always use qualitative data.

Answer

Experimental designs are always conducted in a laboratory setting, while non-experimental designs are always conducted in a field setting.

Answer

Experimental designs are more reliable than non-experimental designs.

Question 24

What sets causal research designs apart from non-causal research designs?

Accepted Answer

Causal designs manipulate the independent variable to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Answer

Causal designs rely solely on observational data.

Answer

Causal designs use random sampling to ensure a representative sample.

Question 25

What is the core principle that forms the foundation of scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining objectivity and collecting unbiased data

Answer

Relying on personal opinions and subjective experiences

Answer

Accepting research findings without critical analysis

Answer

Prioritizing personal interests over scientific inquiry

Question 26

When selecting an appropriate statistical technique for analyzing research data, what should be the primary consideration guiding your choice?

Accepted Answer

Nature of the research question, type of data collected, and underlying assumptions of the technique

Answer

Researcher's statistical expertise

Answer

Availability of statistical software

Answer

Cost of using the statistical technique

Question 27

What is the **main** purpose of research in psychology?

Accepted Answer

To uncover the underlying causes of human behavior and mental processes.

Answer

To confirm existing ideas about human behavior.

Answer

To offer practical solutions to everyday problems.

Answer

To control and manipulate human behavior for specific results.

Question 28

In psychological research, identifying the mechanism of action:

Accepted Answer

Is a necessary but not sufficient criterion for establishing causality

Answer

Is always necessary to establish causality

Answer

Is not a valid criterion for establishing causality

Answer

Is sufficient but not necessary to establish causality

Question 29

Which statement best describes a limitation of using inferential statistical tests in hypothesis testing?

Accepted Answer

Inferential statistics cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

Answer

Inferential statistics allow researchers to generalize findings beyond the sample data.

Answer

Inferential statistics provide a measure of the strength and direction of relationships between variables.

Answer

Inferential statistics help researchers control for the influence of confounding variables.

Question 30

In psychological research, what is the primary purpose of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To guide and focus a research investigation

Answer

To state established facts

Answer

To verify existing theories without further study

Answer

To predict future events unrelated to the research topic

Question 31

To determine a causal relationship between sleep duration and cognitive performance, which research design is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Case study design

Answer

Naturalistic observation design

Question 32

When choosing a sampling method for a research study, which factor is MOST important to ensure the sample accurately reflects the target population?

Accepted Answer

Representativeness of the target population

Answer

Convenience and cost-effectiveness

Answer

Ease of data collection

Answer

Researcher's personal preferences

Question 33

To establish causality in psychological research, which method is essential?

Accepted Answer

Randomly assigning participants to different conditions

Answer

Using a large sample size

Answer

Conducting a study over a long period

Question 34

Which data collection method in quantitative research involves gathering responses from multiple participants using standardized questionnaires or surveys?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Interview

Question 35

In non-probability sampling, participants are chosen without random selection. Which technique involves selecting participants based on their expertise or connection to the topic?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 36

Which component is typically absent from a well-structured research proposal?

Accepted Answer

Personal anecdotes or speculative ideas not supported by evidence

Answer

Introduction with background and research question

Answer

Literature review highlighting relevant prior research

Answer

Methodology detailing research design, participants, and data collection methods

Question 37

In hypothesis testing, a valid hypothesis should be:

Accepted Answer

Specific and testable

Answer

Based on personal beliefs or preferences

Answer

Always supported by prior research

Answer

Impossible to prove false

Question 38

In psychology, what is the key difference between experimental and non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment of participants to groups

Answer

Sole reliance on qualitative data collection

Answer

Exclusive use of descriptive statistics

Answer

Lack of a control group

Question 39

In psychological research, which principle serves as the cornerstone of ethical conduct, ensuring the protection and respect for participants' rights and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Respect for participants' autonomy and rights

Answer

Prioritizing researchers' interests over participants' well-being

Answer

Conducting research solely for personal gain or recognition

Question 40

In a research experiment, which variable is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on another variable?

Accepted Answer

Independent

Answer

Confounding

Answer

Extraneous

Answer

Dependent

Question 41

In psychological research, which principle emphasizes prioritizing the well-being of participants?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Honesty

Question 42

What key feature differentiates experimental research designs from non-experimental ones?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment of participants to groups

Answer

Observing participants in their natural settings

Answer

Collecting data over an extended period

Question 43

In research involving vulnerable populations, like children or individuals with cognitive impairments, which ethical consideration is most important?

Accepted Answer

Getting informed consent from legal guardians or authorized representatives.

Answer

Using deception or withholding information from participants to avoid potential distress.

Answer

Only conducting research with participants who can fully understand and consent.

Answer

Prioritizing the researcher's interests and goals over the well-being of the participants.

Question 44

How does the choice of sampling method impact the generalizability and representativeness of research findings?

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling ensures equal selection chances for all population members, enhancing generalizability.

Answer

Sampling method has no influence on sample representativeness.

Answer

Convenience sampling yields the most representative sample.

Answer

Quota sampling is a probability sampling method that ensures subgroup representation.

Question 45

How can researchers effectively communicate their research findings to a wide range of audiences, including both academic and non-academic readers, while maintaining scientific accuracy?

Accepted Answer

By providing clear explanations of concepts and using analogies, while avoiding overly technical language.

Answer

By using overly simplified language and avoiding technical jargon, regardless of the audience.

Answer

By employing complex statistical analyses and technical jargon to demonstrate the depth of their research.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a true experiment?

Accepted Answer

The researcher observes two groups of participants who differ on some characteristic, such as age or gender.

Answer

The researcher randomly assigns participants to different groups.

Answer

The researcher manipulates an independent variable and measures its effects on a dependent variable.

Answer

The researcher has control over the research environment.

Question 47

Which combination of validity and reliability measures ensures the highest quality and trustworthiness of research findings?

Accepted Answer

High validity and high reliability

Answer

Low validity and high reliability

Answer

High validity and low reliability

Answer

Low validity and low reliability

Question 48

In an experiment, the independent variable is manipulated by the researcher. The dependent variable is measured. How do these variables help establish cause-and-effect relationships?

Accepted Answer

The change in the dependent variable is a direct result of the change in the independent variable.

Answer

The change in the independent variable is a direct result of the change in the dependent variable.

Answer

Both variables are manipulated.

Answer

Neither variable is manipulated.

Question 49

How does sharing research findings (dissemination) contribute to the progress of scientific knowledge and the influence of research?

Accepted Answer

Dissemination enables researchers to share their findings with others, leading to new theories and research methods.

Answer

Dissemination ensures research findings are unbiased and accurate.

Answer

Dissemination has no impact on scientific knowledge or research influence.

Question 50

Which of the following best describes the key ethical principle of informed consent in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Participants are fully informed about the study and their rights before agreeing to participate.

Answer

Researchers must keep the identities of participants confidential.

Answer

Researchers must take steps to minimize any potential harm to participants.

Answer

Researchers must obtain permission from participants to use their data for future studies.

Question 51

Which type of research design involves randomly assigning participants to different treatment conditions, ensuring that all groups have an equal chance of receiving any particular treatment?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Case study design

Question 52

Which statistical test is commonly used to compare the means of two or more independent groups, determining whether there are significant differences between the groups?

Accepted Answer

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)

Answer

T-test

Answer

Correlation coefficient

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 53

The process of carefully observing and recording behaviour without attempting to manipulate or influence it is known as:

Accepted Answer

Observational research

Answer

Experimental manipulation

Answer

Survey research

Answer

Interview research

Question 54

Which of the following is NOT a desirable characteristic of good research?

Accepted Answer

Bias, which can compromise the objectivity and accuracy of the results.

Answer

Reliability, ensuring that the results are consistent across different studies.

Answer

Validity, ensuring that the research measures what it claims to measure.

Answer

Replicability, ensuring that the results can be reproduced by other researchers.

Question 55

How does the nature of the data collected and the research question influence the selection of an appropriate statistical test?

Accepted Answer

The selection of the statistical test depends on both the data type and the research question.

Answer

The choice of statistical test is independent of both the data type and the research question.

Answer

The data type alone determines the selection of the statistical test.

Answer

The research question alone determines the selection of the statistical test.

Question 56

What's the main reason for conducting a power analysis in research?

Accepted Answer

To find the smallest sample size needed to detect a statistically significant effect.

Answer

To lower the chances of making a Type I error.

Answer

To make sure the research study is cost-effective.

Answer

To make sure the research findings can be applied to a wider population.

Question 57

Triangulation techniques in research aim to enhance the:

Accepted Answer

Validity and reliability of findings

Answer

Generalizability of results

Answer

Objectivity of the researcher

Answer

Efficiency of the research process

Question 58

Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain voluntary and informed consent from participants?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Answer

Protecting the confidentiality of participants

Answer

Minimizing harm to participants

Answer

Ensuring cultural sensitivity

Question 59

What is the fundamental difference between a variable and a constant?

Accepted Answer

A variable can change, while a constant remains the same.

Answer

A constant can change, while a variable remains the same.

Answer

Constants and variables are interchangeable concepts.

Answer

Variables are numerical, while constants are categorical.

Question 60

What is the primary purpose of random assignment in an experimental design?

Accepted Answer

To control for confounding variables

Answer

To distribute participants into groups with equal representation

Answer

To increase the sample size

Answer

To ensure that the results are statistically significant

Question 61

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

Accepted Answer

A research population is the entire group of interest, while a research sample is a subset of that group

Answer

A research population is always larger than a research sample

Answer

A research sample is always larger than a research population

Answer

There is no distinction between a research population and a research sample

Question 62

Which of the following is a type of validity that refers to the extent to which a research instrument measures what it is intended to measure?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Ecological validity

Question 63

Identify the design that is NOT an experimental design:

Accepted Answer

Case study design

Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Question 64

What is the key distinction between independent and dependent variables?

Accepted Answer

Researchers control independent variables, whereas dependent variables are measured.

Answer

Researchers control dependent variables, whereas independent variables are measured.

Answer

Both variables are manipulated by the researcher.