Research Methods in Psychology: Master the Science of Psychological Research

Question 1

Identify the method that does NOT belong to qualitative research approaches.

Accepted Answer

Linear regression analysis

Answer

Grounded theory

Answer

Phenomenology

Answer

Interview

Question 2

Which research design examines relationships without manipulating variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlational

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Longitudinal

Question 3

The main distinction between a hypothesis and a theory in psychology is that a:

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis is more specific

Answer

Theory is more testable

Answer

Hypothesis is based on empirical evidence

Answer

Theory is supported by substantial research

Question 4

Which method is most suitable for exploring the link between two variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlational research

Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Case study research

Question 5

Identify a strength of qualitative research:

Accepted Answer

Provides rich insights into individual experiences.

Answer

Can be generalized to large populations with ease.

Answer

Is less time-consuming and less expensive than quantitative research.

Answer

Allows for precise measurement of variables.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of operationalising a variable?

Accepted Answer

To define the variable in a measurable way.

Answer

To control for extraneous variables.

Answer

To enhance the validity of research findings.

Answer

To ensure compliance with ethical guidelines.

Question 7

What is the primary goal of sampling in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To select a participant group representative of the target population.

Answer

To ensure statistically significant study results.

Answer

To minimize research project costs.

Answer

To collect the most precise data possible.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Narrative

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Observational

Question 9

In an experimental study, the independent variable is the variable that:

Accepted Answer

Causes changes in the dependent variable.

Answer

Is measured by the researcher.

Answer

Is held constant by the researcher.

Answer

Is correlated with the dependent variable.

Question 10

Qualitative research methods are often used to:

Accepted Answer

Explore complex phenomena in depth.

Answer

Test hypotheses about the relationship between variables.

Answer

Make predictions about future behavior.

Answer

Generalize findings to a larger population.

Question 11

In a research study, which sampling technique ensures that every participant in the population has an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 12

When selecting a research method, which factor is paramount?

Accepted Answer

The nature of the research question

Answer

The time constraints

Answer

The researcher's preferences

Answer

The research budget

Question 13

What is the primary purpose of a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a research method before conducting a full-scale study.

Answer

To gather data for statistical analysis.

Answer

To generate hypotheses for a future study.

Question 14

What is the fundamental purpose of data analysis?

Accepted Answer

To organize, summarize, and interpret data to draw meaningful conclusions.

Answer

To collect data.

Answer

To design research studies.

Question 15

Which of the following is considered a measure of central tendency?

Accepted Answer

Mean

Answer

Kurtosis

Answer

Variance

Answer

Skewness

Question 16

Differentiate between a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

The null hypothesis posits no effect, whereas the alternative hypothesis proposes an effect.

Answer

The null hypothesis is always supported by the data, while the alternative hypothesis is not.

Question 17

What is the primary responsibility of a research ethics committee?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring ethical conduct of research

Answer

Approving research grant applications

Answer

Providing research training for students

Question 18

Which of the following characteristics should NOT be present in a good research question?

Accepted Answer

It is overly broad.

Answer

It is specific enough to be investigated.

Answer

It is clear and testable.

Answer

It is relevant to the field of study.

Question 19

Which of the following research methods is most suitable for examining the relationship between two or more variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize and critically evaluate existing research on a specific topic.

Answer

To design a research study.

Answer

To generate new research ideas.

Question 21

Which sampling method has the highest probability of selecting a sample that accurately represents the target population?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction, while a theory is a broader explanation that integrates and explains a wider range of observations or phenomena.

Answer

A hypothesis is a theory that has been supported by empirical evidence.

Answer

A hypothesis is a guess, whereas a theory is a proven fact.

Question 23

Which statistical test is used to determine whether there is a significant difference between the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

Independent samples t-test

Answer

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 24

What is the primary goal of conducting a meta-analysis?

Accepted Answer

To combine and analyze the results of multiple studies, providing a more comprehensive and reliable evaluation of an effect or phenomenon.

Answer

To identify and address methodological flaws in existing research.

Answer

To generate new research hypotheses.

Question 25

Which type of qualitative research method involves studying individuals or groups in their everyday settings over an extended period to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Focus group

Answer

Interview

Question 26

What is the distinction between internal and external validity in research studies?

Accepted Answer

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study's results are free from biases and confounding variables, while external validity pertains to the generalizability of the findings to other populations, settings, or contexts.

Answer

Internal validity relates to the statistical significance of the results, while external validity is concerned with the practical significance of the findings.