Research Methods in Psychology: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

What is a significant limitation of correlational research studies?

Accepted Answer

They cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Answer

They are only applicable to quantitative data.

Answer

They require an extensive sample size.

Answer

They are difficult to design and implement.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the difference between validity and reliability in research methods?

Accepted Answer

Validity measures accuracy, while reliability measures consistency.

Answer

Validity indicates generalizability, while reliability indicates specificity.

Answer

Validity relates to objectivity, while reliability relates to subjectivity.

Answer

Validity addresses ethics, while reliability addresses practicality.

Question 3

Which ethical principle ensures that participants fully understand the potential risks and benefits of a study before taking part?

Accepted Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Debriefing

Answer

Anonymity

Question 4

What is the best definition of generalizability in research?

Accepted Answer

The ability to apply research findings to other situations or groups

Answer

The consistency between different measurements of the same variable

Answer

The absence of bias in a research study

Question 5

Which of the following is a key advantage of experimental studies?

Accepted Answer

Control over variables

Answer

High generalizability to real-world settings

Answer

In-depth exploration of complex phenomena

Question 6

What is the primary objective of a correlational study?

Accepted Answer

To examine the direction and strength of the relationship between variables

Answer

To establish cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

To observe behavior in its natural environment

Question 7

Which of the following is a potential drawback of observational studies?

Accepted Answer

Limited control over variables

Answer

High levels of validity

Answer

Ease of statistical analysis

Question 8

Which ethical principle requires that research participants are fully informed about the study and their participation?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Anonymity

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 9

Which sampling method is used to select participants who are representative of the entire population?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 10

What is the function of a hypothesis in a research study?

Accepted Answer

To predict the results of the study

Answer

To explain the outcomes of the study

Answer

To identify the dependent variable

Question 11

Which type of validity refers to the extent to which research measures what it claims?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Question 12

What is the purpose of a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a research design

Answer

To gather data for the main study

Answer

To investigate relationships between variables

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Mann-Whitney U test

Question 14

Define a variable.

Accepted Answer

A characteristic or attribute that can vary between individuals or groups

Answer

A constant value that remains the same

Answer

A research assumption

Question 15

In a correlational study, which of the following is NOT a characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Involves randomly assigning participants to groups

Answer

Measures the relationship between two or more variables

Answer

May suggest, but cannot establish, causality

Answer

Employs statistical analysis to determine relationships

Question 16

When conducting an observational study, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Objectively record behavior without influencing it

Answer

Control for all possible confounding variables

Answer

Randomly select participants from a population

Answer

Manipulate an independent variable to observe its effect

Question 17

In an experiment, the factor that is manipulated by the researcher is referred to as the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Outcome variable

Answer

Extraneous variable

Question 18

Which research method is most appropriate for examining the effectiveness of a new educational program?

Accepted Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Observational study

Question 19

In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis proposes that:

Accepted Answer

There is no relationship between the independent and dependent variables

Answer

There is a relationship between the independent and dependent variables

Answer

The alternative hypothesis is true

Answer

The research hypothesis is false

Question 20

The strength of the relationship between two variables can be quantified using:

Accepted Answer

Correlation coefficient

Answer

Regression coefficient

Answer

Effect size

Answer

p-value

Question 21

Which of the following is not considered a fundamental type of research method in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Introspection

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Observational study

Question 22

Which of the following is a limitation associated with correlational studies in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Inability to establish causal relationships

Answer

Requirement for massive sample sizes

Answer

Low ecological validity

Answer

Excessive cost

Question 23

What is the main purpose of operationalizing variables in research?

Accepted Answer

To make variables measurable and objective

Answer

To boost the generalizability of findings

Answer

To make research more captivating

Answer

To eliminate bias from the research process

Question 24

What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research involves non-numerical data, whereas quantitative research deals with numerical data.

Answer

Qualitative research is inherently more reliable than quantitative research.

Answer

Quantitative research offers better generalizability than qualitative research.

Question 25

What is the primary function of a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To present a specific prediction about the expected study outcomes

Answer

To validate a theory

Answer

To gather data

Question 26

Which statistical measure is commonly used to assess the reliability of a research instrument?

Accepted Answer

Cronbach's alpha coefficient

Answer

Pearson's correlation coefficient

Answer

Spearman's rank correlation coefficient

Question 27

What is the primary purpose of a research design?

Accepted Answer

To outline the structure and procedures of a research study

Answer

To analyze data

Answer

To interpret results

Answer

To gather data

Question 28

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

Accepted Answer

A population represents the entire group of interest, while a sample is a smaller subset selected from the population.

Answer

A population is always larger than a sample.