Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

Which research design is considered the most reliable for establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between two variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research design

Answer

Correlational research design

Answer

Quasi-experimental research design

Answer

Case study research design

Question 2

What is a key difference between a quasi-experimental and an experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Lack of control over the independent variable

Answer

Random assignment of participants

Answer

Inability to compare groups

Answer

Difficulty controlling extraneous variables

Question 3

Which of the following is a limitation of experimental research designs in comparison to non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Reduced external validity

Answer

Enhanced control over variables

Answer

Capacity to establish causal relationships

Answer

Reduced experimenter bias

Question 4

When conducting research involving human subjects, which ethical consideration is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants after providing full disclosure of the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits

Answer

Ensuring the research has scientific merit and produces valid results

Answer

Using anonymous data collection methods to avoid the need for informed consent

Answer

Avoiding any potential harm to participants

Question 5

In non-experimental research, researchers mainly focus on:

Accepted Answer

Observing and measuring variables as they occur naturally

Answer

Manipulating variables to study their effects

Answer

Randomly assigning participants to different conditions

Answer

Controlling all factors that could influence the results

Question 6

Which of the following is a key strength of a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Allowing researchers to observe and track changes in variables over time

Answer

Providing a static snapshot of data at a specific moment

Answer

Enabling researchers to identify causal relationships with certainty

Answer

Being conducted at a lower cost compared to other research designs

Question 7

In a research study, which sampling technique ensures that every member of the target population has an equal chance of being chosen for the sample?

Accepted Answer

Systematic Sampling

Answer

Convenience Sampling

Answer

Snowball Sampling

Answer

Quota Sampling

Question 8

Which research design involves observing and recording behavior in its natural setting without manipulating variables?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Survey

Question 9

In psychological research, which of the following is a key limitation of non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Lack of control over external variables

Answer

High cost of data collection

Answer

Difficulty in generalizing findings

Answer

Ethical concerns related to participant confidentiality

Question 10

Which of the following is a probability sampling technique?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 11

Which sampling method ensures that every individual in the population has an equal likelihood of being chosen for the sample, resulting in a sample that accurately reflects the entire population?

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 12

Experimental research designs provide several benefits, but which of the following is a potential drawback?

Accepted Answer

Low external validity, limiting the applicability of findings to real-world contexts.

Answer

High internal validity, allowing for the establishment of a causal relationship.

Answer

Ability to generalize findings to a broader population due to random participant selection.

Answer

High reliability, enabling replication of the study and consistent results.

Question 13

When selecting a research design, which of the following is NOT a relevant factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

The researcher's personal biases

Answer

The study's objectives

Answer

Practical constraints (e.g., participant availability, study budget)

Answer

Ethical guidelines

Question 14

In experimental research, what is the primary purpose of using a control group?

Accepted Answer

To establish a basis for comparison and determine causality

Answer

To ensure random assignment of participants to conditions

Answer

To enhance the experiment's validity

Answer

To minimize participant bias and demand characteristics

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Narrative

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Longitudinal

Question 16

In a study exploring the subjective experiences of individuals who have recently lost a loved one, which data collection method would be most suitable for gathering in-depth qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Semi-structured interview

Answer

Survey with closed-ended questions

Answer

Controlled laboratory experiment

Answer

Participant observation

Question 17

What is a key limitation of using non-probability sampling methods in research?

Accepted Answer

Potential for biased results due to researcher's subjective participant selection

Answer

Lower cost and time efficiency compared to probability sampling methods

Answer

High accuracy in generalizing results to a larger population

Answer

Precise representation of the entire population's characteristics

Question 18

In non-experimental research, what is a primary limitation in making causal inferences?

Accepted Answer

Inability to control independent variables

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Generalizability of findings

Answer

Validity of results

Question 19

In a study examining the effectiveness of a new anxiety disorder therapy, which research design is most suitable? Explain your choice.

Accepted Answer

Experimental design with a control group

Answer

Quasi-experimental design with a comparison group

Answer

Non-experimental design with a correlational study

Answer

Longitudinal design with a follow-up study

Question 20

Which sampling technique involves selecting participants based on their availability or convenience?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 21

Which of the following is a characteristic of a poor research design?

Accepted Answer

Bias

Answer

Validity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Generalizability

Question 22

You're a researcher conducting a survey on consumer preferences for a new product, targeting the entire adult population of the UK. Which sampling method is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling: Giving each population member an equal chance of selection.

Answer

Snowball sampling: Asking initial participants to recruit others from their networks.

Answer

Quota sampling: Selecting participants from subgroups based on characteristics like age or gender.

Answer

Systematic sampling: Selecting participants at regular intervals from a list or database.

Question 23

Which action below goes against a fundamental ethical principle in research?

Accepted Answer

Pressuring or misleading participants to take part in the study against their will

Answer

Getting informed consent from participants before they take part in the study

Answer

Keeping participants' data confidential and anonymous throughout the research

Answer

Giving participants a debriefing session after the study, explaining its purpose and results

Question 24

When using a non-probability sampling method, which of the following is a potential drawback?

Accepted Answer

Generalizing the results to the population can be challenging.

Accepted Answer

Sampling bias is more likely to occur.

Answer

The sample accurately represents the population.

Answer

It is more costly and time-consuming than probability sampling.

Question 25

What is a primary benefit of using an experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Establishing causal relationships

Answer

Ease of implementation

Answer

Broader generalizability

Answer

Absence of confounding variables

Question 26

In a non-experimental research design, the researcher:

Accepted Answer

Observes naturally occurring phenomena

Answer

Manipulates independent variables

Answer

Randomly assigns participants to conditions

Answer

Controls all aspects of the study

Question 27

In non-experimental research, what is a key limitation that hinders the ability to establish cause-and-effect relationships?

Accepted Answer

Lack of control over external factors

Answer

High expenses for data collection

Answer

Ethical restrictions on human participation

Question 28

Which sampling method divides the population into subgroups and randomly selects participants from each subgroup?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 29

In research, which design randomly assigns participants to groups to eliminate bias and establish a cause-and-effect relationship?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Non-experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Question 30

What is the primary advantage of experimental research designs in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Precisely manipulate variables and establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Answer

Recruit participants from diverse populations.

Answer

Eliminate bias and ensure validity.

Answer

Study rare phenomena through simulations.

Question 31

Which of the following is a non-probability sampling technique?

Accepted Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 32

In a between-subjects research design, which feature is essential?

Accepted Answer

Participants are randomly assigned to different treatment groups

Answer

Data is gathered in a natural setting

Answer

Participants' behavior is observed over time

Question 33

In non-probability sampling, participants are chosen based on their availability or convenience. Which of the following is an example of this technique?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 34

Which sampling technique is NOT used to ensure a representative sample?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Probability sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 35

In hypothesis testing, what's the main reason for calculating the p-value?

Accepted Answer

To find the likelihood of getting the observed results if the null hypothesis is true

Answer

To calculate the average of the sample data

Answer

To determine the number of participants needed for a study

Answer

To calculate the difference between two groups

Question 36

What is the primary distinction between experimental and quasi-experimental research designs with respect to their control over extraneous variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental designs utilize random assignment to control extraneous variables, unlike quasi-experimental designs.

Answer

Quasi-experimental designs employ a control group, while experimental designs do not.

Answer

Experimental designs are exclusively longitudinal, whereas quasi-experimental designs are solely cross-sectional.

Answer

Experimental designs are primarily employed in basic research, while quasi-experimental designs are more common in applied research.

Question 37

When selecting a data analysis technique for a research study, what is the most important factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

The research question and objectives

Answer

The availability of data analysis software

Answer

The researcher's level of statistical expertise

Question 38

In research studies, which principle is crucial for guiding data analysis?

Accepted Answer

Selecting statistical techniques based on the research hypothesis

Answer

Transforming data to boost statistical significance

Answer

Using only descriptive statistics to present data

Answer

Prioritizing complex statistical techniques in analysis

Question 39

Which of the following is a crucial indicator of the reliability of a research finding?

Accepted Answer

Replicability of the finding across multiple studies by different researchers

Answer

Large sample size used in the study

Answer

Statistical significance of the results

Question 40

In establishing a causal relationship between variables, what key advantage do experimental designs have over non-experimental designs?

Accepted Answer

Experimental designs use random assignment, providing better control over external factors.

Answer

Experimental designs are typically faster and cheaper to conduct than non-experimental designs.

Answer

Experimental designs ensure both the reliability and generalizability of findings.

Question 41

To compare the means of two independent groups, assuming equal variances, which statistical test is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Independent samples t-test

Answer

Paired samples t-test

Answer

One-way ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Question 42

In experimental research, how does randomization help establish a causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables?

Accepted Answer

Randomly assigning participants to different levels of the independent variable controls for potential confounding variables that could influence the dependent variable.

Answer

Randomization increases the likelihood of obtaining a statistically significant result.

Answer

Randomization allows researchers to generalize results to the entire population from which the sample was drawn.

Answer

Randomization eliminates the need for control groups in experimental designs.

Question 43

To explore the experiences of immigrants, which research method is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Non-experimental design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Mixed methods design

Question 44

When selecting a research method, which factor is of PRIMARY importance?

Accepted Answer

Alignment with the research question

Answer

Availability of funding

Answer

Convenience of the method

Answer

Researcher's personal preference

Question 45

Which statistical test is commonly used for comparing two means?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Chi-square test

Question 46

Which option is NOT considered an advantage of research replication?

Accepted Answer

Increased funding opportunities

Answer

Increased confidence in findings

Answer

Detection of errors and biases

Answer

Enhanced generalizability of findings

Question 47

Experimental research designs emphasize control and manipulation to evaluate cause-and-effect relationships. Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Observation of behavior in a natural setting without any intervention

Answer

Random assignment of participants to conditions

Answer

Control of extraneous variables through randomization and matching techniques

Answer

Manipulation of an independent variable to investigate its effects on a dependent variable

Question 48

Qualitative research aims to provide a rich and detailed understanding of a phenomenon or experience. What is the primary goal of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To provide in-depth understanding of a phenomenon through detailed observations and interviews

Answer

To generalize findings to a larger population through statistical analysis

Answer

To test hypotheses and make predictions about future outcomes

Answer

To collect data that can be easily quantified and analyzed using statistical methods

Question 49

Parametric and non-parametric statistical tests differ in their assumptions about the distribution of data. What is the main difference between parametric and non-parametric tests?

Accepted Answer

Parametric tests assume a normal distribution of data, while non-parametric tests do not make this assumption

Answer

Parametric tests are always more powerful than non-parametric tests

Answer

Non-parametric tests are more sensitive to outliers than parametric tests

Answer

Parametric tests are used for qualitative data, while non-parametric tests are used for quantitative data

Question 50

A research hypothesis is a crucial element in guiding a research study. What is the purpose of a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To make a testable prediction about the outcome of a study based on prior research and theory

Answer

To summarize the results of a study and draw conclusions

Answer

To provide a broad theoretical framework that guides the entire research project

Answer

To describe the methods and procedures that will be used in the study

Question 51

Observational research involves collecting data on behavior in its natural context. However, it also has limitations. What is the main limitation of observational research?

Accepted Answer

Lack of control over variables, which can make it difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

Difficulty in generalizing findings to a wider population due to the small sample size often used

Answer

Ethical concerns related to privacy and informed consent when observing individuals in public settings

Answer

High cost of conducting observational research due to the need for specialized equipment and observers

Question 52

Correlation and regression analyses are statistical methods used to examine relationships between variables. What is the key difference between a correlation and a regression analysis?

Accepted Answer

Correlation measures the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables, while regression predicts the value of one variable based on another

Answer

Regression is used for qualitative data, while correlation is used for quantitative data

Answer

Correlation is a more powerful statistical test than regression

Answer

Regression can be used to make causal inferences, while correlation cannot

Question 53

Systematic literature reviews are valuable tools for synthesizing research findings on specific topics. What is the purpose of a systematic literature review?

Accepted Answer

To summarize, evaluate, and synthesize existing research on a specific topic, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge

Answer

To generate new research ideas by identifying gaps in the literature

Answer

To evaluate the quality of a particular study and its methodological rigor

Answer

To provide a theoretical framework for a new research project

Question 54

Which ethical principle, as outlined in the Belmont Report, directs researchers to consider the balance between potential benefits and risks?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing benefits while minimizing risks

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Protecting researchers' interests

Question 55

What's the primary purpose of power analysis in research design?

Accepted Answer

Determining the minimum sample size needed to detect an effect of a specified size with a desired level of statistical power.

Answer

Determining the appropriate statistical test for a given research question

Answer

Analyzing the data collected in a research study

Question 56

Which of the following is a primary strength of quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Allows for generalization of findings to a broader population.

Answer

Provides in-depth understanding of individual experiences.

Answer

Facilitates the exploration of complex and multifaceted phenomena.

Answer

Encourages researcher subjectivity and interpretation.

Question 57

In an experimental research design, the primary purpose of random assignment to groups is to:

Accepted Answer

Minimize the influence of extraneous variables that could confound the results.

Answer

Ensure that all participants have an equal chance of being in either group.

Answer

Increase the overall sample size of the study.

Answer

Reduce the likelihood of researcher bias.

Question 58

Which type of validity refers to the extent to which a measurement tool accurately measures what it is intended to measure?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Ecological validity

Question 59

In qualitative research, data analysis typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Thematic analysis and interpretation of patterns and meanings.

Answer

Statistical calculations and hypothesis testing.

Answer

Regression analysis and predictive modelling.

Answer

Computer-assisted analysis using dedicated software.

Question 60

What is the primary responsibility of a research ethics committee?

Accepted Answer

To approve research proposals that meet ethical standards

Answer

To monitor the execution of research studies

Answer

To provide legal advice to researchers

Question 61

In psychological research, how does replication contribute to the reliability of findings?

Accepted Answer

Replication allows for the verification of findings across different samples and contexts.

Answer

Replication serves primarily to identify errors in data collection or analysis.

Answer

Replication helps explore various aspects of a phenomenon.

Answer

Replication is unnecessary if the initial study was conducted with sufficient rigor.

Question 62

What is the primary trade-off when using convenience sampling in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Ease of data collection versus potential for biased samples.

Answer

Obtaining a large participant pool versus ensuring sample representativeness.

Answer

Suitability for rare populations versus generalizability of findings.

Answer

High accuracy of data collection versus ethical considerations.

Question 63

Define the core principles of meta-analysis and explain its importance in combining research findings to reach informed conclusions.

Accepted Answer

Meta-analysis combines data from multiple studies using statistical methods to draw more robust conclusions.

Answer

Meta-analysis is a qualitative method that focuses on interpreting individual experiences.

Answer

Meta-analysis is primarily used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or treatments.

Answer

Meta-analysis is a flawed technique that lacks scientific rigor and validity.

Question 64

What is the fundamental purpose of formulating a research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To establish a predicted relationship between specific variables.

Answer

To derive conclusions from gathered data.

Answer

To describe an observed phenomenon.