Question 1

A psychologist wants to determine if there is a relationship between hours of sleep and academic performance among college students. She collects data on both variables but does not manipulate any of them. Which research method is she using, and what is a key limitation of this method?

Accepted Answer

She is using a correlational method; a key limitation is that it cannot determine cause and effect.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the purpose of an operational definition in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It provides a carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a research study.

Question 3

A researcher wants to test whether a new therapy reduces symptoms of depression. She randomly assigns participants to either receive the therapy or not, and neither the participants nor the staff know who is in which group. What is this procedure called, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Double-blind procedure; it minimizes bias from both participants and researchers.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of hindsight bias?

Accepted Answer

After hearing the results of an election, someone claims they 'knew it all along.'

Question 5

A study finds a correlation coefficient of $r = -0.85$ between hours spent watching TV and grades in school. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative correlation; as TV watching increases, grades tend to decrease.

Question 6

Which of the following best distinguishes a case study from a survey?

Accepted Answer

A case study involves in-depth analysis of one individual or group, while a survey collects self-reported data from many people.

Question 7

In an experiment testing the effect of sleep on memory, what is the independent variable and what is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable: amount of sleep; Dependent variable: memory performance

Question 8

A researcher finds that as the number of hours spent exercising per week increases, the number of reported depressive symptoms decreases. What type of correlation is this?

Accepted Answer

Negative correlation

Question 9

Which of the following is a key ethical requirement for research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from all participants before the study begins.

Question 10

A psychologist is interested in whether a new medication reduces anxiety. She gives the medication to one group and a sugar pill to another, but both groups believe they are receiving the real medication. What is the group receiving the sugar pill called, and what phenomenon might they experience?

Accepted Answer

Control group; placebo effect

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the biopsychosocial model of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

It considers biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences in the development of disorders.

Question 12

A person who experiences persistent, unwanted thoughts about germs and responds by washing their hands for hours each day is most likely suffering from which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Question 13

Which of the following is a protective factor that can reduce the risk of developing a mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Positive attachment and early bonding

Question 14

A patient alternates between periods of intense sadness and periods of extreme euphoria, risky behavior, and hyperactivity. Which disorder does this best describe?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar Disorder

Question 15

Which of the following is a symptom of major depressive disorder according to the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

Dramatically reduced interest or enjoyment in most activities

Question 16

A person who has experienced a traumatic event and now suffers from flashbacks, nightmares, and social withdrawal is most likely experiencing which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Question 17

Which of the following statements about suicide is supported by research findings?

Accepted Answer

Men are more likely to die by suicide, even though women attempt it more often.

Question 18

A person who exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, is often aggressive or manipulative, and is most often male, is likely to be diagnosed with which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Positive symptoms include hallucinations and delusions; negative symptoms include flat emotion and social withdrawal.

Question 20

A person who alternates between binge eating and purging, often by vomiting or using laxatives, is most likely suffering from which eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bulimia Nervosa

Introduction to Psychological Research and Disorders (PSYC 1010 Week 2)

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