Q: In hypothesis testing, what does a p-value of $p < 0.05$ indicate?

The results are unlikely to have occurred by chance.

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'operational definition' in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

A statement that describes the procedures and specific measures used to record observations of a variable.

Question 2

A researcher wants to measure stress levels in college students. Which of the following would be considered an objective measurement?

Accepted Answer

Measuring cortisol levels in saliva samples.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of quality scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Results are kept private to protect researcher interests.

Question 4

A psychologist develops a new test for anxiety. The test produces similar results when given to the same person on different days, but does not accurately measure anxiety. Which property does the test possess?

Accepted Answer

Reliability but not validity.

Question 5

Which sampling technique is most likely to improve the generalizability of research findings?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling.

Question 6

In a double-blind study, who is unaware of the treatment conditions?

Accepted Answer

Both the participants and the researchers.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable in an experiment testing the effect of sleep on memory?

Accepted Answer

Participants' caffeine intake before the test.

Question 8

A researcher finds a correlation coefficient of $r = -0.85$ between hours spent watching TV and exam scores. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

A strong negative relationship: more TV leads to lower exam scores.

Question 9

Which research design allows for conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research.

Question 10

A study finds that the mean income of a sample is $\$65,000$, the median is $\$85,000$, and the mode is $\$90,000$. What does this suggest about the distribution?

Accepted Answer

The distribution is positively skewed.

Question 11

Which ethical principle requires that participants be informed about the study and its risks before agreeing to participate?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent.

Question 12

A psychologist wants to study the effect of a new therapy on depression. She randomly assigns participants to either receive the therapy or not. What is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The type of therapy received.

Question 13

Which of the following is a limitation of case study research?

Accepted Answer

Findings may not be generalizable to other people.

Question 14

A distribution of quiz scores has a mean of $15$ and a standard deviation of $5$. What does a higher standard deviation indicate about the scores?

Accepted Answer

Scores are more spread out from the mean.

Question 15

In hypothesis testing, what does a p-value of $p < 0.05$ indicate?

Accepted Answer

The results are unlikely to have occurred by chance.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of researcher bias?

Accepted Answer

Researchers unintentionally giving cues that influence participant behavior.

Question 17

Why is replication important in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

It helps confirm that results are reliable and not due to chance.

Question 18

Which of the following is a sign of poor research?

Accepted Answer

Use of anecdotal evidence as proof.

Question 19

A researcher finds a statistically significant difference between two groups, but the effect size is very small. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The difference is statistically significant but may not be meaningful in practice.

Question 20

Which of the following techniques helps reduce bias in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring anonymity and confidentiality.

Scientific Research Methods in Psychology: Principles, Designs, and Evaluation

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