Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between reliability and validity in scientific measurement?

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to the consistency of measurements across observations or time, while validity refers to the degree to which an instrument measures what it is supposed to measure.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study the effect of a new drug on memory. To avoid participant and experimenter bias, which research design should they use?

Accepted Answer

Double-blind study

Question 3

What is the main purpose of operationalizing variables in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To define variables in measurable and objective terms

Question 4

A study finds a correlation coefficient of $$r = -0.85$$ between hours of video game play and academic performance. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative relationship between video game play and academic performance.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of the placebo effect?

Accepted Answer

A participant improves after receiving a sugar pill, believing it is real medication.

Question 6

Why is generalizability important in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It allows researchers to apply findings to a broader population beyond the sample.

Question 7

A psychology study uses only undergraduate students as participants. What is a potential problem with this sampling method?

Accepted Answer

It may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader population.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes publication bias?

Accepted Answer

The tendency for journals to publish only studies with significant or positive results.

Question 9

In a naturalistic observation study, which of the following is most likely to be a concern?

Accepted Answer

The observer effect, where subjects alter their behavior because they know they are being watched.

Question 10

A researcher wants to test whether a new teaching method causes improved test scores. Which research design is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Question 11

Which of the following is a key feature of a double-blind study?

Accepted Answer

Neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is in the experimental or control group.

Question 12

A study is criticized for poor reliability. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The study's measurements are not consistent across time or observers.

Question 13

Which of the following equations represents a perfect positive correlation between two variables?

Accepted Answer

$$r = 1$$

Question 14

A researcher finds that the results of their study are statistically significant. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The results are unlikely to have occurred by chance, according to a predetermined threshold (e.g., $$p \u003c 0.05).$$

Question 15

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of social desirability bias?

Accepted Answer

A participant reports exercising more than they actually do to appear healthier.

Question 16

Which of the following is a primary goal of peer review in scientific publishing?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the quality and credibility of research before publication.

Question 17

A study uses a small, non-random sample. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The study's findings may not be generalizable to the larger population.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

A researcher measures the number of hours students study per week and analyzes the data using statistics.

Question 19

If a study's results are found to be fraudulent after publication, what is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

The study should be retracted from the scientific journal.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data, while quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.

Lecture 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research (Introduction to Psychology)

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard