Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a population and a sample in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

A population is the entire group of people of interest, while a sample is a smaller group drawn from the population to participate in the study.

Question 2

Why is random selection important in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It helps ensure that the sample accurately represents the population, increasing generalizability.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition for 'aggression in children'?

Accepted Answer

Aggression is measured by counting the number of times a child hits, yells, or pushes another child during a 30-minute observation period.

Question 4

Which research method is best suited for studying rare or unusual phenomena, such as a unique brain injury?

Accepted Answer

Case study

Question 5

A researcher wants to know if listening to music improves test performance. What is the independent variable (IV) in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Listening to music

Question 6

Which of the following statements about reliability and validity is correct?

Accepted Answer

A test must be reliable to be valid, but a reliable test can still be invalid.

Question 7

What is the main disadvantage of naturalistic observation as a research method?

Accepted Answer

It lacks control, making it difficult to draw cause-and-effect conclusions.

Question 8

A researcher finds a correlation coefficient of $$r = -0.85$$ between hours spent playing video games and academic performance. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative relationship between the two variables.

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the third-variable problem in correlational research?

Accepted Answer

A researcher finds that kids with dogs are happier, but socioeconomic status may influence both dog ownership and happiness.

Question 10

Which of the following is a key feature of experimental research that allows for determination of causality?

Accepted Answer

Manipulation of an independent variable and random assignment to groups

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of a control condition in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

To provide a basis for comparison with the experimental condition

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of response bias in self-report surveys?

Accepted Answer

Participants consistently respond in a way that presents themselves in a positive light, regardless of the truth.

Question 13

A researcher measures the same variable at two different time points and calculates the correlation between the scores. What type of reliability is being assessed?

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability

Question 14

Which ethical principle requires that participants be informed about the nature of the research and any potential risks before participating?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Question 15

In the Stanford Marshmallow experiment, what was the main variable measured to assess delay of gratification?

Accepted Answer

The time a child waited before eating the marshmallow

Question 16

Which of the following best describes internal validity?

Accepted Answer

The degree to which a study is free from confounding variables and accurately tests the intended hypothesis.

Question 17

A double-blind design in an experiment is used to prevent which type of bias?

Accepted Answer

Observer expectancy effect

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for ethical research with human participants?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment to experimental groups

Question 19

In correlational research, which equation represents the range of possible correlation coefficients?

Accepted Answer

$$-1.0 \leq r \leq 1.0$$

Question 20

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a confounding variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

A variable not of interest varies along with the independent variable, providing an alternative explanation for the results.

Research Methods in Psychology: Foundations, Designs, and Validity

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

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