Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive statistics summarize and define a set of data, while inferential statistics compare two or more groups to determine if they are the same or different.

Question 2

A researcher wants to know if there is a difference in reaction time between participants who study in a loud room versus a quiet room. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?

Accepted Answer

The type of room (loud vs. quiet)

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a nominal scale of measurement?

Accepted Answer

Assigning numbers to countries: 1 = Canada, 2 = United States, 3 = China

Question 4

A scale that has meaningful order, equal intervals between values, but does NOT have a true zero is called:

Accepted Answer

Interval scale

Question 5

Which formula correctly represents measurement error?

Accepted Answer

$$X_o = X + X_e$$

Question 6

A researcher measures the heights of students in a class, but by chance, most of the sample are basketball players. What type of error does this scenario illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Sampling error

Question 7

Which of the following is true about ratio scales?

Accepted Answer

They have a true zero and allow for meaningful proportions, such as '60 is twice as old as 30'.

Question 8

In a study, the dependent variable (DV) is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The number that represents the outcome of participant behavior

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition?

Accepted Answer

Defining reaction time as the number of milliseconds from the start signal until the racer completely passes the finish line

Question 10

A researcher wants to generalize findings from a sample to a population. What must be true about the sample?

Accepted Answer

The sample must accurately represent the population.

Question 11

Which type of error is consistent and stable across all values being measured, such as a scale plate that is heavier than it's supposed to be?

Accepted Answer

Systematic error

Question 12

If a scale has a weak spring and the error is proportional to the values being measured, what type of error is this?

Accepted Answer

Proportional error

Question 13

Which of the following best describes an ordinal scale?

Accepted Answer

A rank-ordered measure, such as Olympic medals (gold, silver, bronze)

Question 14

A researcher is interested in the association between two variables, such as height and weight. Which statistical test is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Pearson correlation

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for interval scales?

Accepted Answer

A true zero point

Question 16

In Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST), what does a p-value represent?

Accepted Answer

The probability of observing the data, or something more extreme, if the null hypothesis is true

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of a variable measured on a ratio scale?

Accepted Answer

Annual income in dollars

Question 18

A researcher defines 'young' as anyone under 50 years old and 'old' as anyone 50 years or older. What type of scale is being used?

Accepted Answer

Nominal scale

Question 19

Which of the following statements about measurement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Measurement is the act of assigning a number to an attribute or property of an object according to specific rules.

Question 20

A researcher collects exam scores from students: 85%, 72%, 98%. What type of data is this?

Accepted Answer

Ratio data

Basics of Measurement and Statistics in Psychological Research

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards