Question 1

Which of the following best describes a positive correlation as depicted in a scatterplot?

Accepted Answer

As one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

Question 2

A researcher wants to test whether exposure to nature reduces stress. She randomly assigns participants to either view nature scenes or neutral images, then measures their stress levels. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The type of images viewed (nature vs. neutral)

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Participants' caffeine intake before the experiment

Question 4

What is the main purpose of random assignment in experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To give each participant an equal chance of being in any group, reducing bias

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the Hawthorne effect?

Accepted Answer

Participants change their behavior simply because they know they are being observed.

Question 6

A study finds that as years of education increase, income also increases. Which type of correlation is this?

Accepted Answer

Positive correlation

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The research relies on anecdotal evidence.

Question 8

What is the main difference between a between-subjects design and a within-subjects design?

Accepted Answer

Between-subjects design compares different groups; within-subjects design compares the same participants to themselves.

Question 9

Which of the following best defines operational definitions in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Definitions that specify how variables are measured or manipulated in a study.

Question 10

A researcher finds no relationship between years of education and hours of sleep. Which type of correlation does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Zero correlation

Question 11

Which of the following is a technique used to reduce bias in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Single-blind or double-blind study designs

Question 12

Why is replication important in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

It helps confirm the reliability and validity of findings.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a poor research practice?

Accepted Answer

Selecting data that only supports the researcher's expectations

Question 14

A researcher measures blood pressure before and after participants view a stressful video. What type of research design is this?

Accepted Answer

Within-subjects design

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the placebo effect?

Accepted Answer

Participants experience changes due to their expectations, not the treatment itself.

Question 16

What is the main advantage of using a random sample in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It increases the generalizability of the findings to the population.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of test-retest reliability?

Accepted Answer

A participant scores similarly on the same test taken two weeks apart.

Question 18

A researcher claims that a new therapy is effective based only on testimonials from clients. Which poor research practice does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Anecdotal evidence

Question 19

Which of the following is a valid operational definition for 'stress' in a psychological experiment?

Accepted Answer

Stress is measured by the amount of cortisol in saliva after a task.

Question 20

In a double-blind study, who is unaware of the group assignments?

Accepted Answer

Both the participants and the researchers

Chapter 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research in Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards