Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The idea that knowledge is acquired through sensory experience and observation.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study the effect of sleep deprivation on memory performance. She randomly assigns participants to either a sleep-deprived group or a control group and measures their recall ability. Which research design is she using?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between correlational and experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research manipulates variables, while correlational research observes relationships without manipulation.

Question 4

A psychologist claims that her theory is 'scientific.' Which of the following characteristics must her theory possess?

Accepted Answer

It must be falsifiable and supported by empirical evidence.

Question 5

Which term refers to the consistency of a measurement or test over time?

Accepted Answer

Reliability

Question 6

A study finds a strong positive correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents. What is the most likely explanation for this finding?

Accepted Answer

A third variable, such as hot weather, increases both ice cream sales and swimming activity.

Question 7

Which ethical principle requires researchers to inform participants about the nature of the study and obtain their agreement to participate?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Question 8

A researcher uses deception in a psychological experiment. According to ethical guidelines, what must the researcher do after the study?

Accepted Answer

Debrief participants and explain the true nature of the study.

Question 9

Which psychological perspective would most likely focus on how unconscious conflicts influence behavior?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic perspective

Question 10

A researcher wants to ensure her study is both reliable and valid. Which of the following best describes the difference between reliability and validity?

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to consistency; validity refers to accuracy.

Question 11

Why are non-human animals often used in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Because they allow researchers to study biological processes and control variables that are difficult to manipulate in humans.

Question 12

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'determinism' in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Human behavior is caused by identifiable factors and is not random.

Question 13

A researcher finds that her results are statistically significant. Which formula would she use to calculate the $$t-$$statistic in a two-sample $$t-$$test?

Accepted Answer

$$t = \frac{\bar{x}_1 - \bar{x}_2}{\sqrt{\frac{s_1$^2}{n_1$} + \frac{s_2$^2}{n_2$}}}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a potential source of bias in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias, where researchers interpret data to support their hypotheses

Question 15

A study is said to have high external validity if:

Accepted Answer

Its results can be generalized to other populations and settings.

Question 16

Which step of the scientific method involves making a prediction that can be tested?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Question 17

A psychologist is interested in whether common sense is a reliable source of information. Which of the following best supports the scientific approach over common sense?

Accepted Answer

Scientific research relies on systematic observation and empirical evidence.

Question 18

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using deception in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It can undermine trust between researchers and participants.

Question 19

A researcher wants to measure the relationship between stress and academic performance. She collects data on students' stress levels and their exam scores. Which statistical formula would she use to calculate the Pearson correlation coefficient?

Accepted Answer

$$r = \frac{\sum (x_i - \bar{x})(y_i - \bar{y})}{\sqrt{\sum (x_i - \bar{x})^2$ \sum (y_i - \bar{y})^2$}}$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes a 'high quality' psychological study?

Accepted Answer

It is based on systematic observation, controls for bias, and uses reliable and valid measures.

Foundations of Psychological Research: Scientific Method, History, and Ethics

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards