Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of objectivity in scientific measurement?

Accepted Answer

Measurements are consistent across instruments and observers within an allowed margin of error.

Question 2

A researcher wants to ensure that their study's results can be applied to other populations and situations. Which characteristic of quality scientific research are they focusing on?

Accepted Answer

Generalizability

Question 3

Which sampling method is most likely to produce results that are broadly generalizable to a population?

Accepted Answer

Random sample

Question 4

A study finds that participants behave differently because they know they are being observed. This is an example of which source of bias?

Accepted Answer

Hawthorne effect

Question 5

Which technique is most effective in reducing bias due to participants' expectations about their treatment condition?

Accepted Answer

Single-blind procedure

Question 6

A researcher measures the same variable using two different forms of a test and finds consistent results. Which type of reliability is being assessed?

Accepted Answer

Alternate-forms reliability

Question 7

Which of the following is a characteristic of poor scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Appeals to authority rather than data

Question 8

A hypothesis is considered falsifiable if:

Accepted Answer

It is precise enough that evidence could prove it false.

Question 9

Which evidence type relies on individual stories as proof and lacks systematic verification?

Accepted Answer

Anecdotal evidence

Question 10

In a correlational study, the strength of association between two variables is expressed by the correlation coefficient $$r. If$$ $$r = -1.0$$, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

A perfect negative relationship

Question 11

Which research design involves unobtrusive observation in participants' natural settings?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 12

A researcher randomly assigns participants to either a treatment or control group. What is the primary purpose of random assignment?

Accepted Answer

To distribute confounding variables evenly across groups

Question 13

Which of the following is a key distinction between experimental and quasi-experimental methods?

Accepted Answer

Experimental methods can definitively establish causality.

Question 14

A researcher wants to study the effect of sleep deprivation on test performance. Sleep deprivation is the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 15

Which ethical principle requires that participants be fully informed about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and their right to withdraw?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Question 16

A study uses a double-blind procedure. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Both participants and experimenters are unaware of treatment assignments.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of a control group in experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Receives no treatment; serves as a baseline for comparison

Question 18

Why is replication important in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

It confirms that results are not due to chance or error.

Question 19

Which ethical consideration is unique to animal-based research?

Accepted Answer

Minimization of pain/discomfort for laboratory animals

Question 20

A researcher finds a strong correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents. What problem does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Third-variable problem

Foundations of Scientific Research in Psychology: Principles, Designs, and Ethics

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