Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main goal of descriptive research methods in psychology?

Accepted Answer

To describe and classify behaviour without attempting to influence or control it.

Question 2

A psychologist wants to study how children interact during recess without interfering. She observes them from behind a one-way mirror. Which research method is she using?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 3

Which of the following is a major limitation of naturalistic observation?

Accepted Answer

Observer bias may cause researchers to see what they expect to see.

Question 4

A researcher wants to understand the relationship between hours spent on social media and levels of anxiety among college students. Which statistical measure should they use?

Accepted Answer

Correlation coefficient $r$

Question 5

If a study finds a correlation coefficient $r = -0.85$ between hours of sleep and reported stress levels, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

As hours of sleep increase, stress levels tend to decrease.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a goal of psychology as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Manipulation

Question 7

A psychologist conducts a detailed investigation of a single patient with a rare neurological disorder over several years. Which research method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Case study

Question 8

Which of the following best distinguishes basic research from applied research in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Basic research aims to expand general scientific knowledge, while applied research seeks to solve specific real-world problems.

Question 9

Which of the following is an advantage of laboratory observation over naturalistic observation?

Accepted Answer

It allows researchers to control variables and use specialized equipment.

Question 10

A survey is conducted to assess the prevalence of anxiety among university students. Which of the following is a potential limitation of this method?

Accepted Answer

Participants may provide inaccurate information due to faulty memory or desire to present themselves favorably.

Question 11

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the use of a correlational study?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the relationship between exercise frequency and mood among adults.

Question 12

What does a correlation coefficient $r = 0$ indicate about the relationship between two variables?

Accepted Answer

There is no linear relationship between the variables.

Question 13

Which of the following is a reason why researchers might choose a case study method?

Accepted Answer

To obtain detailed information about rare or unusual cases.

Question 14

A psychologist wants to predict which students are at risk of dropping out based on their attendance and grades. Which goal of psychology does this best represent?

Accepted Answer

Prediction

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The characteristics of the interviewer, such as gender or accent.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the explanatory goal of psychology?

Accepted Answer

To understand the conditions under which behaviour or mental processes occur.

Question 17

A researcher finds a strong positive correlation between time spent studying and exam scores. Which of the following is a correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

As time spent studying increases, exam scores tend to increase.

Question 18

Which of the following is a disadvantage of laboratory observation?

Accepted Answer

Participants may behave differently because they know they are being observed.

Question 19

Which research method would be most appropriate for studying how people react during a natural disaster, when experiments would be impossible or unethical?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 20

Which of the following is a key requirement for a scientific theory in psychology?

Accepted Answer

It must be testable and supported by evidence.

Introduction to Psychological Research Methods and Goals

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