Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between basic and applied research in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Basic research is conducted to study theoretical issues without trying to solve a specific problem, while applied research utilizes psychological principles for practical purposes.

Question 2

A psychologist wants to measure stress levels in college students. Which of the following is an example of an operational definition for 'stress'?

Accepted Answer

Stress is measured by participants' scores on the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire.

Question 3

Which statement about reliability and validity is correct?

Accepted Answer

A test must be reliable to be valid, but a reliable test can still be invalid.

Question 4

A researcher is concerned that participants may change their behavior because they know they are being observed. This phenomenon is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Hawthorne effect

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Providing anonymity and confidentiality to volunteers

Question 6

In a double-blind study, who is unaware of the treatment conditions?

Accepted Answer

Both the participants and the experimenters

Question 7

A researcher claims that their hypothesis cannot be disproven under any circumstances. According to scientific methodology, what is the main problem with this hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It is not falsifiable

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Presenting only data that supports the researcher's views

Question 9

A psychologist wants to generalize their findings to the broader population. Which aspect of their research design is most important for achieving this?

Accepted Answer

Using a representative sample

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of the Canadian Tri-Council Research Ethics Code?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing financial gain for researchers

Question 11

A researcher uses a standardized survey to measure anxiety levels in participants. What type of measurement is this?

Accepted Answer

Operational definition

Question 12

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'illusory correlation'?

Accepted Answer

Believing that two variables are related when they are not

Question 13

A test yields similar results when administered to the same person at two different times. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Replicable results

Question 15

A researcher wants to study the effect of debt stress on health problems. Which of the following research questions best addresses causation?

Accepted Answer

Does debt stress cause health problems?

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Statistical analysis of survey data

Question 17

A psychologist is designing a study and wants to minimize researcher bias. Which strategy would be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Using a double-blind procedure

Question 18

Which of the following best describes 'socially desirable responding'?

Accepted Answer

Participants respond in ways that increase the chances of being viewed favorably by the experimenter or other participants.

Question 19

Which formula represents the calculation of the mean in a set of scores $x_1, x_2, ..., x_n$?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Mean} = \frac{\sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i}{n}$

Question 20

A researcher is designing a study to test a new drug. To ensure neither the participants nor the experimenters know who receives the drug or placebo, which study design should be used?

Accepted Answer

Double-blind study

Introduction to Psychology: Research Methods Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards