Question 1

Which of the following best describes the principle of objectivity in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity assumes that facts about the world can be observed and tested independently by the individual who describes them.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Stress is measured by the number of self-reported stressful events in the past month.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It uses techniques that increase bias.

Question 4

A study finds a correlation of $$r = -0.85$$ between time spent in traffic and happiness. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative relationship between time in traffic and happiness.

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a third variable problem?

Accepted Answer

A study finds that children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, but the real cause is that children from higher-income families are more likely to eat breakfast and have access to better education.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a convenience sample?

Accepted Answer

Recruiting only students who are readily available in the psychology department.

Question 7

A researcher wants to know if drinking coffee affects students' note-taking speed. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The amount of coffee consumed.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes test-retest reliability?

Accepted Answer

The consistency of a measure across multiple test sessions.

Question 9

In an experiment, what is the main purpose of a control condition?

Accepted Answer

To provide a basis for comparison with the experimental condition.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of the expectancy effect in experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Participants change their behavior because they believe the researcher expects a certain outcome.

Question 11

A researcher collects data by asking participants to describe their own behaviors and attitudes. Which method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Self-report measures and surveys

Question 12

Which of the following is a disadvantage of self-report measures?

Accepted Answer

They are subject to social desirability bias.

Question 13

What is the main ethical issue highlighted by the Tuskegee syphilis study?

Accepted Answer

Participants were not informed they had a disease and were not given available treatment.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes ecological validity?

Accepted Answer

The degree to which a study's results can be applied to or repeated in the natural environment.

Question 15

A researcher finds a positive correlation between video game playing and aggression. Which of the following conclusions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

There is a relationship between video game playing and aggression, but causation cannot be determined.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of inter-rater reliability?

Accepted Answer

Two researchers independently observe and rate the same classroom behavior and obtain similar results.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key reason for using random selection in research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being included.

Question 18

A researcher wants to know if people are more generous when they are in a good mood. Which of the following is a potential confound in this study?

Accepted Answer

Income status, because people with more money may be more generous regardless of mood.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of alternate-forms reliability?

Accepted Answer

Giving two different versions of a memory test to the same person at different times and getting similar results.

Question 20

Which of the following is a situation where it is generally NOT ethical to fully inform participants about the purpose of a study before participation?

Accepted Answer

When knowing the purpose would change participants' behavior and invalidate the results.

Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research

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