Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Accepted Answer

Misinformation is spreading false information without intent to mislead, while disinformation is spreading false information with the intent to mislead.

Question 2

A researcher wants to measure the effect of a new drug on memory. Which of the following is the best example of an operational definition for 'memory' in this study?

Accepted Answer

The number of words recalled from a standardized list 10 minutes after learning.

Question 3

Which of the following research designs allows for the strongest inference about cause and effect?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Question 4

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 5

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

Accepted Answer

Relies on anecdotal evidence.

Question 6

In a double-blind study, who is unaware of the group assignments?

Accepted Answer

Both the participants and the researchers

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of reliability in psychological measurement?

Accepted Answer

A test yields similar results when administered to the same person on different occasions.

Question 8

A histogram of test scores shows most scores clustered at the high end, with a long tail toward the low end. What type of distribution is this?

Accepted Answer

Negatively skewed distribution

Question 9

Why does correlation not imply causation?

Accepted Answer

Because a third variable may be responsible for the observed relationship.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of researcher bias?

Accepted Answer

A researcher unintentionally interprets ambiguous data in favor of their hypothesis.

Question 11

A psychologist wants to study aggression in children by observing them in a playground without interfering. Which research method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 12

Which of the following is a limitation of case studies?

Accepted Answer

Their findings may not be generalizable to the broader population.

Question 13

What is the main ethical principle behind obtaining informed consent from research participants?

Accepted Answer

To ensure participants are aware of the study's procedures, risks, and their rights.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a confounding variable?

Accepted Answer

A variable outside the researcher's control that may affect the dependent variable.

Question 15

A researcher finds that the mean score on a test is 50, with a standard deviation of 5. What percentage of scores would you expect to fall between 45 and 55 in a normal distribution?

Accepted Answer

$$\approx 68\%$$

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Random assignment and double-blind procedures

Question 17

A study uses a convenience sample of college students to investigate stress. What is a potential problem with this sampling method?

Accepted Answer

It may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about validity is correct?

Accepted Answer

Validity refers to whether a measurement accurately measures what it is intended to measure.

Question 19

A researcher reports a $$p-$$value of $$0.03$$ when comparing two groups. What does this mean in terms of statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

There is a $$3\%$$ probability that the observed difference is due to chance, and the result is statistically significant at the $$0.05$$ level.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Relying on anecdotal evidence and lacking replication.

Principles and Methods of Scientific Research in Psychology

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