Question 1

A researcher is measuring the temperature in a room using Celsius. Which type of measurement scale is being used, and why?

Accepted Answer

Interval, because the differences between values are meaningful but there is no true zero.

Question 2

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of test-retest reliability?

Accepted Answer

A test is administered to the same group at two different times and the scores are correlated.

Question 3

A researcher develops a new depression scale and finds that it correlates highly with an established depression inventory. This is evidence of which type of validity?

Accepted Answer

Convergent validity

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between reliability and validity?

Accepted Answer

A measure can be reliable but not valid.

Question 5

A researcher uses a proportional stratified sampling method. Which of the following best describes this approach?

Accepted Answer

Participants are randomly selected from strata in proportion to their representation in the population.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a parameter?

Accepted Answer

The standard deviation of a population's IQ scores.

Question 7

A study uses snowball sampling to recruit participants. Which of the following is a likely limitation of this approach?

Accepted Answer

It may introduce bias because participants recruit others who are similar to themselves.

Question 8

Which of the following best distinguishes random sampling from random assignment?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling is used to select participants for a study, supporting external validity; random assignment is used to assign participants to groups, supporting internal validity.

Question 9

A researcher is concerned that participants are trying to guess the purpose of the study and alter their behavior accordingly. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Demand characteristics

Question 10

Which of the following is a threat to internal validity that occurs when an outside event influences participants between pretest and posttest?

Accepted Answer

History

Question 11

A researcher wants to ensure that the order in which participants receive treatments does not systematically affect the results. Which technique should be used?

Accepted Answer

Counterbalancing

Question 12

If a study uses a double-blind placebo method, what is the primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To prevent both participants and experimenters from knowing group assignments, reducing bias.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a mediating variable?

Accepted Answer

A variable that explains the process through which one variable affects another.

Question 14

A researcher is interested in the interaction between an independent variable (IV) and an extraneous variable. What should the researcher do?

Accepted Answer

Include the extraneous variable as a second IV and analyze the interaction.

Question 15

Which of the following is a strength of using matching as a control technique?

Accepted Answer

It ensures groups are equivalent on matched variables.

Question 16

A study finds that participants who drop out differ systematically from those who remain. This is an example of which threat to internal validity?

Accepted Answer

Attrition

Question 17

Which formula would you use to determine the number of possible orders in complete counterbalancing for $$n$$ conditions?

Accepted Answer

$$n!$$

Question 18

A researcher wants to generalize findings to different settings and times. Which types of external validity are most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Ecological and temporal validity

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the trade-off between internal and external validity?

Accepted Answer

Increasing internal validity often decreases external validity, and vice versa.

Question 20

A researcher uses automation in a study to present stimuli and record responses. What is a primary benefit of this approach?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the influence of researcher bias and increases standardization.

Psychology Test 2 Review: Measurement, Reliability, Validity, Sampling, and Experimental Design

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