Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'validity' in scientific measurement?

Accepted Answer

The degree to which an instrument or procedure accurately measures what it claims to measure.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study the effect of a new teaching method on student performance. To minimize bias, which technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Use a double-blind procedure where neither the students nor the instructors know which group receives the new method.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a poor research characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Relying on anecdotal evidence and personal testimony.

Question 4

In correlational research, which statement is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Correlation describes the relationship and direction between two variables, but does not imply causation.

Question 5

A psychologist measures blood alcohol level, number of missteps, and self-reported intoxication to study 'intoxication.' What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Operational definition.

Question 6

Why is random sampling important in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being included, increasing generalizability.

Question 7

Which scenario best illustrates the placebo effect?

Accepted Answer

Participants improve in health after receiving a sugar pill, believing it is medication.

Question 8

A study finds a correlation coefficient $r = -0.85$ between hours of sleep and irritability. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative relationship: as hours of sleep increase, irritability decreases.

Question 9

Which of the following is a method to reduce social desirability bias in survey research?

Accepted Answer

Collecting responses anonymously.

Question 10

What is the main difference between experimental and descriptive research designs?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research can establish cause and effect, while descriptive research only describes aspects of data.

Question 11

A researcher finds that their measurement tool produces consistent results across multiple observations and points in time. This tool is said to be:

Accepted Answer

Reliable.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of the Hawthorne effect?

Accepted Answer

Participants change their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Question 13

Why is replication important in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

It confirms the reliability and validity of research findings.

Question 14

Which of the following best illustrates a testable and falsifiable hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

"Exposure to sunlight increases mood scores as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory."

Question 15

A researcher uses multiple observers to rate a behavior and finds that their ratings are very similar. This demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

Inter-rater reliability.

Question 16

Which of the following is a risk of relying on personal testimony in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

It may be influenced by various factors and is not generalizable.

Question 17

A study uses a sample of university students to generalize findings to all adults. What is a potential problem with this approach?

Accepted Answer

Over-generalization: results from one group may not apply to the broader population.

Question 18

Which equation correctly represents the range of possible values for a correlation coefficient $r$?

Accepted Answer

$-1 \leq r \leq 1$

Question 19

A researcher wants to ensure their study's results can be applied to other settings and populations. Which concept are they most concerned with?

Accepted Answer

Generalizability.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses are untestable and unfalsifiable.

Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research: Principles, Design, and Bias in Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions