Question 1

Which of the following best describes the first step in the scientific method as depicted in the provided diagram?

Accepted Answer

Observe a pattern in the environment or data.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study 'intoxication.' Which of the following is an example of an operational definition for this variable?

Accepted Answer

Blood alcohol level measured in mmol/L.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between reliability and validity in psychological measurement?

Accepted Answer

Reliability refers to consistency of measurement, while validity refers to whether the test measures what it is supposed to measure.

Question 4

A psychologist uses a depression inventory, clinical interviews, and teacher observations to study depression in adolescents. What is being demonstrated here?

Accepted Answer

The operationalization of a conceptual variable.

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of generalizability in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that the study’s sample best represents the population of interest.

Question 6

A researcher only reports data that supports their hypothesis and ignores data that contradicts it. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Biased selection of data.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Appeal to common sense.

Question 8

A study finds a correlation between debt stress and health problems. Which of the following is a valid concern about interpreting this result?

Accepted Answer

Health problems could lead to debt stress, or a third variable could cause both.

Question 9

Which of the following best reduces subject/participant bias in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Providing anonymity and confidentiality to participants.

Question 10

What is the main purpose of using random sampling in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Appealing to authority without supporting evidence.

Question 12

A researcher wants to measure 'anxiety' in a study. Which of the following is the best operational definition?

Accepted Answer

The number of errors made on a timed math test.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about the relationship between reliability and validity?

Accepted Answer

A test must be reliable to be valid.

Question 14

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 15

A psychologist is interested in the effect of a new therapy on depression. She uses a clinical interview, a standardized depression inventory, and teacher observations. What is she demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

Using multiple operational definitions for a single conceptual variable.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the purpose of descriptive statistics in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To describe and summarize the main features of a data set.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a test-retest reliability assessment?

Accepted Answer

Administering the same test to the same group of people at two different times and comparing the scores.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of research design commonly used in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Anecdotal research.

Question 19

A researcher claims that a new therapy works because 'it just makes sense.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Appeal to common sense.

Question 20

Which of the following is a key ethical requirement for research involving human participants in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from all participants.

Research Methods in Psychology: Principles, Measurement, and Ethics

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