Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of random selection in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being chosen for the study.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study the effect of caffeine on students' note-taking speed. In this experiment, what is the independent variable (IV)?

Accepted Answer

The amount of caffeine consumed by students.

Question 3

Which of the following is a disadvantage of naturalistic observation?

Accepted Answer

It lacks control over variables, making it difficult to determine cause and effect.

Question 4

A scale measuring 'liking cats' includes items such as 'I watch videos of cats often' and 'I enjoy being around cats.' What problem does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Some items may not directly measure the intended construct, threatening validity.

Question 5

Which equation represents the range of the correlation coefficient $r$?

Accepted Answer

$-1.0 \leq r \leq +1.0$

Question 6

In a study, participants are asked to describe their own behaviors and attitudes. Which research method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Self-report/Survey method

Question 7

Why is random assignment important in experimental design?

Accepted Answer

It ensures groups are comparable and helps determine causal influence between variables.

Question 8

A researcher finds a strong positive correlation between texting speed and relationship drama among university students. What can be concluded from this finding?

Accepted Answer

Texting speed and relationship drama are related, but causation cannot be determined.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable in an experiment studying the effect of music on test performance?

Accepted Answer

Student's prior knowledge of the test material.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'social desirability' in survey research?

Accepted Answer

Participants give answers that make them appear better or more acceptable.

Question 11

In the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, which ethical principle was most clearly violated?

Accepted Answer

Participants were denied treatment even after a cure became available.

Question 12

Which of the following is true about reliability and validity?

Accepted Answer

A test must be reliable to be valid, but a reliable test can still be invalid.

Question 13

A researcher observes how often university students use laptops for non-class activities by sitting in class and taking notes. Which method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 14

Which of the following is a limitation of self-report/survey methods?

Accepted Answer

Participants may not want to look bad or overly criticize themselves.

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct formula for Cohen's Kappa, used to assess inter-rater reliability?

Accepted Answer

$\kappa = \frac{P_o - P_e}{1 - P_e}$

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of correlational/non-experimental designs?

Accepted Answer

Can determine causal direction between variables.

Question 17

A researcher wants to operationalize 'stress levels' in university students. Which of the following is the best example of operationalization?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the number of self-reported stressful events in the past month.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a confounding variable?

Accepted Answer

A variable not of interest that changes along with the IV and could explain the results.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a case study?

Accepted Answer

An in-depth analysis of a single person who survived a rare disease.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about third variables/confounds in correlation is correct?

Accepted Answer

A third variable can influence both variables, making it unclear if one causes the other.

Research Methods in Psychology: Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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