Research Methods in Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a primary research design used to establish cause-and-effect relationships?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Observational

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 2

Which data collection method involves gathering information directly from individuals through structured questions?

Accepted Answer

Questionnaires

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Experimental manipulation

Answer

Observation

Question 3

Sampling is a technique used to select a representative subset that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 4

A key limitation of correlational research is its inability to:

Accepted Answer

Determine cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

Generalize findings to wider populations

Answer

Control for confounding variables

Answer

Replicate findings across studies

Question 5

Quantitative research methods primarily rely on:

Accepted Answer

Numerical data and statistical analysis

Answer

Subjective descriptions and qualitative observations

Answer

Naturalistic settings and real-world data

Answer

Historical records and archival documents

Question 6

In a research study, participants are randomly placed into either the experimental or control group. What type of research design is this?

Accepted Answer

Between-subjects design

Answer

Within-subjects design

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Narrative design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of using a survey research method?

Accepted Answer

To collect data from a large number of participants

Answer

To establish cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

To provide detailed qualitative data

Answer

To track changes over time

Question 9

What is the key distinction between a dependent variable and an independent variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is measured, while the independent variable is manipulated

Answer

The independent variable is measured, while the dependent variable is manipulated

Answer

They are both measured and manipulated

Answer

They are both uncontrolled variables

Question 10

Which of the following is a characteristic of correlational research?

Accepted Answer

It measures the relationship between two or more variables

Answer

It establishes cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

It involves manipulating the independent variable

Answer

It uses random assignment of participants

Question 11

Which of the following is a non-probability sampling method commonly used in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 12

What is the primary purpose of using a between-subjects design in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To compare groups of participants who differ on a certain characteristic

Answer

To measure changes in the same group over time

Answer

To examine the effects of different independent variables on a dependent variable

Answer

To control for carryover effects

Question 13

Which of the following is a qualitative research design used to generate theory from data?

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 14

Which data collection method involves observing participants in their natural environment without interfering with their behavior?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Survey

Answer

Interview

Answer

Laboratory experiment

Question 15

Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain participants' voluntary consent before involving them in research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Participant confidentiality

Answer

Researcher objectivity

Answer

Data accuracy

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential source of bias that can occur when participants' expectations about the research influence their behavior?

Accepted Answer

Participant expectations

Answer

Researcher assumptions

Answer

Sampling error

Answer

Data entry errors

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To predict the outcome of the study

Answer

To describe the research question

Answer

To explain the results of the study

Answer

To design the research procedure

Question 18

Which statistical test is used to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

T-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 19

What is the difference between a population and a sample in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

The population is the complete group of interest, while the sample is a smaller group drawn from the population.

Answer

The sample is the complete group of interest, while the population is a larger group that includes the sample.

Answer

There is no difference between a population and a sample.

Answer

The population is more diverse than the sample.

Question 20

What is the purpose of a pilot study in research?

Accepted Answer

To test the feasibility and effectiveness of the research design and instruments

Answer

To gather preliminary data for the main study

Answer

To collect data from a large sample size

Answer

To analyze the results of the main study

Question 21

In psychological research, which ethical principle mandates researchers to prioritize participants' safety and minimize potential risks?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a major quantitative research method in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Introspection

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Observational

Question 23

What is the main distinction between a hypothesis and a theory in research?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is more specific and testable, while a theory is more general and explanatory.

Answer

A theory is more specific and testable, while a hypothesis is more general and explanatory.

Answer

They are essentially the same concept.

Answer

A hypothesis is based on existing data, while a theory is not.

Question 24

Which type of statistical test is used to analyze relationships between two continuous variables?

Accepted Answer

Pearson correlation

Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Question 25

Which of the following would be an example of a within-subjects research design?

Accepted Answer

Manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable within the same participants.

Answer

Observing participants in a natural setting over time.

Answer

Comparing participants from different age groups.

Answer

Measuring the same variables in different groups of participants at a single time point.

Question 26

What is a primary benefit of employing stratified sampling in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Minimized sampling error

Answer

Enhanced generalizability of findings

Answer

Reduced expenses and time commitment

Answer

Simplified data collection for researchers

Question 27

What is the defining characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Understanding subjective experiences

Answer

Analyzing quantitative data

Answer

Objectivity and generalizability of findings

Answer

Replication and control of experimental variables

Question 28

Which of the following is a key characteristic of experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Control over variables through random assignment and manipulation

Answer

Participant observation in natural settings

Answer

Emergence of theory from data analysis

Answer

Focus on naturalistic settings without researcher intervention

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of random assignment in experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate potential biases in participant selection

Answer

To ensure that participants are evenly distributed across different experimental conditions

Answer

To enhance the generalizability of research findings

Answer

To increase the likelihood of obtaining statistically significant results

Question 30

Which of the following is a type of non-experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Correlational research that examines relationships between variables

Answer

Between-subjects design that compares different groups of participants

Answer

Within-subjects design that measures changes within the same group of participants

Answer

Factorial design that tests the effects of multiple independent variables

Question 31

Which of the following statistical measures represents a measure of central tendency?

Accepted Answer

Mean: the average value of a set of data

Answer

Standard deviation: a measure of the spread or variability of data

Answer

Variance: the square of the standard deviation

Answer

Skewness: a measure of the asymmetry of a distribution

Question 32

What is the null hypothesis in statistical testing?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis that assumes there is no significant difference or relationship between variables

Answer

A hypothesis that assumes there is a significant difference or relationship between variables

Answer

A hypothesis that is supported by the data

Answer

A hypothesis that is rejected by the data

Question 33

Which of the following is a type of validity that concerns the extent to which a research study measures what it intends to measure?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Ecological validity

Question 34

Which of the following is a type of non-experimental research design that involves observing behavior in a natural setting?

Accepted Answer

Observational

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Narrative

Question 35

What is the fundamental ethical principle that requires researchers to obtain the informed consent of participants?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Avoiding harm

Answer

Scientific validity

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Generalizable

Answer

Testable

Answer

Specific

Answer

Falsifiable

Question 37

What is the purpose of an operational definition in research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a clear and objective definition of a concept

Answer

To make concepts easier to understand

Answer

To increase the validity of the study

Answer

To provide a starting point for the hypothesis

Question 38

Which of the following statistical tests is used to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Correlation coefficient

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 39

What is the null hypothesis in a research study?

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis that assumes no relationship or difference exists

Answer

The hypothesis that the researcher predicts will be supported

Answer

The hypothesis that the researcher hopes to prove

Answer

The hypothesis that is tested in the study

Question 40

What is the primary goal of replication in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To confirm or disconfirm the findings of previous studies

Answer

To generate new hypotheses

Answer

To increase the generalizability of findings

Answer

To reduce the likelihood of bias

Question 41

In research, which statement about statistical power is accurate?

Accepted Answer

A study with high statistical power is more likely to detect a significant difference when there is a real effect.

Answer

A study with high statistical power is more likely to detect a significant difference even if there is no real effect.

Answer

A study with low statistical power may still detect a real effect if the sample size is large enough.

Answer

Statistical power is irrelevant to the validity of a study.

Question 42

In qualitative research, which elements and ethical considerations are of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation and informed consent

Answer

Random sampling and participant anonymity

Answer

Hypothesis testing and data triangulation

Answer

Variable manipulation and double-blind procedures

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a type of research design?

Accepted Answer

Data analysis method

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Question 44

Which data collection method involves directly observing and recording behavior?

Accepted Answer

Observational method

Answer

Experimental method

Answer

Interview method

Answer

Survey method

Question 45

What is the primary ethical consideration in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the participants' well-being and rights

Answer

Avoiding bias

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Answer

Ensuring the validity of the results

Question 46

Which of the following is a characteristic of a good hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Testable

Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Generalizable

Answer

Vague

Question 47

What is the role of a control group in an experimental study?

Accepted Answer

To provide a basis for comparison and reduce biases

Answer

To increase the power of the study

Answer

To eliminate the effects of confounding variables

Question 48

Which of the following statistical tests is used to compare the means of two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test for independent samples

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

t-test for paired samples

Answer

Mann-Whitney U test

Question 49

What is the difference between reliability and validity?

Accepted Answer

Reliability measures consistency, while validity measures accuracy and relevance to the research question.

Answer

Reliability measures accuracy, while validity measures consistency.

Answer

Reliability measures precision, while validity measures relevance.