Research Methods in Psychology: Master the Fundamentals of Psychological Research

Question 1

In psychological research involving human participants, which ethical principle should researchers prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Participants' well-being over research interests

Answer

Informed consent only for deceptive research

Answer

No obligation to debrief participants

Answer

Ethical guidelines apply only to university research

Question 2

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), which ethical principle is essential in research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Researchers must obtain informed consent from all participants before involving them in research.

Answer

Researchers can ethically deceive participants if they believe it will lead to more significant findings.

Answer

Researchers are not legally responsible for any harm caused to participants during the course of the research.

Question 3

Define power analysis and explain its importance in determining the optimal sample size for a research study.

Accepted Answer

Power analysis is a statistical method used to calculate the minimum sample size needed to detect a statistically significant difference between experimental groups.

Answer

Power analysis is only relevant for studies with a large number of participants.

Answer

Power analysis is a complex statistical procedure that requires specialized knowledge.

Question 4

What fundamental principle should guide the development of a research design?

Accepted Answer

Tailor the design to the research question and objectives.

Answer

Prioritize convenience over scientific rigor.

Answer

Maximize complexity to ensure validity.

Answer

Replicate previous studies without modifications.

Question 5

Explain the significant role of bias in research design and data analysis. Discuss effective strategies for minimizing its potential impact on research outcomes.

Accepted Answer

Effective strategies for minimizing bias include using a random sample, blinding participants, and using objective measures.

Answer

Bias is only present in the data analysis phase of research.

Answer

Bias is not a significant concern in psychological research.

Answer

The researcher's personal beliefs and expectations have no influence on the research outcomes.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a data collection instrument in research?

Accepted Answer

To gather data systematically and objectively in a standardized manner

Answer

To analyze and interpret data statistically

Answer

To present data in a clear and concise format

Answer

To draw conclusions and generalize findings

Question 7

Which statistical test is commonly employed to determine significant differences between two groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

Answer

Correlation analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 8

Which ethical principle obligates researchers to safeguard participant confidentiality and privacy?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 9

Which research design is most appropriate for investigating causal relationships?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Observational design

Answer

Case study design

Question 10

Distinguish between a hypothesis and a theory in scientific research.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction derived from a theory, while a theory is a broader explanation supported by multiple hypotheses

Answer

A theory is a specific prediction derived from a hypothesis, while a hypothesis is a broader explanation supported by multiple theories

Answer

A hypothesis and a theory are essentially interchangeable terms

Answer

A hypothesis is more likely to be disproven than a theory

Question 11

Which research method involves the researcher observing participants directly in their natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Observation

Answer

Survey

Answer

Interview

Answer

Experiment

Question 12

What is the primary objective of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To present the research design, methods, and anticipated outcomes

Answer

To secure funding for a research project

Answer

To disseminate the findings of a completed research study

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of a research project

Question 13

The purpose of an experimental design is to establish:

Accepted Answer

Causality

Answer

Correlation

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Validity

Question 14

Operationalizing a variable means:

Accepted Answer

Defining and measuring the variable in specific terms

Answer

Identifying the variables of interest

Answer

Testing the validity and reliability of the variable

Answer

Interpreting the results

Question 15

Which data collection method is most appropriate for obtaining detailed qualitative information about participants' experiences and perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Survey

Answer

Observation

Answer

Experiment

Question 16

Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain informed consent from participants before conducting research?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 17

In an experimental design, what is the main function of the null hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To examine whether there is no difference between groups

Answer

To forecast the study's outcome

Answer

To provide empirical support for the alternative hypothesis

Answer

To verify the researcher's preconceived notions

Question 18

Which type of research design randomly assigns participants to different conditions and tests for differences between two or more groups?

Accepted Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Correlational study

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of conducting a pilot study?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate a larger study's methods and feasibility

Answer

To gather data from a large sample

Answer

To confirm the research hypothesis

Answer

To generalize research findings to a broader population

Question 20

Which statistical test is commonly employed to determine significant differences in means between two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Correlation coefficient

Question 21

What is the key distinction between validity and reliability in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Validity measures the accuracy of a research instrument, whereas reliability measures its consistency.

Answer

Reliability measures the accuracy of a research instrument, whereas validity measures its consistency.

Answer

Validity assesses the generalizability of research findings, whereas reliability evaluates their accuracy.

Answer

Reliability assesses the generalizability of research findings, whereas validity determines their accuracy.

Question 22

Which ethical principle in psychological research emphasizes minimizing potential harm to participants?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Justice

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 23

What is the key difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the variable that is measured.

Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is measured, while the dependent variable is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher.

Answer

Both variables are manipulated by the researcher.

Answer

Both variables are measured by the researcher.

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the study design, methods, and expected outcomes

Answer

To obtain funding for the study

Answer

To present the results of the study

Answer

To critique the existing literature on the topic

Question 25

Which principle of research design ensures that participants are randomly assigned to different groups, reducing bias and enhancing the study's internal validity?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Answer

Replication

Answer

Informed consent

Question 26

Which data collection method is commonly used to gather qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Survey

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Observation

Question 27

Which statistical test is most appropriate for comparing means between two independent groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

ANOVA

Answer

Correlation

Answer

Regression

Question 28

Which ethical principle requires researchers to safeguard the privacy of research participants?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Respect for participants

Answer

Objectivity

Question 29

A major limitation of correlational research is its inability to:

Accepted Answer

Establish cause-and-effect relationships

Answer

Control for confounding variables

Answer

Require large sample sizes

Answer

Generalize findings to broader populations

Question 30

In balancing the need for scientific knowledge with the protection of participants in research, which of the following is a primary ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Answer

Maintaining participant anonymity throughout the study

Answer

Guaranteeing confidentiality of the collected data

Answer

Employing deception to gather data without participants' knowledge

Question 31

What is the key distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods use numerical data, while qualitative methods use non-numerical data.

Answer

Qualitative methods use numerical data, while quantitative methods use non-numerical data.

Answer

Both methods use numerical data.

Answer

Both methods use non-numerical data.

Question 32

What is the definition of a systematic review?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive summary of existing research on a specific topic

Answer

A critical analysis of a single research study

Answer

A meta-analysis of multiple research studies

Answer

A qualitative study of a particular phenomenon

Question 33

What is the purpose of defining variables in clear and measurable terms (operationalization) in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the reliability and validity of the study

Answer

To generalize findings to other populations

Answer

To control for confounding variables

Answer

To enhance the efficiency of data collection

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

To provide a testable prediction about the relationship between variables

Answer

To summarize the findings of the study

Answer

To guide the selection of research participants

Answer

To ensure the ethical conduct of the study

Question 35

Which ethical principle requires researchers to safeguard the privacy of their participants?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 36

What is the primary purpose of a literature review in the research process?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize existing knowledge and identify gaps in the literature

Answer

To develop a hypothesis

Answer

To collect data

Answer

To analyze results

Question 37

In an experimental design, which variable is manipulated by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Control variable

Answer

Extraneous variable

Question 38

Which of these sampling methods does NOT involve random selection of participants?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 39

Which research method involves collecting in-depth, qualitative data through conversations?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 40

What is the term for making inferences about a larger population based on a smaller sample?

Accepted Answer

Generalization

Answer

Sampling

Answer

Replication

Answer

Falsification

Question 41

In psychological research, what is the primary purpose of statistical significance?

Accepted Answer

Determining whether the observed difference is due to chance or a real effect

Answer

Determining the reliability of the results

Answer

Determining the validity of the results

Answer

Determining the generalizability of the results

Question 42

In psychological research, theory plays a crucial role. How does theory contribute to the research process?

Accepted Answer

Theory provides a conceptual framework for understanding and interpreting research findings.

Accepted Answer

Theory guides the development of research hypotheses and predictions.

Answer

Theory is not directly involved in data collection procedures.

Question 43

How do research ethics committees (RECS) contribute to ethical research practices?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing research proposals to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines

Accepted Answer

Monitoring ongoing research for compliance with ethical principles

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance and training on responsible research practices

Question 44

Which step initiates the scientific method, involving the identification of a research problem or question?

Accepted Answer

Observation

Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Hypothesis formulation

Answer

Experimentation

Question 45

In an experimental research design, participants are randomly assigned to different conditions to control for:

Accepted Answer

Extraneous variables

Answer

Measurement error

Answer

Participant characteristics

Answer

Researcher bias

Question 46

The primary purpose of a hypothesis in psychological research is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a testable prediction about the expected outcome

Answer

Describe the variables of interest

Answer

Summarize the existing literature

Answer

Justify the need for the study

Question 47

The distinction between the independent and dependent variables in an experiment lies in:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Answer

Both variables are measured

Answer

Both variables are manipulated

Question 48

A key ethical concern in psychological research that safeguards participant well-being is:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining confidentiality

Answer

Verifying validity

Answer

Ensuring replication

Answer

Establishing generalizability

Question 49

The fundamental difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies is that:

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies collect data at a single point in time, whereas longitudinal studies collect data over an extended period

Answer

Cross-sectional studies focus on different individuals, whereas longitudinal studies track the same individuals

Question 50

A notable limitation of observational research is its inability to:

Accepted Answer

Establish causal relationships

Answer

Generalize findings to larger populations

Answer

Be conducted efficiently and cost-effectively

Answer

Obtain accurate and reliable data

Question 51

Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-formulated research question?

Accepted Answer

It is clear and concise.

Answer

It is overly specific.

Answer

It is not relevant to the field of study.

Question 52

Which research design allows the researcher to control all extraneous variables except the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

True experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Descriptive design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Question 53

What is the primary purpose of a data collection instrument?

Accepted Answer

To measure variables of interest.

Answer

To interpret results

Answer

To select research participants

Answer

To analyze data

Question 54

Which type of data is qualitative and non-numerical?

Accepted Answer

Nominal data

Answer

Interval data

Answer

Ordinal data

Answer

Ratio data

Question 55

What is a major purpose of descriptive statistics?

Accepted Answer

To describe and summarize data.

Answer

To make predictions

Answer

To draw conclusions.

Answer

To test hypotheses

Question 56

Which statistical test is used to determine the significance of differences between two independent groups in terms of continuous data?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

Pearson correlation coefficient

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

ANOVA

Question 57

Which ethical principle requires researchers to ensure that participants are fully informed about the nature of the research and their involvement?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 58

Which of the following is a potential threat to the validity of research results?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias

Answer

Control group

Answer

Blinding

Answer

Random assignment

Question 59

What is the main goal of a literature review?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize existing knowledge on a topic.

Answer

To critique existing research

Answer

To present research findings

Answer

To design a research study

Question 60

A researcher wants to examine the effects of a new medication on anxiety levels. They randomly assign participants to either receive the medication or a placebo and then compare the two groups on anxiety levels. This is an example of what type of research design?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Case study

Question 61

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

Accepted Answer

It is based on personal beliefs rather than evidence.

Answer

It is testable.

Answer

It is falsifiable.

Answer

It is specific.

Question 62

A researcher wants to investigate the relationship between stress levels and academic performance among college students. They administer a stress questionnaire and collect GPA scores. What type of research is this?

Accepted Answer

Correlational

Answer

Case study

Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Experimental

Question 63

In an experiment examining the effectiveness of a new therapy for anxiety, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The type of therapy received (new therapy or control group)

Answer

The participants' age

Answer

The researcher's experience

Answer

The level of anxiety symptoms

Question 64

A researcher wants to ensure that the participants in their study are representative of the general population. Which sampling method would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling