Exam 2: Research Methods

Researchers interested in the effects of Sesame Street on children's reading level randomly assign a number of children to one of four groups: one group is required to watch 2 hours of Sesame Street each week, a second group watches 4 hours, a third group watches 8 hours, and a fourth group watches 10 hours. After 6 months, the researchers re-administered a reading test to all children and compare the scores of the children in the different groups. What is the dependent variable in this study?

The research method in which participants of different ages are studied, simultaneously and at one point in time, to examine the effects of age on some aspect of behaviour is known as:

Which of the following does NOT need to be emphasized in order to achieve objectivity in research?

Identify the major characteristics of longitudinal, cross-sectional, cross-sequential, and microgenetic designs. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each design?

Case studies are often used:

Experimental research can be conducted in:

The Strange Situation, which assesses mother-infant interaction using a standardized setting and script of behaviours, is an example of _______________.

In order for the study of child development to be objective it must:

The _______ of reinforcement is well supported by research.

A(n) _____________ identifies and carefully defines what counts of an instance of behaviours under study.

The BEST way to determine whether sibling rivalry is unique to humans would be to conduct a(n):

Imagine that a study of the effects of Sesame Street on children's cognitive development reveals a correlation coefficient of +0.78 between the number of hours of Sesame Street viewed each week and children's reading level. Based on this evidence, which of the following conclusions may be true?

Observer influences are best minimized by:

A specific statement about a phenomenon that is well supported by research evidence is a:

Although many people enjoy watching children develop, what separates naturalistic observation from more casual observation is an emphasis on:

If a researcher discovers that parental use of physical punishment is positively correlated with children's aggression, we would conclude that:

One drawback of interview methods is that they may not:

Define scientific objectivity and discuss three ways in which it is reflected in the methods and procedures used by psychologists.

In experimental research:

A researcher interested in memory for events interviews an equal number of 6-, 8-, and 10-year-olds after a trip to the dentist. This study is an example of which research design?