Question 1

In the Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving, the independent variable was:

Accepted Answer

A)  the Duncker candle task 
B)  the humorous or neutral film 
C)  how quickly they solved the problem 
D)  whether the problem was solved correctly in the time available 
A)  the Duncker candle task 
B)  the humorous or neutral film 
C)  how quickly they solved the problem 
D)  whether the problem was solved correctly in the time available B

Question 2

When participants are exposed to only one level of a given independent variable, they are probably taking part in a:

Accepted Answer

A)  within-subjects research design 
B)  between -subjects research design 
C)  haphazard research design 
D)  none of the above 
A)  within-subjects research design 
B)  between -subjects research design 
C)  haphazard research design 
D)  none of the above B

Question 3

Why is it accurate to say that the value of the dependent variable depends on the independent variable? Explain.

Accepted Answer

In statistics and mathematics, variables are quantities that can be changed or varied. They are typically divided into two categories: dependent and independent variables.

The dependent variable is the one that is being studied and measured in an experiment or study. Its value depends on the effects of the independent variable. On the other hand, the independent variable is the one that is manipulated or controlled in an experiment or study.

It is accurate to say that the value of the dependent variable depends on the independent variable because the purpose of the independent variable is to influence or cause some kind of change in the dependent variable.

For example, in a study examining the effect of study hours on test scores, the number of study hours would be the independent variable (as it can be controlled and manipulated by the researcher), and the test scores would be the dependent variable (as they are the outcome being measured and they depend on the number of hours spent studying).

Therefore, the relationship between these two types of variables is such that a change in the independent variable will cause a change in the dependent variable. This is why it is accurate to say that the value of the dependent variable depends on the independent variable.

Question 4

Which is worse in an experiment: random error or systematic error? Why?

Accepted Answer

Systematic error is worse in an experime

Question 5

Why are subject variables said to be "immune to randomization"? What do social psychologists do to deal with the potential problems posed by subject variables?

Accepted Answer

Subject variables are said to be "immune

Question 6

Explain the distinction between descriptive and operational definitions. Use examples to illustrate your points.

Accepted Answer

Descriptive and operational definitions

Question 7

Independent variables:

Accepted Answer

A)  are under the control of the experimenter 
B)  must have at least two levels 
C)  represent "cause" that changes behavior 
D)  all of the above 
A)  are under the control of the experimenter 
B)  must have at least two levels 
C)  represent "cause" that changes behavior 
D)  all of the above

Question 8

List some of the advantages of experiments over other sorts of studies (e.g., observational research, correlational research).

Accepted Answer

Experiments have several advantages over

Question 9

Why should a social psychologist need to have a control in an experiment? What is the specific purpose of a control group?

Accepted Answer

A social psychologist needs to have a co

Question 10

The age, race, education, and marital status of research participants are all variables that cannot be controlled by an experimenter. Yet, these variables could alter the participants' actions in an experiment. Psychologists call these variables:

Accepted Answer

A)  independent variables 
B)  trait variables 
C)  subject variables 
D)  random variables 
A)  independent variables 
B)  trait variables 
C)  subject variables 
D)  random variables

Question 11

A social psychologists posts a "call for volunteer participants" on a bulletin board in the psychology lounge. Students then sign up to take part in research for extra credit. These students constitute a:

Accepted Answer

A)  population 
B)  random sample 
C)  convenience sample 
D)  selected sample 
A)  population 
B)  random sample 
C)  convenience sample 
D)  selected sample

Question 12

In the Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving, the dependent variable was:

Accepted Answer

A)  the Duncker candle task 
B)  the humorous or neutral film 
C)  how quickly they solved the problem 
D)  whether the problem was solved correctly in the time available 
A)  the Duncker candle task 
B)  the humorous or neutral film 
C)  how quickly they solved the problem 
D)  whether the problem was solved correctly in the time available

Question 13

Discuss several of the qualities of a good research hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

A good research hypothesis should be cle

Question 14

What are the necessary qualities for a true experiment?

Accepted Answer

A true experiment requires several key q

Question 15

What are carryover effects? When do they occur in the context of research designs? List and describe three carryover effects.

Accepted Answer

Carryover effects refer to the lingering

Question 16

A true experiment uses which of the following:

Accepted Answer

A)  random assignment to condition 
B)  a control group 
C)  an experimental or treatment group 
D)  All of the above 
A)  random assignment to condition 
B)  a control group 
C)  an experimental or treatment group 
D)  All of the above

Question 17

What is the role of random assignment in true experiments? How does random assignment affect the influence of individual differences (also known as subject variables)?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment plays a crucial role i

Question 18

The Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

A)  a pre-test posttest control group design 
B)  a posttest-only control group design 
C)  observational research 
D)  correlational research 
A)  a pre-test posttest control group design 
B)  a posttest-only control group design 
C)  observational research 
D)  correlational research

Question 19

According to Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) and other social psychologists, how does positive affect or good mood affect people's problem solving abilities?

Accepted Answer

According to Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki

Question 20

A ____ definition portrays the relationships among variables in an abstract way, while a ____ definition transforms variables into concrete forms that can be manipulated and measured.

Accepted Answer

A)  descriptive; operational 
B)  individualized; descriptive 
C)  operational; descriptive 
D)  hypothetical; operational 
A)  descriptive; operational 
B)  individualized; descriptive 
C)  operational; descriptive 
D)  hypothetical; operational

In the Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving, the independent variable was:

When participants are exposed to only one level of a given independent variable, they are probably taking part in a:

Why is it accurate to say that the value of the dependent variable depends on the independent variable? Explain.

Which is worse in an experiment: random error or systematic error? Why?

Why are subject variables said to be "immune to randomization"? What do social psychologists do to deal with the potential problems posed by subject variables?

Explain the distinction between descriptive and operational definitions. Use examples to illustrate your points.

Independent variables:

List some of the advantages of experiments over other sorts of studies (e.g., observational research, correlational research).

Why should a social psychologist need to have a control in an experiment? What is the specific purpose of a control group?

The age, race, education, and marital status of research participants are all variables that cannot be controlled by an experimenter. Yet, these variables could alter the participants' actions in an experiment. Psychologists call these variables:

A social psychologists posts a "call for volunteer participants" on a bulletin board in the psychology lounge. Students then sign up to take part in research for extra credit. These students constitute a:

In the Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving, the dependent variable was:

Discuss several of the qualities of a good research hypothesis.

What are the necessary qualities for a true experiment?

What are carryover effects? When do they occur in the context of research designs? List and describe three carryover effects.

A true experiment uses which of the following:

What is the role of random assignment in true experiments? How does random assignment affect the influence of individual differences (also known as subject variables)?

The Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving is best classified as:

According to Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) and other social psychologists, how does positive affect or good mood affect people's problem solving abilities?

A definition portrays the relationships among variables in an abstract way, while a definition transforms variables into concrete forms that can be manipulated and measured.

Studying Social Psychology

Developing Research Topics in Social Psychology

Ethical Issues in Social Psychological Research

Alternatives to Experimental Research in Social Psychology

Developing Questionnaires and Surveys

Introducing a Difference: Independent Variables

Measuring What Happens: Dependent Variables

Validity and Realism in Research

Conducting Social Psychology Experiments: Practical Matters

Data Analysis

Presenting Social Psychological Research

Filters

Exam 4: Basic Experimental Design

In the Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving, the independent variable was:

When participants are exposed to only one level of a given independent variable, they are probably taking part in a:

Why is it accurate to say that the value of the dependent variable depends on the independent variable? Explain.

Which is worse in an experiment: random error or systematic error? Why?

Why are subject variables said to be "immune to randomization"? What do social psychologists do to deal with the potential problems posed by subject variables?

Explain the distinction between descriptive and operational definitions. Use examples to illustrate your points.

Independent variables:

List some of the advantages of experiments over other sorts of studies (e.g., observational research, correlational research).

Why should a social psychologist need to have a control in an experiment? What is the specific purpose of a control group?

The age, race, education, and marital status of research participants are all variables that cannot be controlled by an experimenter. Yet, these variables could alter the participants' actions in an experiment. Psychologists call these variables:

A social psychologists posts a "call for volunteer participants" on a bulletin board in the psychology lounge. Students then sign up to take part in research for extra credit. These students constitute a:

In the Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving, the dependent variable was:

Discuss several of the qualities of a good research hypothesis.

What are the necessary qualities for a true experiment?

What are carryover effects? When do they occur in the context of research designs? List and describe three carryover effects.

A true experiment uses which of the following:

What is the role of random assignment in true experiments? How does random assignment affect the influence of individual differences (also known as subject variables)?

The Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) experiment on positive affect and problem solving is best classified as:

According to Isen, Daubman, and Nowicki (1987) and other social psychologists, how does positive affect or good mood affect people's problem solving abilities?

A ____ definition portrays the relationships among variables in an abstract way, while a ____ definition transforms variables into concrete forms that can be manipulated and measured.

Studying Social Psychology

Developing Research Topics in Social Psychology

Ethical Issues in Social Psychological Research

Alternatives to Experimental Research in Social Psychology

Developing Questionnaires and Surveys

Introducing a Difference: Independent Variables

Measuring What Happens: Dependent Variables

Validity and Realism in Research

Conducting Social Psychology Experiments: Practical Matters

Data Analysis

Presenting Social Psychological Research

Filters

A definition portrays the relationships among variables in an abstract way, while a definition transforms variables into concrete forms that can be manipulated and measured.