Deck 2: The Research Process: Ideas to Innovations

Question 1

Which of the following most accurately describes the term hypothesis?

A) an educated prediction that provides a testable explanation of a phenomenon
B) a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes some aspect of the world
C) a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world confirmed through repeated observation and experimentation
D) a manner for determining how a researcher will use variables in his/her study

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Based on your understanding of the research process, which of the following is the initial step in the process?

A) recruit participants
B) analyze data
C) conduct a literature review
D) draw conclusions

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Research studies such as those conducted by economists Levitt and Dubner (2005) investigated factors related to name selection for a child by their parents. All of the following were associated with the selection of a child's name EXCEPT:

A) personal preference.
B) parents' religious affiliation.
C) parents' specific occupations.
D) parents' socioeconomic status.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Dr. Gregory is a psychologist interested in finding empirically verified information to guide the development of her research hypothesis. Which of the following should she use to ensure the reliability and validity of her sources?

A) a general Internet search engine
B) peer-reviewed journal articles
C) nonfiction books
D) personal websites and blogs

Question 5

Contrary to a scientific theory, a scientific law:

A) is not based on repeated experimental observations.
B) makes no assumptions regarding the cause of a behavior.
C) makes no attempt to identify psychological phenomenon.
D) is not based on the scientific method.

Question 6

Psychology has _____ scientific laws and _____ scientific theories.

A) few; few
B) few; many
C) many; few
D) many; many

Question 7

Siri has been jokingly referred to as the "fact checker" in her research group. This nickname would best apply to which step in the research process?

A) recruitment of participants
B) analyzation of data
C) drawing conclusions
D) engaging in peer review

Question 8

The difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis is that a hypothesis is:

A) broader in scope and more substantiated.
B) narrower in scope and less substantiated.
C) similar in scope, but more substantiated.
D) narrower in scope and more substantiated.

Question 9

Each of the following is a strategy for generating a hypothesis, EXCEPT:

A) introspection.
B) finding the exception to the rule.
C) thinking of things unilaterally.
D) thinking about variables in terms of amount or degrees.

Question 10

The scientific method relies on:

A) personal experience to inform theory.
B) making observations to answer questions.
C) anecdotal evidence to answer questions.
D) intuition as evidence.

Question 11

What is the best way for a researcher to empirically investigate a psychological phenomenon?

A) by using nonsensical approaches in the study of unconscious thoughts
B) using observable behaviors to make assumptions about underlying psychological states
C) by asking participants' friends and family for their opinions
D) by having participants complete self-report measures

Question 12

What is a scientific law?

A) an educated prediction that provides a testable explanation of a phenomenon
B) a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world confirmed through repeated observation and experimentation
C) a manner for determining how a researcher will use variables in his/her study
D) a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes some aspect of the world

Question 13

Which of the following most accurately describes the term "scientific theory"?

A) an educated prediction that provides a testable explanation of a phenomenon
B) a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes some aspect of the world
C) a manner for determining how a researcher will use variables in his/her study
D) a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world confirmed through repeated observation and experimentation

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT an example of empirical research?

A) examining IQ using a standardized test
B) measuring passionate love using a self-report measure
C) investigating gender differences in athleticism
D) assessing whether someone has behaved well enough to get into heaven

Question 15

During a meeting, your research advisor says, "Remember, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Someone has likely looked at this before." His statement is most likely referring to the importance of _____ in developing your hypothesis.

A) using personal experience
B) using introspection
C) anecdotal evidence
D) conducting a literature search

Question 16

Why are most philosophical questions poorly suited for empirical investigation?

A) Philosophy is not an important discipline.
B) Most philosophical questions cannot be objectively measured.
C) Empirical investigations can only test unobservable behaviors.
D) Philosophy is inherently unscientific and thus does not necessitate investigation.

Question 17

Furman wants to conduct an empirical research study for his capstone psychology course. Which of the following would be appropriate for an empirical research study?

A) Bigfoot
B) the Loch Ness Monster
C) vampires
D) great white sharks

Question 18

An example of a database where psychologists can find peer-reviewed journal articles is:

A) Google.
B) Yahoo!.
C) PsycINFO.
D) LexisNexis.

Question 19

In peer review, who evaluates a psychologist's work?

A) other psychologists who are experts within that area of study
B) medical doctors
C) the Internal Review Board (IRB)
D) the researcher's collaborators

Question 20

What do sociology, geology, and psychology have in common?

A) All three use the scientific method.
B) All three study how humans think, feel, and behave.
C) All three focus on unanswerable questions.
D) All three are based on subjective reasoning.

Question 21

The text describes work by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a famous 18^th-century American physician, who hypothesized that bloodletting was the best treatment for those suffering from a high fever. Dr. Rush's technique, which was often more dangerous than the fever itself, demonstrates how _____ may be an issue for hypotheses that are not falsifiable.

A) confirmation bias
B) the Barnum effect
C) Occam's razor
D) the better-than-average effect

Question 22

How does a researcher decide which research method to use?

A) They let the research question guide the choice of methodology and analysis.
B) They use whatever methodology everyone else is using.
C) They use the newest methodology and analysis techniques available.
D) They use the same methodology that they have always used, because researchers are only trained in one type of technique.

Question 23

_____ is the erroneous tendency for people to believe that general descriptions of their personality are highly accurate and tailored specifically for them.

A) The Barnum effect
B) The Bailey effect
C) Parsimony
D) Occam's razor

Question 24

Rodina is interested in testing whether the occurrence of physical accidents is the result of an individual's repressed desires. Rodina asks each participant about recent physical accidents (e.g., falling, tripping, etc.) and their perceived reason for the accident. Rodina also conducts an interview with each participant about their fears and desires in life. Rodina made the claim that these participants' accidents were directly related to their unconscious desires. What is a major flaw in Rodina's study?

A) Rodina's hypothesis cannot be confirmed or disproved.
B) There is no identified criterion variable in her study.
C) Rodina does not adequately manipulate the independent variable.
D) Rodina does not use a longitudinal design.

Question 25

Occam's razor corresponds to which characteristic of a good hypothesis?

A) specificity
B) being grounded in previous research
C) parsimony
D) falsifiability

Question 26

Researchers generally decide on the conceptual definition _____ they develop an operational definition.

A) before
B) after
C) while
D) with no regard for how

Question 27

A _____ is an element that the experimenter expects to change, vary, or that can have several different values, whereas a _____ is a factor that does not change and remains consistent.

A) constant; script
B) variable; level
C) variable; constant
D) constant; variable

Question 28

Kelli's best friends are in an argument and while trying to problem-solve the situation she asked herself, "What would I do?" This is an example of:

A) utilizing introspection.
B) finding an exception to the rule.
C) changing the directionality.
D) thinking about variables in terms of degrees.

Question 29

What is a constant?

A) an element that the experimenter expects to change
B) a factor that does not change and remains consistent
C) the exact steps a researcher takes when collecting data
D) an observation that has been replicated many times with the same result

Question 30

A definition of how variables will be used in the study is known as the:

A) variable.
B) constant.
C) conceptual definition.
D) operational definition.

Question 31

Dr. Dasha is a developmental psychologist who is interested in investigating the relationship between parents and their children. A literature search revealed that more flexible parenting styles led to happier children. However, Dr. Dasha is also curious whether children with generally good temperaments tend to nurture more flexible parenting styles by their parents. In this instance, Dr. Dasha is demonstrating which strategy for generating a hypothesis?

A) utilizing introspection
B) finding the exception to the rule
C) changing the directionality
D) thinking about variables in terms of amount or degrees

Question 32

Thaddeus is a graduate student in a health psychology program. He decides that for his dissertation project he is going to replicate one of his advisor's studies but extend the original hypothesis. Instead of just investigating the role of exercise as a risk factor in the development of heart disease, he wants to examine how much exercise is optimally beneficial for longevity of life. To do so, he examines both the quantity and intensity of the exercise for each participant. Which of the following strategies is Thaddeus using to develop a good hypothesis?

A) finding the exception to the rule
B) thinking about variables in a matter of degree
C) utilizing introspection
D) changing the directionality

Question 33

The problem with many of Freud's postulations was that they were not:

A) interesting.
B) unique.
C) culturally relevant.
D) falsifiable.

Question 34

What is a variable?

A) an exact listing of steps a researcher takes when collecting data
B) a factor that does not change and remains consistent
C) an element that the experimenter expects to change
D) an observation that has been replicated many times with the same result

Question 35

Tovah owns a small local bakery and wants to attract more attention from customers outside of town. She decides an eye-catching color for her new flavored doughnut would be a great marketing tool. Tovah engages in some "me" search and decides to create purple colored doughnuts since that is her favorite color. Tovah engaged which strategy in an effort to answer her question?

A) utilizing introspection
B) finding the exception to the rule
C) changing the directionality
D) thinking about variables in terms of amount or degrees

Question 36

An endorsement of horoscopes is likely the result of:

A) Occam's razor.
B) the Bailey effect.
C) parsimony.
D) the Barnum effect.

Question 37

Which of the following most accurately describes the term "operational definition"?

A) the aspect of the experiment that is manipulated by the experimenter
B) a definition of how variables will be used in the study
C) the causal variable in a nonexperimental design
D) defining a variable in theoretical terms, as it relates to the study

Question 38

In an experiment designed to assess whether weight loss results in increased self-esteem, an acceptable operational definition for the dependent variable would be:

A) how much weight in pounds participants lost.
B) participants' self-reported levels of esteem.
C) objective raters' evaluations of the participants' confidence.
D) objective raters' evaluations of the participants' weight loss.

Question 39

A conceptual definition is:

A) the aspect of the experiment that is manipulated by the experimenter.
B) a definition of how variables will be used in the study.
C) the causal variable in a nonexperimental design.
D) defining a variable in theoretical terms, as it relates to the study.

Question 40

Good hypotheses must be:

A) general.
B) falsifiable.
C) vague.
D) bidirectional.

Question 41

If you want to design a study that focuses on why something occurs, then you will likely use a(n) _____ design.

A) nonexperimental
B) experimental
C) correlational
D) longitudinal

Question 42

An independent variable in an experimental design is a variable that:

A) is manipulated by the experimenter.
B) is measured by the experimenter.
C) is the manipulated variable in a nonexperimental design.
D) is the outcome variable in a nonexperimental design.

Question 43

In an experiment, the researcher _____ the independent variable and _____ the dependent variable.

A) measures; manipulates
B) manipulates; observes
C) measures; holds constant
D) manipulates; holds constant

Question 44

If Salima begins working with a colleague on a study that has neither an independent nor dependent variable identified, she is most likely conducting a(n):

A) experiment.
B) two-group design study.
C) matched-pair study.
D) correlational study.

Question 45

In a nonexperimental design the _____ is the potential causal variable, whereas the _____ is the outcome variable.

A) predictor; constant
B) predictor; criterion
C) response; predictor
D) constant; predictor

Question 46

The _____ is the potential causal variable in a nonexperimental design.

A) independent variable
B) dependent variable
C) predictor variable
D) criterion variable

Question 47

Caroline's mother refuses to let her go out of the house with wet hair. In an effort to prove to her mother that wet hair does not cause illness, Caroline designs an experiment. Which of the following would be her dependent variable?

A) wet hair
B) dry hair
C) physical health
D) the weather outside of the house

Question 48

Criterion variables are also known as:

A) predictor variables.
B) response variables.
C) conceptual variables.
D) dependent variables.

Question 49

Priya is examining what the trends are for car break-ins during different months of the year. She has accessed archival data from local law enforcement over the last three years and is making notes of how many car break-ins occurred in the city each month. Priya's research design is best described as a(n):

A) experimental study.
B) nonexperimental study.
C) within-subjects design.
D) cross-sectional study.

Question 50

The criterion variable is the:

A) potential causal variable in a nonexperimental design.
B) outcome variable in a nonexperimental design.
C) variable that the experimenter manipulates.
D) variable that the experimenter measures.

Question 51

Lucy believes that halogen light bulbs lead to better visual acuity compared to incandescent light bulbs. How would she operationally define the independent variable in her study?

A) type of light bulb
B) self-report of visual acuity
C) behavioral measure of participants' visual acuity
D) participants' natural eyesight

Question 52

Dr. Kamp utilized a correlational design to examine the relationship between crime trends and outside temperature. After review of the data Dr. Kamp believes that personality traits of impulsivity and aggression are more triggered by higher outside temperatures and this may be a potential cause for increased criminal activity. The examined criminal activity trends are best identified as the:

A) explanatory variable.
B) criterion variable.
C) independent variable.
D) dependent variable.

Question 53

Dr. Antonie is designing an experiment to investigate the effectiveness of a new feeding utensil to help increase independence for those with Parkinson's disease. Dr. Antonie hopes to find that this new feeding utensil increases the ability for an individual with Parkinson's-related tremors to feed themselves without the help of others. In Dr. Antonie's study the dependent variable is the:

A) participants' diagnosis.
B) new economical design of the feeding utensil.
C) participants' ability to independently feed themselves.
D) currently available feeding utensil design.

Question 54

Predictor is to explanatory as:

A) criterion is to response.
B) criterion is to independent.
C) response is to independent.
D) dependent is to response.

Question 55

Ali is a graduate student who is designing a study to examine the impact of weather on mood. Which of the following would be an appropriate operational definition of her dependent variable?

A) number of rainy days compared with number of sunny days across the study period
B) average daily temperature measured in Fahrenheit
C) participants' ratings on a self-report mood scale
D) a background measure of how happy participants are prior to participation

Question 56

In an experiment examining the impact of sleep on academic performance, how might Yetta operationalize her independent variable?

A) performance on a standardized IQ test
B) participants' most recent SAT scores
C) number of hours each participant sleeps the night before the study
D) the number of hours participants sleep on average

Question 57

Predictor variables are also known as:

A) criterion variables.
B) response variables.
C) explanatory variables.
D) dependent variables.

Question 58

In an experiment, the _____variable is measured, while the _____ is manipulated.

A) criterion; predictor
B) predictor; criterion
C) independent; dependent
D) dependent; independent

Question 59

Drs. Ricard and Jones utilized a correlational design to examine the relationship between weather and frequency of doctors' appointments for patients over the age of 65 years. Drs. Ricard and Jones speculate that the type of patients' specific ailments may be a potential cause for the relationship. Drs. Ricard and Jones's speculation is best described as the:

A) explanatory variable.
B) criterion variable.
C) independent variable.
D) dependent variable.

Question 60

If Tawny is interested in describing what is happening between two variables, then she should use a(n):

A) experiment.
B) correlational design.
C) independent samples t-test.
D) cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 61

Ming wants to investigate whether there is a relationship between level of narcissism and bathing suit selection. She hypothesizes that people higher in narcissism are more likely to wear a two-piece swimsuit as compared to a one-piece swimsuit. If she observes women on a beach and then administers a narcissism measure to each one, what type of study is she conducting?

A) within-subjects
B) longitudinal
C) experimental
D) nonexperimental

Question 62

When might a researcher use a survey?

A) to establish cause and effect
B) when interested in verbal responses and explanations to structured questions
C) to acquire responses and ratings to many questions
D) when conducting an in-depth investigation of a single person

Question 63

Surveys and interviews are examples of:

A) nonexperimental designs.
B) between-subjects designs.
C) within-subjects designs.
D) experimental designs.

Question 64

An ethical review of a study is designed to ensure the:

A) costs outweigh benefits.
B) benefits outweigh costs.
C) study contains no deception.
D) study has no cost.

Question 65

A longitudinal study uses a _____ design.

A) quasi-experimental
B) nonexperimental
C) between-subjects
D) within-subjects

Question 66

Angelique would like to conduct a longitudinal study to assess college students' emotional maturity. Which of the following should she do?

A) assess students at the start of each of their four years at college and compare those scores at their graduation
B) measure and compare the emotional maturity of siblings who are both in college
C) complete a twin-study where she measures and compares the emotional maturity of identical and fraternal twins during their junior year of college
D) compare the emotional maturity of college freshmen with that of college seniors

Question 67

When is the ethical review of a study by a panel of experts, such as the IRB, conducted?

A) before data collection
B) after data collection
C) during data analysis
D) after data analysis

Question 68

Lt. Garrick wants to understand how soldiers are affected by their time at war. To do this, he assesses military personnel as they complete boot camp and then again after they complete their first tour of duty. Lt. Garrick has chosen to use which type of research design?

A) between-subjects
B) nonexperimental
C) cross-sectional
D) longitudinal

Question 69

A between-subjects research design assesses participants _____ time(s), whereas a within-subjects research design assesses participants _____ time(s).

A) one; zero
B) one; multiple
C) multiple; zero
D) multiple; one

Question 70

_____ is/are a detailed series of steps that lets the researcher know the order in which to administer the study and provides a script of what the researcher should say and do.

A) Informed consent
B) Researcher notes
C) A research protocol
D) Debriefings

Question 71

_____ are a critical part of both experimental and nonexperimental designs.

A) Predictor variables
B) Operational definitions
C) Criterion variables
D) Conceptual definitions

Question 72

If it is unethical to manipulate a variable, then:

A) you cannot examine it.
B) you cannot examine it with a nonexperimental design.
C) you should not and cannot examine it with an experimental design.
D) you can use either a nonexperimental or experimental design, but you need Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

Question 73

Nadya is trying to determine what vegetables will grow best in her garden. She decides to plant four different types of vegetables and then conduct a systematic observation to determine which vegetable plant thrives in that environment. She is using which research design to answer her question?

A) within-subjects
B) between-subjects
C) longitudinal
D) nonexperimental

Question 74

Between-subjects design is to within-subjects design as:

A) single is to multiple.
B) difficult is to simple.
C) subjective is to objective.
D) independent is to dependent.

Question 75

For which of the following would a researcher use an experimental design?

A) examining the impact of divorce on mental stability
B) investigating the effect of alcohol consumption on fetal development
C) examining the influence of birth order on confidence
D) assessing the effect of wall color on mood

Question 76

In a between-subjects design, researchers assess their participants how many times?

A) zero times
B) once
C) twice
D) three or more

Question 77

In an experiment there are always different levels of the:

A) dependent variable.
B) criterion variable.
C) independent variable.
D) predictor variable.

Question 78

Each of the following is a reason why Dante may choose to use a nonexperimental research design, EXCEPT:

A) it would be unethical to manipulate the independent variable in his study.
B) it is not possible to experimentally manipulate his independent variable.
C) Dante is unsure of the direction of causality between his variables.
D) to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between his variables.

Question 79

Statistically significant results from a nonexperimental study inform the researcher that:

A) the independent variable caused the dependent variable.
B) the predictor variable caused the criterion variable.
C) one variable caused a change in another variable.
D) two variables are associated in some way.

Question 80

Which of the following is an ethical obligation of psychological studies?

A) compensation
B) written acknowledgment in any subsequent research publications
C) informed consent
D) health benefits to study participants