Question 1

Statistical methods that organize data into meaningful patterns and summaries, such as finding the average value, are called ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  inferential statistics
B)  measures
C)  descriptive statistics
D)  modes C

Question 2

Callie has gathered extensive data regarding the working conditions and stress levels of domestic workers in five U.S. cities, including their annual income. She arranges the data from low to high and notes how many workers are in each category using a bar chart. This is called a ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  standard deviation
B)  frequency distribution
C)  normal distribution
D)  median B

Question 3

To illustrate the relationship between two variables, one can use a ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  normal curve
B)  histogram
C)  scatter plot
D)  bar graph C

Question 4

Defining variables in practical terms is called ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  regression
B)  validity
C)  operationalization
D)  variability

Question 5

Which correlational coefficient represents the strongest relationship?

Accepted Answer

A)  -.95
B)  -.75
C)  .75
D)  1.25

Question 6

A standard for deciding whether an observed result is due to chance is called ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  randomization
B)  statistical significance
C)  the null hypothesis
D)  reasonable doubt

Question 7

The consistency of a measure, including test-retest, inter-rater, inter-method, and internal consistency, is called ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  significance
B)  reliability
C)  validity
D)  testability

Question 8

A method for assessing age-related changes that combines the cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches by observing a cross-section of participants over a relatively limited period of time is called a ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  mixed longitudinal study
B)  longitudinal study
C)  cohort study
D)  limited longitudinal study

Question 9

What is a research design called when neither the participant nor the experimenter observing the participant knows which participants were given an active substance and which were given a placebo?

Accepted Answer

A)  clinical trial
B)  open trial
C)  double-blind procedure
D)  prospective cohort study

Question 10

Dr. Harmon has conducted a study of social networks and health within an isolated community. Which of the following would breach a research participant's right to privacy?

Accepted Answer

A)  As part of the study, Dr. Harmon reviewed each participant's medical record.
B)  Dr. Harmon's report contains some potentially identifiable information.
C)  Dr. Harmon conducted his interviews at the health clinic in an examining room separated from the waiting room by a curtain.
D)  Dr. Harmon stored the completed surveys and the key linking names and code numbers on his laptop, to which only he and his wife have the password.

Question 11

Jeanine, a research psychologist, has developed a hypothesis. Her next step is to ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  interpret the data necessary to evaluate it
B)  conduct the statistical analysis
C)  undergo peer review of her hypothesis
D)  collect the data necessary to evaluate it

Question 12

What is one advantage of using naturalistic observation over the case study method?

Accepted Answer

A)  Looking at a much larger group supports application of the results to the general population.
B)  Observing individuals in their natural setting without their knowledge is the most accepted form of research.
C)  Observing individuals outside of their everyday circumstances encourages candor.
D)  Looking at a much larger group supports hypothesis testing as well as hypothesis generation.

Question 13

A research method that tests hypotheses and allows researchers to make conclusions about causality is called a(n)____.

Accepted Answer

A)  case study
B)  experiment
C)  descriptive method
D)  correlational study

Question 14

Describe the basic structure of a research experiment. Include the definition and purpose of the hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, control group, experimental group, and random assignment.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the basic structure of a research...

Question 15

Which of the following statements would be most difficult to falsify?

Accepted Answer

A)  All swans are white.
B)  All cars require gasoline.
C)  All men are mortal.
D)  All birds fly.

Question 16

A variable that is irrelevant to the hypothesis being tested and can alter a researcher's conclusions is called a(n)____.

Accepted Answer

A)  confounding variable
B)  independent variable
C)  dependent variable
D)  third variable

Question 17

Emily grew up in Boston and attends college there. She often notices clusters of people smoking outside of office buildings as she walks to class. Which of the following sources would provide the most reliable information regarding the prevalence of smoking in Boston?

Accepted Answer

A)  A detailed personal study of the history of her extended family
B)  Interviews with her classmates and professors
C)  A review of her professor's behavioral statistics study drawn from census data
D)  Observations of campus fraternity and sorority life

Question 18

The best scientific theories not only explain and organize known facts, but they also ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  use historical perspectives
B)  generate predictions
C)  establish new facts
D)  discredit other theories

Question 19

A group of participants that is exposed to the independent variable is called a(n)____.

Accepted Answer

A)  control group
B)  experimental group
C)  random group
D)  non-experimental group

Question 20

Using her data set regarding the working conditions and stress levels of domestic workers, Callie has calculated the standard deviation of their housing expenses in two ways, with and without the workers who have zero housing expense. When she includes all workers, the standard deviation is ____.

Accepted Answer

A)  smaller
B)  larger
C)  the same
D)  scattered

Exam 2: The Measure of Mind: Methods of Psychology