Deck 5: Selection of the Research Problem and Design

Question 1

When is external validity less of a concern?

A) When one does not care about one's career as a researcher
B) If one is testing a theory
C) If one is not interested in generalizing the findings
D) Both b and c

Answer 1

Both b and c

Question 2

What is a case-control study?

A) It is a factorial design with at least two groups
B) It is a study with at least one treatment condition
C) It is a correlational study
D) It is a study that allows the experimenter to determine the impact of multiple treatments

Answer 2

It is a study with at least one treatment condition

Question 3

When two variables A, B) are related, one may come before A then B) or after B then A) the other over time, or they both may occur at the same point in time A & B together). Which of the following does not indicate a sequence or necessary order of two variables?

A) Cause
B) Correlation
C) Risk factor
D) Mediator

Answer 3

Correlation

Question 4

How does cross-sectional research differ from longitudinal research?

A) Longitudinal research measures the same participants overtime
B) Longitudinal research explores less complex research questions
C) Cross-sectional research has less external validity
D) Cross-sectional research measures how people actually change

Question 5

Which of the following most seriously limits operational definitions?

A) Numerous measures assessing the same construct
B) Overly precise and simplified definitions
C) Limited criteria in the definition
D) None of the above

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of an environmental variable?

A) A participant's community
B) A participant's traits or attributes
C) The experimenter's attitude and mannerisms
D) A false cover story told to a participant

Question 7

Why are latent variables better suited than observed variables to assess constructs?

A) Latent variables are based on several measures of different variables
B) Latent variables represent variables that partic ipants are not aware of during the experiment
C) Latent variables are more restricted and easier to control than observed variables
D) Latent variables are based on different measures of the same variable

Question 8

Which of the following seeks to answer, by what process does A lead to B?

A) Moderator
B) Correlation
C) Risk factor
D) Mediator

Question 9

Sex being male, female) often influences the relationship between two variables e.g., the effects of harsh child-rearing on later adjustment). A variable that influences the direction or magnitude of the relationship between two other variables is referred to as a:

A) Moderator
B) Risk factor
C) Correlation
D) Mediator

Question 10

Individual difference variables are typically:

A) Used to produce differences in performance
B) Measured to allow for changes in the dependent variable
C) Manipulated to create change in a treatment condition
D) Environmental contexts and participant characteristics

Question 11

A true experiment is desirable because:

A) It allows experimenters the most control over the experimental manipulation
B) It allows the strongest basis for drawing inferences
C) It allows experimenters to determine the impact of the experimental manipulation
D) Both a and b

Question 12

Cohort effects can negatively impact experimental validity because:

A) Some groups are very similar and it may be difficult to determine the impact of the manipulation
B) Unique characteristics may influence the study
C) Some groups are not willing to participate in research
D) All of the above

Question 13

What is an independent variable?

A) A variable that is manipulated to produce some change
B) A variable that is measures to determine the change caused by a manipulation
C) A variable that is not influenced by extraneous factors
D) A variable that is used to determine the effectiveness of treatment

Question 14

In a single-case design, how are measures usually obtained/administered?

A) Several different measures in one or two sessions
B) Several measures over days or weeks
C) A few measures in one session
D) A single measure or task is administered

Question 15

A randomized controlled clinical trial refers to what type of design?

A) Some participants are randomly assigned to treatment conditions for a trial period
B) Participants with a particular disorder are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups
C) Participants are assigned to a control group followed by different treatment conditions
D) Participants choose from a number of treatment and control conditions