question

According to APA guidelines, the Participants section is a subsection of the ____________ section. A. Results B. Reference C. Method D. Introduction

answer

C. Method

question

A theory is A. an explanation of a phenonema. B. cannot be tested with the scientific method. C. the same as a prediction. D. all of the above.

answer

A. an explanation of phenonema

question

Looking up records of behaviors that have already occurred uses the __________ observation technique. A. survey B. archival C. systematic D. naturalistic

answer

B. archival

question

One reason that Freud's theories of personality have not been more influential in the field of psychology is that A. the theories are too unusual. B. the theories do not specify causes for behavior. C. the theories are not the simplest explanations for behavior. D. the theories are difficult to falsify.

answer

D. the theories are difficult to falsify.

question

______ research investigates fundamental aspects of behavior, whereas _______ research investigates solutions for real-world problems. A. Applied; basic B. External; internal C. Internal; external D. Basic; applied

answer

D. Basic; applied

question

Suppose a psychologist developed a test to measure intelligence, but this test was poorly developed and really only measured how well people perform on standardized tests (in other words, it doesn't actually measure intelligence). This test would lack A. parsimony. B. construct validity. C. inter-rater reliability. D. test-retest validity.

answer

B. construct validity.

question

When different observers of behavior record the behavior in a similar way, the measure is said to have good A. inter-rater reliability. B. parsimony. C. construct validity. D. test-retest validity.

answer

A. inter-rater reliability

question

Measuring intelligence using the score on an IQ test is an example of A. reliability. B. an independent variable. C. maturation. D. an operational definition.

answer

D. an operational definition.

question

People in a grocery store are asked to sample three types of energy drinks and then indicate which one they liked best and which they liked least (i.e., they rank ordered the drinks). The dependent variable in this study is measured on a __________ scale. A. nominal B. ordinal C. interval D. ratio

answer

B. ordinal

question

A quasi-independent variable is the same as A. a dependent variable. B. an independent variable. C. a confounding variable. D. a subject variable.

answer

D. a subject variable

question

Which of the following sampling techniques is likely to create the largest amount of sampling error? A. stratified random sample B. simple random sample C. volunteer sample D. none of the above (all are equivalent in terms of sampling error)

answer

C. volunteer sample

question

All studies, regardless of sampling technique are subject to sampling error. True False

answer

TRUE

question

The _________ is a sampling technique which involves choosing individuals from the population at random where each individual has an equal chance of being selected.

answer

simple random

question

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that exercise affects memory in the elderly. Subjects aged 60 and older were recruited for the study. All of the subjects were presented with the same study list. Then half of the subjects were asked to walk on a treadmill for 20 min, while the other half of the subjects were asked to complete Sudoku puzzles for 20 min. Then all subjects were given a recognition test for the items in the study list. The treadmill exercise group scored significantly lower on the recognition test than the Sudoku puzzle group. What scale of measurement is the independent variable? A. ordinal B. nominal C. ratio D. interval

answer

B. nominal

question

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that exercise affects memory in the elderly. Subjects aged 60 and older were recruited for the study. All of the subjects were presented with the same study list. Then half of the subjects were asked to walk on a treadmill for 20 min, while the other half of the subjects were asked to complete Sudoku puzzles for 20 min. Then all subjects were given a recognition test for the items in the study list. The treadmill exercise group scored significantly lower on the recognition test than the Sudoku puzzle group. The independent variable in this study is _________, and the dependent variable is __________. A. 20 min; the study list B. activity group; memory C. memory; activity group D. the study list; 20 min

answer

B. activity group; memory

question

In Milgram's (1963) study of obedience, results showed that A. none of the participants were willing to shock the confederate. B. most participants quit the study before it concluded. C. most of the participants were willing to "shock" the confederate at the highest level. D. all of the participants were willing to "shock" the confederate at the highest level.

answer

C. most of the participants were willing to "shock" the confederate at the highest level.

question

Researchers must fully inform participants about all aspects of a study before consent is given for participation. True False

answer

false

question

Which of the following is an ethical guideline that must be followed when research with human participants is conducted? A. All data must be collected anonymously (no identifying information is gathered). B. The study must be designed to minimize harm to the participant. C. The benefit of the research must outweigh the risks. D. (b) and (c) only E. all of the above

answer

D. (b) and (c) only

question

Which of the following would be a violation of ethical guidelines for conducting research with animal subjects? A. use of monkeys B. use of untrained personnel C. release of the animals into the wild at the completion of the study D. both (b) and (c) E. all of the above

answer

D. both (b) and (c)

question

Adherence to ethical guidelines in psychological studies with humans is currently monitored by A. a review board at each institution where research is conducted (IRB). B. a committee that is part of the federal government. C. a group of judges. D. just the researchers themselves.

answer

A. a review board at each institution where research is conducted (IRB).

question

All experiments contain at least one independent variable. True False

answer

true

question

Simple effects tests are used to describe A. main effects. B. non-significant results. C. interaction effects.

answer

C. interaction effects

question

When the effect of one independent variable depends on the levels of another independent variable, this is called a(n) A. ANOVA. B. interaction effect. C. main effect. D. dependent variable.

answer

B. interaction effect.

question

In a factorial design, there is/are at least ______ independent variable(s). A. two B. four C. one D. three

answer

A. two

question

__________ of participants to levels will allow random distribution of participant differences.

answer

random assignment

question

Correlational studies are not well-suited for answering _________ research questions. A. predictive B. descriptive C. causal

answer

C. causal

question

The difference between an interrupted time series design and an equivalent time series design is that the interrupted time series design includes a _______________ event, while a non-interrupted time series design includes a ________________ treatment. A. non-psychological/psychological B. "naturally"-occurring/researcher-implemented C. psychological/non-psychological D. researcher-implemented/"naturally"-occurring

answer

B. "naturally"-occurring/researcher-implemented

question

Time-series designs are pretest-posttest designs that A. include groups that do not take the pretest. B. include a randomly assigned control group. C. include groups that do not take the posttest. D. compare a pattern of scores over time before and after the treatment.

answer

D. compare a pattern of scores over time before and after the treatment.

question

Which of the following might be a reason a researcher would use a quasi-experiment? A. Quasi-experiments are more internally valid than experiments. B. Some independent variables cannot be manipulated due to ethical concerns. C. Age is their variable of interest. D. Both (a) and (b). E. Both (b) and (c).

answer

E. Both (b) and (c). B. Some independent variables cannot be manipulated due to ethical concerns. C. Age is their variable of interest.

question

Longitudinal designs allow researchers to examine age effects quickly by testing subjects at different ages all at once. True False

answer

false

question

A ________ design is a developmental design that combines elements of the longitudinal and cross-sectional designs by treating age as both a between-subjects and within-subjects factor.

answer

cohort-sequential

question

A developmental psychologist compares standardized math test scores for 2nd, 5th, and 10th graders. The subjects are all tested at the same time; thus, different groups of subjects are tested, each group at a different age. This study utilizes a(n) ___________ design. A. cross-sectional B. cohort-sequential C. longitudinal D. experimental

answer

A. cross-sectional

question

Which of the following is a source of bias in survey data? A. nonresponse error B. coverage error C. social desirability bias D. testing effects E. all of the above

answer

E. all of the above

question

Cronbach's alpha is a measure of the __________ of scores for a survey.

answer

internal consistency|reliability

question

The empiricism canon of the scientific method states that new knowledge is gained from A. intuition. B. authority figures. C. logic. D. observations.

answer

D. observations.

question

The difference between nominal and ordinal measurement scales is that A. nominal scales have numerical response categories and ordinal scales do not. B. responses on ordinal scales can be rank ordered and responses on nominal scales cannot be rank ordered. C. nominal scales include zero as the lowest possible score and ordinal scales do not. D. both (a) and (b).

answer

B. responses on ordinal scales can be rank ordered and responses on nominal scales cannot be rank ordered.

question

For the table of condition means below, which effects appear to be present? IV A Level 1 IV A Level 2 IV B Level 1 50 50 IV B Level 2 75 75 A. main effect of IV A only. B. main effect of IV B only. C. interaction effect only. D. all of the above effects appear to be present.

answer

B. main effect of IV B only.

question

The difference between an interrupted time series design and an equivalent time series design is that the interrupted time series design includes a _______________ event, while a non-interrupted time series design includes a ________________ treatment. A. "naturally"-occurring/researcher-implemented B. non-psychological/psychological C. psychological/non-psychological D. researcher-implemented/"naturally"-occurring

answer

A. "naturally"-occurring/researcher-implemented

question

Correlational studies can answer _______ or ______ research questions.

answer

descriptive|predictive

question

A study found a large negative correlation between fidgeting and obesity. The correlation of fidgeting and obesity, partialing out amount of exercise, was almost zero. Which of the following statements is appropriate? A. Exercise mediates the relationship between fidgeting and obesity B. Fidgeting and obesity mediate the effects of exercise C. People who don't exercise should try fidgeting to lose weight

answer

A. Exercise mediates the relationship between fidgeting and obesity

question

The research approach that involves changing the level, intensity, frequency, or duration of an independent variable uses the _____ method. A. case study B. correlational C. experimental D. observational

answer

C. experimental

question

A group of psychologists studying humor reaction studied participants' enjoyment of jokes by recording how many times the participants grinned, smiled, and laughed. These measurements of grinning, smiling and laughing to represent enjoyment involve A. correlational research. B. manipulated variables. C. main effects of humor enjoyment. D. an operational definition of laughter.

answer

D. an operational definition of laughter.

question

Budson et al. (2001) compared healthy adults and Alzheimer's patients regarding their memory. The people in the study were tested on their memory for nonsense shapes of three types: shapes they had seen, shapes they had not seen, and shapes that were similar to ones they had seen. This design involved A. multiple t-tests. B. a single-factor design. C. five conditions. D. repeated measures.

answer

D. repeated measures.

question

Goldenberg et al. (1999) discovered that highly neurotic people tend to associate sex with death. When they compared high and low neurotic people, they were using A. a time series design. B. a quasi-experimental variable. C. a within-subjects design. D. a cross-sectional design.

answer

B. a quasi-experimental variable.

question

Construct validity refers to how well A. your measurements correlate with one another. B. your operational definitions relate to the underlying concepts you are trying to measure. C. your statistical tests help you answer your research questionss. D. your manipulation results in a change in the outcome.

answer

B. your operational definitions relate to the underlying concepts you are trying to measure.

question

In an independent groups design, the F-ratio provides a test of the differences due to the treatment by comparing ____ and _____. A. between-group variance ... total variance B. between subject variance ... error effects C. between group variance ... within group variance D. between subject variance ... within subject variance

answer

C. between group variance ... within group variance

question

If you conducted research that relied on students from introductory psychology classes who volunteered to particpate, you would be using a A. quota sample. B. convenience sample C. stratified sample. D. systematic sample.

answer

B. convenience sample

question

Because psychology involves trying to undertand complex and abstract concepts resarchers need to develop ___ in order to make useful measurements of those concepts. A. literature searches B. independent variables C. hypothetical constructs D. operational definitions

answer

D. operational definitions

question

The enforceable rules of conduct associated with the ethical principles developed by the American Psychological Association are A. aspirational goals. B. principles of responsiblity C. ethical standards. D. ethico-legal principles.

answer

C. ethical standards.

question

In an independent groups design, the F-ratio provides a test of the differences due to the treatment by comparing ____ and _____. A. between group variance ... within group variance B. between subject variance ... error effects C. between-group variance ... total variance D. between subject variance ... within subject variance

answer

A. between group variance ... within group variance

question

Suppose you have conducted an analysis of variance in a design with multiple gruops and obtaiend evidence of a significant difference among means. If you decided to investigate which means differed significantly, you would use what test(s)? A. post-hoc tests. B. regression. C. correlation. D. multiple t-tests.

answer

A. post-hoc tests.

question

If a person drew a conclusion about some topic based on opinion and prior beliefs, a researcher would claim that such a conclusion was not scientific because it was not A. objective. B. intuitive. C. data driven. D. predicted.

answer

C. data driven.

question

A clinician might want to know whether a psychological inventory would predict future levels of depression in clients. Those future levels of depression would consititute a A. manipulated variable. B. criterion variable. C. confirmatory varible. D. predictor variable.

answer

B. criterion variable.

question

Fiona studied recreational runners, and found a correlation of 0.5 between number of injuries and time spent stretching. Which of the following conclusions is appropriate? A. Stretching prevents injuries B. Stretching makes injuries worse C. Having an injury makes people want to stretch more D. Stretching can predict one quarter of the variance in running injuries

answer

D. Stretching can predict one quarter of the variance in running injuries

question

When considering the ethics of survey research, an investigator should A. ensure that all responses are anonymous and confidential. B. let respondents know from the very beginning that once they begin their participation, they need to continue with the project. C. remember that if the researcher makes a big point of assuring confidentiality and anonymity, it may needlessly arouse suspicious among resondents. D. avoid asking questions of a sensitive nature.

answer

C. remember that if the researcher makes a big point of assuring confidentiality and anonymity, it may needlessly arouse suspicious among resondents.

question

You could create a stratified random sample by A. dividing the population into subgroups and randomly selecting from each subgroup. B. randomly selecting participants from the names of everybody in your population. C. creating clusters of people in the population and selecting everybody from randomly chosen clusters. D. using chain-referral sampling.

answer

A. dividing the population into subgroups and randomly selecting from each subgroup.

question

If you conducted research that relied on students from introductory psychology classes who volunteered to particpate, you would be using a A. stratified sample. B. convenience sample C. quota sample. D. systematic sample.

answer

B. convenience sample

question

A researcher who wants to know if elderly people are more health conscious than younger people could study a group of elderly people and a group of young people to assess any differences. Such an approach would involve a A. cross-sectional design. B. cohort-sequential design. C. multiple baseline design. D. longitudinal design.

answer

A. cross-sectional design.

question

On the U.S. census form, people identify their racial/ethnic status by selecting from among options provided on the form. This type of question is A. a closed-ended question. B. an open-ended question. C. a ratio question. D. a Likert question.

answer

A. a closed-ended question.

question

If psychologists want to study the interactions among children on the playground, the are likely to choose A. quasi-experiments. B. experiments. C. observational research. D. correlational research.

answer

C. observational research.

question

Because psychology involves trying to undertand complex and abstract concepts resarchers need to develop ___ in order to make useful measurements of those concepts. A. hypothetical constructs B. independent variables C. literature searches D. operational definitions

answer

D. operational definitions

question

In study on the effects of running on stress levels, one group of participants is tested after running on a treadmill for 30 minutes. A week later, the same group of participants is tested after resting on a bed for 30 minutes. This is an example of a ___ design. A. between-subjects B. single-subjects C. within-subjects D. matched groups

answer

C. within-subjects

question

In a within-subjects design, individual differences are a problem because A. They can become confounding variables and they can increase the variability. B. Individual differences are not a problem in a within-subjects design. C. They can become confounding variables. D. They can increase the variability.

answer

B. Individual differences are not a problem in a within-subjects design.

question

If we want to conclude that a given variable has a causal relation with a second variable, we have to be able to rule out other possible causal variables. The specific principle of causation involved here is that we need to estabish___. A. covariation B. internal validity C. temporal precedence D. random assignment to groups

answer

B. internal validity internal validity is about the causal link. while all 3: temporal precedence, internal validity and covariation are all necessary for causation, this specific concern is internal validity.

question

In a double blind study, an experimenter cannot influence participants' behaviors differently across groups. As such, we should expect that there will be little A. placebo effect. B. experimenter bias. C. Hawthorne effect. D. external invalidity.

answer

B. experimenter bias

question

Orangejello would like to find out if one kind of music (rock, country, rap, etc) has more or less effect on exam performance if played while a student takes the exam. Different groups will hear different types of music. What would be the best matching variable to use if to increase the sensitivity of the experiment? A. Students' auditory sensitivity B. Students' GPA C. Students' music preferences

answer

B. Students' GPA

question

The disadvantage to counterbalancing in a within-subjects design is _____ A. order effects are not properly controlled B. it's hard to find a matching variable C. less power than with simple random order D. too many groups may be needed

answer

D. too many groups may be needed

question

For which of the following designs should you be most concerned with order effects? A. Matched subjects B. Repeated measures C. Independent groups D. Ex post facto design

answer

B. Repeated measures

question

Another name for a repeated measures design is a A. between-groups design. B. cross-sectional design. C. within-subjects design. D. nonequivalent groups design.

answer

C. within-subjects design.

question

In studies with a group of individuals being tested in a series of treatment conditions, factors such as history, instrumentation, and maturation primarily threaten A. internal validity. B. external validity. C. statistical validity.

answer

A. internal validity.

question

Construct validity refers to how well A. your operational definitions relate to the underlying concepts you are trying to measure. B. your measurements correlate with one another. C. your statistical tests help you answer your research questionss. D. your manipulation results in a change in the outcome.

answer

A. your operational definitions relate to the underlying concepts you are trying to measure.

question

The tendency for individuals who have extreme scores (high or low) on one measurement and to have less extreme scores on a second measurement is called A. instrumentation B. history C. regression to the mean D. maturation

answer

C. regression to the mean

question

Ten patients are treated for anxiety using psycho-dynamic therapy (group 1). Another ten are treated using behavior therapy (group 2). A year later, five from group one are available for further testing, and all report feeling better. Eight from group two are available, and only six report feeling better. What's the biggest problem here? A. Diffusion of treatment B. Different attrition rates C. Possible regression effects

answer

B. Different attrition rates

question

Why are testing effects, history effects, and instrumentation effects usually not a concern when you use a randomized pretest-posttest design ? A. You don't test subjects more than once B. They can be eliminated statistically C. There's no opportunity for them to occur D. The effects should be the same for all groups

answer

D. The effects should be the same for all groups

question

Construct validity refers to how well A. your statistical tests help you answer your research questionss. B. your operational definitions relate to the underlying concepts you are trying to measure. C. your measurements correlate with one another. D. your manipulation results in a change in the outcome.

answer

B. your operational definitions relate to the underlying concepts you are trying to measure.

question

Budson et al. (2001) compared healthy adults and Alzheimer's patients regarding their memory. The people in the study were tested on their memory for nonsense shapes of three types: shapes they had seen, shapes they had not seen, and shapes that were similar to ones they had seen. This study involved ____ conditions. A. 1 B. 2 C. 4 D. 5 E. 3 F. 6

answer

F. 6

question

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate way to handle order effects? A. random order B. Latin square design C. counterbalancing D. switching to a between subjects design E. increasing sample size

answer

E. increasing sample size

question

Budson et al. (2001) compared healthy adults and Alzheimer's patients regarding their memory. The people in the study were tested on their memory for nonsense shapes of three types: shapes they had seen, shapes they had not seen, and shapes that were similar to ones they had seen. How many factors were considered in this experiment? A. 1 B. 6 C. 5 D. 3 E. 2 F. 4

answer

E. 2

question

Budson et al. (2001) compared healthy adults and Alzheimer's patients regarding their memory. The people in the study were tested on their memory for nonsense shapes of three types: shapes they had seen, shapes they had not seen, and shapes that were similar to ones they had seen. Suppose you wanted to have 10 participants in each condition. How many participants would you need total? A. 10 B. 20 C. 30 D. 40 E. 50 F. 60

answer

B. 20

question

A research study comparing problem solving scores obtained under three different levels of temperature could be called a ___. A. single-factor design B. two-factor design C. three-factor design D. factorial design

answer

A. single-factor design

question

An independent variable A. is never a manipulated variable. B. can have any number of levels. C. has at most two levels. D. is a subject variable.

answer

B. can have any number of levels.

question

When a researcher manipulates the environment to see if changes affect participants' behaviors, the behaviors that are measured for change are considered A. extraneous variables. B. dependent variables. C. manipulated variables. D. factorial variables.

answer

B. dependent variables.

question

The results section of an APA style report will contain A. information about the statistical tests used to analyze the data. B. a statement about the research hypotheses. C. the number and types of participants. D. an integration of the data with theory.

answer

A. information about the statistical tests used to analyze the data.

question

A variable that cannot be truly manipulated by a researcher, like sex or age of the participant is called ______. A. an extraneous variable B. a dependent variable C. a quasi-independent variable D. a confounding variable

answer

C. a quasi-independent variable

question

When psychologists such as yourself develop experiments, they will decide what they want to manipulate as part of their experimental procedure. This variable is referred to as the __ variable. A. confounding B. dependent C. independent D. extraneous

answer

C. independent

question

Goldenberg et al. (1999) discovered that highly neurotic people tend to associate sex with death. When they compared high and low neurotic people, they were using A. a time series design. B. a quasi-experimental variable. C. a within-subjects design. D. a cross-sectional design.

answer

B. a quasi-experimental variable.

question

If your research design involved collecting data on several different occasions before you applied your experimental treatment, followed by a series of additional measureents, you would be using A. a correlational design. B. a one-group pretest-posttest design. C. a nonequivalent group control design. D. a noninterrupted time series design

answer

D. a noninterrupted time series design

question

Bell et al. (2000) found that people who are more phsycically fit suffer athletic injuries less often than people who are less fit. This threat to internal validity that keeps us from concluding that fitness is a causal variable is A. selection. B. history. C. regression to the mean. D. maturation.

answer

A. selection.

question

1. Hypothesis: Students do better in class if they study with other people than if they study alone. a. Identify the likely dependent variable, and a way of operationalizing that dependent variable. Be specific.

answer

1. a. Dv: final grades, exam grade

question

1. Hypothesis: Students do better in class if they study with other people than if they study alone b. Identify the independent variable and the most likely levels of that independent variable

answer

b. IV: students are assigned to conditions: work in groups or work alone (2 levels), may have more if they are considering group size as a factor, but really the question has to do with groups or not

question

1. Hypothesis: Students do better in class if they study with other people than if they study alone c. What kinds of variables are these (discrete vs. continuous, and scales of measurement)

answer

c. IV: discrete, nominal; DV: continuous, depends (letter grade could be ordinal, number correct, ratio)

question

1. Hypothesis: Students do better in class if they study with other people than if they study alone d. What kind of research methodology is this?

answer

d. Experiment (may be quasi-experiment if you didn't randomly assign people to conditions rather they just formed groups or not)

question

2. Identify the incorrect words in this statement and explain why it is incorrect: A psychologist was interested in studying the effects of the dependent variable of caffeine on hours of sleep, and he used an interval scale to measure sleep.

answer

DV should be IV, hours of sleep should be ratio

question

3. Topic: SAT scores and the different majors at the university. What is a possible hypothesis? What are possible archival databases that could be used?

answer

Could hypothesize that more majors that are science-oriented draw students with higher gpa's for example. You might be able to use data from the admissions office to look at students GPA and declared major. Perhaps student advising has this kind of data. Any reasonable answer that indicates that you are using some other source for data and not asking students to provide that data (as in a survey).

question

4. What kind of sampling strategy is used on ratemyprofessors.com? What are the implications of this sampling strategy? How can this sampling method be improved upon?

answer

convenience sampling (non-probability sampling); implications are that there may be a response bias, basically not representative of students overall; to be improved there could be some form of probability sampling implemented (e.g. simple random sampling - obtaining roster of students for each class, and emailing sample of students to participate in the study, offering incentive)

question

5. Recall that I mentioned that we are not perfect observers and that there are some errors that we are prone to make (law of small numbers, illusory correlations, etc.) Describe how some of these errors might have contributed to this (incorrect, or at least debatable) conclusion: Flying in an airplane is more dangerous than driving in a car.

answer

you should understand the concepts law of large numbers and illusory correlations, confirmation bias - we might hear more about plane crashes in the media than car crashes and draw the conclusion that it is more dangerous, when the opposite is true

question

6. Can you identify problems with the following items and correct them? a. Do you believe that all students must complete two semesters of English composition, regardless of their writing skills? b. How often do you get drunk?

answer

a. leading question (must); b. vague

question

7. Design a study to examine bullying behavior. What kind of study is this? What kind of data would you collect? How could you reduce errors in your data collection?

answer

could use a naturalistic observation study in playgrounds.

question

8. Suppose you conducted a study and you found a correlation of r = .10. This correlation is far lower than what you expected to find. Describe what could have caused this small correlation.

answer

Low correlation could be any number of problems pointed out in text (things that affect a correlation); multiple populations, range restriction, non-linear relationship BUT NOT outliers, as that usually increases a correlation coefficient

question

9. Eric counted children's use of pronouns in a classroom. He found that tenth graders use the word "We" a lot, fifth graders use it rarely. He concluded that between fifth and tenth grade children acquire an understanding of social groups. What kind of study is this? What conclusions can be drawn based on this design?

answer

quasi-experimental; classification variable is grade - not causal

question

10. Why does correlation not equal causation? Come up with an example of 2 (or more) variables that are correlated and a correct interpretation of that relationship. Now try to state the relationship incorrectly by implying causality but do not use the word 'cause.'

answer

third variable problem, directionality problem. Any reasonable example is good (we talked about several in class). We also went through an example of incorrectly stating the hypotheses in class. Anything implying causality - "leads to" "we should provide" "violence should be limited"

question

1. Charlie is studying social adjustment in young children. Which is the least like an operational definition of social adjustment? (a) A child's understanding of other children's feelings (b) Teachers' ratings of a child's social adjustment (c) A child's score on a test of social adjustment

answer

1. A (operational def's must be specific)

question

2. Fiona studied recreational runners, and found a correlation of 0.5 between number of injuries and time spent stretching. Which of the following conclusions is appropriate? (a) Stretching prevents injuries (b) Stretching makes injuries worse (c) Having an injury makes people want to stretch more (d) Stretching can predict one quarter of the variance in running injuries

answer

2. D (other statements imply causality or are incorrect)

question

3. A study found a large negative correlation between fidgeting and obesity. The correlation of fidgeting and obesity, partialing out amount of exercise, was almost zero. Which of the following statements is appropriate? (a) Exercise mediates the relationship between fidgeting and obesity (b) Fidgeting and obesity mediate the effects of exercise (c) People who don't exercise should try fidgeting to lose weight

answer

3. A (correct interpretation of mediation for these variables)

question

4. Dr. McKenzie surveyed alcohol use on campus and found that students with lower GPAs engage in more binge drinking than students with higher GPAs. Which (if any) of the following conclusions is reasonable? (a) Excessive binge drinking contributes to poorer academic performance (b) Binge drinking is a common reaction to poor academic performance (c) Both are OK (d) Neither is OK

answer

4. D (causality implied in A and B)

question

5. Dr. McKenzie surveyed alcohol use on campus and found that students with lower GPAs engage in more binge drinking than students with higher GPAs. Which (if any) of the following conclusions is reasonable? (a) Better academic counseling would be an effective way to reduce binge drinking (b) The students most likely to engage in binge drinking are those doing poorly in school (c) Both are OK (d) Neither is OK

answer

5. B (prediction is ok, not causal)

question

1. Dr. Williams tested the hypothesis that simple patterns are more attractive than complex ones. Subjects chose which of two patterns they liked better. He calculated the percentage of times they chose the simpler pattern. He tested the null hypothesis that the percentage is _____. (a) zero (b) 50% (c) 100% (d) more than 50%

answer

(b) 50%

question

2. Twenty rats were assigned randomly to two groups. One group was fed a diet of regular rat chow, the other group was fed nothing but french fries. The first group lived significantly longer. The investigator concluded that french fries are bad for you. What's the major problem here? (a) Statistical validity (b) Internal validity (c) External validity

answer

(c) External validity

question

3. Ten patients are treated for anxiety using psycho-dynamic therapy (group 1). Another ten are treated using behavior therapy (group 2). A year later, five from group one are available for further testing, and all report feeling better. Eight from group two are available, and only six report feeling better. What's the biggest problem here? (a) Possible regression effects (b) Diffusion of treatment (c) Different attrition rates

answer

(c) Different attrition rates

question

4. The tendency for individuals who have extreme scores (high or low) on one measurement and to have less extreme scores on a second measurement is called (a) history (b) maturation (c) regression to the mean (d) instrumentation

answer

(c) regression to the mean

question

5. In studies with a group of individuals being tested in a series of treatment conditions, factors such as history, instrumentation, and maturation threaten (a) internal validity. (b) external validity. (c) statistical validity. (d) internal, external, and statistical validity

answer

(a) internal validity.

question

6. Dr. Wells wants to ask participants in her research about their attitudes towards abortion. She includes three questions about abortion in a list of 15 other questions about a variety of current topics. The main reason for including the other questions is to _____. (a) control for order effects (b) control participants' expectations (c) increase the reliability of her attitude measurement

answer

(b) control participants' expectations

question

7. Dr. Fillpot believes that homeopathic therapy can cure depression. He assigned 20 depressed patients at random, 10 each to a homeopathic treatment group and a no-treatment group. Later he assessed the mental health of each patient. He found that the patients in the homeopathic group were less depressed than the others. What's the biggest problem here? (a) Possible subject and experimenter bias (b) There was no control group (c) The sample size was too small

answer

(a) Possible subject and experimenter bias

question

8. Frank's project was designed to find out if listening to music makes people less responsive to unexpected stimuli. He used other students in his own section as the group exposed to music, and students in another section as a control group. What was the most serious problem with his experiment? (a) Use of an ad hoc sample (b) Failure to use random selection (c) Failure to use random assignment

answer

(c) Failure to use random assignment

question

9. Frank would like to find out if one kind of music (rock, country, rap, etc) has more or less effect on exam performance if played while a student takes the exam. Different groups will hear different types of music. What would be the best matching variable to use if to increase the sensitivity of the experiment? (a) Students' GPA (b) Students' auditory sensitivity (c) Students' music preferences

answer

(a) Students' GPA

question

10. In an independent groups design, the F-ratio provides a test of the differences due to the treatment by comparing ____ and _____. (a) between subject variance ... within subject variance (b) between subject variance ... error effects (c) between group variance ... within group variance (d) between-group variance ... total variance

answer

(c) between group variance ... within group variance

question

11. For which of the following designs should you be most concerned with order effects? (a) Independent groups (b) Matched subjects (c) Repeated measures (d) Ex post facto design

answer

(c) Repeated measures

question

12. Suppose you use a randomized pretest-posttest control-group design to evaluate a treatment for depression. Why would regression effects usually NOT be a problem (a) It's not a repeated measures design (b) Regression effects are random error (c) There would be no regression to the mean (d) Randomization equates any regression effects

answer

(d) Randomization equates any regression effects

question

13. In an experiment on the effects of running on stress levels, one group of participants is tested after running on a treadmill for 30 minutes. A week later, the same group of participants is tested after resting on a bed for 30 minutes. This is an example of a ___ design. (a) single-subjects (b) between-subjects (c) within-subjects (d) matched groups

answer

(c) within-subjects

question

14. In a within-subjects design, individual differences (participant variables) are a problem because (a) They can become confounding variables. (b) They can increase the variability. (c) They can become confounding variables and they can increase the variability. (d) Individual differences are not a problem in a within-subjects design.

answer

(d) Individual differences are not a problem in a within-subjects design.

question

15. The disadvantage to counterbalancing in a within-subjects design is _____ (a) less power than with simple randomizing (b) it's hard to find a matching variable (c) order effects are not properly controlled (d) too many groups may be needed

answer

(d) too many groups may be needed

question

17. A research study comparing problem solving scores obtained under three different levels of temperature could be called a ___. (a) single-factor design (b) two-factor design (c) three-factor design (d) factorial design

answer

(a) single-factor design

question

18. Oscar compared two methods of studying, to find out if using imagery leads to improved memory for words. For one group the delay prior to testing was one day. For a second group the delay was one week. The results were: < shape graph x-axis (1day/1week) y-axis (imagery/no-imagery) What effects did Oscar find in his analysis? (a) An interaction only (b) Two main effects only (c) Two main effects and an interaction

answer

(c) Two main effects and an interaction

question

19. What effect do we not have here? X shaped graph x-axis (gender) y-axis (pol. party) (a) A main effect for party (b) A main effect for sex (c) An interaction of sex and party

answer

(a) A main effect for party

question

Attrition/Mortality

answer

Occurs when participants choose not to complete a study

question

Coverage Error

answer

A sampling error that occurs when the sample chosen to complete a survey does not provide a good representation of the population

question

Criterion-Related Validity

answer

Determining the validity of the scores of a survey by examining the relationship between the survey scores and other established measures of the behavior of interest

question

Cronbach's Alpha (a)

answer

Method of testing scores' internal consistency that indicates the average correlation between scores on all pairs of items on a survey

question

Internal Consistency

answer

A form of reliability that tests relationships between scores on different items of a survey

question

Area of psychological research that involves the development, validation, and refinement of surveys and tests for measuring psychological constructs

answer

Psychometrics

question

Nonresponse Error

answer

A sampling error that occurs when individuals chosen for the sample do not respond to the survey, biasing the sample

question

Bias created in survey responses from respondents' desire to be viewed more favorably by others, typically resulting in over reporting of "positive" behaviors and underreporting of "negative" behaviors

answer

Social Desirability Bias

question

Split-Half Reliability

answer

Method of testing scores' internal consistency that indicates if the scores are similar on different sets of questions on a survey that address similar topics

question

Indicates that the scores on a survey will be similar when participants complete the survey more than once

answer

Test-Retest Reliability

question

Descriptive Research Question

answer

A research question that asks about the presence of behavior, how frequently it is exhibited, or whether there is a relationship between different behaviors

question

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

answer

Analysis of variance test used for designs with three or more sample means

question

An experiment or quasi-experiment that includes more than one independent variable

answer

Factorial Design

question

Interaction Effect

answer

Tests the effect of one independent variable at each level of another independent variable in an ANOVA

question

Partial counterbalancing technique where the number of orders of conditions used is equal to the number of conditions in the study

answer

Latin Square

question

Main Effect

answer

Test of the differences between all means for each level of an independent variable in an ANOVA

question

A between-subjects experiment that involves sets of participants matched on a specific characteristic with each member of the set randomly assigned to a different level of the independent variable

answer

Matched Design

question

Order Effects

answer

Occur when the order in which the participants experience conditions in an experiment affects the results of the study

question

Statistical tests conducted to characterize an interaction effect when one is found in an ANOVA

answer

Simple Effects Tests

question

History Effect

answer

Events that occur during the course of a study to all participants or to individual participants that can result in bias

question

A time series design where the "treatment" is an independent event, such as a historical event

answer

Interrupted Time Series Design

question

Maturation

answer

Natural changes that occur to the participants during the course of a study that can result in bias

question

Groups compared in a study where participants are not randomly assigned

answer

Nonequivalent Groups

question

Noninterrupted Time Series Design

answer

A time series design where the "treatment" is implemented by the researcher

question

Pretest-posttest design with two sets of nonequivalent groups, one set that takes the pretest and posttest and one set that takes only the posttest

answer

Solomon Four-Group Design

question

Time Series Design

answer

A research design where patterns of scores over time are compared from before a treatment is implemented and after a treatment is implemented

question

A-B-A/Reversal Design

answer

A small-n, baseline design where the baseline behavior is measured, followed by implementation of a treatment, followed by another baseline measure after the treatment has ended

question

A small-n design that involves baseline measurements of behavior as compared with measures of behavior during the implementation of a treatment

answer

Baseline Design

question

Baseline Measurement

answer

Measurement of behavior without a treatment used as a comparison

question

Occur when participants' experience in one condition affects their behavior in another condition of a study

answer

Carryover Effects

question

Cohort-Sequential Design

answer

A developmental design where multiple samples of participants of different ages are followed over time and tested at different ages

question

A developmental design where multiple samples of participants of different ages are tested once

answer

Cross-Sectional Design

question

Discrete Trials Design

answer

A small-n design that involves a large number of trials completed by one or a few individuals and conducted to describe basic behaviors

question

A confound that can occur in cross-sectional designs due to different experiences that different generations have

answer

Generation/Cohort Effects

question

Longitudinal Design

answer

A developmental design where a single sample of participants is followed over time and tested at different ages

question

Alpha Level

answer

The probability level used by researchers to indicate the cutoff probability level (highest value) that allows them to reject the null hypothesis

question

A significance test used to determine if a relationship exists between two variables measured on nominal or ordinal scales

answer

Chi-Square Test

question

Critical Region

answer

The most extreme portion of a distribution of statistical values for the null hypothesis, determined by the alpha level (typically 5%)

question

On the surface, a study or scale appears to be intuitively valid

answer

Face Validity

question

Linear Regression

answer

A statistical technique that determines the best fit line to a set of data to allow prediction of the score on one variable from the score on another variable

question

A significance test used to determine if a linear relationship exists between two variables measured on interval or ratio scales

answer

Pearson r Test

question

Post Hoc Tests

answer

Additional significance tests conducted to determine which means are significantly different for a main effect

question

The p value is less than or equal to alpha in an inferential test, and the null hypothesis can be rejected

answer

Significant Test

question

Sphericity Assumption

answer

Assumption of the repeated measures (within-subjects) ANOVA that pairs of scores in the population have equal variance

question

Significance test used to compare means

answer

t Test

question

Applied Research

answer

Research conducted with the goal of solving everyday problems

question

Relying on a knowledgeable person or group as a means of knowing about the world

answer

Authority

question

Basic Research

answer

Research conducted with the goal of understanding fundamental processes of phenomena

question

Seeking only evidence that supports our beliefs and ignoring evidence that contradicts those beliefs

answer

Confirmation Bias

question

Deduction

answer

Using logical reasoning and current knowledge as a means of knowing about the world

question

The assumption that phenomena have identifiable causes

answer

Determinism

question

Empiricism

answer

Gaining knowledge through systematic observation of the world

question

The degree to which the results of a study apply to individuals and realistic behaviors outside the study

answer

External Validity

question

Intuition

answer

Relying on common sense as a means of knowing about the world

question

Relying on what one observes as a means of knowing about the world

answer

Observation

question

Parsimony

answer

The assumption that the simplest explanation of a phenomenon is most likely to be correct

question

The assumption that explanations of behavior can be tested and falsified through observation

answer

Testability

question

Abstract

answer

A summary of an article that appears at the beginning of the article and in searchable databases of journal articles

question

A prediction about the results of a study that includes the causes of behavior

answer

Casual Hypothesis

question

Data Driven Hypothesis

answer

Hypothesis for a study that is based on the results of previous, related studiesv

question

Using general information to make a specific prediction

answer

Deductive Reasoning

question

Descriptive Hypothesis

answer

A prediction about the results of a study that describes the behavior or the relationship between behaviors

question

A research question that asks about the presence of behavior, how frequently it is exhibited, or whether there is a relationship between different behaviors

answer

Descriptive Research Question

question

Discussion

answer

Section of an APA-style article that compares the results of a study to the predictions and the results of previous studies

question

Prediction regarding the results of a research study

answer

Hypothesis

question

Inductive Reasoning

answer

Using specific information to make a more general prediction

question

A section of an APA-style article that introduces the topic of the study, reviews relevant background studies, and presents predictions for the data

answer

Introduction

question

Literature Review

answer

a process of searching for and reviewing previous studies related to study being developed to add to the knowledge in an area and make appropriate predictions about the data

question

Section of an APA-style article that describes the participants, design, stimuli, apparatus, and procedure used in the study

answer

Method

question

Peer Review

answer

A process that takes place prior to publication of an article in many journals where experts make suggestions for improving an article and make recommendations about whether an article should be published in a journal

question

Section of an APA-style article that presents a summary of the results and the statistical tests of the predictions

answer

Results

question

Theory

answer

An explanation of behavior that can be tested through research studies

question

Hypothesis for a study that is based on a theory about the behavior of interest

answer

Theory Driven Hypothesis

question

Archival Data

answer

A data collection technique that involves analysis of preexisting data

question

A research design that involves intensive study of particular individuals and their behaviors

answer

Case study

question

Closed-Ended Response Scale

answer

Participants respond to survey questions according to the response options provided by the researcher

question

An extraneous factor present in a study that may affect the results

answer

Confounding Variable

question

Content Analysis

answer

An archival data collection technique that involves analysis of the content of an individual's spoken or written record

question

The group of participants in an experiment that do not experience the treatment level of the independent variable

answer

Control Group

question

Correlational Study

answer

A type of research design that examines the relationships between multiple dependent variables, without manipulating any of the variables

question

A variable that is measured or observed from an individual

answer

Dependent/Response Variable

question

Experiment

answer

A Type of research design that involves manipulation of an independent variable, allowing control of extraneous variables that could affect the results

question

The group of participants in an experiment that experience the treatment level of the independent variable

answer

Experimental Group

question

Independent Variable

answer

A variable in an experiment that is manipulated by the researcher such that the levels of the variable change across or within subjects in the experiment

question

The degree to which a study provides causal information about behavior

answer

Internal Validity

question

Interrater Reliability

answer

A measure of the degree to which different observers' rate behaviors in similar ways

question

A data collection technique that involves direct questioning of individuals about their behaviors and attitudes

answer

Interviews

question

Levels of the Independent Variable

answer

Different situations or conditions that participants experience in an experiment because of the manipulation of the independent variable

question

A data collection technique involving noninvasive observation of individuals in their natural environments

answer

Naturalistic Observation

question

Negative Relationship

answer

A relationship between variables characterized by an increase in one variable that occurs with a decrease in the other variable

question

Participants respond to survey questions in any manner they feel is appropriate for the question

answer

Open-Ended Response Scale

question

Operational Definition

answer

The definition of an abstract concept used by a researcher to measure or manipulate the concept in a research study

question

The dependent variable in a correlational study that is being predicted by the predictor variable

answer

Outcome Variable

question

Positive Relationship

answer

A relationship between variables characterized by an increase in one variable that occurs with an increase in the other variable

question

The dependent variable in a correlational study that is used to predict the score on another variable

answer

Predictor Variable

question

Pretest-Posttest Design

answer

A type of research design (often a quasi-experiment) where behavior is measured both before and after a treatment or condition is implemented

question

nonnumerical participant responses

answer

Qualitative Data

question

Quantitative Data

answer

Numerical data

question

A type of research design where a comparison is made, as in an experiment, but no random assignment of participants to groups occurs

answer

Quasi-Experiment

question

Random Assignment

answer

Participants are randomly assigned to levels of the independent variable in an experiment to control for individual differences as an extraneous variable

question

The degree to which the results of a study can be replicated under similar conditions

answer

Reliability

question

Scatterplot

answer

A graph showing the relationship between two dependent variables for a group of individuals

question

An experiment conducted with one or a few participants to better understand the behavior of those individuals

answer

Small n Design

question

Survey Research

answer

A research study that uses the survey observational technique to measure behavior

question

Data collection technique where control is exerted over the conditions under which the behavior is observed

answer

Systematic Observation

question

Third-Variable Problem

answer

The presence of extraneous factors in a study that affect the dependent variable and can decrease the internal validity of the study

question

An attribute that can vary across individuals

answer

Variable

question

Amount Variable

answer

A variable that includes levels with a different amount of the treatment changing from level to level

question

Each participant experiences only one level of the independent variable

answer

Between-Subjects Variable

question

Bivalent Independent Variable

answer

An independent variable with two levels—a design is considered bivalent if it contains only one bivalent independent variable

question

Indicates that a survey measures the behavior it is designed to measure

answer

Construct Validity

question

Counterbalance

answer

A control used in within-subjects experiments where different participants are assigned in equal numbers to the different orders of the conditions

question

A source of bias that can occur in a study due to participants changing their behavior based on their perception of the study and its purpose

answer

Demand Characteristics

question

Double-Blind Design

answer

Procedure used to control for experimenter bias by keeping the knowledge of the group assignments from both the participants and the researchers who interact with the participants

question

A source of bias in a study created when a researcher treats groups differently (often unknowingly) based on knowledge of the hypothesis

answer

Experimenter Bias

question

Field Experiment

answer

An experiment conducted in the participants' natural environment

question

A source of bias that can occur in a study due to participants changing their behavior because they are aware that they are being observed

answer

Hawthorne Effect

question

Interval Scale

answer

A scale of data measurement that involves numerical responses that are equally spaced, but scores are not ratios of each other

question

A scale of responses that measures a participant's agreement or disagreement with different types of statements, often with a rating from 1 to 5 or 1 to 7

answer

Likert Scale

question

Nominal Scale

answer

A scale of data measurement that involves nonordered categorical responses

question

Survey response scale that involves pictorial response categories for participants with low verbal skills (e.g., children)

answer

Nonverbal Scale

question

Ordinal Scale

answer

A scale of data measurement that involves ordered categorical responses

question

A sugar pill given to the control group in a drug study to allow all groups to believe that they are receiving a treatment

answer

Placebo

question

Presence/Absence Variable

answer

A variable that involves a manipulation with a level that involves the treatment and a level that does not involve the treatment

question

Variable that allows comparison of groups of participants without manipulation (i.e., no random assignment)

answer

Quasi-Independent/Subject Variable

question

Reaction Time

answer

Measurement of the length of time to complete a task

question

Can occur when participants score higher or lower than their personal average—the next time they are tested, they are more likely to score near their personal average, making scores unreliable

answer

Regression toward the Mean

question

Single-Blind Design

answer

Procedure used to hide the group assignment from the participants in a study to prevent their beliefs about the effectiveness of a treatment from affecting the results

question

Occur when participants are tested more than once in a study with early testing affecting later testing

answer

Testing Effects

question

Within-Subjects

answer

Variable each participant experiences all levels of the variable

question

Coercion

answer

Forcing participants to participate in research without their consent

question

A person who is part of a research study but acts as though he or she is not, to deceive the participant about the study's purpose

answer

Confederate

question

Confidentiality

answer

It is the researcher's responsibility to protect the participants' identity and right to privacy (including participant responses) during and after the research study

question

A form provided to the participants at the beginning of a research study to obtain their consent for the study and explain the study's purpose and risks, and the participants' rights as participants

answer

Consent Form

question

Deception

answer

Misleading participants about the purpose or procedures of a research study

question

Discussing the purpose and benefits of a research study with participants, often done at the end of the study

answer

Debriefing

question

Demand Characteristics

answer

A source of bias that can occur in a study due to participants' changing their behavior based on their perception of the study and its purpose

question

Committee of knowledgeable individuals that oversees the ethics of research with nonhuman animal subjects at an institution

answer

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

question

Informed Consent

answer

Obtaining consent from participants for participation in research after the participants have been informed about the purpose, procedure, and risks of the research

question

A committee of knowledgeable individuals who oversee the ethics of research with human participants conducted at an institution

answer

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

question

Nuremberg Code

answer

Set of ethical guidelines developed for research with human participants based on information gained during the Nuremberg trials after World War II

question

Risk-Benefit Analysis

answer

Weighing the risks against the benefits of a research study to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks

question

Cluster Sample

answer

Sample chosen randomly from clusters identified in the population

question

Sample chosen such that the probability of an individual being chosen cannot be determined

answer

Convenience/Purposive Sample

question

Sample chosen from the population such that available individuals are chosen

answer

Haphazard/Volunteer Sample

question

Internet Sample

answer

Sample chosen from the population by recruiting on the Internet

question

A group of individuals a researcher seeks to learn about from a research study

answer

Population

question

Probability Sample

answer

Sample chosen such that individuals are chosen with a specific probability

question

Sample chosen from the population such that available individuals are chosen with equivalent proportions of individuals for a specific characteristic in the population and sample

answer

Quota Sample

question

Response Rate

answer

The percentage of people out of the total number available who respond to a survey

question

The group of individuals chosen from the population to represent it in a research study

answer

Sample

question

Sampling Error

answer

The difference between the observations in a population and in the sample that represents that population in a study

question

Sample chosen randomly from the population such that each individual has an equal chance of being selected

answer

Simple Random Sample

question

Stratified Random Sample

answer

Sample chosen from the population such that the proportion of individuals with a particular characteristic is equivalent in the population and the sample

question

Central Tendency

answer

Representation of a typical score in a distribution

question

A range of values that the populations mean likely falls into with a specific level of certainty

answer

Confidence Interval

question

Degrees of Freedom

answer

Number of scores that can vary in the calculation of a statistic

question

Measures that help us summarize data sets

answer

Descriptive Statistics

question

Distribution

answer

A set of scores

question

The distribution of all possible sample means for all possible samples from a population

answer

Distribution of Sample Means

question

Casual Research Question

answer

A Research Question that asks what causes specific behaviors to occur

question

A Research question that asks if one behavior can be predicted from another behavior to allow predictions of future behavior

answer

Predictive Research Question

question

Sampling error is greater when a sample is more variable (t/f)

answer

false, the more variable a sample is, the less sampling error

question

Which sample types obtain subjects based on demographics proportions that exist in the population?

answer

stratified and quota

question

When groups or organizations are chosen to sample from, this is known as a ________________ sample

answer

response rate

question

A sample drawn at random from the population such that subgroups are chosen in equal proportions to the population is called a _________ sample

answer

QUOTA

question

A sample drawn from the population based on willingness of the individuals and equal proportions of subgroups to the population is called a ______ sample

answer

STRATIFIED

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