Psych Unit 2 Test

The scientific method always

• begins with observation and ends with generation of a hypothesis

• begins with generation of a hypothesis and ends with systematic observation

• begins and ends with observation

• begins with the detection of regularities and ends with generation of a hypothesis

A hypothesis

• is a conclusion based on the results

• is not necessary if the scientific method is being used

• normally wouldn't be generated until a study has been completed

• is a prediction about the characteristics of a behavior under investigation

Dr. Bores predicts that if the temperature of a room is increased, then individuals are more likely to act aggressively. Dr. Bores' prediction is an example of

• a hypothesis

• empirical knowledge

• an operational definition

• a dependent variable

Psychologists who pretended to be "doomsday" believers in order to infiltrate a cult group, and study and record the reactions of the group members, were using

• participant observation as a method of research

• the case study method of research

• survey research

• correlational research

The case study is a research method in which

• a representative sample of individuals is asked for their opinions

• the research effort focuses on a single case

• selected individuals are carefully observed in their natural environments

• a researcher tries to determine the extent to which two variables influence each other

One of the main concerns with the case study method of research is

• a single case is seldom able to provide a historical perspective.

• the experiences reported may not be representative of other cases.

• hypotheses cannot be generated about the origin of behavior.

• they cannot be used to study rare or unusual events

A survey is a research method in which

• selected individuals are carefully observed in their natural environments.

• a representative sample of individuals is asked for their opinions.

• a single individual is studied in great detail.

• a researcher tries to determine the extent to which two variables influence each other.

When everyone in the target population had an equal likelihood of being selected to take part in a survey, the researcher has selected a

• biased sample

• random population

• non-representative sample

• random sample

In order to learn whether the people in her state opposed or supported increased speed limits, Representative Jackson randomly surveyed 1000 of the state’s residents. In this instance, all the people who live in Representative Jackson’s home state would be considered to be

• a population

• a representative sample

• the dependent variable

• the independent variable

Descriptive statistics help researchers

• . decide whether the behavior observed in a sample is representative of some larger population

• determine the likelihood that the pattern in the collected data occurred by chance.

• describe the data obtained in a research study.

• measure an individual’s current level of knowledge or competence in a particular area.