Research Methods Quiz

What is an independent variable (IV)?

• A variable that is constant

• A variable that is manipulated

• A variable that is controlled

• A variable that is measured

Answer explanation

An independent variable (IV) is the one that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable. This distinguishes it from controlled or measured variables, making 'a variable that is manipulated' the correct choice.

Which type of experiment is conducted in a natural environment?

• Laboratory experiment

• Field experiment

• Natural experiment

• Controlled experiment

Answer explanation

A field experiment is conducted in a natural environment, allowing researchers to observe real-world behaviors and outcomes. In contrast, laboratory and controlled experiments occur in artificial settings.

What is a strength of laboratory experiments?

• High ecological validity

• High levels of control

• Limited demand characteristics

• Natural setting

Answer explanation

A strength of laboratory experiments is their high levels of control, allowing researchers to manipulate variables and reduce confounding factors, leading to more reliable and valid results.

What type of questionnaire allows participants to give detailed answers?

• Rating scales

• Likert scales

• Open questions

• Closed questions

Answer explanation

Open questions allow participants to provide detailed, qualitative responses, unlike rating scales, Likert scales, or closed questions, which limit answers to predefined options.

What is a characteristic of structured interviews?

• No predetermined questions

• Focus on open-ended responses

• Flexible questioning

• Fixed order of questions

Answer explanation

Structured interviews are characterized by a fixed order of questions, ensuring consistency and comparability across interviews. This contrasts with unstructured interviews, which may have no predetermined questions.

What is a weakness of case studies?

• Unique cases make generalization difficult

• Focus on multiple instances

• Rich in-depth data

• High ecological validity

Answer explanation

A key weakness of case studies is that they often focus on unique cases, making it challenging to generalize findings to broader populations. This limits the applicability of the insights gained from such studies.

What type of observation involves the observer being part of the group?

• Non-participant observation

• Covert observation

• Participant observation

• Overt observation

Answer explanation

Participant observation involves the observer actively engaging with the group being studied, allowing for deeper insights into their behaviors and interactions. This distinguishes it from non-participant and covert observations.

What is a positive correlation?

• One variable increases while the other decreases

• No relationship between variables

• Both variables increase together

• One variable has no effect on the other

Answer explanation

A positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Both variables increase together', indicating a direct relationship between the two.

What is a strength of naturalistic observation?

• Participants are unaware they are being observed

• Structured data collection

• High control over variables

• Low ecological validity

Answer explanation

A strength of naturalistic observation is that participants are unaware they are being observed, which helps to reduce bias and allows for more authentic behavior, making the findings more valid in real-world contexts.

What is a weakness of controlled observations?

• Difficult to replicate

• Artificial situation can influence behavior

• High ecological validity

• Participants are unaware of observation

Answer explanation

A weakness of controlled observations is that the artificial situation can influence behavior, leading to results that may not reflect real-life actions or reactions.