IB Research Methodology in Psychology

What are the two main categories of research methods in psychology?

• Correlational and Observational

• Theoretical and Practical

• Experimental and Descriptive

• Quantitative and Qualitative

Which type of quantitative research involves manipulating an independent variable?

• Experimental studies

• Descriptive studies

• Observational studies

• Correlational studies

What is a construct in psychological research?

• A statistical analysis method

• An observable behavior

• A measurable variable

• A theoretically defined variable

Which of the following is NOT a type of quantitative research?

• Narrative studies

• Descriptive studies

• Correlational studies

• Experimental studies

What does operationalization of a construct mean?

• Defining it theoretically

• Expressing it in observable terms

• Comparing it with other constructs

• Measuring it statistically

In correlational studies, what is measured?

• The validity of the study

• The relationship between variables

• The effect of manipulation

• Independent and dependent variables

What is a key limitation of correlational studies?

• They cannot establish cause and effect

• They require large sample sizes

• They are time-consuming

• They are difficult to analyze

Which sampling method involves selecting participants who are readily available?

• Opportunity sampling

• Stratified sampling

• Random sampling

• Self-selected sampling

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

• Statistical analysis

• Generalization of findings

• Testing hypotheses

• In-depth investigation of phenomena

What type of validity assesses whether a study measures what it claims to measure?

• Construct validity

• Internal validity

• External validity

• Statistical validity