Experimental Research Quiz

What is the primary purpose of experimental research?

• To observe and describe variables

• To establish cause-and-effect relationships

• To assess the reliability of variables

• To explore correlations between variables

Which key characteristic of experimental research distinguishes it from other methods?

• Random assignment of participants

• Use of large sample sizes

• Observing natural phenomena

• Avoiding the manipulation of variables

What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?

• To remain constant throughout the study

• To be manipulated by the researcher to assess its effect

• To serve as the control variable

• To be influenced by the dependent variable

What does a pretest in an experiment evaluate?

• The final outcome of the experiment

• An attribute or characteristic before treatment

• The level of extraneous variables

• The randomization process

Which of the following is an example of a true experimental design?

• Pretest-posttest design

• Observational study

• Time-series design

• Case study

What is the primary purpose of manipulating treatment conditions in experimental research?

• To measure the consistency of variables

• To control for threats to validity

• To test the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable

• To enhance the generalizability of findings

What are extraneous variables in an experiment?

• Variables that are deliberately manipulated by the researcher

• Factors that might influence the dependent variable but are not the focus of the study

• Variables that measure outcomes

• Attributes that remain constant throughout the study

Which type of experimental design uses the same participants across all treatment conditions?

• Between-group design

• Repeated-measures design

• Time-series experiment

• Factorial design

How does random assignment strengthen an experiment?

• By eliminating the need for control groups

• By ensuring equal sample sizes in all groups

• By reducing systematic bias and increasing internal validity

• By guaranteeing external validity

What is a key threat to validity in experimental research?

• The use of random sampling

• The inability to establish covariance

• Confounding variables influencing the outcome

• Randomization of participants