Module 3 – Research Strategies

The scientific method: a. is a method used in laboratories in the “hard” sciences, not the social sciences. b. is so complex and time consuming that it is rarely used anymore. c. is the application of critical thinking and tools such as observation and statistical analysis. d. is used when reputable scientists use their intuition to form an opinion about a problem.

• is a method used in laboratories in the “hard” sciences, not the social sciences.

• is so complex and time consuming that it is rarely used anymore.

• is the application of critical thinking and tools such as observation and statistical analysis.

• is used when reputable scientists use their intuition to form an opinion about a problem.

Confirmation bias occurs:

• in every experiment; it is impossible to control for.

• when a researcher has a preconception about how an experiment will turn out.

• when researchers purposely lie about the data in order to get money or fame.

• when researchers selectively notice evidence that supports their hypothesis.

Dr. Schneider is researching aggressive behavior in young children. He goes to a local elementary school and watches the children at recess counting how many times a child strikes another. Dr. Schneider’s research would be called:

• a. a case study.

• b. participant bias.

• c. naturalistic observation.

• d. a double-blind procedure.

If psychologists discovered that wealthy people are less satisfied with their marriage than poor people are, this would indicate that wealth and marital satisfaction are:

• causally related.

• dependent variables.

• independent variables.

• negatively correlated.

The survey method is:

• exclusively opinion based; it cannot measure any factual information.

• a research technique designed to discover self-reported attitudes or behavior through questionnaires.

• a research technique that involves studying one group of people over a long amount of time.

• a research technique that manipulates a single variable in order to see its effect on another variable.

Longitudinal studies: a. are too expensive and impractical for modern psychological researchers. b. compare individuals from different age groups at one time. c. examine individuals in the long-distant past and attempt to determine their motives. d. study the same group of people over a long period of time.

• are too expensive and impractical for modern psychological researchers.

• compare individuals from different age groups at one time.

• examine individuals in the long-distant past and attempt to determine their motives.

• study the same group of people over a long period of time.

In a test of the effects of sleep deprivation on problem-solving skills, research participants are allowed to sleep either 4 or 8 hours on each of three consecutive nights. This research is an example of:

• a. a case study.

• b. an experiment.

• c. correlational research.

• d. naturalistic observation.

Professor Aronow is running an experiment trying to determine the effects of stress on decision making. In the experiment, one group of subjects is put under stress through the use of a mild electrical shock. The subjects are then asked to complete a survey. The other subjects are only given the survey. In this experiment, the independent variable is the:

• survey

• mild electrical current

• subjects

• way subjects are assigned to each group

Dr. Mueller is trying to determine if map work helps students learn the names of the states. In the first class, the teacher presents a lesson on the states and has the students complete a map exercise. In the second class, the teacher presents only the lesson. At the end of the unit, each class is given a test on the states. The experimental group in the experiment is the:

• first class

• second class

• the map exercises

• the test at the end of the unit

The four basic principles used to judge the ethics of research are: a. experimental group, control group, hypothesis, and replication. b. independent variable, dependent variable, placebo, and double-blind. c. informed consent, protection from harm, confidentiality, and debriefing. d. scientific validity, expertise of the researcher, cost, and time involved.

• experimental group, control group, hypothesis, and replication

• independent variable, dependent variable, placebo, and double-blind

• informed consent, protection from harm, confidentiality, and debriefing

• scientific validity, expertise of the researcher, cost, and time involved