Module 0.3 Quiz

Why is an operational definition necessary when reporting research findings?

• An operational definition allows others to replicate the study.

• An operational definition provides many examples of the concept.

• An operational definition uses more scientific language than a dictionary definition.

• An operational definition considers contextual elements that may affect the study’s results.

Which of the following questions is best investigated by means of a survey?

• Are people more likely to vote Republican or Democrat in the next U.S. election?

• Does extra sleep improve memory?

• What is the most effective study technique for AP^® exams?

• What role does exercise play in heart health?

A testable prediction that drives research is known as a(n)

• theory.

• hypothesis.

• operational definition.

• random sample.

Researchers are interested in finding out if voters are more likely to vote for candidates who have more pleasant facial expressions. The researchers contact every hundredth person on the voter list to ask about candidate facial expressions. Which method are the researchers using in choosing the people they will call?

• Random sample

• Biased sample

• Survey

• Population

An individual with an exceptional memory is identified. For any given date, she is capable of recalling major events, the weather, and what she did that day. Which research method is being used if a psychologist conducts an in-depth investigation of this individual using questionnaires, brain scans, and memory tests?

• Naturalistic observation

• Survey

• Interview

• Case study

Dr. Tazurphase asked 100 people who were in line to ride the largest roller coaster in the world if they would be willing to purchase and drive a flying car. He also gave each person a survey asking questions about their personalities. Based on his results, he claimed that people who are efficient and open to new things were the most willing to purchase and drive a flying car. Which of the following describes one issue with Dr. Tazurphase’s study?

• Dr. Tazurphase did not choose a representative sample, so he is unable to make claims about the larger population’s willingness to purchase a flying car.

• Dr. Tazurphase did not choose a large enough sample, so he is unable to make claims about the sample, so he is unable to make claims about the larger population’s willingness to buy a flying car.

• Dr. Tazurphase did not include a control group to compare his results against, so he cannot determine the cause of someone’s willingness to purchase a flying car.

• Dr. Tazurphase did not randomly assign participants to groups, so he cannot determine the cause of someone’s willingness to purchase a flying car.

Town City is considering installing new street lamps. Which question might Town City officials ask to ensure that they do not bias respondents?

• How much do you want to replace the broken, old lamps with working new lamps?

• Are you in favor of inflated taxes associated with teh installation of the existing street lamps?

• To what extent are you in favor of installing street lamps throughout Town City?

• When should we replace the street lamps?

Dr. Buzz wanted to understand the impact of stressful life events on irritability. He asked college students to reflect on three major stressors in their lives, and then he asked the students how many times in a week they yelled at other people. Which of the following captures how Dr. Buzz operationally defined irritability?

• Reflecting on three major stressors

• Irritability

• The number of times the students yelled in a week

• Stressful life events