Exploring Research Methods in Psychology - Quiz Review

Which of the following is an example of a descriptive research method in psychology?

• Case study

• Random assignment

• Double-blind procedure

• Independent variable

Answer explanation

A case study is a descriptive research method that provides an in-depth analysis of an individual or group, making it the correct choice. The other options involve experimental methods rather than descriptive approaches.

What is the main purpose of using random assignment in an experiment?

• To ensure every participant has an equal chance of being in any group

• To increase the sample size

• To collect qualitative data

• To measure the dependent variable

Answer explanation

The main purpose of random assignment is to ensure every participant has an equal chance of being in any group, which helps eliminate bias and allows for a fair comparison of the effects of different treatments.

Which ethical principle requires that participants be told enough about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate?

• Informed consent

• Debriefing

• Confidentiality

• Deception

Answer explanation

The ethical principle of informed consent requires that participants receive sufficient information about a study, allowing them to make an informed decision about their participation. This ensures respect for their autonomy.

In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated by the researcher is called the:

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Control variable

• Confounding variable

Answer explanation

In an experiment, the independent variable is the one that the researcher manipulates to observe its effect on the dependent variable. Thus, the correct answer is the independent variable.

Which research method is best suited for studying rare or unusual cases in depth?

• Survey

• Case study

• Experiment

• Naturalistic observation

Answer explanation

The case study method is ideal for in-depth exploration of rare or unusual cases, allowing researchers to gather detailed qualitative data and insights that other methods may not capture effectively.

A psychologist wants to study the relationship between sleep and memory. She surveys 100 students about their average hours of sleep and their test scores. Which research method is she using?

• Experimental

• Correlational

• Case study

• Naturalistic observation

Answer explanation

The psychologist is using a correlational research method because she is examining the relationship between two variables: average hours of sleep and test scores, without manipulating any variables.

A researcher finds a positive correlation between exercise and mood. What does this mean?

• As exercise increases, mood decreases

• As exercise increases, mood increases

• Exercise causes mood to improve

• There is no relationship between exercise and mood

Answer explanation

A positive correlation indicates that as exercise increases, mood also increases. This means that more exercise is associated with better mood, making 'As exercise increases, mood increases' the correct interpretation.

Why is it important to use a control group in an experiment?

• To ensure the results are due to the independent variable and not other factors

• To increase the number of participants

• To collect more data

• To make the experiment more difficult

Answer explanation

Using a control group is crucial as it helps isolate the effect of the independent variable, ensuring that any observed changes in the experimental group are due to that variable and not other external factors.

A researcher wants to observe how children interact on a playground without interfering. Which research method should she use?

• Survey

• Case study

• Naturalistic observation

• Experiment

Answer explanation

Naturalistic observation is the best method for the researcher to unobtrusively watch how children interact on a playground, allowing for genuine behavior without interference.

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of informed consent in psychological research?

• Telling participants about the risks and benefits before they agree to participate

• Keeping participants’ data confidential

• Explaining the results after the study is over

• Assigning participants to groups randomly

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Telling participants about the risks and benefits before they agree to participate', best illustrates informed consent, as it ensures participants are fully aware of what they are agreeing to before joining the study.