Unit 0: Scientific Foundations of Psych

A researcher asks participants to complete a survey measuring their self-esteem on a scale from 1 to 7. This is an example of what type of data collection?

• Qualitative

• Experimental

• Quantitative

• Case study

Answer explanation

The survey measuring self-esteem on a scale from 1 to 7 collects numerical data, making it an example of quantitative data collection. This type of data allows for statistical analysis and comparison.

Which of the following is the best example of an operational definition?

• Happiness is a good mood.

• Intelligence is defined by an IQ score.

• Sadness is an emotional state.

• Anger is a negative feeling.

Answer explanation

The best example of an operational definition is 'Intelligence is defined by an IQ score.' This provides a specific, measurable criterion for assessing intelligence, unlike the other options which are vague.

A test is replicated by another psychologist who finds similar results. This best demonstrates:

• Statistical significance

• Peer review

• Generalizability

• Replication

Answer explanation

The replication of results by another psychologist demonstrates the reliability of findings, which is a key aspect of peer review. This process ensures that research is validated by others in the field.

A research method involving in-depth examination of one individual or a small group is called:

• Survey

• Experiment

• Case study

• Meta-analysis

Answer explanation

A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination of a single individual or a small group, allowing for detailed insights that other methods like surveys or experiments may not provide.

What is the purpose of random assignment in an experiment?

• Ensure generalizability

• Reduce sampling bias

• Eliminate correlation

• Control confounding variables

Answer explanation

Random assignment helps reduce sampling bias by ensuring that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group. This promotes fairness and helps isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Which statistical measure indicates the spread of scores around the mean?

• Median

• Percentile rank

• Standard deviation

• Mode

Answer explanation

The standard deviation measures the spread of scores around the mean, indicating how much individual scores deviate from the average. It is the correct choice, while median, percentile rank, and mode do not measure spread.

A researcher tells participants they will be studying memory but is really observing stress responses. What ethical concept is at play?

• Informed consent

• Deception

• Protection from harm

• Peer review

Answer explanation

The researcher is misleading participants about the study's true purpose, which involves observing stress responses rather than memory. This constitutes deception, as participants are not fully informed about the nature of the research.

The degree to which results can be applied to the broader population is known as:

• Generalizability

• Replication

• Peer review

• Statistical significance

Answer explanation

The degree to which results can be applied to the broader population is referred to as generalizability. It indicates how findings from a study can be extended beyond the specific sample used.

Which of the following best describes hindsight bias?

• Believing you predicted something after it happened

• Rejecting any result that doesn’t match your view

• Being extremely confident in wrong answers

• Failing to consider confounding variables

Answer explanation

Hindsight bias is the tendency to believe that one could have predicted an event after it has occurred. This aligns with the correct choice, as it reflects the common feeling of having foreseen outcomes once they are known.

In an experiment testing caffeine’s effect on memory, the control group would most likely:

• Receive a high dose of caffeine

• Be asked to avoid all memory tasks

• Receive a placebo

• Be randomly sampled

Answer explanation

In experiments, the control group receives a placebo to compare against the experimental group receiving caffeine. This helps isolate the effect of caffeine on memory without bias from expectations.