Psychology Research Methods

What is the hallmark feature that distinguishes science from non-science?

• Use of empirical evidence
• Reliance on ancient wisdom
• Personal conviction
• Strong intuition
• Acceptance by the public

Answer explanation

Science relies on empirical evidence—direct and systematic observation or experimentation.

What makes a claim scientific rather than anecdotal?

• It can be verified through observation
• It is based on personal experience
• It is emotionally persuasive
• It is accepted by many
• It comes from intuition

Answer explanation

Scientific claims must be verifiable through evidence, not just personal stories or beliefs.

Which of the following best defines empirical evidence?

• Information obtained through systematic observation or experimentation
• Data from personal beliefs
• Knowledge passed through generations
• Collective intuition
• Group opinion

Answer explanation

Empirical evidence is derived from systematic observation or experimentation, not belief or tradition.

In a controlled experiment, what is the primary purpose of holding controlled variables constant?

• To isolate the effect of the IV on the DV
• To enhance participant mood
• To reduce time required for analysis
• To improve the reliability of the IV
• To create more test conditions

Answer explanation

Controlled variables are held constant to ensure the DV is affected only by the IV.

What is the independent variable in the hypothesis: "Teenagers with higher sleep quality perform better on concentration tests"?

• Sleep quality
• Concentration test results
• Hours awake
• Age of participants
• Time of day

Answer explanation

The IV is what is manipulated – in this case, sleep quality.

Why must variables be operationalised in an experiment?

• To ensure they are clearly defined and measurable
• To make the experiment faster
• To confuse the participants
• To reduce the need for ethical approval
• To increase the number of variables

Answer explanation

Operationalisation makes variables specific and measurable.

Which of the following best describes a dependent variable?

• The variable measured to assess the effect of the IV
• The variable manipulated by the researcher
• Any variable held constant
• A background variable
• A participant's opinion

Answer explanation

The DV is measured to determine if it's affected by the IV.

In an experiment about the effects of caffeine on reaction time, what is the dependent variable?

• Reaction time
• Caffeine consumption
• Number of participants
• Type of caffeine used
• Experimental setting

Answer explanation

Reaction time is what is measured in response to caffeine intake.

What happens if researchers fail to control extraneous variables?

• The results may not reflect the true effect of the IV on the DV
• The IV will no longer change
• Participants will drop out
• The DV becomes irrelevant
• The experiment cannot be replicated

Answer explanation

Uncontrolled variables can distort the results.

What does it mean to "manipulate" a variable in psychological research?

• Change it systematically to observe its effects
• Eliminate it from the experiment
• Hide it from participants
• Replace it with another variable
• Ignore its influence

Answer explanation

Manipulation refers to the researcher changing the IV.