Psychology Degree FREE Psychology Degree Psychological Research Methods Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A researcher wants to determine whether sleep deprivation causes decreased reaction time. Which research design is most appropriate?
- True experiment with random assignment (Correct answer)
- Naturalistic observation
- Case study
- Correlational study
Correct answer: True experiment with random assignment
A true experiment with random assignment allows the researcher to manipulate the independent variable and establish causation.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a double-blind procedure in psychological research?
- To reduce demand characteristics and experimenter bias (Correct answer)
- To increase the sample size
- To ensure informed consent is obtained
- To replicate previous findings
Correct answer: To reduce demand characteristics and experimenter bias
Double-blind procedures prevent both participants and researchers from knowing group assignments, reducing bias from both sources.
Question 3: Which measure of central tendency is most affected by extreme scores in a data set?
- Mean (Correct answer)
- Median
- Mode
- Standard deviation
Correct answer: Mean
The mean is calculated using all values in the distribution, making it highly sensitive to outliers.
Question 4: In a study examining the relationship between anxiety and test performance, anxiety level is the independent variable and test score is the dependent variable. What type of validity is threatened if the anxiety manipulation also unintentionally changes participants' motivation?
- Internal validity (Correct answer)
- External validity
- Face validity
- Content validity
Correct answer: Internal validity
Internal validity is compromised when a confounding variable like motivation co-varies with the independent variable.
Question 5: A psychologist surveys 500 college students about their study habits and GPA. Which correlation coefficient indicates the strongest relationship?
- r = -0.87 (Correct answer)
- r = 0.65
- r = -0.42
- r = 0.15
Correct answer: r = -0.87
The strength of a correlation is determined by its absolute value, and 0.87 is the largest regardless of direction.
Question 6: Which sampling method gives every member of the population an equal chance of being selected?
- Simple random sampling (Correct answer)
- Convenience sampling
- Snowball sampling
- Purposive sampling
Correct answer: Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling ensures each individual has an equal probability of selection, minimizing sampling bias.
Psychology Degree FREE Psychology Degree Psychological Research Methods Questions and Answers 2
A researcher wants to determine whether sleep deprivation causes decreased reaction time.
Which research design is most appropriate?