NPE Research Methods and Statistics

Question 1

Which research design allows investigators to draw causal conclusions about the relationship between variables?

Accepted Answer

True experimental design

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 2

A researcher finds a p-value of 0.03 using an alpha level of 0.05. What is the correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The result is statistically significant and the null hypothesis is rejected

Answer

The null hypothesis is proven true

Answer

The effect size is large

Answer

The probability of replication is 97%

Question 3

Which type of validity refers to the degree to which a test actually measures the construct it purports to measure?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Predictive validity

Answer

Face validity

Answer

Content validity

Question 4

In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, which parties are unaware of the treatment condition assignment?

Accepted Answer

Both participants and researchers administering the treatment

Answer

Only the participants

Answer

Only the researchers

Answer

The IRB and institutional review committee

Question 5

A psychologist administers the same test twice to a group of clients one month apart. She is assessing which type of reliability?

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability

Answer

Inter-rater reliability

Answer

Internal consistency

Answer

Parallel forms reliability

Question 6

Which statistical test is most appropriate for comparing the means of two independent groups on a continuous outcome variable?

Accepted Answer

Independent samples t-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Pearson correlation

Answer

Mann-Whitney U test

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of random assignment in experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To equate groups on known and unknown confounding variables

Answer

To increase the sample size

Answer

To ensure generalizability to the population

Answer

To reduce measurement error in self-report scales