Deck 3: Methods of Investigation

Question 1

The prediction that people will take longer to read colour names when they appear in a conflicting ink colour is an example of a:

A) Theory
B) Hypothesis
C) Conclusion
D) Statistical analysis
E) Correlation

Answer 1

B

Question 2

The aspect of the experimental situation manipulated by the experimenter to test a hypothesis is, most generally, referred to as which type of variable?

A) Independent
B) Dependent
C) Latent
D) Confounding
E) Dispositional

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The null hypothesis is a prediction that:

A) There is a correlation between the IV and the DV.
B) The IV will have an effect on the DV.
C) The IV will have no effect on the DV.
D) The DV will have an effect on the IV.
E) The DV will have no effect on the IV.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

In a research study, it's found that participants eat more when given a red rather than green container of food. The red container was offered just before lunch and the green one just after dinner. In this study, time of day and previous food intake are examples of which type of variable?

A) Independent
B) Dependent
C) Latent
D) Dispositional
E) Confounding

Question 5

Selecting participants in such a way that they match certain aspects of the broader population refers to which type of sampling?

A) Random
B) Opportunity
C) Quota
D) Sparse
E) Observational

Question 6

Which of the following techniques is commonly used in an independent measures design to rule out individual differences?

A) Random assignment
B) Single blind
C) Counterbalancing
D) Double blind
E) Deception

Question 7

An experimental design in which each participant appears in multiple conditions is technically termed:

A) Multi-observation
B) Yoked
C) Independent
D) Matched participants
E) Repeated measures

Question 8

Which of the following techniques is commonly used in a repeated measures design to rule out order effects?

A) Double-blinding
B) Norming
C) Placebo
D) Counterbalancing
E) Meta-analysis

Question 9

Oskar Pfungst revealed that the apparent counting ability of which famous horse was really just a result of it following the cues of its handler?

A) Little Hans
B) Kanzi
C) Count Buttermilk
D) Clever Hans
E) Whinney the Shrewd

Question 10

Rosenthal's (1966) finding that male researchers tended to be more pleasant and relaxed when the participant was female rather than male is an example of which type of effect?

A) Experimenter
B) Primacy
C) Tolerance
D) Hawthorne
E) Cognitive dissonance

Question 11

The type of validity specifically describing how well the research findings are applicable to the real world is called:

A) Construct
B) Convergent
C) Ecological
D) Face
E) Internal

Question 12

Most generally, demand characteristics refer to cues that reveal to the participants the:

A) Informed consent process
B) Experimental hypothesis
C) Principal investigator
D) Inter-trial interval
E) Experiment's implacability

Question 13

According to the text, reporting detailed experimental methods, using standardised procedures, and avoiding confounding variables most directly help maximise the chance that other researchers can do which of the following, in relation to one's experiment:

A) Replicate
B) Generalise
C) Publish
D) Reciprocate
E) Cite

Question 14

Reduced experimental control, severe limitations on collecting detailed information and otherwise interacting with participants, and difficulty obtaining consent are all weaknesses most closely associated with which type of experimental method?

A) Lab experiments
B) Computational modelling
C) Randomised clinical trials
D) Functional neuroimaging
E) Field experiments

Question 15

Inter-observer reliability is, at its core, a measure of:

A) Priming
B) Statistical priors
C) Altruism
D) Agreement
E) Comorbidity

Question 16

The method of studying multiple groups (e.g., different ages) at the same time is most appropriately described as which type of research?

A) Longitudinal
B) Cross-over
C) Cross-sectional
D) Post hoc
E) Experience-sampling

Question 17

Which of the following methods reveals associations but generally does not indicate causality?

A) Experimental
B) Randomised control study
C) Reversible lesion
D) Transcranial magnetic stimulation
E) Correlational

Question 18

Case studies, by definition, involve the study of one or two:

A) Individuals
B) Groups of people
C) Experimental manipulations
D) Impartial observers
E) Neuroimaging techniques

Question 19

The major organisation for professional psychologists in the United Kingdom is the:

A) UKP
B) PSB
C) BPP
D) BMP
E) BPS

Question 20

The 2009 version of the Ethical Principles for Conducting Research with Human Participants emphasised all of the following major ethical principles, EXCEPT:

A) Competence
B) Respect
C) Cost
D) Responsibility
E) Integrity

Question 21

The justification for deception in the course of research must be carefully weighed, as deception necessarily limits the extent that which of the following can be provided by the participant?

A) Anonymity
B) Compensation for time and travel
C) Data protection
D) Voluntary informed consent
E) Debriefing