Question 1

A statement that attempts to predict or account for a set of phenomena is called a(n) _______________.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through further investigation. Axioms are self-evident truths, corollaries are derived from established principles, and theories are explanations that have been extensively tested and supported by evidence.

Question 2

Tessa agrees to an evaluation designed to tap her unconscious feelings and motives. Tessa will be given a(n):

Accepted Answer

Projective tests are designed to tap into an individual's unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motives by presenting ambiguous stimuli and asking the person to respond, revealing their underlying thoughts and motivations. Objective tests, on the other hand, present straightforward questions, while double-blind and single-blind tests relate to experimental designs, not psychological evaluations.

Question 3

People who are willing to take part in surveys usually have opinions and views that are different from those who decline to take part. This phenomenon is called:

Accepted Answer

Volunteer bias occurs when individuals who volunteer to participate in a study or survey are different in some way from those who do not volunteer. This can lead to an overrepresentation of certain views or opinions, and can produce biased results.

Question 4

Psychologists typically consider a result to be significant if it would be expected to occur by chance _______________ times in 100 repetitions of the study.

Accepted Answer

Psychologists typically use a significance level of 0.05, which means that there is a 5% chance that the result occurred by chance. If the result is significant at this level, it would be expected to occur by chance 5 or fewer times in 100 repetitions of the study.

Question 5

Think of a topic in psychology that interests you. Write a hypothesis regarding this topic and explain what research method you would use in order to investigate the topic.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Think of a topic in psychology that...

Question 6

A psychologist has the option of gathering information through psychological tests or through self-evaluations by the participants. Which option would be more effective in clarifying the differences and similarities between individuals? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A psychologist has the option of gathering...

Question 7

What are the disadvantages associated with psychological case study research?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the disadvantages associated with psychological...

Question 8

Dr. Littman-Smith is conducting research in Kenya to learn about the ways that mothers and their toddlers interact as they go about their day. It is most likely that she is engaged in:

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation involves observing individuals in their natural environment without interfering or manipulating any variables. In this scenario, Dr. Littman-Smith is observing mothers and toddlers in their natural setting, indicating that she is engaged in naturalistic observation.

Question 9

List the five major characteristics of an ideal scientist.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the five major characteristics of an...

Question 10

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." How would you frame this question in clear and concrete terms so that it could be tested? Specify an operational definition for the major terms.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Nothing great was...

Question 11

If watching TV is positively correlated with children's aggressiveness, then in what possible ways could this relationship be explained?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If watching TV is positively correlated with...

Question 12

The tendency to look for information that supports one's own belief is called:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or values.

Question 13

Experiments have long been the method of choice in psychology. However, the experiment does have its limitations. Describe these limitations and explain why many psychologists have called for more field research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Experiments have long been the method of...

Question 14

Dr. Benjamin Rush treated yellow fever by bloodletting. He attributed each recovery to the bloodletting and each death to the severity of the yellow fever. What rule of science did he violate?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dr. Benjamin Rush treated yellow fever by...

Question 15

A variable that is predicted to be affected by an experimenter's manipulations in experimental research is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the variable being measured and is predicted to be affected by the manipulations of the independent variable. Extraneous variables are variables that could impact the dependent variable but are not intentionally manipulated. Confounding variables are variables that overlap with the independent variable, making it difficult to determine the true cause of changes in the dependent variable. The independent variable is the variable being intentionally manipulated by the experimenter.

Question 16

Explain the purpose and process of peer review.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the purpose and process of peer...

Question 17

A correlation between "A" and "B" does not necessarily mean that "A" causes "B." Why? Explain using this example: The higher a male monkey's level of the hormone testosterone, the more aggressive he is likely to be.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A correlation between "A" and "B" does...

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the use of non-human animals in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

While animals do not give informed consent, federal regulations have been strengthened to ensure their ethical treatment and welfare. The American Psychological Association (APA) also has guidelines to regulate the use of animals in research. While some groups may object to their use, it is still a common practice in psychology research. Therefore, options A and D are incorrect, and B is also incorrect as it is not true that animals are no longer used at all.

Question 19

Which of the following is an advantage of case studies?

Accepted Answer

Case studies provide in-depth information about an individual or group and can offer an in-depth understanding of a particular phenomenon. This level of detail can be more useful than other methods in certain situations, such as in clinical or psychological research. However, this deep level of analysis also means that the information is not always easily generalizable to other individuals. Additionally, case studies can be susceptible to researcher bias, as the researcher may become too involved in the case and lose objectivity.

Question 20

Which of the following pairs of variables would illustrate a negative correlation?

Accepted Answer

As the price of a car goes up, the mileage on the odometer tends to go down, so there is a negative correlation.

Quiz 2: How Psychologists Do Research