Question 1

Ceiling effect is to upper boundary as:

Accepted Answer

The ceiling effect refers to the limitation of a measure to distinguish at the upper end of a scale, whereas the floor effect refers to the limitation at the lower end. Thus, the floor effect is to the lower boundary as the ceiling effect is to the upper boundary.

Question 2

Dr. Thigpen continued to use his original scale to measure his patients' weights even though it no longer gave an accurate reading. Despite its inaccuracy, the scale did consistently give the same wrong weight each time a patient stepped on it. In this case, his scale lacks:

Accepted Answer

The scale lacks validity because it does not accurately measure what it is supposed to measure, which is the true weight of the patients. Despite being consistent (reliable) in its measurements, its inability to provide accurate readings means it is not valid.

Question 3

Which is the most appropriate number of response options for a self-report measure?

Accepted Answer

Five response options are generally considered appropriate for self-report measures because they provide a balance between granularity and decision ease for respondents, allowing for nuanced responses without overwhelming them.

Question 4

A potential systematic difference between individuals who refused to participate in a study and those who participated is called:

Accepted Answer

Nonresponse bias occurs when individuals who choose not to participate in a study differ systematically from those who do participate, potentially leading to skewed or unrepresentative results.

Question 5

For which situation is the "college sophomore problem" NOT a concern?

Accepted Answer

The answer of For which situation is the "college sophomore...

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of probability sampling?

Accepted Answer

Cluster random sampling is a probability sampling method in which the population is divided into clusters, and then a random sample of clusters is selected. This method ensures that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Question 7

_____ is any extraneous influence that affects the true score in a consistent way, whereas _____ is variation from the measure's true score due to unsystematic or chance factors.

Accepted Answer

Systematic error affects the true score in a consistent way, while random error is due to unsystematic or chance factors.

Question 8

Each of the following is a type of sampling, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

True sampling is not a recognized type of sampling method in statistics or research methodology. Random sampling, probability sampling, and convenience sampling are all established methods used to select samples from a population.

Question 9

Kinsey and his colleagues conducted a radical study of sexual practices during the 1930s and 1940s and surveyed approximately _____ women about their sexual experiences and interests.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kinsey and his colleagues conducted a radical...

Question 10

Researchers are LEAST likely to be able to control:

Accepted Answer

Random error is inherent in any research study and cannot be controlled by researchers.

Question 11

_____ gives everyone in a given population an equal chance of selection, whereas _____ does not.

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling gives everyone in a given population an equal chance of selection, whereas nonprobability sampling does not ensure this equal chance, often relying on methods that do not randomize the selection process.

Question 12

How is behavioral observation different from behavioral trace?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral observation involves watching and recording behaviors as they occur in real time, whereas behavioral trace involves examining evidence of past behaviors, such as artifacts or remnants left behind.

Question 13

Standardization leads to _____ error, and scorer bias leads to ____ error.

Accepted Answer

Standardization reduces error by ensuring that all participants or subjects are exposed to the same conditions, thus minimizing variability not related to the variables being studied. Scorer bias introduces more error because it reflects the scorer's subjective judgment, which can vary widely among different scorers, leading to inconsistencies in the measurement.

Quiz 4: The Psychologists Toolbox: Tools for Building Better Designs