Question 1

The classical experiment makes it possible to satisfy this criterion for cause in two ways.First,the posttest measures for the experimental group (stimulus present)are compared with those for the:
A) control group (stimulus not present)
B) random group (stimulus not present)
C) variable group (stimulus not present)
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

Comparing the posttest measures of the experimental group (which received the stimulus) with those of the control group (which did not receive the stimulus) is the best way to satisfy the criterion for cause. The random and variable groups do not provide a reliable comparison group for determining the causal effect of the stimulus.

Question 2

Dr.Smith was interested in whether there would be a reduction in the number of crimes in the central city once closed-circuit cameras went up and were monitored by police.To accomplish this study Dr.Smith looked at the police records for the four square block area where the cameras were installed each week for six months.Dr.Smith was using what method?
A) cohort design
B) time-series design
C) classical experiment
D) quasi-experimental design

Accepted Answer

Dr. Smith was using a time-series design where data is collected over time to observe changes in behavior or outcomes. In this case, the police records were being examined each week for six months to see if the installation of the cameras had an effect on the number of crimes committed in the area.

Question 3

How does a cohort design differ from other quasi-experimental designs?
A) the use of random assignment to control and experimental groups
B) the use of matching to assign subjects to control and experimental groups
C) there is some date or event in common to all members of the control and the experimental groups
D) all quasi-experimental designs are basically the same

Accepted Answer

In a cohort design, the groups are defined based on a common exposure, experience, or event (such as being born in the same year). This is different from other quasi-experimental designs where groups may be based on other factors such as matching or random assignment. Cohort designs are often used in observational studies to examine the associations between exposure and outcome over time.

Question 4

What technique can be used to help reduce the threat to experimental mortality?
A) increasing the sample size
B) decreasing the sample size
C) shorten the time between the pretest and the posttest
D) select only subjects who are female

Accepted Answer

Shortening the time between the pretest and posttest can help reduce experimental mortality by minimizing the chances of participants dropping out of the study.

Question 5

To assess the impact of child abuse upon later criminality,Dr.Rose chose to select some adults whose names appeared as child abuse victims in local police records and another group of adults who were not victims of abuse.What technique is being employed?
A) cohort design
B) classical experiment
C) double-blind experiment
D) nonequivalent-group design

Accepted Answer

The technique being employed is a nonequivalent-group design, where two groups are being compared based on their exposure or non-exposure to the independent variable (in this case, child abuse) but the groups are not randomly assigned. Therefore, there is a risk of selection bias and other confounding factors that may affect the results.

Question 6

Which is accurate concerning the interrupted time-series design?
A) some event stops or interrupts the research
B) control group subjects are often envious of the attention the experimental group subjects get and interrupt the study
C) makes a long series of observations before and after introducing the experimental treatment
D) none of the above are accurate

Accepted Answer

An interrupted time-series design involves making a series of observations over time, then introducing an intervention or treatment, and continuing to make observations to assess the impact of that intervention. This design is useful for evaluating the effects of policy changes, educational interventions, and similar events or treatments over time.

Question 7

The statement,'there are no simple formulas for designing an experimental or quasi­experimental study' suggests:
A) that there is an infinite variety of ways to design a study
B) that there is a finite variety of ways to design a study
C) that the one constant is the use of randomization in experiments
D) experiments and quasi-experiments should be used only as a last resort

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that there are no simple formulas or one-size-fits-all approaches to designing experimental or quasi-experimental studies, implying that there is an infinite variety of ways to design a study depending on the research question and context. While randomization is a common element in experimental designs, it is not the only constant and may not be feasible or appropriate in all cases. The statement does not suggest that experiments and quasi-experiments should be used only as a last resort, but rather emphasizes the need for careful and thoughtful design.

Question 8

When neither the subjects nor the researcher can identify which group is the control group and which is the experimental group the design is said to be:
A) cross-sectional
B) double-blind
C) a blind experiment
D) of no value

Accepted Answer

When neither the subjects nor the researcher can identify which group is the control group and which is the experimental group, it is called a double-blind experiment. This design is particularly useful when trying to eliminate bias from the research process. The control group serves as a baseline for comparison, and the experimental group receives the intervention or treatment being investigated. By keeping both the subjects and the researcher blinded to which group is which, the risk of researcher bias or subject response bias is minimized, leading to more reliable and valid results.

Question 9

To guard against most threats to internal validity in the classical experiment the researcher should:
A) focus upon external validity
B) focus upon generalizability
C) use random assignment
D) put subjects only in experimental groups

Accepted Answer

Random assignment helps ensure that any differences between the experimental and control groups are due to chance rather than some other pre-existing factor. This helps guard against threats to internal validity such as selection bias or confounding variables. Focusing on external validity or generalizability is important but does not directly address threats to internal validity. Putting subjects only in experimental groups also does not address potential confounding variables or selection bias.

Question 10

External validity in an experimental design refers to:
A) the researcher's ability to be sure that they are measuring what they think they are measuring
B) the lack of concern with issues internal to the study
C) the ability to apply findings to other populations
D) the ability to know your measures are consistent

Accepted Answer

External validity refers to the generalizability of research findings to other populations or settings. It is important to assess external validity to ensure that research findings can be applied to real-world situations beyond the immediate study.

Question 11

The central features of what experiment type include (1)independent and dependent variables,(2)pretesting and posttesting,and (3)experimental and control groups created through random assignment?
A) casual experiments
B) statistical experiments
C) classical experiments
D) cardinal experiments

Accepted Answer

The central features described align with classical experiments, which involve manipulating an independent variable and measuring the effects on a dependent variable while also implementing pre- and post-testing and creating experimental/control groups through random assignment. Casual experiments (A) may involve manipulation of the independent variable, but not necessarily the other features outlined. Statistical experiments (B) may involve manipulation of variables, but not necessarily the other features outlined. Cardinal experiments (D) do not appear to be a recognized type of experiment.

Question 12

In social scientific experiments,as in medical experiments,the danger of experimenter bias is further reduced to the extent that the operational definitions of the dependent variables are:
A) clear and precise
B) controlled
C) tested and retested
D) scientifically proven

Accepted Answer

Clear and precise operational definitions of the dependent variables help to reduce experimenter bias by ensuring that the measurement is objective and consistent. This allows for replication and verification of results by other researchers. Controlling, testing, and retesting may also be important, but clear and precise definitions are essential. Scientifically proven is not relevant, as it is not possible to prove a hypothesis or theory in science, only to support or reject it with evidence.

Question 13

A questionnaire is sent to 1,000 police departments in Florida and gathers information on the number of sick days officers use after being involved in a shooting incident.This is an example of what type of research?
A) variable-oriented research
B) case-oriented research
C) experimental design
D) cohort design

Accepted Answer

The research involves gathering information on a specific case (police officers in Florida using sick days after a shooting) and is therefore an example of case-oriented research.

Question 14

What process is accomplished by assigning the odd numbered subjects to the experimental group and the even- numbered subjects to the control group?
A) basic scientific theory
B) independent relation
C) false positive evaluation
D) random assignment

Accepted Answer

This is random assignment, where each subject has an equal chance of being assigned to the experimental or control group. However, assigning odd numbered subjects to one group and even numbered subjects to the other does not guarantee true random assignment, as there could be systematic differences between odd and even numbered subjects.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true?
A) non-equivalent-groups and time-series designs are two general types of quasi-experiments
B) experiments and time-series designs are two general types of quasi-experiments
C) all research purposes are amenable to the use of experimental designs
D) all of the above are true

Accepted Answer

Non-equivalent-groups and time-series designs are two specific types of quasi-experiments. Experiments are a distinct type of design and quasi-experiments are used when true experimental designs cannot be used for practical or ethical reasons. The statement that all research purposes are amenable to experimental designs is false, as some research questions cannot be ethically or practically studied using experimental designs. Therefore, option D is false.

Question 16

What type of design is illustrated in the following diagram? Experimental Group 0 X 0 Control Group 0 0 Measurement time1 time2 time3
A) time-series design
B) classical experiment
C) cohort design
D) nonequivalent-groups design

Accepted Answer

The diagram represents a classical experiment with a pre-test, treatment, and post-test for both experimental and control groups.

Question 17

If randomization is not possible,what should the researcher do?
A) pre and posttest
B) use the classical design
C) consider using a quasi-experimental design
D) randomization is always possible

Accepted Answer

If randomization is not possible, a quasi-experimental design should be considered. This type of design allows for comparison between groups, but does not randomly assign participants to groups. Other measures, such as matching or statistical controls, can be used to help reduce potential biases. Pre and posttests and the classical design may not adequately account for differences between groups, making a quasi-experimental design a better option in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect, as there may be limitations or ethical considerations that prevent randomization.

Question 18

An interrupted time-series design can be very useful in what type of research?
A) applied research
B) exploratory research
C) descriptive research
D) double-blind research

Accepted Answer

An interrupted time-series design is a quasi-experimental design that can be used in applied research to evaluate the effects of an intervention or treatment. It involves measuring the dependent variable before and after the intervention or treatment has been implemented, and comparing the trend in the data over time to determine if the intervention had a significant impact. This design can be particularly useful in evaluating public health or policy interventions, educational interventions, or other interventions aimed at improving outcomes.

Question 19

In criminal justice experiments,what serves as a guard against the effects of the experiments themselves as well as events that may occur outside the laboratory during the course of experiments?
A) variable groups
B) control groups
C) administrative groups
D) posttest groups

Accepted Answer

Control groups serve as the guard against the effects of the experiments themselves as well as events outside the laboratory because they are not exposed to the treatment being tested and provide a baseline for comparison. Variable groups are those that receive the treatment being tested and are compared to the control group, posttest groups are the groups that are tested after the treatment has been administered, and administrative groups are not typically used in experimental designs.

Question 20

What can help rule out the threats to internal validity in an experimental design?
A) proper selection and assignment of subjects to groups
B) large sample size
C) small sample size
D) nothing can rule out threats to internal validity

Accepted Answer

Proper selection and assignment of subjects to groups can help control for extraneous variables and increase the internal validity of an experimental design. However, it's important to note that no design can completely eliminate all threats to internal validity.

Quiz 7: Experimental and Quasi Experimental Designs

The classical experiment makes it possible to satisfy this criterion for cause in two ways.First,the posttest measures for the experimental group (stimulus present) are compared with those for the:

How does a cohort design differ from other quasi-experimental designs?

What technique can be used to help reduce the threat to experimental mortality?

To assess the impact of child abuse upon later criminality,Dr.Rose chose to select some adults whose names appeared as child abuse victims in local police records and another group of adults who were not victims of abuse.What technique is being employed?

Which is accurate concerning the interrupted time-series design?

The statement,'there are no simple formulas for designing an experimental or quasiexperimental study' suggests:

When neither the subjects nor the researcher can identify which group is the control group and which is the experimental group the design is said to be:

To guard against most threats to internal validity in the classical experiment the researcher should:

External validity in an experimental design refers to:

The central features of what experiment type include (1) independent and dependent variables,(2) pretesting and posttesting,and (3) experimental and control groups created through random assignment?

In social scientific experiments,as in medical experiments,the danger of experimenter bias is further reduced to the extent that the operational definitions of the dependent variables are:

A questionnaire is sent to 1,000 police departments in Florida and gathers information on the number of sick days officers use after being involved in a shooting incident.This is an example of what type of research?

What process is accomplished by assigning the odd numbered subjects to the experimental group and the even- numbered subjects to the control group?

Which of the following statements is true?

What type of design is illustrated in the following diagram? Experimental Group 0 X 0 Control Group 0 0 Measurement time1 time2 time3

If randomization is not possible,what should the researcher do?

An interrupted time-series design can be very useful in what type of research?

In criminal justice experiments,what serves as a guard against the effects of the experiments themselves as well as events that may occur outside the laboratory during the course of experiments?

What can help rule out the threats to internal validity in an experimental design?