Question 1

As part of a research project on factors promoting group leadership,a psychology graduate student joins a campus social club.This is an example of ____ research.
A) naturalistic-observation
B) participant-observer
C) case study
D) archival

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes the psychology graduate student actively participating in a social club, which aligns with the participant-observer research method. This method involves the researcher becoming a member of the group they are studying in order to observe and participate in their behaviors and interactions.

Question 2

The hermeneutic approach
A) seeks reasons, not causes
B) seeks causes, not reasons
C) avoids interpretation
D) Both b and c are true

Accepted Answer

The hermeneutic approach seeks to understand the meaning and significance of a text or phenomenon, and therefore focuses on reasons rather than causes. It emphasizes interpretation and understanding of the context in which the text/phenomenon exists, rather than trying to reduce it to simple causes.

Question 3

All of the following are true of nonexperimental research except:
A) No attempt is made to manipulate an independent variable.
B) The researcher cannot assign subjects to groups.
C) Data collection procedures often compromise some degree of control.
D) The researcher is unable to specify the probability of a subject being included in the sample.

Accepted Answer

Nonexperimental research can still have a specified probability sampling technique in place, so the researcher can determine the likelihood of a subject being included in the sample. The other options listed (A-C) are true characteristics of nonexperimental research.

Question 4

In a study of the relation between creativity and intelligence,a researcher administers a creativity test to fourth,sixth,and ninth grade students whose intelligence has just been measured.This is an example of ____ research.
A) correlational
B) archival
C) survey
D) case study

Accepted Answer

The study is investigating the relationship between two variables (creativity and intelligence) in different groups of participants (fourth, sixth, and ninth graders). This is a correlational design because the researcher is examining whether there is a relationship between the two variables, but is not manipulating any variables or randomly assigning participants to groups.

Question 5

A major disadvantage of observational research is that
A) standardized observational instruments are not very reliable
B) only overt behaviors can be observed
C) observers may make biased reports
D) the presence of the observer may affect the behavior that is to be observed

Accepted Answer

The presence of the observer may affect the behavior that is to be observed. This is known as the observer effect or Hawthorne effect. Participants may alter their behavior when they know they are being observed, leading to inaccurate observations.

Question 6

A news magazine sends a questionnaire to a representative sample of voters to determine voting preferences in an upcoming election.This is an example of ____ research.
A) survey
B) naturalistic
C) observational
D) archival

Accepted Answer

The scenario described involves collecting data through a questionnaire, which is a common method used in surveys. Naturalistic research involves observing behavior in its natural setting, observational research involves collecting data through observing and recording behavior, and archival research involves studying existing data sources.

Question 7

What makes nonexperimental research correlational is that it
A) computes a correlation between two variables
B) requires a scattergram of two variables for interpretation
C) determines a cause-effect relationship between two variables
D) does not manipulate an independent variable

Accepted Answer

Nonexperimental research does not involve the manipulation of an independent variable, which is a key characteristic of experimental research. The focus of nonexperimental research is on observing and describing naturally occurring relationships between variables, rather than establishing cause-and-effect relationships. While correlational studies do involve computing a correlation between two variables and may involve the use of a scatterplot, these are not defining features of nonexperimental research.

Question 8

Which one of the following scenarios best demonstrates the concept of hermeneutics?
A) A parole officer obtains urine specimens from several parolees and has them analyzed for evidence of substance abuse.
B) Guards in a prisoner-of-war camp analyze the out-going mail of prisoners to determine if an escape attempt is being plotted.
C) A supervisor of graduate student teachers administers a questionnaire to students to determine the effectiveness of student-teachers.
D) The director of a day care center observes and records the interactions among the children to identify potentially aggressive ones.

Accepted Answer

Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially the interpretation of biblical texts, wisdom literature, and philosophical texts. It traditionally focuses on understanding the meaning behind written texts or symbolic representations. In option B, analyzing the out-going mail of prisoners to determine if an escape attempt is being plotted involves interpreting the underlying meaning or intentions behind the written words, which aligns with the principles of hermeneutics.

Question 9

Which one of the following scenarios best demonstrates the use of physical trace measures?
A) Researchers examine the drawings of a group of four and five year old children for evidence of trauma or sexual abuse.
B) A researcher compares the final exam scores of two groups of college freshman students enrolled in two separate reading courses.
C) A classroom reading teacher examines the books on her classroom reading shelf for signs of wear to see what ones are read most.
D) Researchers blind to experimental conditions observe and record the behavior of two groups of schizophrenic patients who have been given two different experimental drugs.

Accepted Answer

Physical trace measures involve examining physical evidence such as wear, damage, or markings to draw conclusions or make inferences. In this case, the classroom reading teacher is examining the physical wear on the books to determine which ones are most frequently read by her students. This is a clear example of the use of physical trace measures. The other scenarios involve different types of measurements and data analysis.

Question 10

Nonexperimental research sometimes has to forfeit ____ in return for obtaining the data
A) Money
B) Control
C) Variability
D) Analysis

Accepted Answer

Nonexperimental research lacks control over variables, which is necessary in order to establish causality. Nonexperimental research may also have to forfeit other things such as the ability to manipulate variables, but control is the most fundamental. Money and analysis are not necessarily forfeited in nonexperimental research, and variability may still be present.

Question 11

Which one of the following methods of analysis requires the least interpretation?
A) manifest content
B) latent content
C) physical trace
D) hermeneutics

Accepted Answer

Physical trace analysis involves examining tangible evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, or weapon type, which requires less interpretation than analyzing the symbolic or hidden meanings of manifest or latent content. Hermeneutics, on the other hand, is a complex method of interpretation that involves understanding the cultural and historical context of a text or artifact, and therefore requires more interpretation than physical trace analysis.

Question 12

Participant-Observer research is most appropriate when:
A) little is known about the group
B) studying a group that is isolated from the population
C) the group's behavior is generally not accessible to public scrutiny
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Participant-Observer research can be useful when studying a group about which little is known, when studying a group that is isolated from the population, or when studying a group whose behavior is generally not accessible to public scrutiny. Therefore, all of these factors would make Participant-Observer research appropriate.

Question 13

The concept of hermeneutics is concerned with
A) finding better ways to record behavior
B) finding better ways to observe behavior
C) interpreting themes as opposed to causes
D) interpreting reasons as opposed to causes

Accepted Answer

Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation, particularly the interpretation of texts, but it can also apply to the interpretation of behavior, culture, and other phenomena. In this sense, hermeneutics is concerned with interpreting the reasons behind behavior, rather than merely observing or recording it. Therefore, the best choice is D, interpreting reasons as opposed to causes.

Question 14

If a researcher is observing how students in two already existing classes at a college learn,then the researcher has not ____ participants to groups.
A) Assigned
B) Delegated
C) Correlated
D) Manipulated

Accepted Answer

Since the students are already existing in the two classes, the researcher has not assigned or placed participants into groups. Instead, they are simply observing the groups that already exist. Delegated and correlated do not apply since they do not involve group formation or placement. Manipulated does not apply since the researcher is not altering or controlling any variables for the purpose of the study.

Question 15

Naturalistic observation is also called ____ research
A) unobtrusive
B) nonreactive
C) participant-observer
D) Both a and b are true.

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation is a type of research where the observer remains unobtrusive and nonreactive to the participants being observed. It can also involve a participant-observer who blends into the environment being studied. Therefore, both options "a" and "b" are correct.

Question 16

A researcher decides to go through police records in an effort to find out whether there is any evidence of racial profiling.What research technique is being used?
A) Participant-Observer
B) Survey
C) Archival
D) Case Study

Accepted Answer

Archival research involves examining existing records or data to investigate a research question. In this case, the researcher is examining police records to investigate racial profiling.

Question 17

Collett and Marsh (1974)videotaped instances when two people met in a hallway to avoid collision.This type of research is called
A) naturalistic-observation
B) participant-observer
C) case study
D) archival

Accepted Answer

The research described involves observing natural behavior in a real-world setting, which falls under the category of naturalistic observation. Therefore, choice A is the best answer. Choice B, participant-observer, would involve the researcher actively participating in the situation being observed, which is not the case here. Choice C, case study, would involve an in-depth examination of a single individual or group, which is not what is happening here. Choice D, archival, would involve analyzing existing records or data, which is also not what is happening here.

Question 18

A study of existing records is called ____ research
A) survey
B) naturalistic
C) observational
D) archival

Accepted Answer

Archival research involves analyzing existing records, documents, and data to answer research questions. Examples of archival sources include historical documents, medical records, and census data.

Question 19

Because researchers using Naturalistic observation make an effort not to intrude upon the behavior that they are studying,this methods is sometimes called
A) Unobtrusive
B) Unethical
C) Reactive
D) Participant

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation is focused on observing behavior in a natural setting without disturbing or intruding upon it. Therefore, researchers using this method make an effort to be unobtrusive and not interfere with the behavior being studied.

Question 20

In a comparison of the social interaction patterns of gorillas,a scientist spends several months observing and recording behavior of gorillas in each group of her samples.This is an example of ____ research.
A) participant observation
B) naturalistic observation
C) survey
D) case study

Accepted Answer

The scientist is observing the behavior of gorillas in their natural habitat, without any intervention or manipulation. This aligns with the definition of naturalistic observation. Choice A (participant observation) would imply that the scientist is actively participating in the gorilla group, which is not mentioned. Choice C (survey) would involve asking gorillas questions, which is not possible. Choice D (case study) would focus on a single individual or group, but the question mentions multiple groups.

Quiz 9: Nonexperimental Research, part 1: Observational, archival, and Case-Study Research

As part of a research project on factors promoting group leadership,a psychology graduate student joins a campus social club.This is an example of ____ research.

The hermeneutic approach

All of the following are true of nonexperimental research except:

In a study of the relation between creativity and intelligence,a researcher administers a creativity test to fourth,sixth,and ninth grade students whose intelligence has just been measured.This is an example of ____ research.

A major disadvantage of observational research is that

A news magazine sends a questionnaire to a representative sample of voters to determine voting preferences in an upcoming election.This is an example of ____ research.

What makes nonexperimental research correlational is that it

Which one of the following scenarios best demonstrates the concept of hermeneutics?

Which one of the following scenarios best demonstrates the use of physical trace measures?

Nonexperimental research sometimes has to forfeit ____ in return for obtaining the data

Which one of the following methods of analysis requires the least interpretation?

Participant-Observer research is most appropriate when:

The concept of hermeneutics is concerned with

If a researcher is observing how students in two already existing classes at a college learn,then the researcher has not ____ participants to groups.

Naturalistic observation is also called ____ research

A researcher decides to go through police records in an effort to find out whether there is any evidence of racial profiling.What research technique is being used?

Collett and Marsh (1974) videotaped instances when two people met in a hallway to avoid collision.This type of research is called

A study of existing records is called ____ research

Because researchers using Naturalistic observation make an effort not to intrude upon the behavior that they are studying,this methods is sometimes called

In a comparison of the social interaction patterns of gorillas,a scientist spends several months observing and recording behavior of gorillas in each group of her samples.This is an example of ____ research.