Question 1

____ would increase the external validity of experiments,but social psychologists rarely do it.

Accepted Answer

Random sampling would increase the external validity of experiments by ensuring that the sample is representative of the larger population. However, social psychologists often rely on convenience samples or college student samples, which may limit the generalizability of their findings to other populations. Random assignment (A) and administering follow-up questionnaires (B) are important for internal validity, but do not necessarily address external validity. Using multiple independent variables (D) can actually decrease external validity by making it difficult to determine which variable is responsible for the observed effects.

Question 2

Replications are designed to ensure that

Accepted Answer

Replications are designed to test whether the original results can be obtained in different populations and in different settings. This helps to establish the generalizability of the findings and increase the external validity of the study. While internal validity and ethical procedures are important considerations in research, they are not the primary focus of replication studies. Psychological realism may also be important in some cases, but it is not a primary consideration when designing replications.

Question 3

Assume that Latané and Darley want to demonstrate the external validity of their 1968 experiment on bystander intervention.To do this,they conduct a study in which participants solve crossword puzzles alone,or in large or small groups.While the participants are working on the puzzles,they overhear a woman fall from a ladder and cry out,"Oh,my leg! I can't move it!" The researchers then observe and record the number of participants who attempt to help.The study described here represents a(n) ____ of the original "seizure" study.

Accepted Answer

The study described in the scenario is a replication of the original "seizure" study conducted by Latané and Darley in 1968. It involves the same type of situation (an emergency where the victim needs help), and the same variable of interest (bystander intervention). Therefore, the researchers are attempting to demonstrate the external validity of their original findings by replicating them in a different context. A manipulation check involves testing whether a manipulation of an independent variable is effective in producing the desired effect on the dependent variable. Needless duplication refers to research studies that are unnecessary or redundant. Encore is not a commonly used term in research methodology.

Question 4

When Latané and Darley replicated their experiment on helping behaviors as a field experiment,they had two burly men steal a case of beer from a convenience store,then measured the number of customers who reported the robbery.Why would they replicate their laboratory study in a field setting?

Accepted Answer

Replicating the laboratory experiment in a field setting enhances external validity, which refers to the degree to which the findings of the study can be generalized to other settings and populations. By testing their hypothesis in a real-life situation, the researchers can provide evidence that their findings apply beyond the laboratory, which increases the confidence in the study's results.

Question 5

Social psychologists seldom address the question of external validity by conducting their experiments on random samples of people from all over.All of the following are reasons for this except

Accepted Answer

Social psychologists do not avoid considering external validity because they are content with doing inexact science. In fact, they strive to conduct rigorous and accurate research. The other options present valid reasons for not always using random samples, such as the expense and logistical difficulties involved. However, option B is not a valid reason and does not accurately reflect the approach of social psychologists.

Question 6

Given that field experiments are high in external validity,why is it that social psychologists still rely on laboratory studies?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory studies allow for greater control of extraneous variables, which increases internal validity. This control is often necessary, particularly when testing causal relationships between variables. While field experiments have higher external validity, they can be more difficult to control for variables, which can make it harder to draw causal conclusions.

Question 7

How is a field experiment similar to a lab experiments? Both involve

Accepted Answer

Both field and lab experiments involve manipulation of an independent variable, but field experiments take place in a natural environment, while lab experiments take place in a controlled environment.

Question 8

Dr.Weneger conducts a study using a sample of 100 Harvard Honors students to investigate the careers young adults are interested in pursuing.What is the major problem with her sample?

Accepted Answer

The sample consists only of Harvard Honors students, which is not representative of the general population of young adults, making it difficult to generalize the findings to all young adults.

Question 9

According to the authors of your text,in social psychological research,it is often the case that when internal validity is high,there is a trade-off,and ____ is low.

Accepted Answer

When internal validity is high, it means that the study is well-designed and the variables are controlled for, which often leads to a decrease in external validity. External validity refers to the generalizability of findings to other settings, populations, or situations. Thus, D) external validity is the best choice.

Question 10

If a researcher is concerned with having high external validity in their study,she should design a

Accepted Answer

Field experiments take place in real-world settings, making it more likely that the results can be generalized to a larger population. This type of study design improves external validity. Surveys can also have high external validity but may not provide as much control over extraneous variables as a field experiment. Laboratory experiments and cover stories are typically used to increase internal validity, which is not the main concern for a researcher focused on external validity.

Question 11

Consider the following (fictitious)conclusion reached by a social psychologist: "After analyzing a sample of over 578 experiments,we have concluded that the question of whether men are more likely than women to help is difficult to answer.Based on the findings of this large number of studies,we have concluded that men are more likely to help when helping demands physical risk or 'chivalry'; otherwise,there are no reliable gender differences in helping." This conclusion about the reliability of the relationship between gender and helping was most likely based on

Accepted Answer

The conclusion was reached after analyzing a sample of over 578 experiments, which suggest that meta-analytic techniques were used to arrive at the conclusion.

Question 12

How is a field experiment different from a lab experiment? Laboratory studies require ____,but field experiments do not.

Accepted Answer

Field experiments differ from lab experiments in that they do not require the same level of control over extraneous variables, which is a key characteristic of laboratory studies.

Question 13

____ is defined by the authors of your text as an experiment conducted in natural settings rather than in the laboratory.

Accepted Answer

The definition provided matches the term "field experiment," which involves conducting research in natural settings rather than in a laboratory. Option A (external validity) refers to the ability of research findings to be generalized to real-world situations, but it is not a definition of a specific type of experiment. Option B (a cover story) refers to a deceptive technique sometimes used to conceal the true purpose of a study, but it is not a definition of an experiment type either. Option C (psychological realism) refers to the extent to which research participants become fully immersed in a research task or situation, feeling as if they are experiencing a real-life situation, but, again, it is not a definition of a specific type of experiment.

Question 14

Relative to laboratory-based experiments,field experiments tend to be high in ____.

Accepted Answer

Field experiments are conducted in real-world settings, which makes them more realistic and applicable to real-life situations. As a result, they are generally higher in external validity - the extent to which the findings can be generalized to the wider population or real-world settings. In contrast, laboratory-based experiments are often high in internal validity, meaning they are better at establishing cause-and-effect relationships, but may not replicate real-world situations accurately. P-value and reliability are not specific to either laboratory or field experiments and do not indicate which type of experiment is "better" in terms of validity.

Question 15

Why is it important to replicate studies across different situations and people?

Accepted Answer

Replicating studies across different situations and people is important to test if results are externally valid across people and situations, which means that the findings can be generalized to other populations and settings. It helps to ensure that the results are not simply due to chance or specific to one group or situation. While random selection and assignment can help enhance internal validity, it does not address the issue of external validity. Option A and B are partly correct but do not cover the full importance of replication.

Question 16

Suppose a researcher wants to know whether frustration really does cause aggression.She collects a large number of experimental studies that involve both children and adults,and that are conducted both in the laboratory and in the "real world" in both the United States and other cultures.She then conducts a(n) ____ to determine whether there is enough consistency in findings across studies to determine the generalizability of the relationship between frustration and aggression.

Accepted Answer

A meta-analysis is used to combine and analyze data from multiple studies to determine the overall effects and generalizability of a relationship. This is the most appropriate option given the researcher's goal of determining whether frustration really does cause aggression across different populations and contexts. Systematic replication and direct replication involve repeating specific studies, but the researcher is interested in analyzing a large number of studies. An archival study involves collecting and analyzing data that already exists, rather than conducting new studies.

Question 17

According to the authors of your text,the ultimate test of an experiment's external validity is

Accepted Answer

The ultimate test of an experiment's external validity, according to the authors, is replications. Replications ensure that the findings are consistent across different settings, times, and with different populations, thereby confirming the external validity of the experiment.

Question 18

A ____ enables researchers to decide whether the effects of an independent variable are reliable across studies.

Accepted Answer

A meta-analysis involves combining the results of multiple studies on a particular topic in order to arrive at an overall conclusion. By analyzing the findings from several studies together, researchers can better understand whether the effects of an independent variable are reliable across different settings and populations.

Question 19

Dr.Lim conducts a study in which he places either an expensive or a cheap purse on a park bench.He then counts how many people try to return the purse to its owner.What kind of study is this?

Accepted Answer

This is a field experiment because the researcher is manipulating the independent variable (placing either an expensive or cheap purse) in a natural setting (a park bench) and observing the effect on the dependent variable (how many people try to return the purse).

Question 20

According to your text,a perfect study would involve

Accepted Answer

A perfect study would involve random assignment and random selection to ensure that the participants are representative of the population, a realistic setting to mimic real-life situations, and control of all extraneous variables to isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. High levels of external validity are desirable but not necessary for a perfect study. The requirement of an experiment to show causal relationships limits the scope of a perfect study, as not all research questions require an experimental design.

Quiz 2: Methodology: How Social Psychologists Do Research