Question 1

A research question becomes a hypothesis when it is stated as a prediction that can be examined.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable prediction made about the outcome of a research question. Therefore, a research question can become a hypothesis if it is stated as a specific prediction that can be tested through research.

Question 2

Nature is more important than nurture in how a trait or behavior is expressed.

Accepted Answer

Nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) both play significant roles in how a trait or behavior is expressed. While some traits may be more strongly influenced by genetics, environmental factors such as upbringing, culture, and experiences can also shape the way a trait is expressed. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that either nature or nurture is exclusively more important than the other.

Question 3

The more Jim eats,the less hungry he feels.The correlation that exists between Jim's food intake and his hunger is:

Accepted Answer

The statement "the more Jim eats, the less hungry he feels" suggests an inverse relationship between his food intake and hunger. As Jim eats more (increasing variable), his hunger decreases (decreasing variable). This indicates a negative correlation between his food intake and hunger.

Question 4

The influence of nurture begins at conception.

Accepted Answer

The influence of nurture can begin even before birth, as prenatal experiences can affect a child's development.

Question 5

If Dr.Schmidt conducts a study in the exact same way that Dr.Hancock did but uses different participants than Dr.Hancock,Dr.Schmidt is engaging in replication.

Accepted Answer

Replication involves conducting a study in the same way as a previous study but using different participants. Therefore, if Dr. Schmidt conducts the study in the exact same way as Dr. Hancock but with different participants, it would be considered replication.

Question 6

_____ research can be categorized,ranked,or numbered.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research involves collecting numerical data that can be analyzed through statistical methods to categorize, rank, or number the results. This type of research is focused on quantifying phenomena and can be used to test hypotheses or theories. Qualitative research, on the other hand, involves collecting non-numerical data such as interviews or observations and is focused on exploring the subjective experiences of individuals. Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables, while observational research involves observing and recording the behavior of individuals or groups in their natural setting.

Question 7

Friends Jill and Susan both experienced poverty as children.In addition,they were raised by single parents and attended poor-performing schools.By late adolescence,Jill had dropped out of school and had two children.Susan,in contrast,was academically ranked number one in her graduating class and had a full academic scholarship to Harvard.This example illustrates the concept of "differential sensitivity."

Accepted Answer

Differential sensitivity refers to the idea that individuals may respond differently to similar environmental experiences due to their genetic makeup, personality traits, or other individual factors. In the example given, Jill and Susan had similar childhood backgrounds but had different outcomes due to differential sensitivity factors such as motivation, resilience, and academic ability.

Question 8

_____ research involves asking open-ended questions and reporting answers in narrative,not numerical,form.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research involves gathering in-depth information about a topic by using open-ended questions and reporting the participants' responses in narrative form. This type of research is used to explore experiences, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the topic being studied and is not concerned with statistical analysis or numerical data.

Question 9

To be ethical,researchers should choose topics of study that:

Accepted Answer

Choosing topics of study that can help all people live better lives is the most ethical choice. This can positively impact society and contribute to the greater good. Quick and inexpensive research may overlook important factors or have limited applicability, while political correctness may lead to biases and limitations in research.

Question 10

The primary goal of the scientific method is to generate data that support the researcher's hypotheses.

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of the scientific method is to generate data that test the researcher's hypotheses, not necessarily support them. The data may also potentially lead to the rejection or modification of the hypotheses.

Question 11

Using careful analysis of evidence gathered in the research,investigators are able to conclude whether the hypothesis is supported.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Evidence gathered from research is used to analyze and evaluate the hypothesis, leading to the conclusion of whether the hypothesis is supported or not.

Question 12

The MOST important requirement for all scientists,particularly those studying human development,is to:

Accepted Answer

Upholding ethical standards is a critical requirement for all scientists studying human development, as the subject matter involves working with vulnerable populations such as children, elderly individuals, and individuals with disabilities. Researchers must prioritize the well-being and safety of their participants and avoid any unethical behavior, such as coercion or deception. While having an advanced degree and conducting experimental research are important, they are not as critical as upholding ethical standards in ensuring the credibility and validity of research in human development. The requirement to avoid using vulnerable populations is not an accurate depiction of the research process, as their inclusion can be necessary for addressing important research questions and improving the lives of these populations. Instead, researchers must navigate this ethical dilemma thoughtfully and obtain informed consent while minimizing risks and ensuring benefits to the participants.

Question 13

_____ research reflects cultural and contextual diversity but is also more vulnerable to bias and harder to replicate.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research is known for its focus on cultural and contextual diversity, as it aims to understand people's experiences and perspectives within their own unique contexts. However, due to the subjective nature of qualitative data collection and analysis, it is more vulnerable to bias than quantitative research. Additionally, because qualitative research often involves in-depth interviews or observations of a small sample size, it can be more difficult to directly replicate findings compared to experimental or quantitative studies.

Question 14

The science of human development examines how,but not why,people change over time.

Accepted Answer

The science of human development examines both how and why people change over time, exploring the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes that occur throughout the human lifespan.

Question 15

A correlation is considered to be zero if:

Accepted Answer

A correlation is considered to be zero if there is no relationship between the variables. None of the variables are related or linked in any way. It means that any change in one variable does not affect the other variable.

Question 16

IRB stands for:

Accepted Answer

IRB stands for Institutional Review Board, which is a committee that reviews research proposals involving human subjects to ensure the ethics and safety of participants are upheld. The other options (B, C, and D) are not correct.

Question 17

The more parents read to their children,the higher their children score on achievement tests.This relationship between parents reading to their children and child achievement represents a(n):

Accepted Answer

The statement indicates that there is a positive relationship between parents reading to their children and their achievement test scores, meaning that as one variable increases, so does the other. Therefore, the correct choice is C - positive correlation.

Question 18

Since starting school,Stan had struggled with math.His teacher offered to help him with math after school.Now Stan does well on his math assignments.This example illustrates how nurture can influence development.

Accepted Answer

The example shows how the teacher's help (nurture) improved Stan's math skills (development), illustrating the influence of nurture on development.

Question 19

_____ are essential ethical safeguards.

Accepted Answer

Collaboration, replication, and transparency are all essential ethical safeguards in scientific research. Collaboration helps ensure that diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, replication ensures that findings are accurate and reliable, and transparency ensures that research methodology, data, and funding sources are openly and honestly disclosed. Promotion, social awareness, publication, independence, privacy, political correctness, scientific advancement, and medical treatment may all be important aspects of research, but they are not necessarily ethical safeguards in and of themselves.

Question 20

If a researcher finds that there is a correlation between secondhand smoke and children's asthma,he knows for SURE that:

Accepted Answer

Correlation only indicates a relationship between two variables, not necessarily causation. The researcher cannot conclusively say that one variable causes the other. Thus, the best choice is D, which acknowledges that there is some connection between asthma and secondhand smoke, but not necessarily a causal relationship.

Quiz 1: The Beginning: The Science of Human Development