Question 1

An experiment was run in which group A was given 3 minutes to study a word list, while group B was given 10 minutes to study the same list. Later, both groups were asked to recall words from the list. In this study, the number of words recalled is the _______.

Accepted Answer

The number of words recalled is the variable being measured and is therefore the dependent variable. The independent variable is the amount of time given to study the word list (3 minutes vs. 10 minutes), and the other options (placebo and control group) do not apply to this particular experiment.

Question 2

To determine if sugar-rich diets affect hyperactivity in kids, a researcher prepared two daily menus that children would receive for a 30-day period. A high-sugar diet was given to the boys, while the girls had a menu that seemed identical but was not a high sugar diet. At the end of 30 days, the boys and girls were evaluated to determine their levels of hyperactivity. In the study, the high-sugar diet is the _______.

Accepted Answer

The high-sugar diet is the independent variable in the study, as it was the variable being manipulated to determine its effect on hyperactivity. The girls' menu, which was not a high-sugar diet, served as the control group. The evaluation of hyperactivity levels is the dependent variable, as it was being measured to see if it was affected by the independent variable. The high-sugar diet cannot be considered the placebo, as it is an active variable being tested, whereas a placebo is an inactive substance given to control groups for comparison.

Question 3

As part of an assignment, Ricks' class was asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire on female sexual harassment. Which research method was Bill's professor using?

Accepted Answer

The professor was using a survey, which involves anonymously asking a set of standardized questions to a group of people in order to gather data on their attitudes or experiences.

Question 4

Mr. Marshall hired June to collect data from a group of subjects. Neither June nor the subjects were aware of the independent variable that Mr. Marshall had manipulated. This is an example of _______.

Accepted Answer

This situation describes a double-blind control, where neither the participants nor the person collecting the data (June) are aware of the independent variable being manipulated by Mr. Marshall. This eliminates the possibility of biased results due to expectations or beliefs about the intervention.

Question 5

In an experiment, a researcher manipulates one variable to see how it affects a second variable. The second variable, which is observed for any possible effects, is called the __________.

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the variable that is being observed for any changes or effects as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable. The control variable is a variable that is kept constant or consistent throughout the experiment in order to ensure that any observed effects are due solely to the manipulation of the independent variable. The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher in order to observe its effects on the dependent variable. The hypothetical variable refers to a variable that is not directly observable and is instead inferred or theorized based on other observable variables.

Question 6

Dr. Welsh is doing experiments using drugs. He is concerned that his subjects will respond to demand characteristics. He may want to control for this by using which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Using a placebo can help control for demand characteristics as it can be given to a control group to create a baseline for comparison with the group receiving the actual drug. The control group will also believe they are receiving the drug, reducing the possibility of demand characteristics. Stratification, two independent variables, and randomization do not directly address demand characteristics.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a strength of the experiment as a research method?

Accepted Answer

Experimental conditions may not always be realistic to subjects depending on the nature of the study and the manipulation being done. This can potentially affect the validity of the findings.

Question 8

Keeping responses anonymous helps researchers avoid the ethical problem of _______.

Accepted Answer

Keeping responses anonymous helps researchers avoid invading participants' privacy. This is particularly important when dealing with sensitive topics or collecting sensitive information. It also helps to ensure that participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgement or retribution.

Question 9

Collecting objective data without interference in the subject's normal environment is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Collecting objective data without interference in the subject's normal environment is the definition of naturalistic observation. Survey research involves collecting data through questionnaires or interviews, applied research involves solving specific practical problems, and laboratory research involves controlled experiments in artificial environments.

Quiz 1: The Science of Psychology