Question 1

Quantitative studies:

Accepted Answer

Quantitative studies focus on converting various forms of data, including observations, interviews, and test results, into numerical form for statistical analysis, which allows for the measurement and comparison of variables.

Question 2

Natural experiments:

Accepted Answer

Natural experiments involve observing the effects of naturally occurring conditions on a group, without the researcher introducing changes or using random assignment.

Question 3

A research strategy used to gain familiarity with a group of individuals by means of intensive involvement in their activities, usually over an extended period of time, is:

Accepted Answer

Participant observation is a qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in a group to observe and participate in their activities, gaining a deep understanding of the group's dynamics, behaviors, and cultures over an extended period.

Question 4

An quasi-experiment in which researchers measure the results of events that occur naturally in the real world is:

Accepted Answer

A natural experiment involves observing and measuring the outcomes of real-world events as they naturally occur, without the manipulation of variables by the researchers. This method allows for the study of phenomena that cannot be ethically or practically manipulated in a laboratory setting.

Question 5

Distortions in naturalistic observations can be reduced by:

Accepted Answer

Distortions in naturalistic observations can be minimized by conducting repeated observations to ensure reliability and by using less obtrusive observational methods to reduce the impact of the observer's presence on the subjects' behavior.

Question 6

Meta-analysis:

Accepted Answer

Meta-analysis combines the results of multiple studies to yield an overall estimate of effect size, allows for conclusions about the consistency of observed differences, and its validity depends on the quality of the included studies.

Question 7

Information collected in the child's natural settings, at home, in child care, or in school without interfering with the child's activities is:

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interfering with them, which allows for the collection of data in the context of the subject's everyday life. This method is often used in child development research to understand behavior in real-world settings.

Question 8

Research using nonstatistical analysis of materials gathered from a relatively small number of participants to gain an in-depth understanding of behavior and contexts:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative study involves nonstatistical analysis of data collected from a small number of participants to gain a deep understanding of behaviors and contexts.

Question 9

The change in a person's behavior because he or she is being observed is:

Accepted Answer

The change in a person's behavior because he or she is being observed is known as reactivity. This phenomenon occurs when individuals alter their performance or behavior due to the awareness that they are being observed.

Question 10

An observer's tendency to be influenced by knowledge about the research design or hypothesis is:

Accepted Answer

Observer bias occurs when an observer's expectations, knowledge, or beliefs about the research influence their observations and interpretations, leading to a distortion in data collection.

Question 11

A statistical technique that allows the researcher to summarize the results of many studies on a particular topic and to draw conclusions about the size and replicability of observed differences or associations is:

Accepted Answer

A meta-analysis is a statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple studies on a particular topic, allowing researchers to summarize findings and assess the strength and consistency of observed effects.

Question 12

Physiological correlates of psychological processes measured by brain activity, HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_rate" \o "Heart rate" heart rate, and so on are best described as

Accepted Answer

Psychophysiological methods involve measuring physiological responses (such as brain activity and heart rate) to understand psychological processes. These methods are used to explore how the body and mind interact.

Question 13

An element that distinguishes participant observation from other ethnographic approaches is:

Accepted Answer

Participant observation is characterized by the researcher living as a member of the community being studied, which distinguishes it from other ethnographic approaches that may not require this level of immersion.

Question 14

Research involving statistical analysis of numerical data is:

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research involves the statistical analysis of numerical data, focusing on quantifying the collection and analysis of data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends. Ethnographic, lab analogue, and qualitative studies use different methodologies that do not primarily focus on numerical data analysis.

Question 15

Observer bias is most frequently a problem with:

Accepted Answer

Observer bias is most frequently a problem with naturalistic observations because the observer's expectations can influence their interpretation of the behaviors they are watching.

Question 16

Psychophysiological research may focus on measuring:

Accepted Answer

Psychophysiological research involves studying the relationship between physiological processes and psychological phenomena, which can include measuring respiration, brain activity, and hormone levels.

Question 17

Turning a theory into hypotheses involves:

Accepted Answer

Turning a theory into hypotheses involves operationalization, which is the process of defining the variables of interest in a study in a clear, measurable way. This allows for the testing of the theory through empirical research.

Question 18

Qualitative studies:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative studies are well-suited for generating hypotheses (B) and can provide valuable insights for interpreting findings from more objective, quantitative research (C). They are not typically designed to establish causal effects (A), which is more the domain of quantitative studies.

Question 19

The process of defining a concept so that it is observable and measurable is:

Accepted Answer

Operationalization is the process of defining a concept in such a way that it can be observed and measured, making it possible to collect data on that concept for research purposes.

Question 20

Disadvantages of longitudinal designs over cross-sectional designs include the following:

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal designs involve following the same subjects over a period of time, which inherently takes longer, faces participant dropout, and lacks flexibility compared to cross-sectional designs that assess different subjects at a single point in time.

Quiz 2: Research Methods: Tools for Discovery