Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between basic and applied research?

Accepted Answer

Basic research is often conducted to gain a better understanding of a phenomenon or concept, while applied research uses that understanding to solve practical problems. Therefore, the findings of basic research can be used as the foundation for applied research.

Question 2

A researcher has recently published an article about the benefits of a smartphone application for increasing concentration levels and intelligence. You later find out that this researcher owns shares in the company that developed this application. Which of the following is now the most reasonable response to the researcher's claims?

Accepted Answer

The researcher's ownership in the company that developed the application presents a potential conflict of interest, and therefore the researcher's claims may not be entirely objective. This does not necessarily mean the claims are false, but it is important to consider the potential bias when evaluating the research.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best way of evaluating claims in the media?

Accepted Answer

By gathering multiple media reports and checking if they agree, we can get a more comprehensive view of the topic and potentially identify any biases or inaccuracies in the reporting. Relying on a single source or looking for endorsements from celebrities does not necessarily guarantee the accuracy of a claim. Prioritizing articles based on popularity or recency may also not be the best indicator of credibility.

Question 4

John would like to find out whether people who spend a lot of time on social media have lower self-esteem. Which of the following best describes a method of evaluating this claim by searching for converging evidence?

Accepted Answer

Looking up several articles on self-esteem and social media use would provide John with multiple sources of information and perspectives on the topic, which would help him evaluate the claim with converging evidence. Talking to his professor or friends may provide some insights, but they may not offer as much information as multiple articles. Reading a book that condemns the extensive use of social media would not necessarily provide objective evidence to evaluate the claim.

Question 5

Which of the following options describes an instance of the replication of scientific findings?

Accepted Answer

An instance of the replication of scientific findings occurs when at least one other identical study has found the same results, indicating that the original findings are reliable and not just an anomaly. Option A is not necessarily an instance of replication, as media reports may simply be citing the same original source. Option B may indicate the credibility of the study, but it does not necessarily indicate replication. Option D may indicate the original study's influence on other researchers, but it does not necessarily indicate replication.

Question 6

Which of the following pieces of information is least likely to help readers to evaluate the quality of research claims made by a media article?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following pieces of information...

Question 7

Julie believes that she has to eat waffles every morning before an exam to score an A. Thus, every morning before an exam she eats waffles, and subsequently always scores an A. Which is the most likely explanation for the link between Julie eating waffles and scoring an A?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Julie believes that she has to eat...

Question 8

In many cults, when prophecies do not come true, members do not quit. Instead, they reinterpret the failure of specific predictions to support the teachings of the cult. Which of the following best describes this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is known as belief perseverance bias, where individuals persistently cling to their initial beliefs even when presented with contradictory evidence. In the context of cults, members may reinterpret failed predictions as a test of faith or find alternative explanations to maintain their belief in the teachings of the group.

Question 9

In psychological studies, it is not uncommon for researchers to hire assistants to conduct the actual experiment, and for these assistants to be "blinded" to the purpose of the study. When someone is "blinded", it means that they do not know the predicted outcome of the experiment. What aspect of the scientific method does this practice serve?

Accepted Answer

This practice serves the aspect of objectivity in the scientific method, as it helps to eliminate researcher bias by ensuring that the assistant conducting the experiment is not influenced by knowledge of the predicted outcome.

Question 10

Preliminary data are generally not publicized in any way. Scientists generally wait until collecting all their data before presenting any of their data either in manuscript or presentation form.

Accepted Answer

Preliminary data are often shared in scientific presentations, grant applications, and sometimes in publications as preliminary findings to showcase the direction of ongoing research, to solicit feedback, or to support the rationale for the study.

Question 11

Cognitive biases are simple procedures that allow individuals to make fast, yet not necessarily perfect, decisions to solve problems.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, which often lead to illogical or incorrect conclusions. They are not procedures but rather tendencies or inclinations.

Question 12

The Cognitive Miser Model explains how individuals come to making decisions attending to a relatively small amount of information that integrates past experiences.

Accepted Answer

The Cognitive Miser Model posits that due to cognitive limitations, individuals tend to rely on heuristics or shortcuts when making decisions, instead of expending more mental effort on processing all available information. These heuristics may be informed by past experiences, but do not necessarily integrate all past experiences.

Question 13

Basic and applied research are two strands that inform each other.

Accepted Answer

Basic research forms the foundation for applied research and informs its outcomes, while applied research addresses practical problems and implications that may inform the direction of future basic research. Therefore, the two strands are interconnected and cannot be entirely separated.

Question 14

Scientific research ought to build on and extend past work.

Accepted Answer

Scientific research is typically conducted with the goal of advancing knowledge and understanding. Building on and extending past work is a key aspect of this process, as it allows researchers to build on what is already known and make new discoveries.

Question 15

Using a scientific approach to research means that one is always using subjective approaches.

Accepted Answer

Using a scientific approach to research means that one is always using objective approaches. This involves systematic, empirical and replicable methods of gathering data and analyzing results, without personal biases or beliefs interfering with the process.

Question 16

One of the goals of science is to make predictions.

Accepted Answer

One of the main objectives of science is to predict future events or observations based on current knowledge and data. This allows scientists to make informed decisions and develop strategies for dealing with possible outcomes.

Question 17

The Stroop effect is an example of scientific research that exemplifies cognitive biases.

Accepted Answer

The Stroop effect showcases how our cognitive processes can be influenced and impacted by biases, such as the tendency to automatically read a word instead of processing its color. Therefore, it is an example of cognitive biases in scientific research.

Question 18

If a specific area of research has findings that show converging evidence, one can infer that replication has occurred.

Accepted Answer

Converging evidence refers to the idea that multiple studies using different methods and samples have produced similar findings, indicating replication has occurred. Therefore, if there is converging evidence in a specific area of research, it is a strong indicator of replication.

Question 19

You should never trust a research claim at face value, no matter how experienced the researcher is.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You should never trust a research claim...

Question 20

Anecdotal evidence, as seen with the example of Power bands that athletes use, are a hallmark of scientific research.

Accepted Answer

Anecdotal evidence is not considered a hallmark of scientific research. Rather, scientific research relies on systematic and objective methods to gather and analyze data. Anecdotal evidence is based on personal experiences or observations and is inherently subjective and unreliable.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Research Methods