Question 1

Which type of study typically needs the smallest sample of participants?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative studies typically involve in-depth explorations of a small number of participants, often with the goal of gaining a nuanced understanding of their experiences, perspectives, or behaviors. As a result, qualitative studies often require smaller sample sizes than other types of studies.

Question 2

In an experiment, the independent variable is the behavior that is being

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the one that is being manipulated or changed by the researcher in order to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 3

Prior to their participation in a research study, individuals sign a(n) ____ which educates them about the research and any risks involved.

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is a legal document that provides individuals with information about the research and any risks involved. It allows individuals to make an informed decision about whether or not they want to participate in the research. Release forms, intake assessments, and power of attorney are not specifically related to research participation.

Question 4

A study in which people of different ages are all measured at the same time in order to assess developmental differences is called a

Accepted Answer

A cross-sectional study involves measuring and comparing individuals of different ages at the same time, which makes it the best choice for assessing developmental differences in people of different age groups simultaneously. Longitudinal studies track the same group of people over time, convergent studies compare different measures of the same construct, and sequential studies combine elements of cross-sectional and longitudinal designs by testing different cohorts at different points in time.

Question 5

Your authors give a demonstration of the proper way to cite research that has been previously conducted and published by two professionals, Smith and Jones. The research was conducted in 2012. Which of the following is the correct format for such a citation?

Accepted Answer

The correct format for citing research conducted by two authors in APA style is to use the ampersand (&) between the authors' last names followed by a comma and the year of publication, all within parentheses. Therefore, "(Smith & Jones, 2012)" is the correct format.

Question 6

In an experiment, the dependent variable is the behavior that is being

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the behavior that is being observed in an experiment. It is the variable being measured or studied in response to changes in the independent variable.

Question 7

Cohort effects are most likely to be a problem when it is difficult to separate the effects of developmental processes from ____ when examining age effects across a wide range of ages.

Accepted Answer

Cohort effects refer to differences between individuals that result from being born and raised in different time periods, and they can complicate age-related comparisons if unique environmental events are not controlled for. Developmental processes, biological components, and genetic factors are all inherently age-related and less likely to cause confounding cohort effects.

Question 8

Which of the following is a drawback associated with sequential studies?

Accepted Answer

Sequential studies tend to be very expensive and time consuming. This can be a major drawback as it may limit the sample size and the scope of the study. Therefore, it may not be able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research question.

Question 9

A shortcoming of ____ experiments is that they are conducted in artificial environments, so the findings may not reflect behavior as it occurs in the real world.

Accepted Answer

Laboratory experiments are conducted in controlled environments that are often disconnected from real-world settings. This can limit the generalizability of the findings to real-life situations.

Question 10

Which of the following research methods combines the aspects of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs?

Accepted Answer

Sequential studies combine aspects of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs by following two or more cohorts over time, collecting data at multiple points, and comparing their development. This allows researchers to examine changes over time within each cohort (longitudinal) and between cohorts of different ages (cross-sectional).

Question 11

Which of the following must occur before research with humans can be ethically conducted?

Accepted Answer

Before research with humans can be ethically conducted, a panel of experts and community representatives must review the research. This is usually done through an institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee, which evaluates the potential risks and benefits of the proposed research to ensure that it meets ethical guidelines and protects the safety and rights of participants. Therefore, option B is the correct choice. The other options do not accurately reflect the necessary steps for ethical research with humans.

Question 12

Dr. McCutcheon has completed a research study in the area of human development. The results were consistent with her initial hypotheses, and the research was conducted in an appropriate and professional manner. What would her next step be, according to your textbook?

Accepted Answer

Once the research study is completed and the results are consistent with the initial hypothesis, the next step is to write a report on the research and submit it to a scientific journal. This allows for peer review and ensures that the research is valid and reliable. Option A is not necessary as the results can be shared once they are confirmed through the peer review process. Option B is premature as a textbook requires more research and validation. Option D is not suitable as informal sharing does not provide a formal validation of the research.

Question 13

An important characteristic of qualitative research is that it typically

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research relies on detailed observations and subjective interpretations, making intense observations a key characteristic.

Answer: A, C, D are all incorrect choices 
 Qualitative research is typically conducted in natural settings rather than laboratory settings, and it is often a time-consuming process that involves in-depth analysis and interpretation rather than quick data collection and analysis. Statistical analysis is typically not the primary method of analysis in qualitative research, as it focuses more on subjective interpretations and themes.

Question 14

Smita studies six different cohorts over a 30-year period, testing each subject every five years. Smita is using a ____ design.

Accepted Answer

A sequential design combines elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs, studying multiple cohorts over time, which matches Smita's approach.

Question 15

Which of the following research study approaches is MOST susceptible to the influence of cohort effects?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies compare individuals from different age groups at one point in time, making them more susceptible to cohort effects, which are differences resulting from factors that are unique to a particular group, such as historical events or cultural shifts. Longitudinal studies follow individuals over time, which reduces the influence of cohort effects, while sequential studies combine elements of both and divergent studies compare individuals who differ in a specific trait or condition.

Question 16

As a result of reading several research articles on the long-term effects of daycare, a state legislature passes a new law mandating that all daycare providers modify their practices to be in consistent with this research. This action reflects

Accepted Answer

This action reflects how research can affect social policy, as the state legislature passed a law mandating changes to daycare practices based on research findings.

Question 17

Dr. Swartzman wants to know if children who are raised in lower socioeconomic environments have more difficulty succeeding in school as they grow up. He enlists a group of four-year-old children and their parents, and he observes the children in school twice a year until they turn 18. Dr. Swartzman's study would be best described as

Accepted Answer

Dr. Swartzman's study follows the same group of children over a long period, from age 4 to 18. This is a classic example of a longitudinal study, which allows researchers to examine changes over time and to establish causal relationships between variables. Cross-sectional studies, in contrast, compare different groups of participants at a single point in time, while sequential studies combine elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs. Correlational studies examine the relationship between variables, but do not manipulate them, unlike experimental studies.

Question 18

Your authors give several examples of how research in human development has shaped social policies in the United States of America. Which social policy issues have NOT, according to your text, been affected by research on human development?

Accepted Answer

The elimination of typical newborn immunizations because they are no longer medically necessary is not a social policy issue that has been affected by research on human development. The other options mentioned have all been shaped by research on human development.

Question 19

Research into the eyesight of older individuals that was conducted by human development researchers has led some states to change the way older drivers are screened when they renew their driver's licenses. This reflects

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that research influenced changes in state policies, highlighting the impact of research on social policy.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT one of the problems associated with using photographs to measure children's understanding of emotions?

Accepted Answer

This option is not one of the problems associated with using photographs to measure children's understanding of emotions. The other options (A, B, and C) represent common issues with using photographs to measure children's understanding of emotions.

Quiz 1: The Study of Human Development.