Question 1

Agatha has created a test of organization, and wants to know whether it relates to performance on the job. In this example, Agatha is MOST concerned with:

Accepted Answer

Agatha is interested in whether the test can predict job performance, which is an example of criterion-related validity. Content validity refers to whether the test adequately measures the intended construct, internal consistency measures how consistently items on the test are related to each other, and parallel forms reliability refers to whether two different versions of the test yield similar results.

Question 2

A case study is an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

A case study is an example of an observational method, which involves the observation of a phenomenon without manipulating any variables. Case studies involve in-depth analysis of an individual, group, or community and focus on understanding the unique characteristics and experiences of the subject(s) being studied. Unlike experiments, case studies do not involve manipulation of variables, control groups, or random assignment, and are therefore not considered true experiments.

Question 3

Beula has a new measure of charisma. She finds that her measure correlates .75 with another measure of charisma and correlates .45 with a measure of kindness. Based on this information, which statement is true?

Accepted Answer

The correlation of .75 with the other measure of charisma suggests convergent validity, as the two measures are showing high agreement. The correlation of .45 with the measure of kindness suggests a lower level of agreement, indicating divergent validity. Content validity refers to how well a measure captures the construct it is intended to measure, which cannot be determined from the given information. Predictive validity refers to how well a measure predicts future outcomes, which is not relevant to the information provided. Therefore, the correct answer is B, indicating that Beula's measure of charisma has divergent validity of .45.

Question 4

Quasi-experiments tend to have lower _____ than regular experiments.

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experiments lack the random assignment of participants to groups that regular experiments have, leading to a lower internal validity. However, they often have higher external validity as they are conducted in more naturalistic settings.

Question 5

A scientist who believes that the best way to understand behavior is to use data to test theories believes in :

Accepted Answer

Empiricism is the belief that knowledge comes from experience and observation of data. This aligns with the belief that the best way to understand behavior is to use data to test theories. None of the other answer choices align with this belief.

Question 6

Robbi has a new measure of dutifulness. She finds that her measure correlates .62 with another measure of dutifulness and correlates .35 with a measure of orderliness. Based on this information, which statement is true?

Accepted Answer

Convergent validity is demonstrated when a measure correlates with other measures that it should theoretically be related to. In this case, Robbi's measure of dutifulness correlates positively with another measure of dutifulness, indicating convergent validity. The correlation with orderliness does not indicate divergent validity because orderliness is related to dutifulness. Content validity and predictive validity are not relevant in this context.

Question 7

Dependent variables are frequently referred to as:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dependent variables are frequently referred to as:
...

Question 8

Chatna is a math teacher. She teaches two sections of math and wants to make sure her students don't cheat on the test. She creates two different versions of a math test, and ensures that they measure the same thing and are equally difficult. Chatna has established:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chatna is a math teacher. She teaches...

Question 9

Dr. Omari develops a theory that suggests that paying interviewers for each interview they conduct will improve their performance. However, no other researchers seem to be interested in this theory, and nobody tests this theory. Dr. Omari's theory demonstrates poor:

Accepted Answer

Generativity refers to a theory's ability to generate further research and interest among other scientists. Since no other researchers are interested in testing Dr. Omari's theory, it demonstrates poor generativity.

Question 10

Darnell works in HR. He notices in his HR data that managers who speak more than one language have more satisfied employees. He proposes the theory that language skills relate to better communication skills with subordinates. Darnell is using:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Darnell works in HR. He notices in...

Question 11

Rani obtains a Cronbach's alpha of .20. Rani's measure has:

Accepted Answer

A Cronbach's alpha of .20 indicates poor internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha measures the extent to which items in a scale or measure are intercorrelated, representing the consistency or reliability of the measure. An alpha of .70 or higher is generally considered acceptable for research purposes.

Question 12

In a data set, we note a strong relationship between motivation and happiness: Individuals with low motivation also demonstrate low happiness. Which correlation would MOST LIKELY describe this relationship?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a data set, we note a...

Question 13

Which of these would NOT be a type of data collection one would use for an observational method of research?

Accepted Answer

A lab experiment is not a type of data collection for observational research because it involves manipulating variables and controlling conditions, which is not the case in observational research where the researcher simply observes and records the behavior or phenomena without intervention. The other options (B, C, D) are all valid types of data collection for observational research.

Question 14

Marta develops a theory that suggests filling out a job application in crayon will lead to a lower probability of being hired. However, almost nobody fills out an application in crayon, so this finding will not affect anyone in a meaningful way. Marta's theory lacks:

Accepted Answer

Marta's theory may have precision and determinism, but it lacks usefulness because it does not apply to virtually anyone in practice. Parsimony, or simplicity, is not a necessary consideration in this scenario.

Question 15

The goals of science include description, explanation, prediction, and _____.

Accepted Answer

The goals of science include description, explanation, prediction, and control. Control refers to the ability to manipulate conditions to study their effects, which is essential in experimental research to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 16

Before starting an experiment, Dr. Cortez asks a participant to read a detailed description of a study and its risks and benefits, and sign a statement indicating he agrees to participate in the research. This procedure is known as:

Accepted Answer

The described procedure is that of obtaining informed consent from a participant, where they are made aware of the details of the study and its potential risks and benefits, and then asked to sign a statement indicating their agreement to participate. This is a key ethical requirement in research involving human participants. Choices A, B, and D are not accurate descriptions of this procedure.

Question 17

Midna is conducting a study examining the relationship between absenteeism and coworker relationships. She's not interested in whether one variable causes the other; she just wants to learn whether they are related. The best design for Midna to use to answer this question is a(n):

Accepted Answer

An observational method is the best choice in this scenario as Midna is only interested in examining the relationship between two variables without manipulating them or establishing cause and effect. Observational methods involve observing and measuring the relationship between variables in a natural or real-life setting without any intervention, which makes it the most suitable method for this purpose.

Question 18

Extraneous variables can severely damage which type of validity?

Accepted Answer

Extraneous variables can damage internal validity, as they impact the accuracy of the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables being studied.

Question 19

What is the cyclical inductive-deductive model of research?

Accepted Answer

The cyclical inductive-deductive model of research emphasizes the idea that research involves a continuous process of testing theories using both inductive and deductive methods. It recognizes that theories can be developed through observations and generalizations (inductive reasoning) and then tested through hypothesis testing and deduction. This iterative approach ensures that research findings are continually refined and improved, leading to greater understanding of the topic being studied. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Question 20

Claudette writes a tentative statement about the relationship between two variables based on a theory she has read. The research stage Claudette is MOST LIKELY engaged in when she does this is:

Accepted Answer

Claudette is formulating a hypothesis based on a theory she has read, which is typically the first step in the research process. This involves developing a tentative statement about the expected relationship between two variables, which will be tested through data collection and analysis in later stages. Therefore, the research stage Claudette is most likely engaged in is formulating a hypothesis.

Quiz 2: Research Methods in Io Psychology