Question 1

A correlation coefficient is a(n):

Accepted Answer

A correlation coefficient is a numerical indicator of the strength and direction of a relationship between two factors. It measures how closely two variables are related to each other and the direction of that relationship.

Question 2

The research method that is used to demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between changes in one variable and the effects on another variable is called _____ research.

Accepted Answer

Experimental research involves manipulating one variable (the independent variable) in order to observe its effect on another variable (the dependent variable). This method allows for the demonstration of cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Descriptive research involves simply describing a phenomenon or group of people, while correlational research involves examining the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. Meta-analytic research involves combining and analyzing data from multiple studies.

Question 3

A representative sample is a:

Accepted Answer

A representative sample is a group of participants that closely parallels the larger group to be studied on relevant characteristics, such as age, sex, race, marital status, and educational level. This ensures that the sample is a true reflection of the population being studied, allowing for accurate and generalizable findings. The other options (B, C, and D) are not accurate definitions of a representative sample.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about correlational studies is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Correlational studies are used to determine the relationship between two variables, but they do not establish causation. There may be other variables that are not accounted for that influence the observed relationship between the two variables being studied. Therefore, correlation does not necessarily indicate causality.

Question 5

Which of the following correlation coefficients represents the strongest relationship between two factors?

Accepted Answer

The negative correlation coefficient of -0.80 represents the strongest relationship between two factors. The closer the correlation coefficient is to -1 or 1, the stronger the relationship between the two factors. A correlation coefficient of 0 indicates no relationship between the two factors. The positive correlation coefficients of 0.15 and 0.38 indicate weaker relationships between the two factors.

Question 6

Professor Lyon decided to study food preferences of U.S. college students, so he asked his students to volunteer to participate in a lengthy survey. Based on the information given, Professor Lyon's survey results are probably invalid because:

Accepted Answer

The survey results may not be valid because the sample selected may not be representative of the larger group of U.S. college students, which means the results cannot be generalized to the larger population. Without a representative sample, the results may not accurately reflect the food preferences of U.S. college students.

Question 7

Sample is to population as _____ is to _____.

Accepted Answer

A sample is a subset of a larger population, and in the same way, "some" is a subset of "all." Therefore, B is the best choice. The other options are not directly comparable to the relationship between sample and population.

Question 8

One potential problem with surveys and questionnaires is that:

Accepted Answer

People may be hesitant to answer truthfully for a variety of reasons, including social desirability bias, fear of judgment or consequences, or simply not wanting to reveal personal information. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the data collected through surveys and questionnaires.

Question 9

Positive correlation is to negative correlation as _____ is to _____.

Accepted Answer

Positive correlation means variables move in the same direction, while negative correlation means they move in opposite directions.

Question 10

A correlational study:

Accepted Answer

Correlational studies examine the strength of the relationship between two variables. However, they cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship since they do not manipulate or control the variables. Correlational studies are still allowed under ethical guidelines as long as participant rights are protected through informed consent and confidentiality. Correlational studies have utility for hypothesis generation and identifying potential associations between variables.

Question 11

Which of the following is a definition of experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research is a research method used specifically for determining a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. In this research method, the researcher manipulates an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable. This allows for precise conclusions about the relationship between the variables.

Question 12

After conducting a statistical analysis of responses to a survey, Professor Patterson finds a correlation of +2.36 between participation in sporting events and physical injuries. This finding indicates that:

Accepted Answer

The correlation coefficient ranges between -1 and +1. A value of +2.36 is impossible, indicating a calculation error.

Question 13

Your instructor notices that in many of his classes, the longer he lectures, the more students yawn. This represents:

Accepted Answer

A positive correlation is observed here because as the length of the lecture increases (one variable), the number of students yawning (another variable) also increases. This means both variables move in the same direction, which defines a positive correlation.

Question 14

Which of the following numbers is NOT a possible correlation coefficient?

Accepted Answer

The possible range of correlation coefficient is between -1 to +1, therefore a value of +1.72 is not possible.

Question 15

What process is most commonly used to select survey participants so that they are a representative sample of the population that is being studied?

Accepted Answer

Random selection is the most commonly used process to select survey participants as it ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen. This helps in creating a representative sample, reducing bias and increasing the generalizability of the study findings. Double-blind and single-blind selection are not applicable in the context of selecting survey participants. Using only those who volunteer can create a biased sample that may not be representative of the larger population.

Question 16

In an experiment the independent variable is the variable that is:

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is deliberately manipulated by the researcher to see its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 17

A study on parental use of corporal punishment found a relationship between parental socioeconomic status and use of corporal punishment. Put simply, as socioeconomic status declines, the rate of parents' use of corporal punishment rises. This finding represents a:

Accepted Answer

This finding represents a negative correlation because it shows that as one variable (socioeconomic status) decreases, the other variable (use of corporal punishment) increases. In a negative correlation, the variables move in opposite directions.

Question 18

Professor Nelson wishes to investigate the relationship between stress and visits to the college mental health clinic. Which of the following research methods would be MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A correlational study is the most appropriate research method as it examines the relationship between two variables (stress and visits to the college mental health clinic) without manipulating any variables. This method will allow Professor Nelson to determine if there is a relationship between the two variables and the strength and direction of that relationship, without having to conduct an experiment.

Question 19

To ensure that participants are responding honestly and consistently, survey researchers:

Accepted Answer

By asking the same basic question in different ways at different points in the interview, researchers can detect inconsistencies in participants' responses. This technique is known as "reversing" the question and it helps ensure that participants are responding honestly and consistently. Withholding payment, conducting multiple interviews, and checking responses with a spouse or friend are not common practices for ensuring response consistency.

Question 20

Researchers at State University wanted to test the hypothesis that distributed, or spaced, practice results in better retention of material than massed practice or cramming. To find out if there is a cause-and-effect relationship, the researcher should use:

Accepted Answer

To determine causality, experimental research is the best choice. In this case, the researcher would need to manipulate the independent variable (distributed practice vs. massed practice) and measure the effect on the dependent variable (retention of material). This would allow for control of extraneous variables and enable the researcher to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Quiz 1: Section 2: Introduction and Research Methods

A correlation coefficient is a(n) :