Research Methods

Question 1

Define the term ‘hypothesis’.

Answer 1

A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

Question 2

True or False: A null hypothesis states there is no effect or relationship.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

Answer 3

Qualitative research focuses on understanding meanings and experiences, while quantitative research involves numerical data and statistical analysis.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a systematic investigation to establish facts or principles.

Answer 4

study

Question 5

What is a variable?

Answer 5

Any factor that can be changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

Question 6

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

Answer 6

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.

Question 7

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

Answer 7

The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Question 8

True or False: A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual or group.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is a survey?

Answer 9

A research method that involves collecting data from a predefined group of respondents to gather information about their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

Question 10

What does ‘sampling’ refer to in research?

Answer 10

The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population to participate in a study.

Question 11

Define ‘random sampling’.

Answer 11

A sampling method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Question 12

What is a ‘control group’?

Answer 12

A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention and is used as a benchmark.

Question 13

True or False: Ethical considerations are not important in psychological research.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

What is informed consent?

Answer 14

The process of providing potential participants with all relevant information about a study before they agree to participate.

Question 15

What is a longitudinal study?

Answer 15

A research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables over long periods.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: ___________ validity refers to the extent to which results can be generalized to the real world.

Answer 16

External

Question 17

What is a confounding variable?

Answer 17

An extraneous factor that affects the dependent variable and can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

Question 18

What is operationalization?

Answer 18

The process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon that is not directly measurable.

Question 19

Define ‘participant observation’.

Answer 19

A qualitative research method where the researcher becomes a part of the group being studied.

Question 20

What is a double-blind study?

Answer 20

A study design in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment or the placebo.

Question 21

True or False: Correlation implies causation.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What is a meta-analysis?

Answer 22

A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to identify patterns or overall effects.

Question 23

What is the purpose of a literature review?

Answer 23

To summarize and synthesize existing research on a particular topic to identify gaps and inform future studies.

Question 24

What is a hypothesis test?

Answer 24

A method used to determine whether there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis.

Question 25

What does 'statistical significance' indicate?

Answer 25

The likelihood that the results observed in a study are not due to chance.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: A ___________ is a systematic way of investigating phenomena.

Answer 26

research method

Question 27

What is qualitative data?

Answer 27

Non-numerical information that describes qualities or characteristics.

Question 28

What is quantitative data?

Answer 28

Numerical information that can be measured and analyzed statistically.

Question 29

What is a cross-sectional study?

Answer 29

A research design that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.

Question 30

True or False: A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary study conducted to test the feasibility of a research design.

Answer 30

True

Question 31

What is the purpose of debriefing in research?

Answer 31

To provide participants with a full explanation of the study after it has concluded.

Question 32

What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

Answer 32

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, while a hypothesis is a specific prediction that can be tested.

Question 33

What is 'reliability' in research?

Answer 33

The consistency of a measure; the extent to which a test produces stable and consistent results.

Question 34

What is 'validity' in research?

Answer 34

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Question 35

Fill in the blank: ___________ bias occurs when participants in a study change their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Answer 35

Hawthorne

Question 36

What is a Likert scale?

Answer 36

A rating scale used to measure attitudes or opinions, typically ranging from 'strongly agree' to 'strongly disagree'.

Question 37

What is 'operational definition'?

Answer 37

A statement that describes how a variable will be measured in a study.

Question 38

What is the purpose of random assignment?

Answer 38

To ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group in an experiment.

Question 39

True or False: A longitudinal study can identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Answer 39

True

Question 40

What is a focus group?

Answer 40

A qualitative research method that gathers diverse participants to discuss a specific topic guided by a moderator.

Question 41

What does 'generalizability' refer to?

Answer 41

The extent to which research findings can be applied to settings, people, or times beyond the study sample.

Question 42

What is a sampling frame?

Answer 42

A list of individuals from which a sample is drawn for a study.

Question 43

Define 'field experiment'.

Answer 43

An experiment conducted in a natural setting rather than in a laboratory.

Question 44

What is a case-control study?

Answer 44

A study that compares individuals with a specific condition to those without it.

Question 45

What is the purpose of a control variable?

Answer 45

To keep certain variables constant to isolate the effect of the independent variable.

Question 46

Fill in the blank: ___________ research focuses on the 'how' and 'why' of human behavior.

Answer 46

Qualitative

Question 47

What is a cohort study?

Answer 47

A research design that follows a group of individuals who share a common characteristic over time.

Question 48

What is the purpose of a research question?

Answer 48

To define the focus of a study and guide the research process.

Question 49

True or False: Informed consent must be obtained from participants before they take part in a study.

Answer 49

True

Question 50

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 50

The outcome variable that is measured in an experiment.

Question 51

What is the role of a researcher in a qualitative study?

Answer 51

To interpret and analyze the meanings and experiences shared by participants.

Question 52

What does 'peer review' mean in research?

Answer 52

A process where other experts evaluate the quality and validity of a study before publication.

Question 53

What is the purpose of a research design?

Answer 53

To outline how a study will be conducted, including methods and procedures.

Question 54

Fill in the blank: ___________ analysis is a method used to analyze patterns in qualitative data.

Answer 54

Thematic

Question 55

What is a narrative analysis?

Answer 55

A qualitative research method that focuses on the stories people tell and how they construct meaning.

Question 56

What is the significance of ethical guidelines in psychology research?

Answer 56

They protect the welfare and rights of participants and ensure integrity in research.

Question 57

What is 'attrition' in research?

Answer 57

The loss of participants during a study, which can affect the validity of results.

Question 58

True or False: Surveys can be conducted online, by phone, or in person.

Answer 58

True

Question 59

What is the main advantage of using a mixed-methods approach?

Answer 59

It combines qualitative and quantitative data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of research questions.

Question 60

What does 'triangulation' refer to in research?

Answer 60

Using multiple methods or data sources to enhance the credibility and validity of research findings.

Question 61

What is the purpose of a coding scheme in qualitative research?

Answer 61

To categorize and organize qualitative data for analysis.

Question 62

What is the role of a moderator in focus groups?

Answer 62

To facilitate discussion and ensure all participants have the opportunity to contribute.

Question 63

Fill in the blank: ___________ validity assesses whether a study's findings can be applied to real-world settings.

Answer 63

Ecological

Question 64

What is the main disadvantage of self-report measures?

Answer 64

They can be biased and influenced by participants' perceptions or social desirability.

Question 65

What is an observational study?

Answer 65

A research method that involves watching and recording behavior without manipulation.

Question 66

True or False: Secondary data analysis involves using data collected by someone else.

Answer 66

True

Question 67

What is a primary data collection method?

Answer 67

A method that involves gathering original data directly from participants.

Question 68

What is the significance of a research proposal?

Answer 68

It outlines the planned research project, including objectives, methods, and significance.

Question 69

What is a qualitative interview?

Answer 69

An unstructured or semi-structured conversation aimed at exploring participants' perspectives.

Question 70

Fill in the blank: ___________ sampling selects participants based on specific characteristics.

Answer 70

Purposive

Question 71

What is the main goal of experimental research?

Answer 71

To establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

Question 72

What is a research bias?

Answer 72

A systematic error that can affect the validity of research findings.