Personal PSYCH Quizes
Dr. Morabian is conducting research that was inspired by studies published 10 years before he got his doctorate. He reads those studies, thinks about how they can be improved, and designs research that will extend their findings. Dr. Morabian's work demonstrates that science is:
Cumulative
Which of these is a primary source? Article in Time magazine about the latest cancer research A graduate student's dissertation on canine cognition Newspaper article about social psychology research None of the above.
A graduate student's dissertation on canine cognition
Which of the following is a peer-reviewed source of evidence?
A research article in the American Journal of Psychology.
A scientific theory has ______ when it agrees with other theories within and across disciplines. Scope Consistency Fruitfulness Simplicity Accuracy
Consistency
Which of the following counts as scientific misconduct? Using old data for a scientific presentation AND acknowledging when the data was actually collected. Excluding data that doesn't fit your expected results. Referencing another study in your research paper. All of these.
Excluding data that doesn't fit your expected results.
If there is enough evidence to support a theory, it becomes a fact. True False
False
Sanctions can be imposed on psychologists who do not follow the APA's General Principles? True False
False
Which of the following titles of an academic paper best reflects the notion that science is democratic? Statistics: They NEVER Lie! Look at These Data and Form Your Own Opinion The Myth that Publications Lead to Academic Job Stability Ethics: Who Needs the American Psychological Association? To Experiment or Not Experiment, that is the Question
Look at These Data and Form Your Own Opinion
Which of the following titles of an academic paper best reflects the notion that science is democratic? Statistics: They NEVER Lie! Look at These Data and Form Your Own Opinion The Myth that Publications Lead to Academic Job Stability Ethics: Who Needs the American Psychological Association? To Experiment or Not Experiment, that is the Question.
Look at These Data and Form Your Own Opinion
Correlational and experimental research differ in that Manipulated independent variables only occur in experimental research Multiple dependent variables only occur in correlational research Pearson's r is only reported in correlational research Inferential statistics are only calculated in experimental research
Manipulated independent variables only occur in experimental research
A Los Angeles Times article entitled "Green coffee beans show potential for losing weight" is most likely to be a Peer-reviewed primary source Peer-reviewed secondary source Non peer-reviewed primary source Non peer-reviewed secondary source
Non peer-reviewed secondary source
Which of these is a primary source? A textbook about research methods in psychology An article from Trends in Cognitive Sciences An article from Psychology Today, adapted from a book the author wrote recently None of the above
None of the above
Why is it beneficial for scientists to use systematic observation in order to acquire knowledge?
Observations provide the basic data that allow scientists to track, tally, or otherwise organize information about the natural world
Which of the following is an example of an unobtrusive method of behavioral observation? Conducting a structured interview Sitting in on a therapy session and recording subject behavior Observing subjects through a one-way mirror Asking subjects to fill out an anonymous survey
Observing subjects through a one-way mirror
Why is it important to use random assignment when determining which research participants will comprise the different treatment groups in the study? Without random assignment, there is no way to conduct statistical analyses of the data that are collected. Because there is no form of research that can be conducted without using random assignment. Random assignment eliminates variability from research. Random assignment balances out the differences that might naturally exist between participants.
Random assignment balances out the differences that might naturally exist between participants.
Correlations based on a subset of all possible scores may be different than those based on the whole range. This concept is called _____. Directionality Correlation Random sampling Range restriction
Range restriction
What is the definition of replication? Repeating research to determine whether findings are consistent across time and situations. Sharing findings with other scientists so they can comment on their validity. Conducting research carefully by designing studies well and including a sufficient sample size. Conducting multiple statistical tests on the same data to determine whether results are consistent.
Repeating research to determine whether findings are consistent across time and situations
The idea of falsifiability involves:
Ruling out bad explanations
Based on the readings, even if you never get involved in research, why is taking a research methods or critical thinking course valuable?
To evaluate standards of care To evaluate criteria from any source To make decisions based on evidence
What is the purpose of peer review?
To evaluate the scientific rigor of a manuscript
Which of the following is a method for reducing observer bias? Using several operational definitions for your target behavior Training observers on operational definitions Discussing observations after data collection an modifying any observations that differ between observers Only using one observer rather than two
Training observers on operational definitions
Which of the following would be most likely to produce a negative correlation? the relationship between college grades and parents' IQ the relationship between college grades and total TV watching time the relationship between college grades and high school grades the relationship between college grades and time spent in library
the relationship between college grades and total TV watching time
In order for a Pearson's r to reflect a meaningful relationship, which of the following must be true? the relationship must be linear the relationship must be nonlinear the relationship must be inverse the relationship must be a positive one
the relationship must be linear
Select the subject variable. depth of encoding ethnicity items correctly recalled from a list whether the researcher running the experiment is a tall man or a short woman
ethnicity
A statement that can be shown to be untrue is considered to be ____________. falsifiable consistent cumulative democratic
falsifiable
By definition, focal sampling involves many target behaviors few target behaviors many target participants few target participants
few target behaviors
Identify the independent variable in this experiment: In a study of whether romantic music puts people in the mood for love, participants were told to sit and wait while the experimenter "set up the experiment." While waiting, half of participants heard a song with romantic lyrics, the other half heard a song with neutral lyrics. After "waiting," participants answered a questionnaire that assessed how romantic they felt on a scale of 1-10. participant's sex romance questionnaire score whether lyrics were romantic whether music was playing
whether lyrics were romantic
Which of the following could be an operational definition for inattentional blindness? a participant's implicit association test (IAT) score a participant's average reaction time on the IAT whether the participant notices the gorilla in the invisible gorilla experiment whether the participant counts the number of passes accurately in the invisible gorilla experiment
whether the participant notices the gorilla in the invisible gorilla experiment
A questionnaire has several items that ask participants whether they Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree or Strongly Disagree. These are __________-scale measures. nominal ordinal interval ratio
ordinal
Which of these sets of correlation coefficients is ordered from weakest to strongest? -.30, .10, .40, .70 .07, -.24, .56, -.78 .82, -.76, .35, -.04 -.87, -.63, .13, .42
.07, -.24, .56, -.78
Which of these could be Pearson's r for the correlation between preschool ability to delay gratification on the marshmallow test and SAT score? -1.0 -.03 .3 3.0
.3
When scientific theories are revised with new data, these revisions hope to increase the theory's ______ to real-world observations. Scope Simplicity Fruitfulness Consistency Accuracy
Accuracy
Ultimately, the decision about whether a manscript should be published lies with the Action editor Authors of the manuscript Reviewers of the manuscript Scientific community
Action editor
Scientific findings published in the Popular Press are:\ A way to easily disseminate findings. often dramatized. peer-reviewed. All of the above.
All of the above.
What does the action editor do in the scientific peer-review process? Assigns experts in the field as reviewers Improves the readability of the manuscript Makes comments about the scientific rigor and innovation of the study Specifically edits the verbs in the manuscript
Assigns experts in the field as reviewers
Why are we unable to determine whether less impulsive people are better at quitting smoking, or quitting smoking makes people less impulsive, based on the study by Bickel, Madden & Odum mentioned in this module? A. The problem of range restriction B. The problem of directionality C. The third variable problem D. both A and C
B. The problem of directionality
As psychologists use the term, determinism means that
BLANK
Identify the null hypothesis for this experiment: In a study of whether romantic music puts people in the mood for love, participants were told to sit and wait while the experimenter "set up the experiment." While waiting, half of participants heard a song with romantic lyrics, the other half heard a song with neutral lyrics. After "waiting," participants answered a questionnaire that assessed how romantic they felt on a scale of 1-10.
BLANK
Suppose there is a high positive correlation between reading speed and reading comprehension. You suspect that IQ increases both reading speed and reading comprehension. IQ is a potential ____________________. inference range restriction (X) source of nonlinearity (X) third variable
BLANK
The Institutional Review Board is a university or college committee that evaluates proposals and awards grant money to researchers evaluates the methodological soundness of research proposals evaluates the ethical soundness of research proposals accomplishes all three of the tasks outlined in alternatives a., b., and c.
BLANK
Which of the following IS considered human-subjects research? Recording the color of people's sneakers in a public park Determining how caffeine intake affects the patellar reflex in the knee Interviewing fellow students in an abnormal psychology course, then writing a case report for the class Completing a computerized psychological task for a research methods course, then analyzing data from everyone in the class
Determining how caffeine intake affects the patellar reflex in the knee
Which of the following is an example of an empirical question that could be tested using systematic observation?
Do native English-speaking Canadians take longer to learn Chinese or to learn Spanish?
Which is most likely to be a correlational study rather than an experiment? Does drinking 800 mL of water before each meal decrease insomnia? Do people who drink more water sleep better than people who drink less water? Does restricting rats' access to water change their sleep patterns? Which decreases insomnia most: drinking water, bathing or drinking milk before bed?
Do people who drink more water sleep better than people who drink less water?
Methods in psychological research are approaches to data-gathering that are tied to actual measurement and observation?
Empirical
In general, pseudoscientific theories
Sidestep disproof by describing their studies in vague terms
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a good scientific theory? Falsifiable Parsimonious Productive Sidesteps disproof
Sidesteps disproof
Identify the most likely third variable to account for a correlation between dental visit frequency and life expectancy (i.e., the more often someone visits the dentist, the longer they live). Average time spent playing video games per year. Frequency of flossing Socioeconomic status Visual acuity
Socioeconomic status
________ is a method of observational research in which researchers manipulate the environment to create opportunities to observe behavior in specific situations. Naturalistic observation Inter-observer reliability Participant observation Structured observation
Structured observation
In the scientific peer-review process, a reviewer should comment on all of the following EXCEPT
The quality of the university where the authors conducted the study
In the scientific peer-review process, a reviewer should comment on all of the following EXCEPT whether the content fits within the scope of the journal The quality of the university where the authors conducted the study Potential flaws with the study design What the manuscript adds to what experts already knew about the topic?
The quality of the university where the authors conducted the study
What would a researcher attempting to conduct an exact replication of a past study do? The researcher would go to the lab where the original research was conducted and re-run the original study using identical materials and the same participants. The researcher would read the published article about the original research and use the same materials and procedures with new participants. The researcher would read the published article about the original research and create new procedures and materials that test the same hypothesis in a somewhat different way. The researcher would re-analyze the data collected in the original study to determine whether the results were the same.
The researcher would read the published article about the original research and use the same materials and procedures with new participants.
A student conducts an exact replication of published study for a research project for his class. Because he only has a few weeks to conduct the research, he is only able to get 10 participants. His research does not find the same results as the original study. What is the most likely explanation of his lack of replication? The student researcher's sample size was too small . The student researcher conducted his statistical analyses incorrectly. The original researcher falsified their data. The student researcher falsified their data.
The student researcher's sample size was too small.
While a __ group of closely related phenomena or observations, __ is a logical idea that can be tested
Theory, hypothesis
Scientific thinking by psychologists is characterized by all of the following except
They are most interested in subjective, personal experiences like dreams
Part of the problem with horoscopes, scientifically speaking, is that
They are so vague, they cannot be falsified
Which of these is an advantage of using operational definitions? they force researchers in different laboratories to all use the exact same definition they facilitate replication it's easy to agree on a universal definition for a concept like aggression there are no advantages to using operational definitions; no two persons can ever agree on the best definition
They facilitate replication
Imagine you study childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following research questions should be classified as description, rather than prediction, explanation, or application.
What is the lifetime prevalence of TBI? In other words, how many people (what percent of the U.S. population) experience a TBI at some point in their lives?
Imagine you study childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following research questions should be classified as description, rather than prediction, explanation, or application. What is the lifetime prevalence of TBI? In other words, how many people (what percent of the U.S. population) experience a TBI at some point in their lives? What can we do to prevent TBI or minimize negative outcomes when it happens? Do children who play soccer have more TBIs than children who do not? What is the best way for health care professionals to determine when a child is ready to return to school following TBI?
What is the lifetime prevalence of TBI? In other words, how many people (what percent of the U.S. population) experience a TBI at some point in their lives?
Which of the following is not an important factor when determining that X is causing Y to occur?
X and Y should occur simultaneously
Which of the following is a reason that indirect measures of behavior can be risky? You are as unobtrusive as possible You must make some assumptions regarding behaviors and effects You may unintentionally influence the subjects None of these
You must make some assumptions regarding behaviors and effects
Research participants can expect to find several pieces of information in an informed consent form. Which of the following is not likely to be found? a statement of the possible risks for participating a mechanism for contacting the researcher after the participation is over a statement of the study's true purpose and hypothesis an assurance of confidentiality
a statement of the study's true purpose and hypothesis
Which of the following constructs might the dependent variable 'heart rate' measure? anxiety disgust memory somatic markers
anxiety
"Ergonomic" psychologists develop airplane dials that are fool proof. That is, pilots cannot inadvertently turn them the wrong way. This demonstrates which goal of psychological research?
application
If participants find themselves performing tasks like those encountered in ordinary daily living, then they are considered to be experiencing no risk at risk at minimal risk none of the above
at minimal risk
The most recent APA code (2002) includes 5 general principles and 89 standards. One of the general principles obligates researchers to continually weight the profit and the cost of the research they complete. Which general principle is this? beneficence and non-malfeasance integrity justice fidelity and responsibility
beneficence and non-malfeasance
How much information is in a coefficient of correlation? the strength of a relationship the direction of a relationship both alternatives a. and b. none of the above
both alternatives a. and b.
Observer bias can be reduced by using clear operational definitions participant instead of naturalistic observation naturalistic instead of participant observation animal instead of human subjects
clear operational definitions
The most recent APA code (2002) includes 5 general principles and 89 standards. The general principles are 'aspirational goals.' Which of the following is an example of an aspirational goal? concern for the rights and dignity of others ethnic quotas for admission to graduate school in psychology blind review of research articles (reviewer doesn't know name of article's author) the obligation for psychologists to provide some of their services free of charge
concern for the rights and dignity of others
When formulating the original APA code of ethics, the Hobbs committee used an empirical procedure called the __________ method. informed consent critical incidents ethics case study archival
critical incidents
Open discussions of psychological and scientific research represent which of the following essential elements of science? systematic observations testable hypotheses democratic discussion cumulative findings
democratic discussion
The statement "Many students fear taking a research methods course" is an example of ________ behavior; the statement "The fear of taking a research methods course is caused by unfounded gossip" is an example of _________ behavior. describing; explaining describing; predicting explaining; predicting predicting; explaining
describing; explaining
DSM-IV is a system for classifying mental disorders. As such, it most clearly illustrates which of psychology's goals?
description
DSM-IV is a system for classifying mental disorders. As such, it most clearly illustrates which of psychology's goals? description prediction explanation application
description
If there is a strong relationship between variable A and variable B, it could be that A is causing B to occur, but it could also be that B is causing A to occur. This is known as the directionality problem third variable problem nonlinearity problem range restriction problem
directionality problem
In a negative correlation, high scores on one variable are accompanied by high scores on the second variable low scores on one variable are accompanied by low scores on the second variable high scores on one variable are accompanied by low scores on the second variable both alternatives a. and b.
high scores on one variable are accompanied by low scores on the second variable
What is the advantage of a field study over a laboratory study? increased internal validity increased external validity increased reliability increased cause and effect
increased external validity
IResearchers have measured the contents of people's trash and the bumper stickers that people put on their cars. These are two examples of event sampling indirect measures reactivity double blind measures
indirect measures
According to the APA ethics code, there are no restrictions on observational research naturalistic observation is OK, but participant observation has been deemed unethical informed consent is not needed for unobtrusive observations in public environments in naturalistic observation, debriefing is only considered important in animal studies
informed consent is not needed for unobtrusive observations in public environments
Which of the following is true about an IRB? its membership includes nonscientists it always judges both the ethical and the methodological soundness of studies its approval is not needed for research completed outside a laboratory its decisions can be appealed to the APA ethics board
its membership includes nonscientists
The most recent APA code (2002) includes 5 general principles and 89 standards. One of the general principles obligates researchers to distribute the burdens and benefits of their research evenly throughout society. Which general principle is this? beneficence and non-malfeasance integrity justice fidelity and responsibility
justice
In a study of culture in nonhumans, researchers try to predict which juvenile chimpanzees will be able to learn new skills fastest based on the size of their mothers' American Sign Language vocabulary. nonhuman culture is the criterion variable juveniles' skill learning speed is the criterion variable mothers' vocabulary is the criterion variable none of the above
juveniles' skill learning speed is the criterion variable
Select the ratio-scale measure. temperature in fahrenheight position on capital punishement (1 = support, 2 = oppose) religious affiliation lamb consumed in the last year, in pounds
lamb consumed in the last year, in pounds
Select the manipulated independent variable. eye color (brown, blue or green) location of testing (a high bridge or safe on the ground) parents' income sex
location of testing (a high bridge or safe on the ground)
Which of the following is not part of the APA's ethics code for humans? those who are at least at minimal risk must give their informed consent people may or may not decide to participate, but once they start a study, they are obliged to finish it participants must be thoroughly debriefed at the end of a study participants must be assured of confidentiality
people may or may not decide to participate, but once they start a study, they are obliged to finish it
Which of these is NOT one of psychology's goals? description explanation persuasion application
persuasion
Dr. Ramsey conducts research and draws a conclusion about the college athletes who participated in his study. He will now generalize from these research participants to the larger ________ of college athletes outside of his study. control population sample confound
population
interobserver reliability is calculated for the purpose of increasing the amount of data available quantifying observer bias eliminating participant reactivity substituting for event and time sampling
quantifying observer bias
Which of the following procedures in research is the most important in allowing for cause-and-effect conclusions to be drawn? random sampling regression to the mean random assignment analysis of variance
random assignment
Hypotheses are reasonable predictions about what should occur under specific circumstances guesses about the causes of events generated from theory through the process of induction considered to be "proven true" when supported by more than one experiment
reasonable predictions about what should occur under specific circumstances
The correlation between verbal SAT scores (maximum score = 800) and freshman GPA will be lowest at a school with an open enrollment policy that only accepts students with a minimum of 400 on the verbal SAT that only accepts students with a minimum of 500 on the verbal SAT that only accepts students with a minimum of 600 on the verbal SAT
that only accepts students with a minimum of 600 on the verbal SAT
The method of introspection was gradually replaced by more direct behavioral methods because the latter were more objective the latter yielded more in depth descriptions of oneâ s personal experience introspection required considerable training but no training is required to use behavioral methods behavioral methods allowed a closer examination of mental processes
the latter were more objective
Which is not true concerning research with prisoners? at least one member of the Institutional Review Board must be a prisoner the research should directly benefit prisoners specifically participants must be informed that participating or withdrawing participation will not affect parole decisions the research protocol must receive expedited review by the IRB
the research protocol must receive expedited review by the IRB
In research with school children, what is meant by the principle of assent? this is when the parents give consent this is when the teachers allow their classroom to be used in the study this is when the children agree to participate this is when the children are given concrete rewards for participating
this is when the children agree to participate
Researchers believe that some degree of deception in research is sometimes warranted because without it, participants might not behave naturally without it, participants would be less likely to volunteer most participants really cannot understand the complexity of research in psychology participants expect to be deceived
without it, participants might not behave naturally
Evidence-based practice in a drug rehab clinic would involve
○ Clinic staff reading the latest primary-source literature on treatment for addiction and using whatever treatment based on whichever treatment has the strongest scientific evidence that it works ○ Therapists regularly attending scientific conferences and taking continuing-education classes in their field ○ Patient records include objective measures of treatment efficacy