research methods for behavioral sciences final exam study guide

What strategy is used to eliminate between-persons variability from the error term in the denominator of a test statistic when using a within-subjects design with 2 groups? a.The variability between-groups is not calculated. b.Difference scores are computed. c.An error term is not computed. d.Only the between-persons variability is computed .

Difference scores are computed.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for constructing a Latin square? a. The number of order sequences equals the number of treatments. b. Each treatment appears equally often in each position. c. All possible order sequences are included and fully balanced. d. Each treatment precedes and follows each treatment one time.

All possible order sequences are included and fully balanced.

A researcher uses a within-subjects design in which one group completes a difficult puzzle and the second group completes an easy puzzle. He finds that participants who completed the difficult puzzle first were able to learn about the puzzle and completed the easy puzzle quicker, compared to participants who did the easy puzzle first. What type of threat to internal validity was described in this example? a. Sampling effects b. Carryover effects c. Participant attrition d. Participant fatigue

Carryover effects

What is the name of the document published by the American Psychological Association that should always be referred to when writing a manuscript using this writing style? a. Survey Manual b. Publication Manual c. Psychology Manual d. Rules and Regulations Manual

b. Publication Manual

Which statement best describes the perspective of writing using APA style? a. The author tells about their research. b. The author reports about findings in a research study. c. The researcher is the focus of the report. d. Data are presented to prove an authors' hypothesis.

b. The author reports about findings in a research study.

A researcher reduces their level of confidence from 99% to 90% to estimate the population for a set of data. What will happen to the precision of their estimate for these data? a. The estimate will be more precise b. The estimate will be less precise c. The precision of their estimate will not change d. It depends on the size of the population

b. The estimate will be less precise

Which of the following statements describes the formula for computing sample variance? a. The sum of all scores divided by the number of scores summed. b. The sum of squares divided by the degrees of freedom for sample variance. c. The sum of all scores divided by the degrees of freedom for sample variance. d. The mean difference divided by the standard error for the sample variance.

b. The sum of squares divided by the degrees of freedom for sample variance.

What is the correct order of sections in an APA-style manuscript from the first section to the last section, assuming that all sections were needed? a. Title page, abstract, main body, references, figures, tables, footnotes, appendices b. Title page, abstract, main body, references, footnotes, tables, figures, appendices c. Title page, abstract, main body, tables, figures, references, footnotes, appendices d. Abstract, title page, main body, references, tables, figures, appendices, footnotes

b. Title page, abstract, main body, references, footnotes, tables, figures, appendices

A null finding means that: a. the decision was to reject the null hypothesis. b. a null hypothesis was discovered. c. the decision was to retain a null hypothesis. d. a null hypothesis has yet-to-be discovered.

b. a null hypothesis was discovered.

The following bar graph depicts affect ratings for each of four types of artwork. In this example, which type of artwork is associated with the lowest affect rating? a. Abstract c. Realism b. Cubism d. Expressionism

b. cubism

A researcher hypothesizes that eating before class will improve exam performance, regardless of the time of day the class is held. She teaches a history lesson to students who did or did not eat prior to a class (Eating) held at 8:00AM, 12:00PM, or 4:00PM (Time of Day). Based on the hypothesis stated here, what kind of effect does the researcher expect to observe? a. Main effect of Time of Day b. Main effect of Eating c. Two main effects and an interaction d. Only a Time of DayxEating interaction

b. main effect of eating

A significance test that is used to test hypotheses about data that can have any type of distribution and to analyze data on a nominal or ordinal scale of measurement, is called: a. parametric test. b. non-parametric test. c. effect size. d. confidence interval.

b. non-parametric test.

The sample mean is primarily used to describe data with which type of distribution? a. Skewed c. Rectangular b. Normal d. Bimodal

b. normal

In a scatter plot, the pattern of a ____ correlation appears as an ascending line. a. negative c. neutral b. positive d. zero

b. positive

To apply NHST, we state a null hypothesis, and then set a criterion upon which we will decide to: a. retain or accept the null hypothesis. c. accept or reject the null hypothesis. b. retain or reject the null hypothesis. d. retain or reject the alternative hypothesis.

b. retain or reject the null hypothesis.

Which of the following words best relates to descriptive statistics? a. Infer c. Explain b. Summarize d. Predict

b. summarize

The power of the decision making process is: a. stated by the level of significance. b. the likelihood of rejecting a false null hypothesis. c. the same as a null finding. d. important only if the goal is to retain the null hypothesis.

b. the likelihood of rejecting a false null hypothesis.

Find X in the following formula for error when using the within-subjects design: Error = X + 0. a.Between-groups variability b.Within-groups variability c.Between-persons variability d.Within-persons variability

b. within-groups variability

Which statement is written in future tense? a. "The data showed that an outcome was significant." b. "The study was conducted with approved from an IRB." c. "The data will be analyzed at a .05 level of significance." d. "The researchers are in a third phase of data collection."

c. "The data will be analyzed at a .05 level of significance."

Which of the following words best describes certainty? a. Inferential b. Significance c. Confidence d. Precision

c. Confidence

The coefficient of determination is mathematically equivalent to what other measure of proportion of variance? a. Cohen's d b. Cramer's V c. Eta-squared d. Omega-squared

c. Eta-squared

Which of the following correctly explains the rules for using first-person with APA style writing? a. First person should be used as often as possible in a manuscript. b. First person should always be used to foreground the research. c. First person should be used to discuss the research steps in a manuscript. d. Third person should always be used to foreground the research.

c. First person should be used to discuss the research steps in a manuscript.

Which of the following is an appropriate synonym that does not use a colloquial device for the term "exaggerated" using APA style? a. Over the top b. Larger-than-life c. Inflated d. Over the hedge

c. Inflated

How is the sample standard deviation is computed? a. It is equal to the sample variance squared b. It is equal to the mean in a population c. It is the square root of the sample variance d. It is the sum of all scores divided by degrees of freedom

c. It is the square root of the sample variance

Which tense can be appropriate to write an APA-style manuscript? a. Past b. Present c. Past and present d. Past, present, and future

c. Past and present

A researcher identifies the following conclusion: "The data show the number of patients who complete counseling depends on, or is related to, whether a patient participated in family or individual counseling sessions." What type of chi-square test was computed in this example? a. Factorial analysis of variance b. Goodness-of-fit test c. Test for independence d. Either b or c could be correct

c. Test for independence

A researcher directly controls for the probability of a ________, but does not directly control the probability of a ________. a. Type I error; alpha level c. Type I error; Type II error b. Type II error; beta level d. Type II error; Type I error

c. Type I error; Type II error

Which of the following is TRUE about the Solomon four-group design? a. It is an experimental research design. b. It does not include a posttest group. c. It is associated with low internal validity. d. Its main strength is the complexity of the design itself.

a. It is an experimental research design

What type of source is cited below in APA style? "Privitera, G. J., Mulcahey, C. P., & Orlowski, C. M. (2012). Human sensory preconditioning in a flavor preference paradigm. Appetite, 59(2), 414-418. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2012.06.005." a. Journal article b. Website c. Book d. Conference poster

a. Journal article

A researcher observed 2 groups in a two-way factorial experimental design. Is this study possible as a factorial design? a. No, because the smallest possible factorial design has 4 groups. b. No, because the levels of one factor would be greater than 2. c. Yes, it would be a 1x1 factorial design. d.Yes, it would be a 2x2 factorial design.

a. No, because the smallest possible factorial design has 4 groups.

The Spearman, Point-biserial, and phi correlation coefficients are mathematically equivalent to the ________ correlation coefficient. a. Pearson c. regression b. chi-square d. universal

a. Pearson

A researcher records the correlation between gender and response speed (in seconds) to a test stimulus (in seconds). Which correlation measure is most appropriate for this analysis? a. Spearman c. Phi b. Point-biserial d. Regression

a. Spearman

A quasi-independent or preexisting variable that is related to or characteristic of the personal attributes of a participant is called: a. a participant variable. b. an independent variable. c. a manipulated variable. d. a participant and independent variable.

a. a participant variable

A mean difference or discrepancy between what was observed in a sample and what was expected to be observed in the population as stated by a null hypothesis, is called: a. an effect. c. power. b. significance. d. proportion of variance.

a. an effect.

A researcher wants to measure the percent agreement between two raters, while taking into account chance or error. Which measure of reliability should the researcher compute? a. Cohen's kappa c. central tendency b. Cronbach's alpha d. Solomon's beta

a. cohen's kappa

Histograms are used to summarize ________ data; bar charts and pie charts are used to summarize ________ data. a. continuous; discrete c. descriptive; inferential b. discrete; continuous d. inferential; descriptive

a. continuous; discrete

The larger the sample variance, the ________ that scores deviate from the mean on average. a. farther c. either a or b b. closer d. neither a or b

a. farther

A statistical procedure used to determine whether observed frequencies at each level of one categorical variable are similar to or different from frequencies expected, is called the chi-square: a. goodness-of-fit test. b. test for independence. c. test for ordinal data. d. correlation coefficient.

a. goodness-of-fit test.

The following graphical display is a ________, which is used to summarize ________ data. a. histogram; continuous c. histogram; categorical b. bar chart; categorical d. bar chart; continuous

a. histogram; continuous

In a frequency distribution table, list each score or range of scores in one column and: a. list corresponding frequencies for each score or range of scores in a second column. b. list the mean and variance for each score or range of scores in a second column. c. list the outcome of a test statistic for each score or range of scores in a second column. d. list the mean and range for each score or range of scores in a second column.

a. list corresponding frequencies for each score or range of scores in a second column.

By convention, we use a bar graph when the groups on the x-axis (horizontal axis) are represented on a ________ scale; we use a line graph when the groups on the x-axis are represented on an ________ scale. a. nominal or ordinal; interval or ratio c. ordinal or interval; nominal or ratio b. interval or ratio; nominal or ordinal d. nominal or ratio; ordinal or interval

a. nominal or ordinal; interval or ratio

We observe ____ categorical factor(s) in a chi-square goodness-of-fit test; we observe ____ categorical factor(s) in a chi-square test for independence. a. one; two b. two; one c. one; two or more d. two or more; one

a. one; two

Which of the following is NOT a source of variation that is computed in a two-way analysis of variance? a. Within-subjects b. Interaction c. Error variance d. Main effect

a. within-subjects

Which statement is written in present tense? a. "The study did not show significant results." b. "We are in the process of analyzing the data." c. "The findings will be reported at an upcoming conference." d. "Participants were read and signed an informed consent form."

b. "We are in the process of analyzing the data."

Cronbach's alpha varies between: a. -1 and +1. c. 0 and infinity. b. 0 and 1. d. -1 and 0.

b. 0 and 1

If a researcher finds that the coefficient of determination for a set of data is equal to .12, then what is the value of eta-squared for this set of data? a. 0.01 b. 0.12 c. 0.24 d. not enough information

b. 0.12

A researcher records a sample mean equal to 1.2. If 99.7% of all scores fall between scores 0.6 and 1.8, then using the empirical rule, what is the standard deviation for these data? a. 1.2 c. 0.4 b. 0.6 d. 0.2

b. 0.6

A researcher conducts a 2x3 between-subjects factorial experimental design. If 10 participants are observed in each group, then how many total participants were observed? a. 10 b. 20 c. 30 d. 60

b. 20

Which measure is used when trying to identify the reliability of a measure? a. Cohen's kappa b. Cronbach's alpha c. Both Cohen's kappa or Cronbach's alpha d. Neither Cohen's kappa or Cronbach's alpha

c. both cohen's kappa and cronbach's alpha

A measure of interrater reliability that estimates the level of agreement between two raters, while taking into account the probability that the two raters agree by chance or error, is called: a. central tendency. c. Cohen's kappa. b. Cronbach's alpha. d. partial test statistic.

c. cohen's kappa.

The use of tables and graphs to summarize data is an example of: a. inferential statistics. c. descriptive statistics. b. interpretation. d. generalization.

c. descriptive statistics

Being comprehensive yet concise is important because it makes the manuscript: a. lengthier. b. less informative. c. easier to follow. d. more conservative.

c. easier to follow.

Keeping writing focused makes it easier for the reader to: a. evaluate the credentials of an author. b. evaluate if the work was peer-reviewed. c. evaluate the value of a work. d. evaluate the credibility of an author.

c. evaluate the value of a work.

The factorial design can be used to determine how two factors ________ cause changes in a dependent variable. a. independently b. interact to c. independently and interact to d. reliably

c. independently and interact to

A researcher tests the effectiveness of couple's therapy (individual, group) for each spouse (husband, wife). The results show that for both spouses, group therapy is most effective. What effect was described in this example? a. Main effect of Spouse b. TherapyxSpouse interaction c. Main effect of Therapy d. No effect was demonstrated

c. main effect of therapy

The middle value in a distribution of data listed in numeric order, is called: a. mean. c. median. b. mode. d. variance

c. median

A research design in which different participants are observed at each level of a between-subjects factor and then repeatedly observed across the levels of the within-subjects factor is called a: a. between-subjects factorial design. b. within-subjects factorial design. c. mixed factorial design. d. non-factorial design.

c. mixed factorial design

Scatter Plot A depicts a ____ correlation; Scatter Plot B depicts a ____ correlation. a. positive; negative c. negative; positive b. positive; incremental d. negative; incremental

c. negative; positive

A researcher records the following data for the number of complaints filed (per day) following a controversial policy change at a local business: 3, 8, 5, 0, 4, 6, 2, 1, 1, 4, 2, and 0. Is the mean equal to the median in this example? a. Yes c. No, the mean is larger than the median b. No, the median is larger than the mean d. Not enough information

c. no, the mean is larger than the median.

In a qualitative research report, the Analysis section: a. reports the statistical outcomes in a study. b. evaluates the significance of outcomes in a study. c. provides a series of interpretations that contributes a new perspective. d. gives a brief overview of the purpose of the study.

c. provides a series of interpretations that contributes a new perspective.

Which of the following is a common way in which researchers analyze a dataset? a. Researchers can describe data b. Researchers can make decisions about how to interpret data c. Researchers can describe data and make decisions about how to interpret data d. None of the above

c. researchers can describe data and make decisions about how to interpret data

A mathematical formula that allows researchers to determine the likelihood of obtaining sample outcomes if the null hypothesis were true, is called: a. effect size. c. test statistic. b. confidence interval. d. Bayes' theorem.

c. test statistic.

Each bar in a histogram represents: a. the variability of scores in an interval. b. the mean score in each discrete category. c. the frequency of a score or group of scores. d. the frequency of scores in each qualitative category.

c. the frequency of a score or group of scores

The median is an appropriate measure of central tendency for all of the following except: a. data that are positively skewed. c. data that are on an ordinal scale. b. data that are negatively skewed. d. data that are on a nominal scale.

d. data that are on a nominal scale

The mode is an appropriate measure of central tendency for all of the following except: a. data that are bimodal. b. use with other measures of central tendency. c. data that are on a nominal scale. d. data that are on an ordinal scale.

d. data that are on an ordinal scale

The Solomon four-group design is an experimental research design in which different participants are assigned to each of 4 groups in such a way that comparisons can be made to: a. determine if a treatment causes changes in posttest measure. b. control for possible confounds or extraneous factors related to giving a pretest measure and observing participants over time. c. strengthen power by reducing the number of participants needed to be able to observe an effect. d. determine if a treatment causes changes in posttest measure and control for possible confounds or extraneous factors related to giving a pretest measure and observing participants over time.

d. determine if a treatment causes changes in posttest measure and control for possible confounds or extraneous factors related to giving a pretest measure and observing participants over time.

The ____________ is the range of values between the third and the first quartiles of a dataset. a. mean c. range b. mode d. interquartile range

d. interquartile range

A criterion of judgment upon which a decision is made regarding the value stated in a null hypothesis, is called: a. absolute value. c. decisive criterion. b. descriptive statistics. d. level of significance.

d. level of significance.

Inferential statistics are procedures used to: a. describe a set of scores or observations in terms summary statistics. b. organize a set of scores or observations in a table, graph, or figure. c. make sense of a set of scores or observations by counting how often scores occur in each category. d. make decisions about characteristics in a population based on data measured in a sample.

d. make decisions about characteristics in a population based on data measured in a sample.

For the between-subjects factorial design to be an experiment, the researchers must do all of the following except: a. manipulate the levels of each factor. b. cross the levels of the two factors to create the groups. c. randomly assign different participants to each group. d. manipulate the level of one factor only.

d. manipulate the level of one factor only

A researcher selects one group of participants and observes them before and after a treatment meant to improve mood. What type of sampling design is described in this example? a. Between-subjects design b. Completely crossed design c. Matched samples design d. Pre-post design

d. pre-post design

All of the following strategies are stated in the book for giving a good professional talk except: a. arrive early and be prepared. b. dress appropriately. c. keep the talk focused. d. read from slides or notes to ensure accuracy in delivery of presentation.

d. read from slides or notes to ensure accuracy in delivery of presentation.

The sample mean is all of the following except: a. a measure of central tendency. b. the balance point of a distribution. c. used to summarize interval and ratio data. d. used to summarize nominal data.

d. used to summarize nominal data

Counterbalancing does not ________ order effects, rather it makes possible order effects ________ in each treatment or group. a. eliminate; the same b. eliminate; different c. balance; variable d. balance; more likely

eliminate; the same

Which of the following is a key reason that researchers use a within-subjects design? a. To ensure that random assignment is used b. To manage sample size c. To observe changes in behavior over time d. To manage sample size and to observe changes in behavior over time

To manage sample size and to observe changes in behavior over time

To effectively communicate a message, it must be informative. Which statement best explains what it means for a message to be informative? a. The message must explain and demonstrate new or original ideas. b. The message must test a prediction or develop areas of research where little is known. c. The message must provide a thorough review of the literature and description of a work or research study. d. The message must appeal to the readership of a peer-reviewed journal.

a. The message must explain and demonstrate new or original ideas.

A researcher computes a test statistic and finds that the p-value for this test is .03. What does this result mean? a. There is a 3% likelihood of obtaining the test statistic value, if the null were true. b. The probability of committing a Type I error if we retain the null hypothesis is 3%. c. The probability of committing a Type II error if we reject the null hypothesis is 3%. d. There is a 3% likelihood that the researchers hypothesis is correct.

a. There is a 3% likelihood of obtaining the test statistic value, if the null were true.

Writing a manuscript for publication, presenting a poster, and preparing a talk are each: a. a method of communication among scientists. b. a way for scientists to avoid a peer-reviewed process. c. not associated with methods of communication in science. d. an alternative to making works available for criticism and review.

a. a method of communication among scientists.

Researchers can control timing by controlling: a. the interval between treatments or groups. b. the total duration of an experiment. c. the time it takes to randomly assign participants to groups . d. the interval between treatments or groups and the total duration of an experiment.

the interval between treatments or groups and the total duration of an experiment.

When the same participants are observed in each group, individual differences between groups are: a.the same. b.different. c.variable. d.unequal.

the same.