1. What is the primary goal of psychological research?
a) To describe human behavior
b) To predict human behavior
c) To explain human behavior
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Psychological research aims to describe, predict, and explain human behavior to understand the underlying mechanisms and patterns.
2. Which of the following is the first step in the scientific method?
a) Formulating a hypothesis
b) Collecting data
c) Identifying a research question
d) Drawing conclusions
Answer: c) Identifying a research question
Explanation: The scientific method begins with identifying a clear and testable research question, which guides the entire research process.
3. Which research method involves manipulating one variable to see its effect on another?
a) Naturalistic observation
b) Experimental research
c) Case study
d) Correlational research
Answer: b) Experimental research
Explanation: Experimental research involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effects on a dependent variable, establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
4. What does a correlation coefficient of -1 indicate?
a) No relationship between variables
b) A weak negative relationship
c) A perfect negative relationship
d) A perfect positive relationship
Answer: c) A perfect negative relationship
Explanation: A correlation coefficient of -1 represents a perfect negative relationship, meaning as one variable increases, the other decreases in a perfectly predictable manner.
5. Which research method is best suited for studying behavior in natural settings?
a) Experimental research
b) Survey research
c) Naturalistic observation
d) Longitudinal research
Answer: c) Naturalistic observation
Explanation: Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in its natural setting without interference, allowing researchers to study behavior in real-world contexts.
6. In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated is called the:
a) Dependent variable
b) Independent variable
c) Control variable
d) Confounding variable
Answer: b) Independent variable
Explanation: The independent variable is the one that the researcher manipulates to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
7. A case study is an in-depth analysis of:
a) A large sample of people
b) One individual or a small group
c) A particular event or phenomenon
d) A large community over time
Answer: b) One individual or a small group
Explanation: Case studies involve detailed investigation and analysis of a single individual or a small group, often used to explore rare or unique phenomena.
8. Which of the following is a key disadvantage of survey research?
a) It is expensive
b) It requires a long duration
c) It may lead to biased responses
d) It cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships
Answer: c) It may lead to biased responses
Explanation: Surveys can suffer from biases such as social desirability bias or poorly worded questions, which can influence respondents’ answers.
9. A longitudinal study tracks the same participants over:
a) A short period
b) A few months
c) A long period of time
d) Several countries
Answer: c) A long period of time
Explanation: Longitudinal studies follow the same group of participants over an extended period, helping researchers examine changes over time.
10. What type of data collection method is typically used in experimental research?
a) Observation
b) Surveys
c) Controlled experiments
d) Interviews
Answer: c) Controlled experiments
Explanation: Controlled experiments are used in experimental research, where variables are manipulated in a controlled environment to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
11. Which of the following represents a potential ethical issue in psychological research?
a) Lack of control groups
b) Deception without informed consent
c) Random selection
d) High internal validity
Answer: b) Deception without informed consent
Explanation: Deception without informed consent violates ethical guidelines by not fully informing participants about the true nature of the study.
12. The placebo effect refers to:
a) Participants’ expectations influencing their behavior
b) A medication effect that has no real therapeutic benefit
c) The effect of random variables on the experiment
d) The use of non-participant observers
Answer: a) Participants’ expectations influencing their behavior
Explanation: The placebo effect occurs when participants’ expectations influence their perceived outcome, even when they receive no real treatment.
13. In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the independent variable is called the:
a) Control group
b) Experimental group
c) Random group
d) Sample group
Answer: b) Experimental group
Explanation: The experimental group is the group that receives the treatment or manipulation of the independent variable.
14. The technique used to randomly assign participants to different groups is called:
a) Stratified sampling
b) Random sampling
c) Random assignment
d) Quota sampling
Answer: c) Random assignment
Explanation: Random assignment involves randomly allocating participants to different groups in an experiment to ensure that each group is comparable.
15. Which of the following is true about the scientific method?
a) It is a one-time process
b) It is a rigid and inflexible approach
c) It is a systematic process of inquiry
d) It always leads to conclusive results
Answer: c) It is a systematic process of inquiry
Explanation: The scientific method is a flexible, systematic approach to research that helps gather evidence and draw conclusions based on observation and experimentation.
16. In experimental research, what does the dependent variable measure?
a) The cause of the effect
b) The outcome of the manipulation
c) The relationship between two variables
d) The control of extraneous factors
Answer: b) The outcome of the manipulation
Explanation: The dependent variable is the outcome or effect that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.
17. Which of the following sampling techniques is most likely to produce biased results?
a) Random sampling
b) Systematic sampling
c) Convenience sampling
d) Stratified sampling
Answer: c) Convenience sampling
Explanation: Convenience sampling involves selecting participants based on availability, which can lead to biased samples that do not represent the broader population.
18. Which of the following is NOT an example of a qualitative research method?
a) Case study
b) Phenomenological research
c) Experimental research
d) Focus group
Answer: c) Experimental research
Explanation: Experimental research is quantitative, while qualitative methods, such as case studies and focus groups, focus on exploring experiences and meanings.
19. What does external validity refer to in psychological research?
a) The consistency of the results
b) The ability to generalize results to other settings or groups
c) The degree of control over variables
d) The design of the study
Answer: b) The ability to generalize results to other settings or groups
Explanation: External validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized beyond the specific conditions or participants of the study.
20. What does the term “operational definition” refer to in research?
a) The methods used to collect data
b) A clear and precise description of variables
c) The statistical analysis performed
d) The sample of participants
Answer: b) A clear and precise description of variables
Explanation: An operational definition specifies the procedures used to measure or manipulate a variable, ensuring clarity and consistency in research.
21. Which type of research method focuses on understanding and interpreting human experiences?
a) Experimental research
b) Qualitative research
c) Survey research
d) Longitudinal research
Answer: b) Qualitative research
Explanation: Qualitative research emphasizes understanding human experiences through non-numerical data, such as interviews or content analysis.
22. The independent variable in a psychological experiment is:
a) The variable that is measured
b) The variable that is manipulated or controlled
c) The variable that remains constant
d) The variable that changes due to the dependent variable
Answer: b) The variable that is manipulated or controlled
Explanation: The independent variable is what the researcher manipulates in an experiment to assess its effect on the dependent variable.
23. Which of the following is an example of a type of survey research?
a) Questionnaire
b) Focus group
c) Observational study
d) Field experiment
Answer: a) Questionnaire
Explanation: A questionnaire is a commonly used tool in survey research to gather data from participants on their attitudes, behaviors, or opinions.
24. What type of research design is best suited to examine cause-and-effect relationships?
a) Correlational design
b) Experimental design
c) Descriptive design
d) Case study design
Answer: b) Experimental design
Explanation: Experimental design allows researchers to manipulate variables and observe their effects, making it ideal for studying cause-and-effect relationships.
25. In a research study, a “confounding variable” refers to:
a) The variable that is being tested
b) A variable that affects the dependent variable unintentionally
c) The group of participants receiving the treatment
d) A factor that controls the independent variable
Answer: b) A variable that affects the dependent variable unintentionally
Explanation: A confounding variable is an extraneous factor that may unintentionally influence the dependent variable, potentially distorting the results.
26. Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method?
a) Interviews
b) Surveys with numerical responses
c) Focus groups
d) Observational field notes
Answer: b) Surveys with numerical responses
Explanation: Surveys with numerical responses are quantitative as they involve measurable data that can be analyzed statistically.
27. In a longitudinal study, researchers typically:
a) Study a cross-section of individuals at one point in time
b) Conduct a brief survey
c) Track the same group of individuals over time
d) Focus on one individual’s experiences
Answer: c) Track the same group of individuals over time
Explanation: Longitudinal studies follow the same individuals over an extended period, helping researchers
understand changes over time.
28. A researcher wants to determine the effect of sleep on memory. Which of the following is the independent variable?
a) Sleep duration
b) Memory performance
c) Participants’ age
d) Type of memory test
Answer: a) Sleep duration
Explanation: Sleep duration is the independent variable because it is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which is memory performance.
29. What is the main advantage of using random sampling in research?
a) It ensures the sample is representative of the population
b) It eliminates any need for control groups
c) It guarantees accurate results every time
d) It simplifies the data analysis process
Answer: a) It ensures the sample is representative of the population
Explanation: Random sampling ensures that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, leading to a representative sample.
30. In a double-blind experiment, who is unaware of the treatment being administered?
a) Only the participants
b) Only the experimenters
c) Both the participants and the experimenters
d) Only the control group
Answer: c) Both the participants and the experimenters
Explanation: In a double-blind experiment, both the participants and the experimenters are unaware of who is receiving the treatment, reducing bias.
