VCE Psychology Research Methods Quiz

What is the purpose of a control group in an experimental design?

• To ensure accurate data collection

• To provide a baseline for comparison

Answer explanation

The purpose of a control group in an experimental design is to provide a baseline for comparison.

Explain the difference between independent and dependent variables in an experiment.

• The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured or observed.

• The independent variable is measured, while the dependent variable is manipulated

• The independent variable is always qualitative, while the dependent variable is always quantitative

• The independent variable is not important, while the dependent variable is crucial

Answer explanation

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured or observed.

What is convenience sampling?

• Convenience sampling is a highly accurate sampling technique with no limitations

• Convenience sampling is a random sampling technique with no limitations

• Convenience sampling is a technique used only in qualitative research with no limitations

• Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where subjects are selected based on their easy availability and proximity to the researcher.

Answer explanation

Convenience sampling is a non-probability technique where subjects are selected based on easy availability and proximity to the researcher.

Describe the process of stratified sampling and its advantages.

• The process of stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups and then randomly selecting samples from each subgroup. Its advantages include ensuring representation of all subgroups in the sample, leading to more accurate results.

• The advantages of stratified sampling include excluding certain subgroups from the sample, which simplifies the research process.

Answer explanation

Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups and randomly selecting samples from each subgroup. This ensures representation of all subgroups, leading to more accurate results.

What are the different types of data collection techniques used in psychological research?

• Social media posts, newspaper articles, TV shows

• Surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments

• Math problems, puzzles, riddles

• Blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans

Answer explanation

Surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments are the main data collection techniques used in psychological research.

Explain the strengths and weaknesses of using self-report measures in data collection.

• Self-report measures are not valuable in data collection

• Self-report measures provide valuable subjective information directly from the individual, but can be influenced by social desirability bias and may not always be accurate.

Answer explanation

Self-report measures provide valuable subjective information directly from the individual, but can be influenced by social desirability bias and may not always be accurate.

Why is informed consent important in psychological research and what are the potential consequences of not obtaining it?

• To ensure that participants are fully aware of the nature of the study and voluntarily agree to participate. Without informed consent, potential consequences include ethical violations, harm to participants, and invalidation of research results.

• To protect the researcher from legal liabilities. Without informed consent, potential consequences include improved participant well-being and ethical conduct.

Answer explanation

Informed consent is important to ensure participants are fully aware of the study and voluntarily agree to participate. Without it, potential consequences include ethical violations, harm to participants, and invalidation of research results.

Discuss the concept of confidentiality in research and its significance in maintaining ethical standards.

• Confidentiality in research refers to the protection of participants' personal information and data. It is significant in maintaining ethical standards as it helps to build trust with participants and ensures their privacy and safety.

• Ethical standards in research do not require maintaining confidentiality

Answer explanation

Confidentiality in research refers to protecting participants' personal information and data, building trust, ensuring privacy and safety. It is significant in maintaining ethical standards.

What is internal validity and how is it different from external validity in research?

• Internal validity is the consistency of the study's findings, while external validity is the relevance of the study's conclusions to real-world scenarios.

• Internal validity is the extent to which a study establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, while external validity is the generalizability of the study's findings to other populations or settings.

Answer explanation

Internal validity is the extent to which a study establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, while external validity is the generalizability of the study's findings to other populations or settings.

Explain the concept of reliability in psychological research and discuss the factors that can affect it.

• Reliability refers to the smell of the results, and factors that can affect it include the time of day, and the type of paper used for printing.

• Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the results, and factors that can affect it include researcher bias, participant variability, and measurement error.

Answer explanation

Reliability in psychological research refers to the consistency and stability of results. Factors that can affect it include researcher bias, participant variability, and measurement error.