AP Psychology Unit 0 Research Methods Quiz

Which of the following research methods involves an in-depth study of an individual or group to reveal universal principles?

• Survey

• Case Study

• Experiment

• Naturalistic Observation

Answer explanation

A Case Study involves an in-depth study of an individual or group to reveal universal principles, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated by the researcher is called the:

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

• Control Variable

• Confounding Variable

Answer explanation

The variable manipulated by the researcher is the Independent Variable, as it is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the Dependent Variable.

• A weak positive relationship

• A strong positive relationship

• A weak negative relationship

• A strong negative relationship

Answer explanation

A correlation coefficient of -0.85 indicates a strong negative relationship, as the value is close to -1, showing a strong inverse correlation between the variables.

The placebo effect occurs when:

• Participants are aware of the treatment they are receiving

• Participants experience changes due to their expectations alone

• The independent variable has no effect

• The dependent variable is not measured accurately

Answer explanation

Participants experience changes due to their expectations alone

Which of the following sampling methods ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected?

• Convenience Sampling

• Random Sampling

• Stratified Sampling

• Snowball Sampling

Answer explanation

Random Sampling ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Which of the following is NOT a type of descriptive research?

• Case Study

• Survey

• Experiment

• Naturalistic Observation

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Experiment because it involves manipulating variables to observe the effect, which is not a characteristic of descriptive research.

The ethical principle of informed consent requires that:

• Participants must be paid for their participation

• Participants must be fully informed about the study and agree to participate

• Participants must be deceived to ensure unbiased results

• Participants must be debriefed after the study

Answer explanation

The ethical principle of informed consent requires that participants must be fully informed about the study and agree to participate.

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

• A statement of the procedures used to define research variables

• A testable prediction derived from a theory

• A detailed description of the research design

• A summary of the research findings

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is a testable prediction derived from a theory, not a statement of procedures, research design, or research findings.

The term "operational definition" refers to:

• The specific procedures used to measure or manipulate a variable

• The theoretical framework of a study

• The statistical methods used to analyze data

• The ethical guidelines followed in research

Answer explanation

The term 'operational definition' refers to the specific procedures used to measure or manipulate a variable, making it the correct choice.

A scatterplot is used to:

• Show the distribution of a single variable

• Display the relationship between two variables

• Summarize the central tendency of data

• Illustrate the steps of the scientific method

Answer explanation

Display the relationship between two variables