Psychological Research

What is the method of research using past records or data sets to answer various research questions, or to search for interesting patterns or relationships?

• Archival research

• Cross-sectional research

• Experimental research

Answer explanation

Archival research involves analyzing past records or data sets to uncover patterns or relationships relevant to research questions, making it the correct choice for this method.

Tags

2.B

What is the reduction in number of research participants as some drop out of the study over time called?

• A) Attrition

• B) Confirmation bias

• C) Debriefing

Answer explanation

The reduction in the number of research participants due to dropouts is called attrition. This term specifically refers to the loss of participants over time in a study.

Tags

1.2.C

Changes in one variable cause the changes in the other variable; can be determined only through an experimental research design. What is this relationship called?

• Correlation

• Cause-and-effect relationship

• Illusory correlation

Answer explanation

The relationship where changes in one variable cause changes in another is known as a cause-and-effect relationship. This can only be established through experimental research, distinguishing it from mere correlation.

Tags

2.A

What is an observational research study focusing on one or a few people called?

• A) Clinical or case study

• B) Control group

• C) Double-blind study

Answer explanation

An observational research study focusing on one or a few individuals is called a clinical or case study. This method allows for in-depth analysis of specific cases, unlike broader studies that involve larger populations.

Tags

1.2.A

What is the tendency to ignore evidence that disproves ideas or beliefs known as?

• A) Confirmation bias

• B) Experimenter bias

• C) Generalize

Answer explanation

The tendency to ignore evidence that contradicts one's beliefs is known as confirmation bias. This cognitive bias leads individuals to favor information that supports their existing views, making option A the correct answer.

Tags

1.2.B

An unanticipated outside factor that affects both variables of interest, often giving the false impression that changes in one variable causes changes in the other variable, when, in actuality, the outside factor causes changes in both variables. What is this called?

• A) Confounding variable

• B) Independent variable

• C) Dependent variable

Answer explanation

A confounding variable is an outside factor that influences both variables, creating a misleading association. It can falsely suggest that one variable causes changes in the other, when both are actually affected by this external factor.

Tags

2.A

What serves as a basis for comparison and controls for chance factors that might influence the results of the study?

• Experimental group

• Control group

• Cross-sectional research

Answer explanation

The control group serves as a basis for comparison in a study, allowing researchers to account for chance factors that might influence results, ensuring that any observed effects are due to the experimental treatment.

Tags

2.A

What is the relationship between two or more variables; when two variables are correlated, one variable changes as the other does?

• A) Correlation

• B) Cause-and-effect relationship

• C) Illusory correlation

Answer explanation

The correct choice is A) Correlation, as it describes the relationship where one variable changes in relation to another. A cause-and-effect relationship implies a direct influence, while illusory correlation refers to a perceived relationship that doesn't exist.

Tags

2.A

What is the number from -1 to +1, indicating the strength and direction of the relationship between variables, and usually represented by r?

• A) Correlation coefficient

• B) Empirical

• C) Falsifiable

Answer explanation

The correlation coefficient, represented by r, quantifies the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to +1. Thus, the correct answer is A) Correlation coefficient.

Tags

3.A

What compares multiple segments of a population at a single time?

• A) Cross-sectional research

• B) Archival research

• C) Deductive reasoning

Answer explanation

Cross-sectional research compares multiple segments of a population at a single point in time, making it the correct choice. Archival research involves past data, and deductive reasoning is a logical process, not a research method.

Tags

2.B