How Psychologists Do Research

Psychology How Psychologists Do Research Quick Quiz A An is an organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena A theory B hypothesis C operational definition D experiment Answer A Explanation A This is the definition of a theory An ideal scientist should A not express skepticism of new ideas B rely on scientific intuition C not support falsifiable theories D be willing to make risky predictions Answer D Explanation D Scientists should be willing to make risky predictions All the other choices are the opposite of ideal characteristics of scientists An advantage of correlation is that A it shows whether two or more variables are related B firm conclusions about cause and effect can be drawn C it is often useful in the first stages of a research program D it provides a large amount of information on large numbers of people Answer A Explanation A Correlation is a technique used to measure the strength and direction of a relationship between two or more variables Which of the following methods would be most appropriate to study the effects of alcohol consumption on problem solving ability A correlation B experiments C case study D naturalistic observation Answer B Explanation B Since this example is looking for a cause-and-effect relationship experiment is the only appropriate method The variable manipulated by the researcher in an experiment is the A control variable B independent variable C dependent variable D experimental variable Answer B Explanation B This is the definition of an independent variable The purpose of a double-blind study is A to eliminate experimenter effects B to increase experimental effects C to test the effects of a placebo D to determine the visual ability of newborn infants Answer A Explanation A Double-blind studies are used to eliminate possible bias and experimenter effects An advantage of naturalistic observation is that A it shows whether two or more variables are related B firm conclusions about cause and effect can be drawn C it is often useful in the first stages of a research program D it provides a large amount of information on large numbers of people Answer C Explanation C Naturalistic observation is important early in the research process to generate hypotheses but it does not test hypotheses Descriptive statistics A organize and summarize research data B allow determination of statistical significance C allow researchers to draw inferences about their results D show how likely it is that a study's results occurred merely by chance Answer A Explanation A Descriptive statistics organize and summarize results while inferential statistics help to determine whether results are significant Meta-analysis is used to A determine statistical significance B combine results from several studies C determine the probability of chance affecting the results D maintain ethical standards in research Answer B Explanation B Meta-analysis is a statistical technique for combining the results of multiple studies CPA ethical standards require researchers to A avoid double-blind studies B avoid the use of deception C limit the use of volunteers as subjects D obtain informed consent from subjects Answer D Explanation D CPA ethical guidelines require the use of informed consent to protect research subjects Quick Quiz A An is a statement that attempts to predict or to account for a set of phenomena A theory B hypothesis C operational definition D experiment Answer B Explanation B This is the definition of a hypothesis An ideal scientist should A not express skepticism of new ideas B rely on scientific intuition C make sure theories are falsifiable D not make risky predictions Answer C Explanation C A scientist should make sure theories are falsifiable All the other choices are the opposite of ideal characteristics of scientists An advantage of case studies is that A they can confirm hypotheses B general behavioural principles can be derived from them C they can help determine cause and effect D they provide in-depth information about unusual cases Answer D Explanation D Case studies provide in-depth information about an individual case and generate hypotheses but they cannot be used to confirm hypotheses or determine cause and effect An advantage of a survey is that A it shows whether two or more variables are related B firm conclusions about cause and effect can be drawn C it is often useful in the first stages of a research program D it provides a large amount of information on large numbers of people Answer D Explanation D Surveys can provide a lot of information about attitudes beliefs opinions and behaviours of large groups of people An advantage of an experiment is that A it shows whether two or more variables are related B firm conclusions about cause and effect can be drawn C it is often useful in the first stages of a research program D it provides a large amount of information on large numbers of people Answer B Explanation B The primary advantage of an experiment is that it can be used to determine cause and effect In a double-blind experiment A neither the subjects in the experimental group nor the subjects in the control group know the experimental hypothesis B neither the subjects in the experimental group nor the subjects in the control group know which group they are in C neither the subjects nor the researcher know which subjects are in which group D neither the subjects in the experimental group nor the subjects in the control group know or can see the experimenter Answer C Explanation C Double-blind experiments are conducted to eliminate experimenter effects by keeping both the subjects and the researcher blind to which group a particular subject is in Statistical significance means that A results are meaningful B results are important C results are unlikely to be due to chance D results are typical Answer C Explanation C Tests of statistical significance are used to determine the likelihood that a particular set of results are due to chance factors Cross-sectional studies allow one to determine the A statistical significance of results B effect size C experimenter effects D generational differences Answer D Explanation D Cross-sectional studies are useful in studying generational differences whereas longitudinal studies are more useful in studying changes in a person over a period of time Which of the following methods would be most appropriate to study maternal behaviour in chimpanzees A correlation B experiments C case study D naturalistic observation Answer D Explanation D In this case naturalistic observation would be most appropriate because the researcher wants to know about the natural behaviours of chimpanzees Which of the following is NOT a reason psychologists study animals A to discover practical applications B to improve human welfare C to avoid use of deception D to clarify theoretical questions Answer C Explanation C Psychologists should use caution in experiments with humans that involve deception but they do not need to avoid deception The other choices are all reasons that psychologists study animals Test Questions When psychologists learned that hopeful parents of autistic children were being drawn to a program of facilitated communication they A conducted a survey of all the facilitators working with autistic children B argued that it was not ethical to use this technique with children C conducted experiments involving autistic children and their facilitators D carefully analyzed the testimonials about the therapy before accepting it Answer C Explanation C The research involving autistic children and their facilitators demonstrated that the claims concerning facilitated communication were false Introduction Research methods are important for all of the following reasons EXCEPT that they A are the basic foundation for psychology and other sciences B can help a person make a wiser decision between alternatives C provide the means for false claims to be verified D allow researchers to separate reliable information from unfounded claims Answer C Explanation C Research methods provide the means for false claims to be found out for what they are All other choices are accurate Introduction Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons why research methods matter so much to psychologists A These methods allow psychologists to separate truth from unfounded belief B These methods allow psychologists to gain respect from the hard sciences C These methods allow psychologists to correct false ideas that might cause people harm D These methods allow psychologists to sort out conflicting views Answer B Explanation B While use of research methods may result in increased respect from the hard sciences this is not the reason they are used They are used because psychology is a science and as such its data must be based on empirical evidence Introduction When the authors refer to psychologists as scientists they mean that psychologists A wear white coats when they conduct animal research B rely upon sophisticated brain-imaging machines C work with complicated computers and laboratory equipment D base their work on scientific attitudes and procedures Answer D Explanation D As a science psychology trusts only evidence based on empirical data resulting from the use of the scientific method Science is a way of asking and answering questions and has little to do with the equipment used or the clothing worn An organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships is called a an A theory B hypothesis C double-blind study D operational definition Answer A Explanation A This is the definition of a theory A theory is A an organized system of assumptions and principles that attempts to explain some phenomenon B an opinion or idea about the causes of some phenomenon C a group of interrelated statements about cause and effect D a hunch about the causes of related phenomena Answer A Explanation A A theory is an organized system of assumptions and principles that attempts to explain some phenomenon Theory is defined as A a statement that attempts to predict a set of phenomena and specifies relationships among variables that can be empirically tested B the precise meaning of a term which specifies the operations for observing and measuring the process or phenomenon being investigated C the principle that a scientific theory must make predications that are specific enough to expose the theory to the possibility of disconfirmation D an organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships Answer D Explanation D A theory is an organized system of assumptions and principles that attempts to explain some phenomenon A scientific theory could be thought of as A an established truth B an organized system of assumptions C a measure of strength between two variables D a personal opinion Answer B Explanation B A theory is not a personal opinion an established truth or a measure of strength It is an organized system of assumptions and principles that attempts to explain some phenomenon Which of the following statements is true A Hypotheses are derived from theories which in turn lead to testable predictions B Testable predictions derive from theories based on a set of hypotheses C Predictions are derived from theories which lead to a set of hypotheses D Theories derive from hypotheses based on a set of predictions Answer A Explanation A From a theory a scientist derives a hypothesis A hypothesis in turn leads to predictions A statement that attempts to predict or to account for a set of phenomena is called a an A hypothesis B theory C operational definition D double-blind study Answer A Explanation A A hypothesis is a prediction usually derived from a theory Which of the following statements is NOT true A A hypothesis is a statement that attempts to explain a specific behaviour B A hypothesis is a specific prediction derived from a theory C A hypothesis is a prediction about future events based on guesswork D A hypothesis is a statement about a relationship between variables that may be empirically tested Answer C Explanation C Hypotheses are not based on guesswork though they may be educated guesses based on empirical knowledge A hypothesis is defined as A the principle that a scientific theory must make predications that are specific enough to expose the theory to the possibility of disconfirmation B an organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships C a statement that attempts to predict a set of phenomena and specifies relationships among variables that can be empirically tested D the precise meaning of a term which specifies the operations for observing and measuring the process or phenomenon being investigated Answer C Explanation C A hypothesis is a prediction usually derived from a theory Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of scientists A openness B scepticism C precision D humanism Answer D Explanation D Precision skepticism openness to new ideas and reliance on empirical evidence are the hallmarks of a scientist Which of the following is NOT one of the key characteristics of the ideal scientist A scepticism B avoidance of risky predictions C openness in regard to ideas and research D precision Answer B Explanation B Scientists are not afraid to make risky predictions An operational definition is A a statement that attempts to predict a set of phenomena and specifies relationships among variables that can be empirically tested B an organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships C the principle that a scientific theory must make predications that are specific enough to expose the theory to the possibility of disconfirmation D the precise meaning of a term which specifies the operations for observing and measuring the process or phenomenon being investigated Answer D Explanation D An operational definition states how a variable will be measured An operational definition tells A how something is to be observed and measured B what is expected to result from manipulation of a variable C the meaning of a term in scientific language D the meaning of a term in lay language Answer A Explanation A An operational definition states how a variable will be measured Which of the following is an operational definition of depression A a feeling of extreme sadness B the opposite of euphoria C a sense of futility and hopelessness D a score on the Beck Depression Inventory Answer D Explanation D Only a score on the Beck Depression Inventory specifies how depression will be measured Which of the following is NOT a possible operational definition of intelligence A a person's score on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test B the length of time a person takes to solve a complex maze C a student's cumulative GPA D a person's ability to reason and solve problems Answer D Explanation D An operational definition must specify how a variable is to be measured The principle of falsifiability is defined as A the precise meaning of a term which specifies the principles for observing and measuring the process or phenomenon being investigated B a statement that attempts to predict a set of phenomena and specifies relationships among variables that can be empirically tested C an organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships D the principle that a scientific theory must make predications that are specific enough to expose the theory to the possibility of disconfirmation Answer D Explanation D To be useful a scientific theory must be specific enough that its predictions can be proven or disproven A precise meaning of a term which specifies the operations for observing and measuring the process or phenomenon being investigated is called a an A double-blind study B theory C hypothesis D operational definition Answer D Explanation D This is a definition of an operational definition Marcy is trying to define anxiety in a way that can be empirically tested She is attempting to find an appropriate A operational definition B double-blind study C hypothesis D theory Answer A Explanation A Operational definitions specify how variables are to be observed or measured Hannah has always been drawn to the saying Absence makes the heart grow fonder and she decides to incorporate this saying into her research project Hannah is trying to define absence in a way that can be empirically tested She is attempting to find an appropriate A theory B double-blind study C hypothesis D operational definition Answer D Explanation D Operational definitions specify how variables are to be observed or measured Which of the following is most characteristic of scientists A reliance on scientific authority B intense conviction that a hypothesis is true C creativity in developing new ideas to test D reliance on empirical evidence Answer D Explanation D The basis of all science is reliance on empirical evidence The principle of falsifiability means that A scientists as well as people in general tend to accept false information when it is endorsed by an authority B a scientist must state an idea in such a way that it can be refuted or disproved by counterevidence C scientists must be careful not to falsify their results D theories that have not been proven are considered falsified Answer B Explanation B To be useful a scientific theory must be specific enough that its predictions can be proven or disproven that is it is falsifiable Which of the following statements is NOT true A Even though skepticism about new ideas is important a scientist should accept older ideas that have been endorsed by authorities in the field B It is important to balance skepticism with openness to new ideas C Skepticism and caution go hand in hand D Skepticism in science is an unwillingness to accept an idea without empirical evidence Answer A Explanation A All ideas both new and old should be subjected to the test of empirical support and should not be accepted just because they are endorsed by an authority In order to be taken seriously a hypothesis must be A backed by empirical evidence B imaginative and appealing C plausible given the current theories D suggested by a credible authority Answer A Explanation A Empirical evidence is the key to taking a theory or hypothesis seriously in science Confirmation bias is a A tendency to accept replicated studies but not accept studies that have not been replicated B belief that bias exists in many studies that prevents them from being confirmed C tendency to believe theories that have been confirmed by empirical data D tendency to look for evidence that supports our theory and ignore evidence that contradicts it Answer D Explanation D Confirmation bias is a tendency to look for evidence that supports our theory and ignore evidence that contradicts it The tendency to look for information that supports one's own belief is called the A criterion validity B volunteer bias C principle of falsifiability D confirmation bias Answer D Explanation D This is a definition of confirmation bias According to the principle of falsifiability A false conclusions are reached in a scientific study when researchers make risky predictions B researchers must conduct naturalistic observations in order to reach a causal explanation about a particular behaviour C hypotheses should be considered false until scientific research proves without a doubt that they are true D a scientific theory must make predictions that are specific enough to expose the theory to the possibility of disconfirmation Answer D Explanation D To be useful a scientific theory must be specific enough that its predictions can be proven or disproven that is it is falsifiable Descriptive methods such as case studies are useful when researchers are A not certain what it is they are studying B not able to conduct an experiment C not able to make appropriate observations D not able to make predictions Answer B Explanation B Case studies produce detailed descriptions of an individual and like other descriptive methods can generate more specific hypotheses On the internet reports of murderous satanic cults operating in Canada are widespread but the RCMP has never been able to substantiate this claim Some individuals continued to believe in the existence of the cults saying that the RCMP has been part of the conspiracy This is an example of a violation of in everyday life A the volunteer bias B the principle of falsifiability C the coefficient of correlation D replication Answer B Explanation B The belief in satanic cults could not be disproven therefore it was not a valid theory Which of the following statements is true A Disclosure of the details of a study is important to allow for replication by others B Research procedures once patented should be shared openly C It is a waste of time and money to replicate a study that has already been done D Scientists should keep their research secret so others will not steal their ideas Answer A Explanation A Science depends on the free flow of ideas and full disclosure of studies Replication is an essential part of the scientific process Scientists are expected to submit their results to professional journals which send the findings to experts for evaluation before publication This process is called A criterion validity B peer review C content validity D reliability Answer B Explanation B This is a definition of the peer review process One purpose of peer review is to A make sure that the researchers did not deceive their subjects in any way B make sure that the research does not involve animals as subjects C scrutinize the evidence before any announcement to the public D choose which among competing interpretations of a finding is best Answer C Explanation C A major purpose of peer review is to make sure a study used valid methods in obtaining its results Otherwise the results are not valid and could be misleading What was wrong with Norman Cousins s claim that humour and vitamins could cure life-threatening diseases A It was not falsifiable B It was not based on empirical evidence C It resulted from confirmation bias D Its variables were not operationally defined Answer B Explanation B Norman Cousins's claim was based on only one case his own and was therefore anecdotal evidence that had not been empirically tested Replication relies upon a scientist s A openness B skepticism C reliance on empirical evidence D precision Answer A Explanation A Replication is an essential part of the scientific process This process ensures that other scientists can verify or challenge the findings Science is meant to be a an activity A elite B secret C private D communal Answer D Explanation D Scientists are expected to share their evidence and procedures with others Descriptive methods allow a researcher to do all of the following EXCEPT A choose one explanation about behaviour over competing ones B predict behaviour C describe behaviour D depict behaviour Answer A Explanation A Descriptive methods allow researchers to describe and predict behaviour but not necessarily choose one explanation over another Research methods that depict behaviour but are not necessarily causal explanations are called A significance tests B experimental methods C descriptive methods D single-blind studies Answer C Explanation C This is a definition of descriptive research techniques A detailed description of a particular individual being studied or treated is called a A case study B single-blind study C representative sample D naturalistic observation Answer A Explanation A This is the definition of a case study Which of the following is an advantage of case studies A Case studies produce a more detailed picture of an individual than do other methods B The observer may have biases that influence which facts are observed and which are ignored C An individual case may not be representative of others D Information is often missing or hard to interpret Answer A Explanation A All of the other choices are disadvantages not advantages of case studies The case of Genie illustrated that A autistic children often have cold rejecting mothers B there is an early critical period for language development C early severe deprivation can be overcome with later therapy D language acquisition is possible even if it is delayed until adolescence Answer B Explanation B The case study of Genie demonstrated that in this individual early severe deprivation could not be overcome Therefore it appears that there is an early critical period for language development In the s a -year-old girl was found locked up in a room strapped to a potty chair Since she had grown up in a world without human speech researchers studied Genie's ability to acquire words grammar and pronunciation This type of research is called a A representative sample B naturalistic observation C case study D single-blind study Answer C Explanation C This is an example of a case study a detailed study of one individual In the s Genie's difficulty acquiring words grammar and pronunciation led researchers to conclude that A Genie's linguistic deficits can be generalized to other abused children B Genie had suffered brain damage in the birth process C language depends on nurture rather than nature D a critical period exists for language development Answer D Explanation D The case study of Genie demonstrated that in this individual early severe deprivation could not be overcome Therefore it appears that there is an early critical period for language development are usually sources of hypotheses rather than tests of hypotheses A Single-blind studies B Case studies C Double-blind studies D Field research studies Answer B Explanation B Case studies do not test hypotheses but may suggest them Dr Olson wants to know whether or not the first three years of life are critical for acquiring language She decides to study children who have been deprived of human language The appropriate method to use to explore this issue would be a an A case study B observational study C survey D experiment Answer A Explanation A It would not be ethical to do an experiment in this case The other methods listed would be possible but one or several related case studies would be most useful On the basis of case study research psychoanalyst Bruno Bettelheim wrote that autism in children is caused by cold and rejecting mothers Thousands of women blamed themselves for lacking warmth The example is described in order to A demonstrate that nurture is more important than nature in psychological problems such as autism B illustrate the importance of motherhood so that other children don't suffer this type of tragedy C illustrate that drawing conclusions solely on the basis of case studies can have disastrous results D demonstrate that case studies are able to establish causal connections in some clinical cases Answer C Explanation C Case studies may generate hypotheses but it is not appropriate to generalize from case studies and draw conclusions about other people A case study would be the most appropriate method to investigate which of these topics A the math skills of students in Japan as compared to those of Canadian students B the development of a male baby raised as a female after a surgical error destroyed his penis C physiological changes that occur when people watch violent movies D the ways in which the games of boys differ from the games of girls Answer B Explanation B Case studies are most useful in unusual or rare cases Over a period of years a British woman sniffed large amounts of cocaine which she obtained legally under British regulations for the treatment of addicts She appeared to show no negative effects other than drug dependence What does this case tell us about the dangers safety of cocaine A It is safe when legally regulated B Not much C It is dangerous because it causes dependence D It should be legalized in Canada Answer B Explanation B This is a case study and cannot be generalized to other people therefore it tells us nothing Which of the following is NOT a descriptive method A tests B case studies C surveys D correlation Answer D Explanation D Correlation is a statistical technique not a descriptive technique Which descriptive method would be most appropriate for studying flirtation behaviour in college students A test B survey C observation D case study Answer C Explanation C Because flirtation is often engaged in without awareness observation would be most appropriate Which descriptive method would be most appropriate for studying mathematics ability of incoming college students A case study B test C observation D survey Answer B Explanation B Tests are most useful in measuring ability of large groups of people Which descriptive method would be most appropriate for studying changes in behaviour following a rare brain disorder A observation B survey C case study D test Answer C Explanation C Case studies are most useful in rare or unusual cases An academic researcher would use the case study method in all of the following situations EXCEPT A when the purpose of the research is to track down a cause B when practical considerations prevent other methods of gathering information C when first beginning to study a research topic D when ethical considerations prevent other methods of gathering information Answer A Explanation A The case study method is not useful in determining causes though it may result in hypotheses In the researcher carefully and systematically watches and records behaviour without interfering with the behaviour A survey research B double-blind research C experimental research D observational research Answer D Explanation D This is a description of observational research An advantage of observational studies is that A they can provide accurate descriptions of behaviour B they do not provide hypotheses to be tested C they can answer questions about cause and effect D the presence of observers can alter the behaviour being observed Answer A Explanation A Observational studies provide good descriptive information but cannot answer questions about cause and effect though they may provide some hypotheses to be tested Observer effects are a disadvantage not an advantage Dawn is systematically recording behaviours at a nursery school making sure that she doesn't interfere with the behaviours Dawn is engaged in A double-blind research B observational research C survey research D experimental research Answer B Explanation B This is an example of observational research For his adult development class Barry is systematically recording behaviours at an assisted-care facility making sure that he doesn't interfere with the behaviours Barry is engaged in A observational research B statistically significant research C standardized testing D experimental research Answer A Explanation A This is an example of observational research Dr Littman-Smith is conducting research in Kenya in order to determine the ways that mothers and their toddlers interact throughout the day It is most likely that she is engaged in A case study research B experimental research C laboratory observation D naturalistic observation Answer D Explanation D Naturalistic observation or observation in a natural setting would be most useful in this example Dr Nicod is conducting research in France in order to determine the ways that mothers and their toddlers interact throughout the day It is most likely that she is engaged in A meta-analysis research B naturalistic observation C survey research D psychological testing Answer B Explanation B Naturalistic observation or observation in a natural setting would be most useful in this example Professor Gaggos wants to determine whether the needs for personal space are different in Greece than they are in Canada His results will be used to train business executives in maintaining appropriate conversational distances The research method appropriate to his purpose would be A naturalistic observation B a case study C an objective inventory D laboratory observation Answer A Explanation A Naturalistic observation or observation in a natural setting would be most useful in this example Professor Hardin wants to know if people consume greater quantities of alcohol during happy hour specials It is most likely that she will use the method to explore this topic A double-blind B experimental C naturalistic observation D case study Answer C Explanation C Naturalistic observation or observation in a natural setting would be most useful and accurate in this example When researchers visited pubs in one city they ordered beers and recorded observations on napkins and pieces of newspaper The reason they kept records in this way was A to be able to determine experimenter effects at a later point in time B to make sure that their intentions were not obvious to those they were observing C to conduct a double-blind study in each of the pubs D to make sure the study had test-retest reliability Answer B Explanation B In observational research it is important that the subjects not be aware that they are being observed Otherwise their behaviour may be altered Tess agrees to sleep in a laboratory for three nights so that researchers can obtain information about her brain and muscle activity during sleep She is taking part in a study A double-blind B single-blind C laboratory observation D naturalistic observation Answer C Explanation C In this example observation is being carried out in a specialized laboratory not in a natural setting Psychologists sometimes prefer to make observations in a laboratory setting rather than a naturalistic setting because A subjects take their participation seriously in a professional environment B it is too time-consuming to have to drive from place to place to observe subjects C a lab allows the researchers to have more control over the situation D laboratory observation results generalize to everyday life Answer C Explanation C In some cases it is important for researchers to have more control over the environment than they would have in a natural setting Professor Steegel wants to know how infants of different ages respond when left with a stranger The most efficient approach to explore this topic would be to conduct a A naturalistic observation B series of case studies C laboratory observation D double-blind experiment Answer C Explanation C It would be unlikely that one would encounter this type of situation very often in a natural setting but it can be set up in a laboratory Professor Kribs wants to know how infants of different ages respond when left with a stranger The most efficient approach to explore this topic would be to conduct a A laboratory observation B double-blind experiment C survey D single-blind experiment Answer A Explanation A It would be unlikely that one would encounter this type of situation very often in a natural setting but it can be set up in a laboratory Professor Turner wants to know if physiological changes occur when people watch violent movies The most appropriate method to study this would be A survey B laboratory observation C naturalistic observation D case study Answer B Explanation B Laboratory observation would be the most efficient method to use in this situation A naturalistic observation would be the most appropriate method to investigate which of these topics A the math skills of students in Japan as compared to those of Canadian students B physiological changes that occur when people watch violent movies C the ways in which the games of boys differ from the games of girls D the development of a male baby raised as a female after a surgical error destroyed his penis Answer C Explanation C Naturalistic observation which observes and describes behaviour in a natural setting would be most useful for determining the types of games that boys and girls engage in A laboratory observation would be the most appropriate method to investigate which of these topics A physiological changes that occur when people watch violent movies B the math skills of students in Japan as compared to those of Canadian students C the ways in which the games of boys differ from the games of girls D the development of a male baby raised as a female after a surgical error destroyed his penis Answer A Explanation A Because of the need for specialized equipment to measure physiological changes laboratory observation would be most efficient and therefore most appropriate One shortcoming of laboratory observation is that A the presence of researchers and special equipment may cause subjects to act differently than they would in their natural surroundings B some subjects are given detailed instructions about how to behave whereas others receive only vague instructions C the results often are inaccurate because many people have a distorted view of their own abilities and traits D teachers and parents do not usually question the results from a laboratory observation since the results are summarized in a single precise-sounding number Answer A Explanation A When people know they are being observed and when they are not in their normal environment their behaviour may differ from what it would be in a more natural setting without the presence of observers Procedures used to measure and evaluate personality traits emotional states aptitudes and values are called A field research B laboratory observations C control conditions D psychological tests Answer D Explanation D Tests are used to measure personality traits emotional states aptitudes opinions values and other characteristics Assessment instruments that are designed to tap unconscious feelings or motives are called A inventories B objective tests C alternate forms D projective tests Answer D Explanation D Projective tests are used to try to determine a person's unconscious feelings and motives Tessa agrees to an evaluation designed to tap her unconscious feelings and motives Tessa will be given a an A projective test B alternate form exam C inventory D objective test Answer A Explanation A This is an example of a situation in which a projective test would be used Assessment instruments that are designed to measure beliefs feelings or behaviours of which an individual is aware are called A inferential statistics B projective tests C norms D objective tests Answer D Explanation D This is a description of objective tests as distinguished from projective tests Harvey is being assessed in order to measure his beliefs and feelings regarding the next election It is most likely that the assessment instrument will be a an A projective test B norm C inferential statistic D objective test Answer D Explanation D An objective test would be most appropriate in this situation because Harvey is aware of his beliefs and feelings regarding the upcoming election A researcher decides that a psychological test is the most efficient means of testing his hypothesis A test would NOT be appropriate if the researcher wanted to A make a conclusion regarding cause and effect B promote self-understanding among his participants C draw generalizations about human behaviour D clarify the reactions of the same person at different stages of life Answer A Explanation A Tests are descriptive and cannot be used to determine cause and effect One test of a good test is whether it is standardized that is whether A the test specifies the operations for observing and measuring the process being tested B uniform procedures exist for giving and scoring the test C the test yields consistent scores from one time and place to another time and place D the test specifies relationships between events or variables and yields an empirical evaluation Answer B Explanation B Standardization involves uniformity in giving and scoring tests When Haylee takes a personality test the researcher gives her detailed instructions and plenty of time to complete it But Tyler takes the same test and is given only vague instructions and a limited amount of time This procedural difference shows a problem in regard to A reliability B validity C standardization D norms Answer C Explanation C Standardization means that the test is always given under the same circumstances and with the same instructions Hadley is told that the achievement test that he is taking is a standardized test This means that A the test will be measuring what is it intended to measure B the score he receives is likely to be similar to the score he would receive at a later test session C similar scores occur when the test is given in a standard laboratory setting or in a naturalistic setting D uniform procedures exist for giving and scoring the test Answer D Explanation D Standardization involves uniformity in giving and scoring tests When Hoshi asks about the test she is taking she is told that the achievement test does use established standards of performance Hoshi's question was about the test's A content validity B norms C test-retest reliability D criterion validity Answer B Explanation B Norms are standards of achievement that have been determined from a representative sample of people Reliability in tests means that the test A is unbiased B is fair C actually measures what it is supposed to measure D produces the same results from one time and place to the next Answer D Explanation D Reliable tests are consistent An established standard of performance defines A content validity B a standard score C reliability D a norm Answer D Explanation D This is a definition of a norm In order to be useful a test must be reliable that is it must A produce the same results from one time to the next B measure what it is designed to measure C compare results against established standards of performance D predict other criteria of the trait in question Answer A Explanation A To be reliable a test must produce consistent results When Joyce takes a personality test she is told that the test is reliable that is it A predicts other criteria of the personality trait in question B compares its results against established standards of performance C produces the same results from one time to the next D measures what it is designed to measure Answer C Explanation C To be reliable a test must produce consistent results You have developed a personality inventory and are ready to administer this new test to a group of participants Your test would be considered a an test A naturalistic B projective C objective D subjective Answer C Explanation C Objective tests are also called inventories and they measure beliefs feelings or behaviours of which an individual is aware The advantage of a psychological test assuming it is well constructed rests on the fact that A most people are highly accurate in evaluating themselves B many people do not have an accurate view of themselves C they permit greater control over the situation than do laboratory observations D psychological tests allow researchers to make cause-and-effect statements Answer B Explanation B Many people have a distorted view of their own abilities and traits hence well-constructed psychological tests are a great improvement over simple self-evaluation When Sandee takes a personality test she is told that the resulting score is compared to norms that is the test A predicts other criteria of the personality trait in question B measures what it is designed to measure C produces the same results from one time to the next D results are compared to established standards of performance Answer D Explanation D Norms are established standards of performance to which an individual's test score can be compared Greg is given a vocational-interest test and then retakes the same test a week later The psychologist is measuring the of the test A alternate-forms reliability B content validity C test-retest reliability D criterion validity Answer C Explanation C This is a description of how test-retest reliability is established Ken is given a vocational-interest test and then takes a similar test a week later The psychologist is measuring the of the test A alternate-forms reliability B criterion validity C content validity D test-retest reliability Answer A Explanation A This is a description of how alternate-forms reliability is established Anastasia is given a vocational-interest test in November and then retakes the test in January The psychologist is of the test A standardizing the norms B measuring the alternate-forms reliability C establishing the criterion validity D measuring the test-retest reliability Answer D Explanation D This is a description of how test-retest reliability is established A team of psychologists is studying changes in attitudes toward nuclear disarmament after a TV movie about nuclear holocaust It is most likely that they are conducting a an A test B experiment C observational study D case study Answer A Explanation A Tests can be used to measure attitudes both before and after viewing the movie Professor Tearlach gives her new test of psychological aptitude to her psychology students at the start of the year At the end of the year she finds out that those students who did poorly on her test averaged an A in her courses A shortcoming of the test is that it lacks A reliability B a representative sample C criterion validity D double-blind procedures Answer C Explanation C In this example criterion validity is clearly lacking since the test does not predict performance A test would be the most appropriate method to investigate which of these topics A the development of a male baby raised as a female after a surgical error destroyed his penis B physiological changes that occur when people watch violent movies C the math skills of students in Korea as compared to those of Canadian students D the ways in which the games of boys differ from the games of girls Answer C Explanation C Tests are most appropriate for measuring characteristics of large groups of people Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good test A It is believable B It is standardized C It is valid D It is reliable Answer A Explanation A Whether a test is believable has no bearing on whether it is a good test With respect to assessment instruments when test scores are consistent they are referred to as whereas the term means that the test scores accurately reflect what is being measured A valid reliable B valid standardized C consistent reliable D reliable valid Answer D Explanation D To be reliable a test must produce consistent results Validity means that a test measures what it is designed to measure Which of the following statements is FALSE A Popular polls and surveys often suffer from volunteer bias because people who feel strongly enough to volunteer their opinions may differ from those who remain silent B Surveys are procedures used to measure and evaluate personality traits emotional states aptitude interests abilities and values C A problem with surveys is that sometimes people lie or misinterpret the question D Most people do not realize that a sample's size is less critical than its representativeness Answer B Explanation B Tests not surveys are procedures used to measure and evaluate personality traits emotional states aptitude interests abilities and values Which of the following is an area of controversy concerning the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL A The validity of the TOEFL for students who take their primary courses in languages other than English B There are large discrepancies when the results of two TOEFL testing sessions are compared C The ability of the TOEFL to predict university performance is questionable D The extent to which the TOEFL scores are fair in regard to women and minorities has been questioned Answer C Explanation C There is a marginal relationship between scores on the TOEFL and academic performance for undergraduate students Two types of validity are A standardization and reliability B validity with norms and validity without norms C content validity and standardization D content validity and criterion validity Answer D Explanation D Content validity and criterion validity are the two major types of validity If a test measures what it is supposed to measure it is A reliable B valid C standardized D criterion referenced Answer B Explanation B This is a definition of validity When Dana takes a personality test she is told that the test has been judged to have criterion validity that is A it produces the same results from one time to the next B its results are compared to established standards of performance C it measures what it is designed to measure D it predicts other criteria of the personality trait in question Answer D Explanation D Criterion validity exists when a test's results are predictive of other criteria of the trait being measured When Becky takes a personality test she is told that the test has been judged to have content validity that is A it predicts other criteria of the personality trait in question B it produces the same results from one time to the next C it measures what it is designed to measure D its results are compared to established standards of performance Answer C Explanation C Content validity exists when a test's items are related to actual standards of performance In order to be useful a test must be valid that is it must A produce the same results from one time to the next B produce comparable results when alternate forms are given C compare results against established standards of performance D measure what it is designed to measure Answer D Explanation D Validity means that a test measures what it is designed to measure Ryan and his middle-school teammates buy a sports magazine and take the test entitled Do you have what it takes to make the CFL Given our textbook's discussion of test construction what advice would be best to give to Ryan A The norms were probably established using college students and so the results wouldn't apply to you B Keep practicing because unless an injury gets in the way the test's results are likely to be reliable and valid C Magazine tests are usually valid instruments but they are rarely reliable and so the results only explain current football skills D Don't take the results too seriously because the test is just a list of questions that someone thought sounded good Answer D Explanation D Tests in popular magazines have rarely been determined to be valid or reliable and they lack normative data Professor Flummox gives her new test of psychological aptitude to her psychology students at the start of the year At the end of the year she finds out that those students who received excellent scores on her test averaged only a C in her courses A shortcoming of the test is that it lacks A reliability B criterion validity C a representative sample D double-blind procedures Answer B Explanation B In this example criterion validity is clearly lacking since the test does not predict performance The pop-psych tests found in magazines and newspapers usually A have not been evaluated for validity or reliability B have been evaluated for validity and reliability C have not been evaluated for validity but are reliable tests D have not been evaluated for reliability but are valid tests Answer A Explanation A Tests in popular magazines have rarely been determined to be valid or reliable and they lack normative data Most personality and intelligence tests on the internet and in magazines are A neither reliable nor valid B both reliable and valid C valid but not reliable D reliable but not valid Answer A Explanation A Tests in popular magazines and on the internet have rarely been determined to be valid or reliable and they lack normative data usually generate information about people indirectly in contrast gather information by asking people directly about their experiences A Case studies laboratory experiments B Surveys case studies C Psychological tests surveys D Laboratory experiments psychological tests Answer C Explanation C This is a comparison of tests to surveys Which descriptive method would be most appropriate for studying attitudes toward stem-cell research A survey B case study C test D observation Answer A Explanation A Surveys are generally most appropriate for measuring attitudes of large groups of people When a radio talk show host asked listeners to call in their opinions regarding legislation to decriminalize marijuana the overwhelming response was support for the change All of the following are likely shortcomings of this survey EXCEPT A the lack of a representative sample B the method of subject recruitment C the tendency to lie about touchy subjects D the issue of volunteer bias Answer C Explanation C In this situation most people probably do not lie A group of subjects randomly selected from the population of interest which matches the population on important characteristics such as age and sex is called A volunteer bias B a representative sample C the control group D the experimental group Answer B Explanation B This is a definition of a representative sample Dr Wiseman wants to know about the alcohol consumption patterns among college students in Canada He should A draw a representative sample among college students B give the survey to every college student in the country C require students' names on each survey to avoid the tendency to lie D remember that sample size is the most critical factor in survey research Answer A Explanation A It is not necessary to survey the entire population of interest as long as the sample used is representative The editors of Scientific American are able to obtain a representative sample of their readers in order to assess their attitudes toward preservation of the rain forests in Costa Rica When interpreting the results of their survey the editors will be able to apply the results to A North Americans B Costa Rica C scientists D subscribers of Scientific American Answer D Explanation D Survey results can be generalized only to people similar to the original respondents The magazine Lover's Delight publishes a survey of its female readers called The Sex Life of the Canadian Wife It reports that of all wives like to make love in rubber boots The critical flaw in this research would be the fact that A rubber boots are not equally available in all regions of the country B the sample is not representative of Canadian wives C a psychological test rather than a survey should have been given D making love has not been operationally defined Answer B Explanation B Respondents to such a survey would include only readers of the particular magazine and would not be representative of all people A representative sample is a A large group of participants containing at least of the population of interest B group of participants that contains both volunteers and nonvolunteers C group of participants containing males females and representatives of all racial and ethnic groups D group of participants that accurately represents the larger population of interest Answer D Explanation D A definition of a representative sample is a group of participants that accurately represents the larger population of interest The likelihood of lying about a touchy topic is reduced when respondents A are questioned by a compassionate interviewer B are paid for their participation in the survey C are guaranteed anonymity D receive explanations regarding the importance of the survey Answer C Explanation C Anonymity generally results in increased honesty about touchy subjects Famed sex researcher Alfred Kinsey found that more truthful responses were elicited when he phrased a question in which of the following ways A Do your behaviours regarding nonmarital sex match your values B Have you ever had sex outside of marriage C Have you ever engaged in fornication or adultery D How many times have you had nonmarital sex Answer D Explanation D This type of phrasing generally lends itself to more honest answers Problems with surveys may include all of the following EXCEPT A lack of representative samples B lack of honesty of participants C choice of media phone internet etc to use for the survey D volunteer bias Answer C Explanation C Choice of media is an important consideration but is not necessarily a problem Many tests and surveys on the Web have not been A correlated B replicated C validated D standardized Answer C Explanation C Many tests and surveys on the Web have not been validated A an is a measure of how strongly two variables are related to one another A correlation B independent variable C experimental effect D dependent variable Answer A Explanation A This is a definition of correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A statistical measure of the relationship between two variables is the definition of A correlation B relationship coefficient C an experiment D replication Answer A Explanation A This is a definition of correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A negative correlation means that A high values of one variable are associated with low values of the other B there is no relationship between the two variables C high values of one variable are associated with high values of the other D low values of one variable are associated with low values of the other Answer A Explanation A Negative correlations indicate that two related variables move in opposite directions that is the higher one variable the lower the other is and vice versa Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Julie has found that the number of hours she sleeps each night is related to the scores she receives on quizzes the next day As her sleep approaches eight hours her quiz scores improve as her sleep drops to five hours her quiz scores show a similar decline Julie realizes that A she should sleep about hours a night to ensure quiz grades B there is a positive correlation between the number of hours she sleeps and her quiz grades C her low quiz scores are caused by sleep deprivation the night before a quiz D there is a negative correlation between the number of hours she sleeps and her quiz grades Answer B Explanation B This is an example of a positive correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Janie has found that the number of hours she sleeps each night is related to the scores she receives on quizzes the next day As her sleep approaches eight hours her quiz scores improve as her sleep drops to five hours her quiz scores show a similar decline Janie realizes that A her low quiz scores are caused by sleep deprivation the night before a quiz B she should sleep about hours a night to ensure quiz grades C worrying about low quiz scores causes her to have insomnia before a quiz D there is a positive correlation between the number of hours she sleeps and her quiz grades Answer D Explanation D This is an example of a positive correlation but does not give any information about cause and effect Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The word correlation is often used incorrectly as a synonym for A relationship B variable C reliability D validity Answer A Explanation A Correlation is a measure of relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A correlation is a numerical measure of the A behaviours of subjects followed and periodically assessed over time B strength of the relationship between two variables C behaviours of subjects of different ages compared at a given time D unintended changes in subjects' behaviour due to cues from the experimenter Answer B Explanation B Correlation is a measure of relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations All of the following variables EXCEPT show a positive correlation A height and weight B school grades and I Q scores C men's educational level and their income D average income and the incidence of dental disease Answer D Explanation D There is a negative relationship between average income and the incidence of dental disease Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations All of the following variables EXCEPT show a negative correlation A the price of a car and the age of a car B hours spent watching TV and grade point average C average income and the incidence of dental disease D adult shoe size and IQ scores Answer D Explanation D There is no relationship between shoe size and IQ scores Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Two sets of observations assessing height and weight are compared Which of the following is the most likely outcome A The two variables will be uncorrelated B The first variable causes the second variable C The two variables will be positively correlated D The two variables will be negatively correlated Answer C Explanation C Height and weight are positively correlated that is in general the taller a person is the more he or she weighs Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Two sets of observations assessing men's educational level and their annual income are compared Which of the following is the most likely outcome A The two variables will be uncorrelated B The first variable caused the second variable C The two variables will be positively correlated D The two variables will be negatively correlated Answer C Explanation C In general men with more education also earn more a positive correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Two sets of observations assessing annual income and the number of dental problems needing care are compared Which of the following is the most likely outcome A The two variables will be positively correlated B The first variable causes the second variable C The two variables will be negatively correlated D The two variables will be uncorrelated Answer C Explanation C In general people with low incomes do not receive preventive dental care and therefore have more dental problems Thus this is a negative correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Two sets of observations assessing annual income and dental health are compared Which of the following is the most likely outcome A The two variables will be positively correlated B The two variables will be uncorrelated C The two variables will be negatively correlated D The first variable causes the second variable Answer A Explanation A In general people with higher incomes receive more preventive dental care and therefore have better dental health Thus this is a positive correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Two sets of observations assessing hours spent watching television and grade-point averages are compared Which of the following is the most likely outcome A The two variables will be negatively correlated B The first variable causes the second variable C The two variables will be uncorrelated D The two variables will be positively correlated Answer A Explanation A In general grade-point average decreases as hours watching television increases a negative correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Two sets of observations assessing age and the number of hairs on a man's head are compared Which of the following is the most likely outcome A The first variable causes the second variable B The two variables will be positively correlated C The two variables will be uncorrelated D The two variables will be negatively correlated Answer D Explanation D Generally older men have less hair a negative correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Two sets of observations assessing shoe size and IQ are compared Which of the following is the most likely outcome A The two variables will be uncorrelated B The two variables will be negatively correlated C The first variable causes the second variable D The two variables will be positively correlated Answer A Explanation A It is unlikely that shoe size and IQ are related in any way Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A researcher is interested in whether there is a relationship between musical ability and mathematical ability The type of design best suited to this task would be a an A case study B correlational study C survey D naturalistic observation Answer B Explanation B A correlational study is a descriptive study that looks for a consistent relationship between two phenomena Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations It is quite likely that the more classes students miss the lower their test grades tend to be This relationship illustrates a an A coefficient of correlation B positive correlation C zero correlation D negative correlation Answer D Explanation D A negative correlation means that high values of one variable are associated with low values of another Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Professor Holden gives a psychology exam on the origins of intelligence She gives a short answer question based on the IQ scores of a parent child pair In order to answer the question correctly her students need to remember that A given these variables the correlation will be positive B to say that a relationship exists you need more than one pair of values to compare C given these variables the correlation will be uncorrelated D given these variables the correlation will be negative Answer B Explanation B To say that a relationship exists you need more than one pair of values to compare Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Dr Myers found that students in her class who scored or better on the mid-term exam were likely to score or better on the final exam Students who scored below on the midterm however were likely to end up failing the final exam These test results suggest A there is a strong negative correlation between the midterm and final exam scores B students who do poorly on the midterm exam give up and fail to study adequately for the final exam C the midterm and final exam scores are not correlated D there is a strong positive correlation between the midterm and final exam scores Answer D Explanation D A strong positive correlation between two variables indicates a strong direct relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Imagine that the personality traits of conservatism and aggression have a strong negative correlation If Sue has a score on aggression that is very low A it is impossible to predict her score on the conservatism scale without more information B she will likely have an average conservatism score C she will likely have a high score on conservatism D she will likely have a low score on conservatism Answer C Explanation C When two variables are negatively correlated an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A researcher computes a coefficient of correlation and determines that it is zero This finding indicates that A a perfect correlation between two variables exists B as one variable increases the other variable decreases C there is no relationship between two variables D as one variable increases the other variable increases Answer C Explanation C The closer the correlation coefficient is to the weaker the relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Shannon reads in a news magazine that people who are chronically depressed are more likely than non-depressed people to develop cancer From this article Shannon would be able to determine that A chronic depression causes cancer B chronic depression and cancer are related to one another C early undetected cancer causes depression D depressed people tend to smoke causing cancer Answer B Explanation B Correlation tells us about relationships but not causal relationships Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations One of the more common errors with respect to correlational findings is making the assumption that a correlation between two variables A does not tell the researcher anything useful B means that since one variable predicts a second variable the first must be causing the second variable C whether positive or negative must be a perfect correlation to be useful to researchers D does not permit a researcher to make predictions about one variable based on information from another variable Answer B Explanation B A correlation does not show correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The coefficient of correlation conveys A whether or not the principle of falsifiability applies to each variable B the unintended changes in a subject's behaviour due to the experimenter's cues C the size and direction of a relationship between two variables D whether one variable causes the other variable to happen Answer C Explanation C Correlations give information about size and direction of relationships but not cause and effect Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Which of the following correlations is the strongest A - B C - D Answer A Explanation A Correlations further away from either positive or negative are stronger Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A correlation coefficient of - means that A a calculation error has been made B the relationship between the two variables is very strong C as one variable increases so does the other D the relationship between the two variables is very weak Answer A Explanation A Correlations can only range from - to therefore a calculation error has been made Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations When two variables are not related the correlation coefficient will be close to A B C - D - Answer A Explanation A The closer the correlation coefficient is to the weaker the relationship A correlation coefficient of indicates no relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations When two variables have a strong positive correlation the correlation coefficient will be close to A B - C D Answer D Explanation D Correlation coefficients close to indicate strong positive relationships Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations When two variables have a strong negative correlation the correlation coefficient will be close to A - B C D - Answer D Explanation D Correlation coefficients close to - indicate strong negative relationships Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The strongest relationship as indicted by these correlation coefficients is A B - C - D Answer B Explanation B The further her a correlation coefficient is from the stronger the relationship A correlation coefficient of is not possible Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The strongest relationship as indicted by these correlation coefficients is A B - C D - Answer B Explanation B The further a correlation coefficient is from the stronger the relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The strongest relationship as indicted by these correlation coefficients is A - B C D - Answer A Explanation A The further a correlation coefficient is from the stronger the relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The weakest relationship as indicted by these correlation coefficients is A B - C - D Answer D Explanation D The closer the correlation coefficient is to the weaker the relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A researcher finds that there is no correlation between the colour of the house you grew up in and your IQ This relationship as indicted by these correlation coefficients is A - B C D - Answer B Explanation B The closer the correlation coefficient is to the weaker the relationship A correlation coefficient of indicates no relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A researcher finds that there is no correlation between the colour of the house you grew up in and your IQ This relationship as indicted by these correlation coefficients is A B - C D - Answer C Explanation C The closer the correlation coefficient is to the weaker the relationship A correlation coefficient of indicates no relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Which of the following statements about correlation is true A Positive correlations are meaningful but negative ones are not B A strong correlation is indicative of a causal relationship between variables C Correlations close to or - are strong while correlations close to are weak D Negative correlations are weak but positive ones are strong Answer C Explanation C The closer the correlation coefficient is to the weaker the relationship and the closer the correlation coefficient is to or - the stronger the relationship Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The number of storks nesting in some European villages is positively correlated with the number of human births in the villages This means that A when many storks are nesting in the villages researchers may predict fewer human births B the researchers made an error in their calculations since babies don't attract storks C since storks don't bring babies one may assume that correlation never represents causation D the number of human births may be predicted by knowing the number of stork nestings Answer D Explanation D Correlations can be used to make predictions but do not indicate cause and effect Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The higher a male monkey's level of the hormone testosterone the more aggressive he is likely to be This means that A testosterone causes aggression B testosterone and aggression are negatively correlated C testosterone and aggression are uncorrelated D testosterone and aggression are positively correlated Answer D Explanation D Correlations indicate strength and direction of relationships but do not indicate cause and effect This is an example of a positive correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The higher a male monkey's level of the hormone testosterone the less docile he is likely to be This means that A testosterone deficiencies cause docility in monkeys B testosterone and docility are negatively correlated C testosterone and docility are positively correlated D testosterone and docility are uncorrelated Answer B Explanation B Correlations indicate strength and direction of relationships but do not indicate cause and effect This is an example of a negative correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The hotter the weather the more muggings tend to occur This means that A hot weather and crime are uncorrelated B heat causes violent behaviours C hot weather and crime are positively correlated D hot weather and crime are negatively correlated Answer C Explanation C Correlations indicate strength and direction of relationships but do not indicate cause and effect This is an example of a positive correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The colder the weather the fewer muggings tend to occur This means that A cold weather causes a reduction in crime B cold weather and crime are positively correlated C cold weather and crime are negatively correlated D cold weather and crime are uncorrelated Answer C Explanation C Correlations indicate strength and direction of relationships but do not indicate cause and effect This is an example of a negative correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The higher a male monkey's level of the hormone testosterone the more aggressive he is likely to be This means that A aggression stimulates the production of testosterone B age may influence aggression and hormone production independently C testosterone causes aggression D any of the above explanations is a possibility Answer D Explanation D Any of the explanations is a possibility but a correlation cannot indicate which one is true Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The hotter the weather the more muggings tend to occur This means that A hot temperatures make people edgy and cause them to commit crimes B criminals may find it more comfortable to commit crimes in warm weather C potential victims are more plentiful when the weather warms up D any of the above explanations is a possibility Answer D Explanation D Any of the explanations is a possibility but a correlation cannot indicate which one is true Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations The principal reason that researchers use the experimental method is to A make claims concerning cause and effect B eliminate the need for operational definitions C have less control over the situation D determine whether two variables are related Answer A Explanation A An experiment allows the researcher to control or manipulate the situation being studied Experiments are more valuable than other research methods because A there is a control group to compare with the experimental group B they allow a determination of cause-and-effect relationships C they are conducted in labs where the researcher is able to control all the variables D they use both independent and dependent variables Answer B Explanation B Experiments are the only method that allows a determination of cause and effect A controlled test of a hypothesis in which the researcher manipulates one variable in order to discover its effect on another variable is called a an A single-blind study B control condition C correlational study D experiment Answer D Explanation D This is a description of an experiment A controlled test of a hypothesis in which the researcher manipulates one variable in order to discover its effect on another variable is called A an experiment B a case study C a valid study D a reliable study Answer A Explanation A This is a description of an experiment Which variable does the experimenter manipulate A The confounding variable B The control variable C The dependent variable D The independent variable Answer D Explanation D The independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter A variable that the experimenter manipulates is called a an A dependent variable B independent variable C coefficient of correlation D control condition Answer B Explanation B The independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter A variable that the experimenter predicts will be affected by her manipulations is called a an A independent variable B dependent variable C coefficient of correlation D control condition Answer B Explanation B The dependent variable is a measure of the outcome of an experiment Ideally everything in the experimental situation EXCEPT the is held constant A inferential statistic B hypothesis C independent variable D placebo Answer C Explanation C The only difference between experimental and control groups should be the independent variable Ideally everything in the experimental situation EXCEPT the is held constant A reaction of the subjects B presumed effect C dependent variable D independent variable Answer D Explanation D The only difference between experimental and control groups should be the independent variable One of the variables in a research study is chocolate Chocolate A would be an independent variable B would be a placebo C would be a dependent variable D may be either an independent or dependent variable Answer D Explanation D Most variables could be either dependent or independent depending on the experiment A researcher wants to know whether eating chocolate makes people nervous The amount of chocolate eaten A would be a placebo B would be a dependent variable C would be an independent variable D may be either an independent or dependent variable Answer C Explanation C Independent variables are manipulated by the experimenter A researcher wants to know whether eating chocolate makes people nervous The amount of chocolate eaten would be the A independent variable B operational definition C criterion validity D inferential statistic Answer A Explanation A Independent variables are manipulated by the experimenter A researcher wants to know whether feeling nervous makes people eat chocolate The amount of chocolate eaten A would be an independent variable B would be a placebo C would be a dependent variable D may be either an independent or dependent variable Answer C Explanation C Dependent variables are outcome measures Professor Marshall wants to know if eating sweets for a bedtime snack makes children active In his study sweets before bedtime would be A the independent variable B the placebo C the dependent variable D the control condition Answer A Explanation A Independent variables are manipulated by the experimenter A researcher plans to investigate whether a cup of hot milk at night helps people relax so that they fall asleep quickly In this study A the control group consists of the subjects drinking hot milk at bedtime B experimenter effects will occur unless the researcher improves the hypothesis C the independent variable is the consumption of hot milk at bedtime D the independent variable is the amount of time it takes the person to fall asleep Answer C Explanation C The independent variable hot milk is manipulated by the experimenter A research hypothesis proposes that consuming low-carbohydrate diets results in increased weight loss One group of people follows a low-carb diet for three weeks while a second group follows a high-carb diet containing the same number of calories for three weeks The average number of pounds lost per person is compared What is the dependent variable A number of pounds lost B the amount of carbs in each diet C the number of calories in each diet D length of time on the diet Answer A Explanation A The dependent variable is the outcome measure the number of pounds lost A research hypothesis proposes that consuming low-carbohydrate diets results in increased weight loss One group of people follows a low-carb diet for three weeks while a second group follows a high-carb diet containing the same number of calories for three weeks The average number of pounds lost per person is compared What is the independent variable A the amount of carbs in each diet B the number of calories in each diet C number of pounds lost D length of time on the diet Answer A Explanation A The independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter the amount of carbs in each diet In a laboratory smokers are asked to drive using a computerized driving simulator equipped with a stick shift and a gas pedal The object is to maximize the distance covered by driving as fast as possible on a winding road while avoiding rear-end collisions Some of the subjects smoke a real cigarette immediately before climbing into the driver's seat Others smoke a fake cigarette without nicotine You are interested in comparing how many collisions the two groups have In this study the independent variable is A the use of a driving simulator B the driving skills of each driver C the use of nicotine D the number of collisions Answer C Explanation C The independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter the use of nicotine In a laboratory smokers are asked to drive using a computerized driving simulator equipped with a stick shift and a gas pedal The object is to maximize the distance covered by driving as fast as possible on a winding road while avoiding rear-end collisions Some of the subjects smoke a real cigarette immediately before climbing into the driver's seat Others smoke a fake cigarette without nicotine You are interested in comparing how many collisions the two groups have In this study the dependent variable is A the number of collisions B the use of nicotine C the driving skills of each driver D the use of a driving simulator Answer A Explanation A The dependent variable is the outcome measure the number of collisions Subjects are randomly assigned to the experimental or control condition to A make sure the two groups are equivalent B eliminate the placebo effect C control for experimenter effects D control for possible correlations between the independent and dependent variables Answer A Explanation A Random assignment helps to eliminate differences between groups In an experiment on the effects of playing video games on school grades which group is the control group A a group that is allowed to play video games for as long as they want each day B a group that plays video games only on weekends C a group that is allowed to play video games for one hour each day D a group that doesn't play video games at all Answer D Explanation D The control group is the one that is not exposed to the independent variable In this case the independent variable is playing video games All of the following are accurate statements regarding random assignment EXCEPT A it is a procedure in which each subject has the same possibility of being assigned to a given group B it is a procedure in which subjects are assigned to a positive correlation or a negative correlation condition C it is a procedure for assigning people to experimental and control groups D it is a procedure that allows individual characteristics to be roughly balanced between groups Answer B Explanation B Random assignment has nothing to do with correlation It is a procedure for helping to assure that the experimental and control groups are equivalent Professor Wakelin has developed a new form of therapy that he believes cures anxiety Of the people who go through his program improve A problem with his research study is A he conducted an experiment when he should have done a laboratory observation B over of the people did not improve C it lacks a well-developed hypothesis D it lacks a control condition Answer D Explanation D Without a control group for comparison it is not possible to interpret the meaning of the experimental results The in an experiment is a comparison condition in which subjects are not exposed to the same treatment as in the experimental condition A double-blind condition B criterion validity C control condition D single-blind condition Answer C Explanation C This is a description of a control group Dr Rodgers believes that people under high stress are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease When he randomly selects participants who have high-stress jobs he finds that of the participants develop cardiovascular disease Based on the results Dr Rodgers concludes that stress causes an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease His reasoning is flawed because in this study A he didn't formulate a hypothesis prior to conducting the study B there was no control group for comparison C there was no independent variable D there was no dependent variable Answer B Explanation B Without a control group for comparison it is not possible to interpret the meaning of the experimental results In a laboratory smokers are asked to drive using a computerized driving simulator equipped with a stick shift and a gas pedal The object is to maximize the distance covered by driving as fast as possible on a winding road while avoiding rear-end collisions Some of the subjects smoke a real cigarette immediately before climbing into the driver's seat Others smoke a fake cigarette without nicotine You are interested in comparing how many collisions the two groups have In this study the cigarette without nicotine is A a placebo B a double-blind procedure C an hypothesis D a dependent variable Answer A Explanation A A placebo is a sugar pill or treatment without the active ingredient It is used so that the subjects do not know who is getting nicotine and who isn't is an experiment in which subjects do not know if they are in the experimental or the control group A Field research B The double-blind study C The single-blind study D Correlational research Answer C Explanation C This is a description of a single-blind study Experimenter effects such as those found by Rosenthal are likely to occur as a result of A nonverbal cues B dishonest researchers C intentional biasing of researchers D dishonest participants Answer A Explanation A Even an experimenter's friendly smile can affect people's responses in a study A well-known study on experimenter effects using rats labelled as maze bright and maze dull was conducted by in A Alex Jacobsen B Robert Rosenthal C B F Skinner D Wade Tavris Answer B Explanation B Rosenthal conducted the study that is described here Unintended changes in subjects' behaviour due to cues inadvertently given by the experimenter are called A replications B volunteer biases C single-blind studies D experimenter effects Answer D Explanation D This is a definition of experimenter effects The purpose of a single-blind or double-blind study is to A eliminate the effects of expectations on the results of an experiment B examine the difference between the experimental and control groups C compare people blind in one eye with people blind in both eyes D examine the effects of the independent variable on the experimental group Answer A Explanation A Single- and double-blind studies help to limit the effects of bias and expectations Many psychologists have called for more field research because experimental studies A cannot identify cause and effect B do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn C may be missing vital information due to participants' inaccurate memories D often involve artificial situations Answer D Explanation D Artificial situations in some laboratory research cause results to be less generalizable to real situations is an experiment in which neither the subjects nor the individuals running the experiment know if subjects are in the experimental or the control group until after the results are tallied A The double-blind study B The single-blind study C Field research D Correlational research Answer A Explanation A This is a description of a double-blind study Many psychologists have called for more field research because experimental studies A cannot identify cause and effect B do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn C often involve artificial situations D may be missing vital information due to subjects' inaccurate memories Answer C Explanation C Laboratory studies often involve somewhat artificial situations and the results cannot generalize to real situations Field research overcomes this limitation Field research may yield better results than laboratory research because A placebos don't need to be used B subjects don't know they are in an experiment C the situation is less artificial D there is no control group Answer C Explanation C Artificial situations in some laboratory research cause results to be less generalizable to real situations Which of the following problems is NOT common to both experiments and surveys A Participants may not be representative of the larger population B Subjects may not behave honestly C Generalization may be limited if subjects are not selected randomly D It is not possible to determine cause and effect Answer D Explanation D Experiments but not surveys can determine cause and effect Which of the following is NOT a problem with experiments A Experimenter bias may affect subjects' performance B Generalization may be limited because the situation is artificial C Use of volunteers may bias the results D Cause and effect cannot be determined in an experiment Answer D Explanation D Cause and effect can be determined by experiments Which of the following is the definition of the arithmetic mean A a statistical procedure that allows researchers to draw inferences about how statistically meaningful a study's results are B an average that is calculated by adding up a set of quantities and dividing the sum by the total number of quantities in the set C a commonly used measure of variability that indicates the average difference between scores in a distribution and their mean D a statistical test that assesses how likely it is that a study's results occurred merely by chance so that the researcher knows that the probability that the difference is real is overwhelming Answer B Explanation B An arithmetic mean is an average Statistics are used for all of the following EXCEPT A determining the significance of the results B describing results C generating results D determining reliability and meaningfulness of results Answer C Explanation C Experiments generate results and statistics describe and analyze them Descriptive statistics includes all of the following EXCEPT A calculating the standard deviation B tests of significance C use of graphs and charts D calculating the arithmetic mean Answer B Explanation B Tests of significance are inferential statistics not descriptive statistics Which of the following is the definition of descriptive statistics A averages that are calculated by adding up a set of quantities and multiplying the sum by the total number of quantities in the set B statistical procedures that organize and summarize research data C statistical tests that assess how likely it is that a study's results occurred merely by chance D statistical procedures that allow researchers to draw inferences about how statistically meaningful a study's results are Answer B Explanation B Descriptive statistics are procedures that organize and summarize research data Which of the following is the definition of standard deviation A an average that is calculated by adding up a set of quantities and dividing the sum by the total number of quantities in the set B a statistical test that assesses how likely it is that a study's results occurred merely by chance so that the researcher knows that the probability that the difference is real is overwhelming C a commonly used measure of variability that indicates the average difference between scores in a distribution and their mean D a statistical procedure that allows researchers to draw implications about how statistically meaningful a study's results are Answer C Explanation C A standard deviation is defined as a commonly used measure of variability that indicates the average difference between scores in a distribution and their mean If the likelihood that a result occurred by chance is less than A the results are statistically significant B the results fail to support the hypothesis being tested C the results can be used to predict individual behaviour with some accuracy D the results are meaningless Answer A Explanation A This is a definition of statistical significance Psychologists consider a result to be significant if it would be expected to occur by chance time s in repetitions of the study A ten or fewer B one C five or fewer D fifteen or fewer Answer C Explanation C The most common criterion for significance is a probability less than times in repetitions In a journal article the authors report that the result is significant at the level This means that A the probability that the result is due to real differences between groups is times in repetitions of the study B the results failed to support the hypothesis of the study although the researchers may want to do further studies C the researchers know that the results were not obtained by chance and that the difference between the experimental and the control group is real D the probability that the result occurred by chance is extremely low and the probability that the difference is real is overwhelming Answer D Explanation D A level of significance means that there is less than probability that the results were due to chance Which of the following is the definition of inferential statistics A statistical procedures that allow researchers to draw inferences about how statistically meaningful a study's results are B statistical tests that assess how likely it is that a study's results occurred merely by chance C averages that are calculated by adding up a set of quantities and multiplying the sum by the total number of quantities in the set D statistical procedures that organize and summarize research data Answer A Explanation A Inferential statistics are procedures that allow researchers to draw inferences about how statistically meaningful a study's results are Which of the following is the definition of significance tests A statistical procedures that assess how likely it is that a study's results occurred merely by chance B averages that are calculated by adding up a set of quantities and multiplying the sum by the total number of quantities in the set C statistical procedures that allow researchers to draw inferences about how statistically meaningful a study's results are D statistical procedures that organize and summarize research data Answer A Explanation A Tests of significance are statistical procedures that assess how likely it is that a study's results occurred merely by chance A psychologist is studying gender relationships in childhood and early adolescence Children in grade and in grade are observed during lunchtime at school in order to assess seating preferences of boys and girls From this information it is evident that the researcher is A conducting a cross-sectional study B able to draw firm conclusions about cause and effect C conducting a longitudinal study D performing a meta-analysis procedure Answer A Explanation A Cross-sectional studies compare subjects of different ages at the same time When Patrick and Mary Anne first got married they agreed to participate in a research project that investigates the happiness of married couples over time Every five years they complete a survey that indicates their marital satisfaction It is evident that Patrick and Mary Anne are A subjects in a cross-sectional study B participants in a longitudinal study C subjects in a control condition D participants in a single-blind study Answer B Explanation B Longitudinal studies involve repeated testing of the same subjects over a long period of time Techniques such as meta-analysis are useful in psychology because A they allow for the careful study of behaviour in schools workplaces and other natural contexts B rarely does one study prove anything and this technique analyzes data from many studies C they include subjects who are exposed to experimental conditions that do not include the independent variable D they help reduce unintended changes in subjects' behaviour due to cues given by the experimenter Answer B Explanation B Meta-analysis allows the results of many studies to be combined Thus the results are more meaningful than the results of one small study that may or may not prove anything Interpreting the results of an experiment involves all of the following EXCEPT A choosing the best explanation B determining the effect size C summarizing the results with descriptive statistics D judging the results' importance Answer C Explanation C Descriptive statistics are used to report the results but not to explain them Which of the following statements is NOT true A Effect size can be small even with statistically significant results B Meta-analysis can reveal trends and effect size C Scientific breakthroughs are typically based on a single well-designed study D Scientific progress typically occurs gradually Answer C Explanation C Scientific breakthroughs are rarely based on a single study The Tri-Council that governs the code of conduct of all research done in Canada is comprised of three main federal agencies namely A CIHR NSERC AHFMR B SSHRC CPA CIHR C SSHRC AHFMR NSERC D NSERC SSHRC CIHR Answer D Explanation D Statement of fact The Tri-Council policy statement published in regarding the ethical conduct for research involving humans contains the following principles EXCEPT A respect for free and informed consent B respect for vulnerable persons C respect for human dignity D limiting the use of deception Answer D Explanation D Deception is sometimes necessary in experiments but subjects should be debriefed after the study According to the ethical guidelines of the Tri-Council and the Canadian Psychological Association researchers using human subjects must do all of the following EXCEPT A provide adequate financial reimbursement to compensate for the time and effort of their subjects B warn the subjects in advance if any risk exists for those participating in the study C give subjects the opportunity to withdraw from the study at any time without any penalty D explain enough about the study so that subjects can decide whether they wish to participate Answer A Explanation A The CPA ethical guidelines are designed to protect the rights of the subject and prevent harm to the subject not compensate the subject As a result of controversy over the use of deception in research A the CPA now does not allow deception B debriefing is required when deception is used C deception is allowed as long as subjects are volunteers D subjects who are deceived must receive therapy free of charge if they request it Answer B Explanation B Deception is sometimes necessary in experiments but subjects should be debriefed after the study when deception is involved People who participate in research studies must participate voluntarily and must know enough about the study to make an intelligent decision about participating a concept known as A criterion validity B informed consent C the basic research ethic D experimental clarification Answer B Explanation B This is a description of informed consent Animal research is used for all of the following reasons EXCEPT A to conduct basic research on a particular species B to improve human welfare C to replace human studies that would require deception D to discover practical applications Answer C Explanation C Animal research is used in some cases when human studies would be unethical or impossible Psychologists study animals for all of the following reasons EXCEPT A to clarify theoretical questions such as assessing that a male female difference in lifestyle exists in mammals other than humans B to improve human welfare for example investigating the mechanisms underlying memory loss and senility C to discover practical applications of psychological principles without concerns over the treatment of the subjects D to conduct basic research on a particular species such as studying cooperation among apes Answer C Explanation C Even in animal research experimenters are concerned about the treatment of the subjects CPA ethical guidelines for research with human subjects require all of the following EXCEPT A protecting participants from physical and mental harm B warning subjects of potential risks resulting from participation C obtaining informed consent from research subjects D avoiding deception in all research Answer D Explanation D The CPA ethical guidelines are designed to protect the rights of the subject and prevent harm to the subject Deception is sometimes necessary in experiments but subjects should be debriefed after the study when deception is involved The Canadian Council for Animal Care CCAC was established in what year A B C D Answer B Explanation B Statement of fact All research involving the use of animals in Canada must adhere to the principles outlined by the A NSERC B CIHR C CPA D CCAC Answer D Explanation D Statement of fact An essential part of scientific thinking is not only how to use statistics correctly but also how to identify the misuse of statistics Our authors suggest that students should A trust only those statistics that are presented in reputable newspapers and journals B distrust all statistics because they convey a false impression of certainty and are typically wildly inaccurate C ask how the statistic was calculated and what data the statistic is based upon D integrate statistics with real-life issues such as day care in order to interpret them Answer C Explanation C To understand statistics it is important to know how they are calculated and what data they are based on To guard against misuse of statistics a person should do all of the following EXCEPT A avoid use of statistics whenever possible B look for the control group C be cautious about correlations D check to see how terms have been defined Answer A Explanation A Statistics should not be avoided but every attempt should be made to understand them and the research that was conducted A primary reason for misuse of statistics is A innumeracy B inaccuracy C illegibility D illiteracy Answer A Explanation A Many people do not understand numbers and therefore misuse statistics The scientific enterprise has more to do with attitudes and procedures than with scientific apparatus Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A hypothesis is an organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships Answer FALSE Explanation This is a definition of a theory not a hypothesis A theory is an organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A hypothesis is a statement that attempts to predict or to account for a set of phenomena Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A theory is a statement that attempts to predict or to account for a set of phenomena Answer FALSE Explanation This is a definition of a hypothesis not a theory Terms used in hypotheses are given operational definitions which specify how the phenomena in question are to be observed and measured Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Violations of the principle of falsifiability are rare in everyday life Answer FALSE Explanation Violations of the principle of falsifiability are common in everyday life The principle of falsifiability is the tendency to look for information that confirms one's beliefs thereby avoiding information that would prove one's beliefs to be false Answer FALSE Explanation The principle of falsifiability means that theories must be stated in such a way that they can be refuted or disproved by counterevidence Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for information that supports one's beliefs Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact According to the principle of falsifiability a scientific theory must make predictions that are specific enough to expose the theory to the possibility of disconfirmation Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Replication is an essential part of the scientific process Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Replication occurs when scientists repeat a study in order to verify or challenge its findings Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact In order to maintain scientific objectivity psychologists and other scientists cannot work on research that is sponsored by private for-profit businesses Answer FALSE Explanation Research is often sponsored by private for-profit businesses which makes it difficult to commit to the scientific requirement of full disclosure Scientists are expected to submit their results for peer review before any announcements regarding the study are made to the public Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Descriptive methods yield characterizations of behaviour but not necessarily causal explanations Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Experiments yield descriptions of behaviour but cannot provide causal explanations Answer FALSE Explanation Experiments are the one method that can provide causal explanations Case studies are most commonly used by clinicians Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Case studies are usually only sources of hypotheses not tests of hypotheses Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The case study of Genie disproved the hypothesis that a critical period exists for language development Answer FALSE Explanation The case study of Genie supported the hypothesis that a critical period exists for language development Case studies proved that autism in children was caused by rejecting cold refrigerator mothers Answer FALSE Explanation Case studies cannot prove anything but they can suggest hypotheses for further research Observational studies are more useful for describing behaviour than for explaining behaviour Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A laboratory observation would be the most effective research method in order to determine the personal space preferred by individuals from different cultures Answer FALSE Explanation Naturalistic observation would be more effective than laboratory observation in this example Naturalistic observation would be the most effective research method in order to determine the personal space preferred by individuals from different cultures Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact One shortcoming of laboratory observation is that the presence of researchers and special equipment may cause subjects to behave differently than they would in their usual surroundings Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The usual procedure for developing norms is to give the test to a large group of people who resemble those for whom the test is intended Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact When psychologists say that a test has been standardized they mean that uniform procedures for giving and scoring a test have been developed Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The ability of a test to measure what it is designed to measure is called reliability Answer FALSE Explanation The ability of a test to measure what it is designed to measure is called validity not reliability Psychologists measure test-retest reliability by giving different versions of the same test to the same group on two separate occasions Answer FALSE Explanation Test-retest reliability is determined by giving the same test to the same group on two separate occasions Psychologists measure alternate-forms reliability by giving different versions of the same test to the same group on two separate occasions Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Psychologists measure test-retest reliability by giving the same test twice to the same group of people Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Psychologists measure alternate-forms reliability by giving the same test twice to the same group of people Answer FALSE Explanation Alternate-forms reliability is determined by giving different versions of the same test to the same group on two separate occasions The ability of a test to measure what it is designed to measure is called standardization Answer FALSE Explanation The ability of a test to measure what it is designed to measure is called validity not standardization The ability of a test to measure what it is designed to measure is called validity Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Professor King's test of creativity has a problem in regard to validity because what is actually being tested is verbal sophistication Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A sample's representativeness is less critical than its size Answer FALSE Explanation A sample's representativeness is more critical than its size A sample's size is less critical than its representativeness Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Popular polls often suffer from volunteer bias because those who feel strongly enough about their opinions may differ from those who remain silent Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Computer technology can help reduce lying on surveys because many people feel more anonymous when they talk to a computer Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact When a correlation coefficient indicates a strong relationship between two variables one variable is causing the other Answer FALSE Explanation Correlation does not provide information about causal relationships Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations An association between increases in one variable and decreases in the other variable is called a negative correlation Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations An association between increases in one variable and decreases in the other variable is called a positive correlation Answer FALSE Explanation This is a description of a negative correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations An association between increases in one variable and decreases in the other variable indicates that the two variables are uncorrelated Answer FALSE Explanation This is a description of a negative correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations If variable A predicts variable B then A is causing B to occur Answer FALSE Explanation It is possible that variable A causes variable B that variable B causes variable A or that some other variable causes both variables A and B It is not possible to determine cause and effect using correlation Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations When two variables are correlated one variable may or may not be causing the other Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations An experiment is a controlled test of a hypothesis in which the researcher manipulates one variable to discover its effect on another Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A laboratory observation is a controlled test of a hypothesis in which the researcher manipulates one variable to discover its effect on another Answer FALSE Explanation This is a description of an experiment not a laboratory observation The variable that an experimenter manipulates is called the dependent variable Answer FALSE Explanation The variable than an experimenter manipulates is the independent variable not the dependent variable Ideally everything in an experiment except the independent variable is held constant Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The dependent variable depends on the independent variable Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The variable that an experimenter manipulates is called the independent variable Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Ideally everything in an experiment except the dependent variable is held constant Answer FALSE Explanation Ideally everything in an experiment except the independent variable is held constant The independent variable depends on the dependent variable Answer FALSE Explanation The dependent variable depends on the independent variable If a researcher wants to know whether eating chocolate makes people nervous then the amount of chocolate eaten is the independent variable Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact In the control condition subjects are treated exactly as they are in the experimental condition except that they are not exposed to the same treatment of the independent variable Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact In the experimental condition subjects are treated exactly as they are in the control condition except that the experimental subjects are exposed to the placebo Answer FALSE Explanation Experimental subjects are exposed to the independent variable not a placebo If we have enough participants in our study and use a random assignment procedure then individual characteristics that could possibly affect the results are likely to be roughly balanced in the two groups Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Control groups are important in experimental studies and in nonexperimental studies Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact In a single-blind experiment subjects do not know if they are in an experimental group or a control group Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Rosenthal's research revealed that experimenter effects could influence a person's behaviour but had no influence on the behaviour of animals Answer FALSE Explanation Rosenthal's research revealed experimenter effects in research with animals as well as with humans Rosenthal's research revealed that experimenter effects could influence a rodent's behaviour Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Field research is descriptive or experimental research that is conduced in a natural setting outside the laboratory Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Double-blind studies are conducted in order to avoid the powerful influence of experimenter effects on the results of an experiment Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A disadvantage of the naturalistic observation is that it allows the researcher little or no control of the situation Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact A disadvantage of correlational research is that it does not permit identification of cause and effect Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact An advantage of the naturalistic observation is that it allows the use of sophisticated equipment Answer FALSE Explanation This is an advantage of laboratory observation not naturalistic observation An advantage of the laboratory observation is that it allows the use of sophisticated equipment Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The arithmetic mean is a commonly used measure of variability Answer FALSE Explanation The arithmetic mean is a measure of central tendency not variability The arithmetic mean is an average that is calculated by adding up a set of quantities and dividing the sum by the total number of quantities in the set Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Descriptive statistics are statistical procedures that organize and summarize research data Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The standard deviation is a commonly used measure of variability that indicates the average difference between scores in a distribution and their mean Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The standard deviation is an average that is calculated by adding up a set of quantities and dividing the sum by the total number of quantities in the set Answer FALSE Explanation This is a definition of a mean not a standard deviation Inferential statistics are statistical procedures that organize and summarize research data Answer FALSE Explanation This is a definition of descriptive statistics not inferential statistics If the results of research are not significant at the level then the researchers conclude that their hypothesis was not supported Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Results from cross-sectional studies find that older people perform as well as younger individuals on tests of mental functioning Answer FALSE Explanation Results from longitudinal not cross-sectional studies give these results A study in which subjects of different ages are compared at a given time is called a longitudinal study Answer FALSE Explanation This is a definition of cross-sectional research not longitudinal research A study in which subjects of different ages are compared at a given time is called a cross-sectional study Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Results from longitudinal studies find that as people age they sometime perform as well as they ever did on certain mental tests Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Meta-analysis combines and analyzes data from many studies instead of assessing each study's results separately Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Naturalistic observation would be an appropriate research method to study aggressive acts early in childhood Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The case study would be an appropriate research method to study the nature of aggressive acts early in childhood Answer FALSE Explanation Naturalistic observation would be a more appropriate research method in this case The Canadian Psychological Association CPA suggests that all its members develop strong ethical codes for their research projects Answer FALSE Explanation The CPA requires that all its members follow the CPA code of ethics The Canadian Psychological Association CPA requires that all its members follow the CPA code of ethics Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The Tri-Council and CPA's ethical guidelines require researchers to show that any deceptive procedures are justified by a study's potential value Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The Tri-Council and CPA's ethical guidelines require researchers to thoroughly debrief participants about the true purpose of a study if deception has been involved Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Animals have always been used in psychological studies and in recent years the number has declined further Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact The authors recommend distrusting all statistics because statistics confuse and mislead Answer FALSE Explanation The authors recommend careful consideration of statistics because they can be used to confuse and mislead When statistical findings have important implications for the decisions people make it is important to try to examine the data dispassionately Answer TRUE Explanation Statement of fact Match these descriptions with the appropriate research terms A theory B longitudinal study C hypothesis D correlation E experiment A statement that attempts to predict or to account for a set of phenomena it specifies relationships among events or variables Answer C A measure of how strongly two variables are related to one another Answer D A controlled test in which the researcher manipulates one variable to discover its effect on another Answer E An organized system of assumptions and principles that purports to explain a specified set of phenomena and their interrelationships Answer A A study in which subjects are followed and periodically reassessed over time Answer B Match these descriptions with the appropriate research method A survey B case study C experiment D observational Study E correlation A detailed description of a particular individual being studied or treated Answer B Questionnaires and interviews that ask people directly about their experiences attitudes or opinions Answer A A controlled test of a hypothesis in which the researcher manipulates one variable to discover its effect on another Answer C A measure of how strongly two variables are related to one another Answer E A study in which the researcher carefully and systematically observes and records behaviour without interfering with the behaviour Answer D Match these definitions with the terms they define A standardization B validity C psychological tests D reliability E norms The ability of a test to measure what it was designed to measure Answer B Established standards of performance for tests Answer E The consistency of scores derived from a test from one time and place to another Answer D The development of uniform procedures for giving and scoring a test Answer A Procedures used to measure and evaluate personality traits emotional states aptitudes interests abilities and values Answer C Match these definitions with the terms they define A confirmation bias B volunteer bias C placebo D experimenter effects E double-blind study The tendency to look for or pay attention only to information that confirms one's own belief Answer A Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations A shortcoming of findings derived from a sample of volunteers instead of a representative sample Answer B Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Unintended changes in subjects' behaviour due to cues inadvertently given by the experimenter Answer D Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations An inactive substance or fake treatment used as a control in an experiment or given by a medical practitioner to a patient Answer C Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations An experiment in which neither the subjects nor the researcher know which subjects are in the control group and which are in the experimental group until after the results are tallied Answer E Section Correlational Studies Looking for Relations Match these descriptions with the appropriate term A independent variable B dependent variable C random assignment D single-blind study E control condition A variable that an experimenter manipulates Answer A Section