The ____ method for quantifying observations involves counting the number of times a behavior occurs in a specified period of time.
a. duration
b. frequency
c. interval
d. time sample
The probability of a type I error is equal to ____.
a. alpha
b. 1 - alpha
c. 2 alpha
d. alpha / statistical power
Between-subjects designs are often used in research on complex cognitive processes because
a. they reduce the variability of observations.
b. they require fewer participants compared to within-subjects designs.
c. they prevent the occurrence of carryover effects.
d. they increase our confidence in the reliability of the results.
In an observational study of autistic children, you record how much time each child spends playing alone during a 30 minute observation period. This is an example of the ____ method of quantifying behavior.
a. frequency
b. duration
c. interval
d. individual
In terms of signal and noise, a Type II error represents a ____.
a. false positive
b. false negative
c. true positive
d. true negative
The power of a statistical test refers to
a. the ability of the test to reject the null hypothesis when it is, in fact, false.
b. the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is, in fact, true.
c. the usefulness of the test in a wide variety of experimental designs.
d. the test-retest reliability of a psychological test.
In the observational study of adolescents at the mall, you count the number of social interaction behaviors that occur within a one-hour observation period. This is an example of the ____ method of quantifying behavior.
a. frequency
b. duration
c. interval
d. behavior counting
In terms of signal and noise, a Type I error represents a ____.
a. false positive
b. false negative
c. true positive
d. true negative
In problem solving research, it is often necessary to use a between-subjects design in order to
a. avoid ceiling effects.
b. reduce the number of participants in the experiment.
c. reduce the variability of observations.
d. avoid carryover effects.
During a study using the behavioral research strategy, it is common to prepare a list of behaviors called behavioral categories before the actual observation begins. The least likely purpose for this procedure is to ____.
a. ensure the objectivity of the measurements
b. evaluate the reliability of the measurements
c. provide an operational definition for the variables being measured
d. simplify the recording task for the observer(s)