Psychology Research Methods Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

What is the key feature that distinguishes experimental research designs from other types of research?

Accepted Answer

The manipulation of an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

Answer

The focus on understanding human behavior in depth.

Answer

The collection of data in a natural setting.

Answer

The use of a control group.

Question 2

If you want to study the relationship between two variables without directly controlling them, which research method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Survey research

Question 3

Which sampling technique ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the study?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 4

The null hypothesis in an experiment assumes that:

Accepted Answer

There is no significant difference between the groups being compared.

Answer

The independent variable has a significant effect on the dependent variable.

Answer

The results of the study will be statistically significant.

Answer

The research hypothesis is true.

Question 5

Which of the following can introduce bias into research findings?

Accepted Answer

Participant expectancy, where participants' expectations influence their behavior.

Answer

Randomly assigning participants to groups.

Answer

Using a large sample size.

Answer

Using a standardized research protocol.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a meta-analysis in psychology?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize the findings of multiple studies on a specific topic, providing a broader understanding.

Answer

To identify the causes of specific psychological phenomena.

Answer

To conduct an in-depth study of a single individual or case.

Answer

To develop new research instruments.

Question 7

What is the main advantage of conducting a field experiment compared to a lab experiment?

Accepted Answer

Field experiments offer higher ecological validity, meaning the results are more likely to generalize to real-world settings.

Answer

Field experiments are less susceptible to participant bias.

Answer

Field experiments are less expensive and time-consuming.

Answer

Field experiments provide greater control over variables.

Question 8

Which statistical test is commonly used to compare the means of two groups?

Accepted Answer

t-test

Answer

Chi-square test

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

ANOVA

Question 9

What is the fundamental difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings, while quantitative research uses numerical data to measure and analyze phenomena.

Answer

Qualitative research is less rigorous than quantitative research.

Answer

Qualitative research uses interviews, while quantitative research uses surveys.

Question 10

A researcher wants to study the effects of caffeine on memory. They give one group of participants caffeine and another group a placebo (a substance with no effect). What type of research design is this?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Observational

Question 11

A researcher finds that people who study more tend to get higher exam scores. What can they conclude from this finding?

Accepted Answer

There is a relationship between studying and exam scores.

Answer

Higher exam scores cause people to study more.

Answer

Studying directly causes higher exam scores.

Question 12

A researcher watches children play on a playground without interfering. What type of research method are they using?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Structured observation

Answer

Case study

Answer

Participant observation

Question 13

In an experiment, why is a control group important?

Accepted Answer

To compare the results of the experimental group to a group that didn't receive the treatment.

Answer

To increase the number of participants in the study.

Answer

To make sure all participants get the treatment.

Question 14

Which of these describes a reliable way to measure stress in students?

Accepted Answer

A questionnaire that consistently gives similar results when used multiple times.

Answer

A questionnaire that is easy to fill out.

Answer

A questionnaire that is based on personal opinions.

Question 15

A researcher studies the effects of sleep deprivation on thinking skills by using people who are already sleep-deprived due to their jobs. What type of research design is this?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Experimental

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a way to choose participants for a study?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 17

If a researcher finds a statistically significant difference between two groups, what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

The difference between the groups is unlikely to be due to chance.

Answer

The study is well-designed and reliable.

Answer

The difference is large and meaningful.

Question 18

A researcher wants to see if certain personality types are linked to how satisfied people are with their jobs. Which research method would be most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Case study

Question 19

Which research method involves changing one thing to see how it affects something else?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Observational

Question 20

A researcher wants to investigate the relationship between stress and academic performance. Which research method would be most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Correlational

Answer

Observational

Answer

Case study

Answer

Experimental

Question 21

In an observational study, researchers simply observe and record behaviors without directly manipulating variables. What is the main advantage of this approach?

Accepted Answer

Preservation of natural behavior

Answer

Generalizability to larger populations

Answer

Causality inference

Answer

Control of variables

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a key element of a well-designed experiment?

Accepted Answer

Confounding variables

Answer

Control group

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Random assignment

Question 23

A researcher is interested in studying the effects of music on mood. They play different types of music to participants and measure their mood before and after each session. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Mood

Answer

Session duration

Answer

Participant characteristics

Answer

Music

Question 24

Which of the following is a threat to internal validity in research?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Generalizability

Answer

External validity

Question 25

A researcher conducts a survey and finds a strong correlation between ice cream consumption and happiness. Can the researcher conclude that eating ice cream causes happiness?

Accepted Answer

No, due to the correlational nature of the study

Answer

Yes, if the sample size is large enough

Answer

Yes, the correlation proves causality

Answer

No, due to potential confounding variables

Question 26

What is the purpose of a literature review in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To summarize and evaluate existing research on a topic

Answer

To design and conduct a new study

Answer

To collect and analyze data

Question 27

What is the role of replication in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

To confirm and extend research findings

Answer

To disprove previous research

Answer

To design new research studies