Question 1

Psychologists have greater confidence in research results when:
A) the data involve stimulus judgments
B) the research has used participant observation
C) the results are replicated
D) there is an experimenter expectancy effect

Accepted Answer

Replication is the process of repeating research studies to confirm whether the findings are consistent and reliable. Psychologists have greater confidence in research results when the findings are replicated across different studies with different participants, procedures, or settings. This increases the generalizability and validity of the findings. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Option A refers to a specific type of data that may or may not increase confidence in research results. Option B refers to a method of data collection that may or may not enhance the validity of research results. Option D refers to a bias that can undermine the credibility of research results.

Question 2

Which of the following formal elements of the scientific method consists of a set of interconnected ideas or concepts?
A) a theory
B) a hypothesis
C) an experiment
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

A theory is a set of interconnected ideas or concepts that explain a phenomenon or set of phenomena. It is a broad explanation that has been extensively supported by evidence and has been successfully used to make predictions. Hypotheses are specific, testable predictions that are derived from theories. Experiments are designed to test hypotheses.

Question 3

George is looking for a research project.He could make use of theory because:
A) theories are shown to be true, so subsequent research is successful
B) one of the benefits of theories is that they lead to testable hypotheses
C) a theory can be successfully replicated by researchers
D) theories are likely to result in serendipity, which leads to successful research

Accepted Answer

The benefit of theories is that they provide a framework for developing testable hypotheses. This can guide the research project and help to ensure that the findings are rigorous and reliable. Theories do not necessarily need to be shown to be true or replicable in order to be useful for research purposes, and serendipity (unplanned discoveries) may occur regardless of whether a theory is used or not.

Question 4

Research that is done to test a theory:
A) typically involves naturalistic observation
B) has to rely on self-report methods
C) involves systematic collection of data
D) relies on positive correlations rather than negative correlations

Accepted Answer

Research that is done to test a theory involves systematic collection of data to test the hypothesis. Naturalistic observation is a type of observational research, which may or may not be used to test a theory. Self-report methods may also be used but are not necessary for testing a theory. Both positive and negative correlations may be used as evidence to support or refute a theory.

Question 5

The most important distinction between the scientific method and casual observation is that scientific inquiry is more:
A) abstract
B) complex
C) rational
D) objective

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is characterized by objectivity, which means that it seeks to eliminate biases and personal opinions from the observation to arrive at reliable conclusions. In contrast, casual observation is often subjective and prone to errors in perception and interpretation. The other options, namely A) abstract, B) complex, and C) rational, may apply to both scientific and casual observations to varying degrees depending on the context.

Question 6

A(n)_____ is a specific,testable prediction about the result that,if the theory is correct,will support the theory.
A) replication
B) hypothesis
C) experiment
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction that is made based on a theory. It is a statement about a relationship between variables that can be tested through experimentation. Therefore, option B is the best choice. While replication and experiment are also relevant to the process of testing a hypothesis, they do not fit the definition of a specific, testable prediction.

Question 7

Dr.Arthur examines the influence of social norms on binge drinking among college students.Dr.Arthur is engaged in:
A) rational analysis
B) scientific inquiry
C) critical thinking
D) observational study

Accepted Answer

Dr. Arthur is engaged in scientific inquiry, which involves using an evidence-based approach to investigate a specific phenomenon or question. In this case, Dr. Arthur is studying the influence of social norms on binge drinking among college students.

Question 8

Scientific observations are:
A) casual
B) objective
C) biased
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

Scientific observations are meant to be objective in order to minimize bias and increase the accuracy and reliability of the findings.

Question 9

Psychologist Jean Piaget observed children to see how they solved problems.Over the course of many studies,he was able to spot general patterns of behavior.This led him to connect different concepts and behaviors within a single:
A) theory
B) hypothesis
C) experiment
D) sample

Accepted Answer

Piaget's observations and studies allowed him to develop a comprehensive theory of cognitive development in children. He connected different concepts and behaviors to create a holistic understanding of how children's thinking evolves over time. Therefore, the best choice is A) theory.

Question 10

A(n)_____ provides an explanation of how an observable phenomenon works.
A) theory
B) hypothesis
C) experiment
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

A theory provides an overarching explanation for an observable phenomenon, based on empirical evidence and supported by multiple lines of research. A hypothesis is a testable prediction about a phenomenon, and an experiment is a method used to test a hypothesis or theory. None of the above would not be an appropriate answer for this question.

Question 11

Scientists conduct _____,which involves the careful and systematic collection of data.
A) hypotheses
B) replication
C) research
D) reliability

Accepted Answer

Research is the process of systematically collecting and analyzing data to answer a specific question or solve a problem. Hypotheses are proposed explanations for phenomena, and replication is the process of repeating a study to see if its results can be reproduced. Reliability is a measure of how consistent and precise data collection methods are. While all of these concepts are important in scientific inquiry, research specifically refers to the act of collecting data.

Question 12

A researcher believes that presenting possible suspects in a lineup one at a time instead of in a group would lead to more accurate identification of the true suspect.This belief represents a(n):
A) hypothesis
B) independent variable
C) response performance
D) theory

Accepted Answer

The researcher's belief represents a hypothesis, which is a testable prediction about a relationship between variables. It is not an independent variable, which is the variable that is manipulated in an experiment to test its effect on the dependent variable. Response performance refers to how participants perform on a task or measure, and theory is a broader explanation of a phenomenon based on multiple hypotheses and evidence.

Question 13

When researchers document that a phenomenon is real by repeating a study done by another scientist,they are engaging in:
A) meta-analysis
B) experience sampling
C) replication
D) correlational research

Accepted Answer

Replication involves repeating a study to verify the results and establish the reliability of the findings. This is done to ensure that the phenomenon being studied is real and not just a fluke. Meta-analysis involves combining the results of multiple studies to reach a conclusion, experience sampling involves collecting data on a participant's experiences at random intervals throughout the day, and correlational research involves examining the relationship between variables. None of these options involve repeating a study done by another scientist.

Question 14

When researchers collect enough data to develop an explanation of why people behave as they do,the researchers are creating a(n):
A) theory
B) experiment
C) hypothesis
D) generalization

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-supported explanation for a phenomenon based on evidence and data. In this case, the researchers have collected enough data to develop an explanation for human behavior, which would be a theory.

Question 15

According to some psychologists,Sigmund Freud's theory of the meaning of dreams was not a successful theory because:
A) it was too socially controversial
B) he developed the theory from previous ideas
C) it did not lead to many testable hypotheses
D) it was based on research later shown to be invalid

Accepted Answer

Freud's theory of the meaning of dreams was not successful because it did not lead to many testable hypotheses, and therefore it was difficult to obtain empirical evidence to support or refute the theory. Many of Freud's ideas were subjective and open to interpretation, which made it difficult to validate the theory through objective scientific methods. Additionally, Freud's focus on psychosexual development and his emphasis on the unconscious mind were not widely accepted by other psychologists at the time, which may have hindered the development and testing of his theory.

Question 16

With _____,one repeats a study to determine whether the same results are obtained.
A) reliability
B) variability
C) replication
D) data

Accepted Answer

Replication involves repeating a study or experiment to see if the same results are obtained. Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of results, while variability refers to how much the data points differ from each other. Data refers to the information collected in a study or experiment.

Question 17

Based on your text's discussion of scientific inquiry,the goals of psychological science include each of the following EXCEPT:
A) explaining behavior and mental processes
B) controlling the causes of behavior and mental processes
C) synthesizing behavior and mental processes
D) predicting behavior and mental processes

Accepted Answer

The goals of psychological science include explaining, predicting, and controlling behavior and mental processes. However, synthesizing behavior and mental processes is not one of the goals mentioned in the text.

Question 18

Which of the following statements is true of theories in science?
A) Good theories lead to a number of testable hypotheses.
B) A good hypothesis will support a number of different theories.
C) Good theories are likely to be supported by research findings.
D) Both A and C are true.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements is true...

Question 19

A specific prediction of behavior that is tested in an experiment is called a:
A) theory
B) hypothesis
C) sample
D) naturalistic observation

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction that is testable through an experiment. The other options are not specific predictions that can be tested in an experiment.

Question 20

The scientific method consists of which of the following elements?
A) theories
B) hypotheses
C) research
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

The scientific method includes all of the elements listed- theories, hypotheses, and research. Theories are explanations based on empirical evidence and have been extensively tested and repeatedly confirmed. Hypotheses are tentative explanations that can be tested through research. Research involves collecting and analyzing data to test hypotheses and support or refute theories. Therefore, the correct answer is D- all of the above.

Quiz 2: Research Methodology

Psychologists have greater confidence in research results when:

Which of the following formal elements of the scientific method consists of a set of interconnected ideas or concepts?

George is looking for a research project.He could make use of theory because:

Research that is done to test a theory:

The most important distinction between the scientific method and casual observation is that scientific inquiry is more:

A(n) _____ is a specific,testable prediction about the result that,if the theory is correct,will support the theory.

Dr.Arthur examines the influence of social norms on binge drinking among college students.Dr.Arthur is engaged in:

Scientific observations are:

Psychologist Jean Piaget observed children to see how they solved problems.Over the course of many studies,he was able to spot general patterns of behavior.This led him to connect different concepts and behaviors within a single:

A(n) _____ provides an explanation of how an observable phenomenon works.

Scientists conduct _____,which involves the careful and systematic collection of data.

A researcher believes that presenting possible suspects in a lineup one at a time instead of in a group would lead to more accurate identification of the true suspect.This belief represents a(n) :

When researchers document that a phenomenon is real by repeating a study done by another scientist,they are engaging in:

When researchers collect enough data to develop an explanation of why people behave as they do,the researchers are creating a(n) :

According to some psychologists,Sigmund Freud's theory of the meaning of dreams was not a successful theory because:

With _____,one repeats a study to determine whether the same results are obtained.

Based on your text's discussion of scientific inquiry,the goals of psychological science include each of the following EXCEPT:

Which of the following statements is true of theories in science?

A specific prediction of behavior that is tested in an experiment is called a:

The scientific method consists of which of the following elements?