Question 1

A blind observer study should be employed if

Accepted Answer

A blind observer study is used to prevent observer bias, which can occur if observers know the hypotheses and may consciously or unconsciously influence the results.

Question 2

The results of naturalistic observations research can be helpful when designing experimental studies. Which of the following best illustrates how natural observation research can be employed in formulating experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation can help identify variables that naturally occur in the environment, which can then be manipulated as independent variables in experimental research to test specific hypotheses.

Question 3

A recent study conducted by Professor Brightman found that as the number of behavioral infractions committed by a child in the classroom rose, their grades fell. This is an example of a

Accepted Answer

A negative correlation occurs when one variable increases while the other decreases, as seen in the study where more behavioral infractions are associated with lower grades.

Question 4

A researcher interested in the toy preferences of preschool children has decided to simulate an actual store. However, she also wishes to maintain some control over the number of choices and the influence of others. She would be best advised to use which of the following research methods?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory observation allows the researcher to simulate a controlled environment, like a store, while maintaining control over variables such as the number of choices and external influences.

Question 5

In an experimental study, certain variables are manipulated to determine if they cause changes in the target measure or behavior. This is called the

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated in an experiment to determine if it causes changes in the target measure or behavior.

Question 6

Central School District is interested in improving the math scores of the enrolled fourth graders. They have elicited the assistance of Professor Glen. He informs the twenty fourth grade teachers that reviewing basic math facts is crucial to increasing the math scores. They are unconvinced. So, Professor Glen devised an experiment. All of the fourth graders were given the same math test. Then the teachers were randomly assigned to one of four groups. The groups differed on how many minutes per day were spent on reviewing basic math facts. All reviewing was identical and was conducted by completing and self grading of work sheets. The groups were ten minutes, fifteen minutes, twenty minutes, and thirty minutes. This continued for three months. At the end of the three-month period, the students were tested again on the same math test. In this experiment, the time spent reviewing is the

Accepted Answer

The time spent reviewing is the independent variable because it is the variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the math scores.

Question 7

Central School District is interested in improving the math scores of the enrolled fourth graders. They have elicited the assistance of Professor Glen. He informs the twenty fourth grade teachers that reviewing basic math facts is crucial to increasing the math scores. They are unconvinced. So, Professor Glen devised an experiment. All of the fourth graders were given the same math test. Then the teachers were randomly assigned to one of four groups. The groups differed on how many minutes per day were spent on reviewing basic math facts. All reviewing was identical and was conducted by completing and self grading of work sheets. The groups were ten minutes, fifteen minutes, twenty minutes, and thirty minutes. This continued for three months. At the end of the three-month period, the students were tested again on the same math test. In this experiment, the math score is the

Accepted Answer

The math score is the dependent variable because it is the outcome being measured to see if it changes due to the different amounts of time spent reviewing math facts (the independent variable).

Question 8

In the experimental method, which of the following groups receives the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The experimental group receives the independent variable to test its effects, while the control group does not.

Question 9

Independent variable is to _____ as dependent variable is to_____  .

Accepted Answer

Independent variable is to manipulate as dependent variable is to measure.

Question 10

Which of the following best measures cause and effect?

Accepted Answer

The experimental method is the best way to measure cause and effect because it involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another variable. This method allows for control over extraneous variables and can establish a causal relationship.

Question 11

One of the main components of an experimental study is random assignment of participants to one or more groups. This is an attempt to control for

Accepted Answer

Random assignment is used to control for extraneous variables, ensuring that these variables are evenly distributed across groups, which helps to isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Question 12

A recent study by Dr. Fulani wanted to insure that each participant in the study had an equal chance of being assigned to the experimental groups or the control group. Which of the following is the best method to assign participants?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group, minimizing bias and ensuring comparability between groups.

Question 13

The experimental method allows for causal explanations and maximum control. However, a major limitation of the experimental method is

Accepted Answer

The answer of The experimental method allows for causal explanations...

Question 14

The dependent variable in an experimental design

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is what is measured in an experiment and is expected to change as a result of manipulations to the independent variable.

Question 15

In cases where random assignment cannot be accomplished and the ethical manipulation of variables is not possible, a researcher must rely on which of the following research designs?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experimental designs are used when random assignment is not possible and ethical manipulation of variables is not feasible.

Question 16

Repeated measures over time of the same participants is which of the following designs?

Accepted Answer

A longitudinal design involves repeated observations of the same variables (such as participants) over a period of time.

Question 17

A personality inventory was given to 100 8-years olds in 1998. These same children were given the personality inventory again in 2000, 2002, and 2004. This is an example of the _____ design method.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a longitudinal design method, where the same group of individuals is studied over a period of time to observe changes and developments.

Question 18

A major limitation of longitudinal designs in particular is

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal designs often face practice effects, where participants may improve on tasks due to repeated testing rather than actual developmental changes.

Question 19

An example of a cohort variable is

Accepted Answer

A cohort variable refers to a group of people who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined period. "Sesame Street" can be considered a cohort variable as it represents a shared experience for a generation of children who grew up watching the show.

Question 20

In a sequential design, if two different cohort groups score alike on a particular measure at the same testing point, the changes in the measured variable can be concluded to be due to

Accepted Answer

If two different cohort groups score alike at the same testing point, it suggests that the changes in the measured variable are due to developmental changes, as the similarity in scores indicates that the differences are not due to cohort effects or historical period influences.

Quiz 1: Basic Concepts and Methods