Question 1

Using a large sample ensures that it will be a representative sample.

Accepted Answer

A large sample size does not guarantee that the sample will be representative of the population; representativeness depends on how the sample is selected (e.g., random sampling methods).

Question 2

It is important that the results from studies can be replicated because

Accepted Answer

Replication increases our confidence that the findings are valid by demonstrating that the results can be reliably reproduced.

Question 3

Statistical measures of how large the difference is between groups that are being compared is called

Accepted Answer

The answer of Statistical measures of how large the difference...

Question 4

Tests of _____ give us confidence that results from research are not accidents or chance occurrences.

Accepted Answer

Statistical significance tests help us determine whether the results of research are likely due to a true effect or simply due to chance. Effect size (A) refers to the magnitude of difference between groups or conditions, but does not directly assess the likelihood of chance findings. Microgenetic design (B) and longitudinal design (D) are research methods, but they do not directly assess the likelihood of chance findings.

Question 5

Which of the following precautions is specifically meant for children who are subjects in a research study?

Accepted Answer

Children are considered a vulnerable population in research, and special precautions are taken to protect them, including the use of the least stressful and least risky procedures possible. This is to ensure their safety and well-being during the research process.

Question 6

A study that has several groups of different ages that are followed over time and which has an overlap in the ages of the groups is a

Accepted Answer

A cross-sequential study involves following different age groups over time with an overlap in ages, allowing researchers to examine both age and cohort effects. This type of study combines elements of both longitudinal and cohort studies. Multi-phasic studies typically involve measuring a single group of individuals at multiple points in time, while longitudinal studies involve following a single group over time without overlapping with other age groups. Cohort studies involve following a group of individuals who share a common characteristic, typically their year of birth, to examine the effects of historical events or societal changes on development.

Question 7

When a researcher combines data from different studies to determine whether there is a consistent pattern of findings across studies, she is performing a/an

Accepted Answer

The act of combining data from different studies to determine a consistent pattern of findings is referred to as a meta-analysis. Therefore, the correct choice is A.

Question 8

If a hypothesis is based upon a well-respected theory and the hypothesis logically follows from the theory, it is not necessary to do anything beyond that to test the hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

It is always necessary to test a hypothesis through experimentation or observation, regardless of its basis on a theory or logical deduction. This is to ensure that the hypothesis accurately reflects reality and can be supported by empirical evidence.

Question 9

A meta-analysis involves

Accepted Answer

A meta-analysis involves combining the results from different studies to identify patterns of findings that are consistent across studies. By synthesizing data from multiple studies, meta-analysis provides a more comprehensive view of a research question than examining a single study on its own. This allows for greater confidence in the accuracy of the findings, as they are supported by multiple sources of evidence.

Question 10

The statistical tests that we use to analyze the results of our studies always test

Accepted Answer

Statistical tests are used to evaluate the null hypothesis of no difference between groups in order to determine whether the observed results are statistically significant or due to chance. The other options, while important to consider, are not directly tested by statistical tests.

Question 11

A cohort effect is the biggest problem for

Accepted Answer

A cohort effect refers to the influence of being born and raised during a particular time period on a group's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It can be a significant confounding factor in longitudinal studies, observational research, and experimental research as it can make it challenging to isolate the effect of a specific variable over time. However, cross-sectional studies, which compare individuals from different age groups at the same point in time, are less affected by cohort effects. Therefore, the best choice is D) Cross-sectional studies.

Question 12

When the results of a study are statistically significant, it means that

Accepted Answer

When the results of a study are statistically significant, it means that the probability of them occurring by chance is very low (usually less than 5%). This provides evidence that the results are likely due to an actual effect and not just a coincidence.

Question 13

In order to protect the rights of individuals who participate in scientific research, it is necessary to

Accepted Answer

It is necessary to weigh the potential risks to the participants against the anticipated benefits of the research to ensure that their rights are protected. This includes obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and minimizing any harm or discomfort that they may experience during the study. Paying participants or providing advice based on the results are not necessarily essential for protecting their rights. Making their names available to anyone who requests that information would violate their privacy rights.

Question 14

There is a cohort effect in cross-sectional studies when

Accepted Answer

Cohort effect refers to the impact of being part of a specific generation or cohort with distinct experiences or characteristics. In cross-sectional studies, different groups of participants are compared at the same time, and if these groups have different life experiences, it can create an artificial difference between them that is not solely due to the variable being measured. Therefore, option A is the correct choice. Options B, C, and D are not related to the concept of cohort effect.

Question 15

One of the major challenges with conducting longitudinal research is that

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal research involves following a group of participants over an extended period, which requires a significant amount of time and resources. Participants may also drop out or become difficult to contact, adding to the time and cost of the study. Additionally, changes in technology or new developments in the field may require updates to the study measures, increasing the complexity and cost further. While choices A and B may present some challenges, they do not represent the primary difficulty with conducting longitudinal research. Choice C is not always necessary, as some tests and measures may remain relevant throughout the study.

Question 16

When you conduct an observation in a laboratory rather than a natural setting, you gain greater control over the situation.

Accepted Answer

In a laboratory setting, researchers have greater control over the environment, eliminating certain variables that may impact the results. This control allows for more precise and accurate measurements and observations.

Question 17

You can be confident that the books and journals on child development that you find at your campus library will have accurate information because

Accepted Answer

Libraries, especially academic ones, often have a selection process that includes reviewing materials before they are added to the collection to ensure their accuracy and relevance to the institution's educational goals. This process may not be as formal as peer review for each item but generally involves consideration of the source's credibility and the material's relevance to the library's users. Choices B, C, and D are not standard practices for libraries in acquiring new materials.

Question 18

One of the challenges with doing a cross-sectional study is that

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies involve comparing different groups at a single point in time. Ensuring that these groups are as similar as possible, except for the variable of interest (e.g., age), is crucial to minimize confounding factors and make valid comparisons.

Question 19

Professor Alsmith looks at changes in self-esteem across adolescence by measuring the self-esteem of 11 year olds, 13 year olds, 15 year olds, and 17 year olds and comparing the results between the groups. This is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

Professor Alsmith is comparing different age groups at one point in time, which is a common characteristic of a cross-sectional study. Longitudinal studies follow the same individuals over time, archival studies use existing records, and correlational studies examine relationships between variables.

Question 20

When we are interpreting the results of a study, it is important to remember that

Accepted Answer

The conclusions of a study are typically generalizations that apply to groups, as individual variability can lead to different outcomes for different people.

Quiz 3: How We Study Development