Question 1

When Mrs.Harper asks elementary school children to indicate the number of books they have checked out of the school library during the past month,she is using what type of observational method?
A) Methodological
B) Reactive
C) Qualitative
D) Quantitative

Accepted Answer

Mrs. Harper is collecting numerical data, specifically the number of books each student checked out from the library, making it a quantitative observational method.

Question 2

In a systematic observation study,two different people use the coding system to analyze the same videotape.The level of agreement between the two observers is then determined.This activity addresses which methodological issue in systematic observation?
A) Reactivity
B) Reliability
C) Sampling
D) Validity

Accepted Answer

The activity described addresses the issue of inter-rater reliability, which is a measure of how consistently two observers code behaviors in the same way. This is important in ensuring that the data collected from systematic observation is trustworthy and accurate.

Question 3

James analyzed data from the General Social Survey (GSS)by Statistics Canada in order to examine the relationship between education and life satisfaction.This research approach may best be categorized as a
A) naturalistic observation.
B) systematic observation.
C) survey archive.
D) content analysis.

Accepted Answer

James analyzed data from the General Social Survey (GSS) by Statistics Canada, which is a pre-existing survey archive. Therefore, this research approach is a survey archive approach.

Question 4

What is the difference between naturalistic observation and systematic observation?
A) Naturalistic observation studies are typically designed to confirm previously formed hypotheses,whereas systematic observation studies are not.
B) Systematic observation studies are typically designed to confirm previously formed hypotheses,whereas naturalistic observation studies are not.
C) Naturalistic observation studies are usually time-consuming,while systematic observation studies are not.
D) Systematic observation studies are usually time-consuming,while naturalistic observation studies are not.

Accepted Answer

The key difference between naturalistic observation and systematic observation is the purpose behind the study. Naturalistic observation involves observing individuals in their natural setting without any predetermined hypotheses, while systematic observation involves observing individuals with a specific research question or hypothesis in mind. Therefore, option B is the correct choice, as systematic observation is typically designed to confirm previously formed hypotheses, whereas naturalistic observation studies are not necessarily focused on hypothesis testing. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately capture the primary difference between these two types of observation.

Question 5

Harvey examines baseball records to determine whether National League teams who play the final game of the World Series at home lose more often than American League teams.Harvey is using which of the following archival research approaches?
A) Survey archives
B) Statistical records
C) Self-report
D) Anthropological data

Accepted Answer

Harvey is examining statistical records to answer his research question. He is analyzing data from baseball records to see if there is a correlation between which league plays the final game of the World Series at home and whether they win or lose.

Question 6

Bebe observes a child's behaviour after he has watched 15 minutes of violent cartoons.She codes the child's behaviour every 30 seconds according to whether he hits,kicks,pushes,or bites another child.This observational technique can best be described as _____ observation.
A) naturalistic
B) systematic
C) methodological
D) reactive

Accepted Answer

The observational technique described involves systematically coding the child's behavior at regular intervals, indicating that it is systematic observation. Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in a natural setting without manipulation, and methodological observation is not a commonly used term. Reactive observation refers to behavior changing due to the presence of the observer, but this is not described in the scenario.

Question 7

Naturalistic observation is generally more ____ than systematic observation.
A) global
B) limited
C) quantitative
D) easily accomplished

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation is more global because it involves observing behaviors in their natural settings, providing a broader, more comprehensive view of the phenomena being studied, unlike systematic observation, which is more focused and structured.

Question 8

If you ask teenagers to describe the behaviours of their parents that most upsets them,you would be using a(n)_____ approach of data collection.
A) correlational
B) experimental
C) qualitative
D) quantitative

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data collection methods are used to gather non-numerical data that involves collecting data in the form of words, pictures, or videos. When asking teenagers to describe their parents' behaviors that upset them, their responses would be in the form of words, making this a qualitative data collection approach. Correlational and experimental approaches involve numerical data, while quantitative methods focus on measuring and analyzing data with statistical methods.

Question 9

Dr.Silverman is interested in the daily activities of a group of 4^th graders.He asks the children to indicate the amount of time per day they spend watching television,playing video games,and studying.This type of data gathering technique would be an example of a(n)_____ approach. A) organizational B) quantitative C) qualitative D) experiential

Accepted Answer

This approach involves collecting numerical data and using statistical analysis to interpret the results, which is done in this scenario by asking the children to provide time duration for their daily activities. This is a quantitative approach, as it involves measuring and quantifying the amount of time spent on different activities.

Question 10

A researcher wants to gather information on citizens' feelings about the building of a new airport in their neighborhood.She gathers groups of citizens and engages them in a discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed airport.This type of data gathering would best be referred to as a(n)______ approach.
A) organizational
B) quantitative
C) qualitative
D) experiential

Accepted Answer

This approach involves gathering descriptive, non-numeric data through methods such as group discussions or in-depth interviews. In this scenario, the researcher is using a qualitative approach to gather citizens' feelings about the proposed airport through discussions.

Question 11

A major difference between systematic observation and naturalistic observation is systematic observation
A) studies behaviour in a natural setting;naturalistic observation does not.
B) employs concealed observation;naturalistic observation does not.
C) observes specific behaviours in specific settings;naturalistic observation does not.
D) is less time consuming than naturalistic observation.

Accepted Answer

Systematic observation focuses on specific behaviors in specific settings while naturalistic observation is more open-ended and does not specify what behaviors to observe or where to observe them.

Question 12

What is a major distinction between quantitative and qualitative descriptive methods? Quantitative techniques use ____ while qualitative techniques involve _____.
A) correlational methods;experimental methods
B) experimental methods;correlational methods
C) numerical descriptions;verbal descriptions
D) verbal descriptions;numerical descriptions

Accepted Answer

Quantitative techniques use numerical descriptions, while qualitative techniques involve verbal descriptions.

Question 13

Luis studies a newspaper's attitudes towards candidates for the position of Police Chief by counting the number of positive and negative comments attributed to each candidate.Luis's research approach is an example of a
A) content analysis.
B) survey archive.
C) statistical record.
D) psychobiography.

Accepted Answer

Luis is analyzing the content of the newspaper's coverage of the candidates for Police Chief by counting the number of positive and negative comments attributed to each candidate. This approach involves the systematic examination and interpretation of communication content, which is known as content analysis. Option B) survey archive refers to a collection of past survey responses, option C) statistical record pertains to numerical data that has been compiled and analyzed, and option D) psychobiography involves analyzing the life of an individual to understand their psychological makeup.

Question 14

Tracy decides to employ naturalistic observation on students within her halls of residence.A potential problem with this type of observation is she
A) may be unable to experience the day-to-day behaviours within the halls of residence.
B) does not know the members she is observing.
C) may lose the objectivity needed to conduct the scientific observation.
D) is not using concealed observation.

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation can be prone to observer bias, where the observer's own beliefs and experiences can influence their interpretation of the behaviors they observe. This can compromise the objectivity needed to conduct scientific observation.

Question 15

Before recording any behaviours displayed by children in a third-grade classroom,Emeril visits the classroom continually for three weeks.Emeril's visitations will help lessen
A) validity.
B) reactivity.
C) reliability.
D) sampling.

Accepted Answer

Emeril's visitations may cause the children to behave differently or modify their behaviours, which is known as reactivity. By continually visiting the classroom, Emeril can help to reduce the potential for reactivity in the study.

Question 16

When the conclusions of research are based on the interpretations of the investigator,_____ research has been employed.However,if the conclusions are based upon statistical analyses of the data,_____ research has been employed.
A) non-observational;observational
B) qualitative;quantitative
C) quantitative;qualitative
D) observational;non-observational

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research relies on the interpretations of the investigator, focusing on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences. Quantitative research, on the other hand, is based on statistical analyses of data, emphasizing quantifiable variables and numerical outcomes.

Question 17

Betsy wants to determine if types of products advertised on television vary depending on the time of day.Which type of archival research approach would you suggest she employ to best address her question?
A) Survey archive
B) Content analysis
C) Statistical records
D) Written records

Accepted Answer

Content analysis involves analyzing and categorizing messages or content, in this case, television advertisements, to identify patterns or trends. Betsy can watch a large number of television shows at different times of the day and record the types of products advertised during each time period. She can then use content analysis to analyze and categorize the advertisements based on the type of product being advertised, and subsequently, identify any patterns or trends that may exist depending on the time of day. Survey archives, statistical records, and written records are not appropriate for Betsy's research question as they do not specifically involve analyzing television advertisements.

Question 18

A _____ is a type of case study in which research applies psychological theory to explain the life of an individual.
A) written record
B) systematic biography
C) psychobiography
D) statistical case study

Accepted Answer

A psychobiography is a type of case study that applies psychological theory to explain the life of an individual. It involves an in-depth investigation of a person's life, including their upbringing, experiences, and behavior, with the goal of understanding the psychological motivations and factors that contributed to their development. A written record is too broad and vague to describe this specific type of case study, a systematic biography is not specific enough as it doesn't necessarily apply psychological theory, and a statistical case study focuses on quantitative data rather than individual behavior and experiences.

Question 19

Dr.Smith participates in a police ride-along program in order to examine the day-to-day activities of police officers.This method of gathering information may best be described as
A) archival research.
B) content analysis.
C) naturalistic observation.
D) an informational approach.

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation involves observing and recording behavior in the context of everyday situations, without any attempt to manipulate or control the situation. Dr. Smith's participation in a police ride-along program fits this description, as they will be observing the day-to-day activities of police officers in their natural setting. Archival research involves using existing records and data, content analysis involves analyzing the content of various forms of communication, and an informational approach is not a commonly recognized research method.

Question 20

A researcher wants to test the assertion that female Olympic athletes committed suicide more often than male Olympic athletes.The appropriate method to use would be a(n)
A) archival research study.
B) survey.
C) naturalistic observation study.
D) field experiment.

Accepted Answer

The appropriate method to test this assertion would be an archival research study, as it involves collecting and analyzing data from historical records (in this case, records of Olympic athletes who committed suicide). A survey would not be appropriate as it relies on self-reported data and may not accurately capture the relevant information. A naturalistic observation study would not be appropriate as it would be difficult to observe the phenomenon of Olympic athletes committing suicide in a natural setting. A field experiment would not be appropriate as it involves manipulating variables in a controlled setting, which would not be ethical or feasible in this case.

Quiz 6: Observational Methods

When Mrs.Harper asks elementary school children to indicate the number of books they have checked out of the school library during the past month,she is using what type of observational method?

In a systematic observation study,two different people use the coding system to analyze the same videotape.The level of agreement between the two observers is then determined.This activity addresses which methodological issue in systematic observation?

James analyzed data from the General Social Survey (GSS) by Statistics Canada in order to examine the relationship between education and life satisfaction.This research approach may best be categorized as a

What is the difference between naturalistic observation and systematic observation?

Harvey examines baseball records to determine whether National League teams who play the final game of the World Series at home lose more often than American League teams.Harvey is using which of the following archival research approaches?

Bebe observes a child's behaviour after he has watched 15 minutes of violent cartoons.She codes the child's behaviour every 30 seconds according to whether he hits,kicks,pushes,or bites another child.This observational technique can best be described as _____ observation.

Naturalistic observation is generally more ____ than systematic observation.

If you ask teenagers to describe the behaviours of their parents that most upsets them,you would be using a(n) _____ approach of data collection.

Dr.Silverman is interested in the daily activities of a group of 4^th graders.He asks the children to indicate the amount of time per day they spend watching television,playing video games,and studying.This type of data gathering technique would be an example of a(n) _____ approach.

A major difference between systematic observation and naturalistic observation is systematic observation

What is a major distinction between quantitative and qualitative descriptive methods? Quantitative techniques use while qualitative techniques involve _.

Luis studies a newspaper's attitudes towards candidates for the position of Police Chief by counting the number of positive and negative comments attributed to each candidate.Luis's research approach is an example of a

Tracy decides to employ naturalistic observation on students within her halls of residence.A potential problem with this type of observation is she

Before recording any behaviours displayed by children in a third-grade classroom,Emeril visits the classroom continually for three weeks.Emeril's visitations will help lessen

When the conclusions of research are based on the interpretations of the investigator,_ research has been employed.However,if the conclusions are based upon statistical analyses of the data,_ research has been employed.

Betsy wants to determine if types of products advertised on television vary depending on the time of day.Which type of archival research approach would you suggest she employ to best address her question?

A _____ is a type of case study in which research applies psychological theory to explain the life of an individual.

Dr.Smith participates in a police ride-along program in order to examine the day-to-day activities of police officers.This method of gathering information may best be described as

A researcher wants to test the assertion that female Olympic athletes committed suicide more often than male Olympic athletes.The appropriate method to use would be a(n)