Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

In an experiment, the control group is the group that:

1. AReceives the strongest version of the treatment, to show its maximum effect
2. BContains the researchers themselves
3. CDoes not receive the experimental treatment, providing a baseline
4. DIs made up of volunteers only

Reliability refers to:

1. AWhether results apply to other settings
2. BWhether a measure tests what it claims to
3. CWhether participants gave consent
4. DThe consistency of a measure

A double-blind procedure means that:

1. AParticipants are tested twice
2. BTwo independent researchers analyse the same data set and then compare their conclusions
3. CParticipants cannot see the materials
4. DNeither participants nor the researchers collecting data know who is in which condition

In a field experiment, the researcher:

1. AManipulates the IV in a real-world setting
2. BAnalyses data collected by others
3. COnly observes without manipulating anything
4. DManipulates the IV in a laboratory

Split-half reliability involves:

1. ATesting two halves of the sample at different times
2. BUsing two observers for half the sessions each
3. CComparing scores on two halves of the same test to check internal consistency
4. DSplitting the sample into an experimental and a control group and comparing their scores

A test is so easy that almost all participants score near the maximum. This is called:

1. AA ceiling effect
2. BA practice effect
3. CAn order effect
4. DA floor effect

Exercise reduces depression, and the effect occurs because exercise improves sleep, which in turn lowers depression. Sleep is best described as a:

1. AModerator
2. BMediator
3. CExtraneous variable
4. DControl variable

A researcher finds that ice cream sales and drowning deaths are positively correlated. Which explanation is most plausible?

1. AHot weather increases both ice cream sales and swimming
2. BIce cream causes drowning
3. CThe correlation must be a calculation error
4. DDrowning increases ice cream sales