Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

Free printable Research methods in psychology worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy

A double-blind procedure means that:

  1. ANeither participants nor the researchers collecting data know who is in which condition
  2. BParticipants are tested twice
  3. CTwo independent researchers analyse the same data set and then compare their conclusions
  4. DParticipants cannot see the materials
2.Easy

Selecting every 10th name from a list of the population is an example of:

  1. ASystematic sampling
  2. BStratified sampling
  3. CSnowball sampling
  4. DOpportunity sampling
3.Easy

Informed consent in research means participants:

  1. AAgree to take part after being told what the study involves
  2. BAre paid for their time
  3. CNever learn the aims of the study
  4. DMust complete the study once they start, as agreed in the signed form
4.Medium

Split-half reliability involves:

  1. ASplitting the sample into an experimental and a control group and comparing their scores
  2. BTesting two halves of the sample at different times
  3. CUsing two observers for half the sessions each
  4. DComparing scores on two halves of the same test to check internal consistency
5.Medium

The standard error of the mean becomes smaller when:

  1. AThe variable is measured at ordinal level
  2. BThe sample size increases
  3. CThe sample size decreases
  4. DThe mean increases
6.Medium

In a content analysis, inter-rater reliability is checked by:

  1. AAsking participants afterwards whether the researcher's coding of their material is correct
  2. BHaving two researchers code the same material and comparing results
  3. CCoding the material twice in one day
  4. DUsing a larger sample of materials
7.Hard

A meta-analysis combines 40 studies of a therapy. Why might its overall effect size still be too large?

  1. AMeta-analyses always give smaller effects than the single studies they include
  2. BPublication bias means unpublished null studies may be missing
  3. CCombining studies always removes all bias
  4. DMeta-analyses cannot include randomised trials
8.Hard

A researcher manipulates mood by showing a sad film, then asks participants to rate how sad they feel before the main task. Why is this rating included?

  1. AAs a manipulation check to confirm the IV worked as intended
  2. BTo debrief participants about the aims
  3. CAs the main dependent variable of the study
  4. DTo counterbalance the order of conditions

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Neither participants nor the researchers collecting data know who is in which condition
  2. 2. A · Systematic sampling
  3. 3. A · Agree to take part after being told what the study involves
  4. 4. D · Comparing scores on two halves of the same test to check internal consistency
  5. 5. B · The sample size increases
  6. 6. B · Having two researchers code the same material and comparing results
  7. 7. B · Publication bias means unpublished null studies may be missing
  8. 8. A · As a manipulation check to confirm the IV worked as intended

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