Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

The mode of a data set is:

1. AThe difference between highest and lowest values
2. BThe arithmetic average of all values
3. CThe most frequently occurring value
4. DThe middle value when scores are ordered

The right to withdraw means that participants:

1. ACan see other participants' results
2. BMust complete the study once they have started
3. CCan leave the study at any time and may ask for their data to be removed
4. DCan choose which condition they are in and can switch conditions at any point

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

1. AContains the researchers themselves
2. BIs made up of volunteers only
3. CReceives the strongest version of the treatment, to show its maximum effect
4. DDoes not receive the experimental treatment, providing a baseline

A p-value of 0.03 means:

1. AThe effect is large
2. BThe result will replicate 97% of the time
3. CGiven the observed data, there is only a 3% probability that the null hypothesis is true
4. DIf the null hypothesis were true, data this extreme would occur about 3% of the time

Split-half reliability involves:

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

Standardised instructions are used in an experiment so that:

1. AAll participants receive the same information in the same way
2. BParticipants can choose their own conditions
3. CThe results become statistically significant
4. DThe researcher can adapt the procedure to suit each participant's needs

A memory study uses a repeated measures design where everyone learns list A then list B. Recall is better for list B. What is the most likely flaw?

1. AOrder effects such as practice, because conditions were not counterbalanced
2. BThe use of an ordinal level of measurement
3. CToo large a sample size
4. DIndividual differences between the groups

What is the main purpose of random allocation to conditions in an experiment?

1. ATo spread participant variables evenly so they do not confound the results
2. BTo make the sample representative of the target population so results generalise
3. CTo increase the response rate
4. DTo ensure participants do not know the aim