Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

A researcher places an advert asking for people to take part in a study. Which sampling method is this?

1. AOpportunity sampling
2. BStratified sampling
3. CSystematic sampling
4. DVolunteer (self-selected) sampling

Which is an example of qualitative data?

1. AReaction times in milliseconds
2. BScores on a 20-item memory test
3. CInterview transcripts describing feelings about work
4. DNumber of words recalled

A variable other than the IV that changes systematically with the IV and could explain the result is called a:

1. AConfounding variable
2. BDemand characteristic
3. CDependent variable
4. DControl variable

A Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 for a 15-item anxiety scale indicates:

1. AScores are stable over six months
2. BGood internal consistency of the items
3. CThe scale predicts future anxiety well
4. DThe scale has a significant effect on anxiety

Operationalisation means:

1. AChoosing a statistical test
2. BCarrying out the research in a real operational setting, such as a hospital
3. CDefining variables in a precise, measurable way
4. DGiving participants instructions

Experimenter bias is reduced most directly by:

1. AUsing only volunteers
2. BUsing a one-tailed hypothesis
3. CUsing a researcher who does not know the hypothesis or conditions to collect data
4. DUsing a larger sample

A self-report scale finds that people who agree with many statements score high regardless of content. Which response bias is this, and how can it be reduced?

1. ADemand characteristics; use a double-blind design
2. BOrder effects; use counterbalancing of participants
3. CAcquiescence bias; include reverse-worded items
4. DSocial desirability bias; use a larger sample

A one-way ANOVA comparing four groups is significant. What should the researcher do next to find which groups differ?

1. AReport the result as a correlation
2. BRun post hoc tests such as Tukey's HSD
3. CConclude that all four groups differ from each other
4. DRun a chi-square test on the means