Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

In research ethics, debriefing means:

1. APaying participants for their time
2. BAsking participants for informed consent before the study begins and explaining the procedure
3. CRemoving names from the data
4. DExplaining the true aims of the study to participants after they take part

Test-retest reliability is assessed by:

1. AGiving the same test to the same people on two occasions and correlating the scores
2. BHaving two observers code the same behaviour
3. CChecking whether the items appear, on the surface, to measure what the test claims to
4. DComparing a new test with an established one

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

In a field experiment, the researcher:

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

Demand characteristics are:

1. AThe formal demands an ethics committee makes before a study can begin
2. BCues that make participants guess the aim and change their behaviour
3. CCharacteristics of the sample
4. DStatistical requirements for a test

In observational research, event sampling means:

1. ARecording every time a specified behaviour occurs
2. BChoosing participants at random
3. CRecording behaviour only at fixed time intervals
4. DRecording only events the participants report

In qualitative research, reflexivity means that the researcher:

1. ARepeats the study to check reliability
2. BUses a random sample to remove bias
3. CConverts themes into numerical data
4. DReflects on how their own background and assumptions may shape the analysis

A researcher records data at nine time points and tests at the 5% level each time without correction. What is the problem?

1. AThe chance of at least one false positive rises well above 5%
2. BThe data become more reliable each time, so the final test is the most accurate
3. CThe effect size falls with each test
4. DThere is no problem with this approach