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

Why should correlation not be taken as proof of causation?

  1. ACorrelations are never statistically significant
  2. BCorrelations can only be negative
  3. CCorrelation coefficients are always too weak to indicate any real relationship
  4. DA third variable or reverse causation could explain the relationship
2.Easy

In a naturalistic observation, the researcher:

  1. ARandomly assigns participants to conditions
  2. BAsks participants to complete a questionnaire about their everyday behaviour
  3. CObserves behaviour in its usual setting without manipulating variables
  4. DControls the environment in a laboratory
3.Easy

Which level of measurement has equal intervals and a true zero point, such as reaction time?

  1. ANominal
  2. BRatio
  3. CInterval
  4. DOrdinal
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. CComparing scores on two halves of the same test to check internal consistency
  4. DUsing two observers for half the sessions each
5.Medium

Standardised instructions are used in an experiment so that:

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

The same 25 participants complete a memory test before and after caffeine. The scores are interval and roughly normal. Which test is appropriate?

  1. AMann–Whitney U test
  2. BChi-square test
  3. CIndependent samples t-test
  4. DPaired (related) samples t-test
7.Hard

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. CIndividual differences between the groups
  4. DToo large a sample size
8.Hard

In qualitative research, reflexivity means that the researcher:

  1. AUses a random sample to remove bias
  2. BReflects on how their own background and assumptions may shape the analysis
  3. CRepeats the study to check reliability
  4. DConverts themes into numerical data

Answer key

  1. 1. D · A third variable or reverse causation could explain the relationship
  2. 2. C · Observes behaviour in its usual setting without manipulating variables
  3. 3. B · Ratio
  4. 4. C · Comparing scores on two halves of the same test to check internal consistency
  5. 5. B · All participants receive the same information in the same way
  6. 6. D · Paired (related) samples t-test
  7. 7. A · Order effects such as practice, because conditions were not counterbalanced
  8. 8. B · Reflects on how their own background and assumptions may shape the analysis

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