Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

On a questionnaire, an item like "Strongly agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly disagree" is called a:

1. ARating of reaction time
2. BOpen question
3. CLikert scale
4. DSemantic differential

Which is an example of qualitative data?

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

A small-scale trial run of a study before the main research is called:

1. AA field experiment
2. BA meta-analysis
3. CA replication
4. DA pilot study

Which statistic is appropriate for the relationship between two sets of ranks, such as judges' rankings of paintings?

1. AChi-square
2. BIndependent t-test
3. CPearson's r
4. DSpearman's rho

A researcher studies the effect of gender on memory scores. Why is this a quasi-experiment rather than a true experiment?

1. AThe DV is not measured
2. BThere are only two conditions, and a true experiment needs at least three levels of the IV
3. CThe study takes place in a laboratory
4. DThe IV is a pre-existing characteristic, so participants cannot be randomly allocated to it

A Type I error occurs when a researcher:

1. AFails to reject a null hypothesis that is false
2. BRejects a null hypothesis that is actually true
3. CCollects too much data
4. DUses the wrong statistical test

Increasing the sample size in a study most directly:

1. AIncreases statistical power to detect a real effect
2. BGuarantees a statistically significant result if any effect exists
3. CIncreases the effect size
4. DRemoves all bias from the sample

A psychology department recruits participants only from introductory psychology courses. Critics say samples are "WEIRD". What does this refer to?

1. ASamples that withdraw early from studies
2. BWestern, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic samples that may not generalise
3. CSamples recruited using weighted random methods
4. DSamples that are unusually strange in their behaviour