Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

In an experiment, the variable that is measured to see whether it is affected by the manipulation is the:

1. AExtraneous variable
2. BIndependent variable
3. CDependent variable
4. DControl variable

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

1. AVolunteer (self-selected) sampling
2. BStratified sampling
3. CSystematic sampling
4. DOpportunity sampling

The right to withdraw means that participants:

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

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. CThe researcher can adapt the procedure to suit each participant's needs
4. DParticipants can choose their own conditions

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

1. APearson's r
2. BIndependent t-test
3. CChi-square
4. DSpearman's rho

A study is preregistered. This means that:

1. AParticipants register their consent online
2. BThe study has already been published
3. CThe hypotheses, methods and analysis plan are recorded publicly before data collection
4. DThe results were checked and approved by a second, independent statistician before publication

A study reports t(28) = 2.50, p = .018 for two independent groups of equal size. How many participants took part?

1. A56
2. B29
3. C30
4. D28

In qualitative research, reflexivity means that the researcher:

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