Research methods in psychology worksheet with answers

Which measure of spread is the difference between the highest and lowest scores?

1. AThe interquartile range
2. BThe standard deviation
3. CThe variance
4. DThe range

Reliability refers to:

1. AThe consistency of a measure
2. BWhether a measure tests what it claims to
3. CWhether results apply to other settings
4. DWhether participants gave consent

In a matched pairs design:

1. AParticipants are paired on relevant characteristics and one of each pair goes into each condition
2. BOnly twins can take part
3. CThe same participants take part in all conditions
4. DParticipants are randomly allocated with no matching

Why are behaviour categories in an observation operationalised before data collection?

1. ASo participants know exactly what is being recorded
2. BSo the hypothesis can be changed after the data are seen
3. CSo the observation becomes an experiment
4. DSo observers record the same behaviours consistently, improving reliability

In a repeated measures design, order effects can be controlled by:

1. ACounterbalancing
2. BRandom sampling
3. CSingle-blind procedures
4. DUsing a larger sample only

Standardised instructions are used in an experiment so that:

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

In qualitative research, reflexivity means that the researcher:

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

A researcher uses a questionnaire, interviews and observation to study workplace stress, and the findings agree. What is this approach called?

1. ACounterbalancing
2. BReplication
3. CStratification
4. DTriangulation