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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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

A variable other than the IV that changes systematically with the IV and could explain the result is called a:

  1. AConfounding variable
  2. BDependent variable
  3. CDemand characteristic
  4. DControl variable
2.Easy

A study that follows the same participants over a long period of time is called:

  1. AA pilot study
  2. BA case study
  3. CA cross-sectional study
  4. DA longitudinal study
3.Easy

Which sampling method selects people who happen to be available at the time, such as students in a canteen?

  1. ARandom sampling
  2. BOpportunity sampling
  3. CSystematic sampling
  4. DStratified sampling
4.Medium

In a content analysis, inter-rater reliability is checked by:

  1. AUsing a larger sample of materials
  2. BHaving two researchers code the same material and comparing results
  3. CAsking participants afterwards whether the researcher's coding of their material is correct
  4. DCoding the material twice in one day
5.Medium

Which test is suitable for comparing the means of two independent groups with interval data that are roughly normal?

  1. APearson correlation
  2. BWilcoxon signed-rank test
  3. CIndependent samples t-test
  4. DChi-square test
6.Medium

Experimenter bias is reduced most directly by:

  1. AUsing a researcher who does not know the hypothesis or conditions to collect data
  2. BUsing a larger sample
  3. CUsing a one-tailed hypothesis
  4. DUsing only volunteers
7.Hard

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

  1. ATriangulation
  2. BStratification
  3. CReplication
  4. DCounterbalancing
8.Hard

A researcher wants to test whether a new teaching method causes better grades, but cannot randomise students. Which design gives the strongest causal evidence in this situation?

  1. AAsking students whether they think the method worked
  2. BComparing matched classes measured before and after, with a comparison group
  3. CMeasuring only the class using the new method after teaching
  4. DCorrelating grades with how much students like the teacher

Answer key

  1. 1. A · Confounding variable
  2. 2. D · A longitudinal study
  3. 3. B · Opportunity sampling
  4. 4. B · Having two researchers code the same material and comparing results
  5. 5. C · Independent samples t-test
  6. 6. A · Using a researcher who does not know the hypothesis or conditions to collect data
  7. 7. A · Triangulation
  8. 8. B · Comparing matched classes measured before and after, with a comparison group

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