PYC3704
Psychological Research
Semester 1& 2
ASSIGNMENT 1 & 2
(QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)
X7 ASSIGNMENTS
Tutorial Letter 201/1/2020
Tutorial Letter 201/2/2020
Tutorial Letter 202/1/2020
Tutorial Letter 202/2/2020
Tutorial Letter 201/1/2019
Tutorial Letter 201/2/2019
Tutorial Letter 202/1/2019
, Feedback for Assignment 01 of the 1ST semester of 2020
For your convenience, each question is given followed by the appropriate answer and an explanation
of the correct response. Work your way systematically through these, comparing it with your own
answer. Even if you chose the correct alternative, you may find that the explanations we give are useful.
Try to understand the explanations. Many of the items require insight, not just factual knowledge. You
will not pass this course if you try and memorise the questions and answers!
Question 1
Which of the options below provides the best description of the main purpose of quantitative research in
psychology? Its purpose is to - - - - -.
1. develop theories that explain the relationships among observed aspects of human behaviour and
mental processes
2. develop predictions about human behaviour of which we can be applied with absolute certainty
3. describe and classify aspects of humans and human behaviour
4. develop hypotheses about relationships that may exist among various constructs
Answer: Option 1 is correct.
The ultimate aim of research is to explain the phenomena we see, and this is done by way of theories.
These may be used in prediction but not with 'absolute certainty' as claimed in Option 2. Research begins
with description and classification (Option 3) but this is not its ultimate purpose. Hypotheses are developed
in order to test the probability of certain explanations (as stated in Option 4), but this is a step in the
research process, not its purpose.
Question 2
Empirical knowledge is defined as - - - - -.
1. theories which explain why facts appear as they are observed to be
2. knowledge based on creative insights
3. direct experiences as they are caught in the moment of conscious awareness
4. information derived from careful observation and description of objects and events
Answer: Option 4 is correct.
Empirical knowledge is the knowledge that you have obtained because you observed what is happening
or you have the personal experience of the event. Option 1 is wrong because empirical knowledge derive
from experience rather than theory. Option 2 and 3 are also wrong because neither of these fit to the
definition of 'empirical' knowledge.
Question 3
Operationalizing a construct means to - - - - -.
1. find an explanation for the construct to explain why it appears as it is
2. make an educated guess on how it relates to other constructs
3. determine the correct level at which it should be measured
4. devise a systematic procedure to make the construct observable, in such a way that we can
measure it
Answer: Option 4 is correct.
2
Psychological Research
Semester 1& 2
ASSIGNMENT 1 & 2
(QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)
X7 ASSIGNMENTS
Tutorial Letter 201/1/2020
Tutorial Letter 201/2/2020
Tutorial Letter 202/1/2020
Tutorial Letter 202/2/2020
Tutorial Letter 201/1/2019
Tutorial Letter 201/2/2019
Tutorial Letter 202/1/2019
, Feedback for Assignment 01 of the 1ST semester of 2020
For your convenience, each question is given followed by the appropriate answer and an explanation
of the correct response. Work your way systematically through these, comparing it with your own
answer. Even if you chose the correct alternative, you may find that the explanations we give are useful.
Try to understand the explanations. Many of the items require insight, not just factual knowledge. You
will not pass this course if you try and memorise the questions and answers!
Question 1
Which of the options below provides the best description of the main purpose of quantitative research in
psychology? Its purpose is to - - - - -.
1. develop theories that explain the relationships among observed aspects of human behaviour and
mental processes
2. develop predictions about human behaviour of which we can be applied with absolute certainty
3. describe and classify aspects of humans and human behaviour
4. develop hypotheses about relationships that may exist among various constructs
Answer: Option 1 is correct.
The ultimate aim of research is to explain the phenomena we see, and this is done by way of theories.
These may be used in prediction but not with 'absolute certainty' as claimed in Option 2. Research begins
with description and classification (Option 3) but this is not its ultimate purpose. Hypotheses are developed
in order to test the probability of certain explanations (as stated in Option 4), but this is a step in the
research process, not its purpose.
Question 2
Empirical knowledge is defined as - - - - -.
1. theories which explain why facts appear as they are observed to be
2. knowledge based on creative insights
3. direct experiences as they are caught in the moment of conscious awareness
4. information derived from careful observation and description of objects and events
Answer: Option 4 is correct.
Empirical knowledge is the knowledge that you have obtained because you observed what is happening
or you have the personal experience of the event. Option 1 is wrong because empirical knowledge derive
from experience rather than theory. Option 2 and 3 are also wrong because neither of these fit to the
definition of 'empirical' knowledge.
Question 3
Operationalizing a construct means to - - - - -.
1. find an explanation for the construct to explain why it appears as it is
2. make an educated guess on how it relates to other constructs
3. determine the correct level at which it should be measured
4. devise a systematic procedure to make the construct observable, in such a way that we can
measure it
Answer: Option 4 is correct.
2
