,PSYC 255 Quiz 2 | Introduction to Research (2026)
Q&A | Liberty University
1. What is the first step in the scientific method?
A) Formulating a hypothesis
B) Identifying a problem
C) Collecting data
D) Analyzing results
Correct Answer: Identifying a problem
Rationale: The scientific method begins by identifying a question or problem to
investigate. This initial step guides the subsequent formulation of a hypothesis, data
collection, and analysis. Without a clear problem, the research lacks direction.
2. Which type of research is best suited for establishing causation?
A) Correlational research
B) Experimental research
C) Descriptive research
D) Observational research
Correct Answer: Experimental research
,Rationale: Only experimental research involves manipulating variables and
controlling conditions, which allows researchers to draw cause-and-effect
conclusions. Correlational research examines relationships but cannot establish
causation. Descriptive and observational research describe behavior without
manipulation.
3. What is a hypothesis?
A) A general statement about a topic
B) A specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables
C) A summary of research findings
D) A description of the research design
Correct Answer: A specific, testable prediction about the relationship between
variables
Rationale: A hypothesis is a specific prediction that can be empirically tested. It
states the expected relationship between variables and guides the investigation. It is
not a general statement, a summary, or a design description.
4. What is the purpose of an abstract in a research article?
A) To provide a brief summary of the study
B) To describe the research methods in detail
C) To present the results
D) To discuss the implications
Correct Answer: To provide a brief summary of the study
, Rationale: An abstract is a concise summary of the research article, typically 150–
250 words. It covers the purpose, methods, key findings, and conclusions. It is not a
detailed description of methods or a discussion of implications.
5. Which section of a research article would you look to find out what stimulus
materials were presented to subjects?
A) Abstract
B) Introduction
C) Method
D) Results
Correct Answer: Method
Rationale: The method section describes the participants, materials, procedures,
and design of the study. It provides enough detail for replication. The abstract
summarizes, the introduction provides background, and the results present findings.
6. What are the five major sections of a research article in correct order?
A) Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion
B) Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, Abstract
C) Method, Results, Discussion, Abstract, Introduction
D) Results, Discussion, Abstract, Introduction, Method
Correct Answer: Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion
Q&A | Liberty University
1. What is the first step in the scientific method?
A) Formulating a hypothesis
B) Identifying a problem
C) Collecting data
D) Analyzing results
Correct Answer: Identifying a problem
Rationale: The scientific method begins by identifying a question or problem to
investigate. This initial step guides the subsequent formulation of a hypothesis, data
collection, and analysis. Without a clear problem, the research lacks direction.
2. Which type of research is best suited for establishing causation?
A) Correlational research
B) Experimental research
C) Descriptive research
D) Observational research
Correct Answer: Experimental research
,Rationale: Only experimental research involves manipulating variables and
controlling conditions, which allows researchers to draw cause-and-effect
conclusions. Correlational research examines relationships but cannot establish
causation. Descriptive and observational research describe behavior without
manipulation.
3. What is a hypothesis?
A) A general statement about a topic
B) A specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables
C) A summary of research findings
D) A description of the research design
Correct Answer: A specific, testable prediction about the relationship between
variables
Rationale: A hypothesis is a specific prediction that can be empirically tested. It
states the expected relationship between variables and guides the investigation. It is
not a general statement, a summary, or a design description.
4. What is the purpose of an abstract in a research article?
A) To provide a brief summary of the study
B) To describe the research methods in detail
C) To present the results
D) To discuss the implications
Correct Answer: To provide a brief summary of the study
, Rationale: An abstract is a concise summary of the research article, typically 150–
250 words. It covers the purpose, methods, key findings, and conclusions. It is not a
detailed description of methods or a discussion of implications.
5. Which section of a research article would you look to find out what stimulus
materials were presented to subjects?
A) Abstract
B) Introduction
C) Method
D) Results
Correct Answer: Method
Rationale: The method section describes the participants, materials, procedures,
and design of the study. It provides enough detail for replication. The abstract
summarizes, the introduction provides background, and the results present findings.
6. What are the five major sections of a research article in correct order?
A) Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion
B) Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, Abstract
C) Method, Results, Discussion, Abstract, Introduction
D) Results, Discussion, Abstract, Introduction, Method
Correct Answer: Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion
