,PSYC 255 Quiz 6 | Introduction to Research (2026)
Q&A | Liberty University
1. What is the primary focus of descriptive research methods in psychology?
A) To determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables
B) To observe and describe behavior without manipulating variables
C) To test specific hypotheses about group differences
D) To predict future behavior based on past data
Correct Answer: To observe and describe behavior without manipulating
variables
Rationale: Descriptive research methods focus on observing, describing, and
measuring behavior as it occurs naturally, without any manipulation or control of
variables. They do not test relationships between variables or determine cause-and-
effect relationships. This approach is often used in the early stages of research when
little is known about a topic.
2. Which of the following is a type of descriptive research design?
A) Randomized controlled trial
B) Survey research
C) Quasi-experimental design
D) Factorial design
Correct Answer: Survey research
,Rationale: Survey research is a descriptive research design that involves collecting
information from participants through questionnaires or interviews. Randomized
controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and factorial designs are experimental
or quasi-experimental methods that involve manipulation of variables. Descriptive
research designs include surveys, naturalistic observation, case studies, and archival
research.
3. What is the main limitation of case studies?
A) They are too expensive to conduct
B) They cannot be replicated
C) The findings cannot be generalized to the larger population
D) They require a very large sample size
Correct Answer: The findings cannot be generalized to the larger population
Rationale: Case studies involve in-depth investigation of a single individual or
small group, which limits the ability to generalize findings to the broader population.
They are not necessarily expensive or impossible to replicate, and they do not require
large samples. Their strength lies in providing rich, detailed information about a
specific case.
4. What does the term "archival research" refer to?
A) Observing behavior in a natural setting
B) Using existing records to answer a research question
C) Conducting in-depth interviews with participants
D) Following participants over an extended period
, Correct Answer: Using existing records to answer a research question
Rationale: Archival research involves analyzing existing records or data that were
collected for other purposes, such as census data, medical records, or historical
documents. It does not involve direct observation, interviews, or longitudinal follow-
up. This method allows researchers to study questions using already-available data.
5. What is the primary benefit of naturalistic observation?
A) The researcher can control all variables
B) The data collected reflect behavior in realistic settings
C) The study can be easily replicated
D) Cause-and-effect relationships can be established
Correct Answer: The data collected reflect behavior in realistic settings
Rationale: Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in natural
environments without any manipulation, which provides high ecological validity. The
data reflect genuine behavior as it occurs in real-world settings. However, the
researcher cannot control variables or establish cause-and-effect relationships
through this method.
6. What is a major disadvantage of naturalistic observation?
A) Participants cannot behave naturally
B) The results may lack generalizability
C) The researcher can control too many variables
Q&A | Liberty University
1. What is the primary focus of descriptive research methods in psychology?
A) To determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables
B) To observe and describe behavior without manipulating variables
C) To test specific hypotheses about group differences
D) To predict future behavior based on past data
Correct Answer: To observe and describe behavior without manipulating
variables
Rationale: Descriptive research methods focus on observing, describing, and
measuring behavior as it occurs naturally, without any manipulation or control of
variables. They do not test relationships between variables or determine cause-and-
effect relationships. This approach is often used in the early stages of research when
little is known about a topic.
2. Which of the following is a type of descriptive research design?
A) Randomized controlled trial
B) Survey research
C) Quasi-experimental design
D) Factorial design
Correct Answer: Survey research
,Rationale: Survey research is a descriptive research design that involves collecting
information from participants through questionnaires or interviews. Randomized
controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and factorial designs are experimental
or quasi-experimental methods that involve manipulation of variables. Descriptive
research designs include surveys, naturalistic observation, case studies, and archival
research.
3. What is the main limitation of case studies?
A) They are too expensive to conduct
B) They cannot be replicated
C) The findings cannot be generalized to the larger population
D) They require a very large sample size
Correct Answer: The findings cannot be generalized to the larger population
Rationale: Case studies involve in-depth investigation of a single individual or
small group, which limits the ability to generalize findings to the broader population.
They are not necessarily expensive or impossible to replicate, and they do not require
large samples. Their strength lies in providing rich, detailed information about a
specific case.
4. What does the term "archival research" refer to?
A) Observing behavior in a natural setting
B) Using existing records to answer a research question
C) Conducting in-depth interviews with participants
D) Following participants over an extended period
, Correct Answer: Using existing records to answer a research question
Rationale: Archival research involves analyzing existing records or data that were
collected for other purposes, such as census data, medical records, or historical
documents. It does not involve direct observation, interviews, or longitudinal follow-
up. This method allows researchers to study questions using already-available data.
5. What is the primary benefit of naturalistic observation?
A) The researcher can control all variables
B) The data collected reflect behavior in realistic settings
C) The study can be easily replicated
D) Cause-and-effect relationships can be established
Correct Answer: The data collected reflect behavior in realistic settings
Rationale: Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in natural
environments without any manipulation, which provides high ecological validity. The
data reflect genuine behavior as it occurs in real-world settings. However, the
researcher cannot control variables or establish cause-and-effect relationships
through this method.
6. What is a major disadvantage of naturalistic observation?
A) Participants cannot behave naturally
B) The results may lack generalizability
C) The researcher can control too many variables
