PSYC 300
Research Methods in Psychology
MIDTERM READINESS EXAM
GUIDE
Q&S
©2024/2025
,1. Which of the following statements about random
assignment is TRUE?
A) It ensures that the sample is representative of the
population.
B) It helps control for confounding variables.
C) It is only applicable in qualitative research.
D) It is not necessary in experimental designs.
Correct Answer: B) It helps control for confounding
variables.
Rationale: Random assignment helps distribute
participant characteristics evenly across conditions,
minimizing the influence of confounding variables.
2. In a within-subjects design, which of the following is a
potential drawback?
A) Increased variability among groups.
B) Longer duration of study.
C) Carryover effects.
D) More resource-intensive.
Correct Answer: C) Carryover effects.
Rationale: Carryover effects occur when the treatment
in one condition affects participants' responses in
subsequent conditions.
3. Which sampling technique is best suited for studying
rare populations, such as individuals with a specific
disorder?
A) Random sampling
B) Stratified sampling
C) Purposive sampling
D) Convenience sampling
©2024/2025
, Correct Answer: C) Purposive sampling
Rationale: Purposive sampling specifically targets
individuals who meet certain criteria, making it useful for
studies of rare populations.
4. What is the purpose of a control group in an
experimental study?
A) To provide a baseline for comparison.
B) To increase the sample size.
C) To eliminate ethical concerns.
D) To ensure participants are blind to the study's
hypothesis.
Correct Answer: A) To provide a baseline for
comparison.
Rationale: A control group helps researchers determine
the effect of the treatment by providing a baseline against
which to compare the experimental group.
5. In statistical analysis, what would a p-value of 0.04
indicate?
A) A higher probability of the null hypothesis being true.
B) Statistical significance at the 0.05 level.
C) No correlation between variables.
D) A non-significant result.
Correct Answer: B) Statistical significance at the 0.05
level.
Rationale: A p-value of 0.04 indicates that there is less
than a 5% probability that the observed results occurred by
chance, suggesting statistical significance.
### Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
6. In a double-blind study, both the __________ and the
©2024/2025
Research Methods in Psychology
MIDTERM READINESS EXAM
GUIDE
Q&S
©2024/2025
,1. Which of the following statements about random
assignment is TRUE?
A) It ensures that the sample is representative of the
population.
B) It helps control for confounding variables.
C) It is only applicable in qualitative research.
D) It is not necessary in experimental designs.
Correct Answer: B) It helps control for confounding
variables.
Rationale: Random assignment helps distribute
participant characteristics evenly across conditions,
minimizing the influence of confounding variables.
2. In a within-subjects design, which of the following is a
potential drawback?
A) Increased variability among groups.
B) Longer duration of study.
C) Carryover effects.
D) More resource-intensive.
Correct Answer: C) Carryover effects.
Rationale: Carryover effects occur when the treatment
in one condition affects participants' responses in
subsequent conditions.
3. Which sampling technique is best suited for studying
rare populations, such as individuals with a specific
disorder?
A) Random sampling
B) Stratified sampling
C) Purposive sampling
D) Convenience sampling
©2024/2025
, Correct Answer: C) Purposive sampling
Rationale: Purposive sampling specifically targets
individuals who meet certain criteria, making it useful for
studies of rare populations.
4. What is the purpose of a control group in an
experimental study?
A) To provide a baseline for comparison.
B) To increase the sample size.
C) To eliminate ethical concerns.
D) To ensure participants are blind to the study's
hypothesis.
Correct Answer: A) To provide a baseline for
comparison.
Rationale: A control group helps researchers determine
the effect of the treatment by providing a baseline against
which to compare the experimental group.
5. In statistical analysis, what would a p-value of 0.04
indicate?
A) A higher probability of the null hypothesis being true.
B) Statistical significance at the 0.05 level.
C) No correlation between variables.
D) A non-significant result.
Correct Answer: B) Statistical significance at the 0.05
level.
Rationale: A p-value of 0.04 indicates that there is less
than a 5% probability that the observed results occurred by
chance, suggesting statistical significance.
### Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
6. In a double-blind study, both the __________ and the
©2024/2025
