PSYC-FPX4600 Research Methods in Psychology
Study Guide | Application-Based Questions, Exam
Practice, Research Design, Data Analysis, and
Verified Solutions [Capella University]
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of research in psychology?
A) To confirm personal beliefs
B) To systematically investigate and understand behavior and mental
processes
C) To collect anecdotes
D) To improve personal relationships
Rationale: The primary purpose of research in psychology is to systematically explore
and understand the complexities of behavior and mental processes.
Question 2:
What is a hypothesis?
A) A factual statement
B) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables
C) A summary of findings
D) A method of data collection
Rationale: A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction that can be confirmed or
refuted through research.
Question 3:
What type of research design is used to identify relationships between variables?
A) Experimental
B) Correlational
C) Longitudinal
D) Case study
Rationale: Correlational research examines the relationships between variables without
manipulating them, allowing researchers to identify patterns.
Question 4:
What does a positive correlation indicate?
A) One variable causes the other
B) As one variable increases, the other also increases
,C) There is no relationship between variables
D) One variable decreases while the other increases
Rationale: A positive correlation means that both variables move in the same direction,
indicating a relationship.
Question 5:
What is the main advantage of using a randomized controlled trial (RCT)?
A) It is less expensive
B) It minimizes bias and allows for causal inferences
C) It requires fewer participants
D) It is easier to conduct
Rationale: RCTs use random assignment to control for confounding variables, allowing
researchers to make causal claims about the effects of an intervention.
Question 6:
What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
A) To present new findings
B) To summarize and synthesize existing research on a topic
C) To collect raw data
D) To conduct experiments
Rationale: A literature review helps establish the context for new research by
summarizing what is already known and identifying gaps in the literature.
Question 7:
What does "operational definition" refer to?
A) A theoretical explanation
B) The specific way in which a variable is measured or manipulated
C) A statistical analysis
D) A summary of results
Rationale: An operational definition provides clarity on how variables are defined and
measured, allowing for replication and understanding.
Question 8:
Which method is considered the most rigorous for establishing causation?
A) Correlational studies
B) Experimental studies
,C) Surveys
D) Observational studies
Rationale: Experimental studies involve manipulation of independent variables and
control of extraneous variables, allowing for causal inferences.
Question 9:
What is a control group?
A) A group that receives the treatment
B) A group that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison
C) A random sample of participants
D) A group selected based on specific criteria
Rationale: A control group serves as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment,
helping to isolate the treatment's impact.
Question 10:
What is the significance of using a random sample in research?
A) It guarantees accurate results
B) It helps ensure that the sample is representative of the population
C) It simplifies data analysis
D) It increases the sample size
Rationale: Random sampling reduces bias and increases the generalizability of the
findings to the larger population.
Question 11:
What is a dependent variable?
A) The variable that is manipulated
B) The variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent
variable
C) A control factor
D) A theoretical construct
Rationale: The dependent variable is what researchers measure to see if it is affected
by changes in the independent variable.
Question 12:
Which of the following is a qualitative research method?
, A) Survey
B) Interviews
C) Experiment
D) Correlation
Rationale: Interviews are a qualitative method that gathers in-depth information about
participants' experiences and perspectives.
Question 13:
What is the purpose of a pilot study?
A) To finalize data collection
B) To test the feasibility and refine the research design before the main study
C) To analyze results
D) To recruit participants
Rationale: Pilot studies help identify potential issues in the research design and
methodology, allowing for adjustments before the full study.
Question 14:
What does a "null hypothesis" state?
A) There is a relationship between variables
B) There is no effect or relationship between variables
C) The hypothesis is proven
D) The study is not valid
Rationale: A null hypothesis serves as a default position that indicates no effect or
relationship, allowing researchers to test for significant differences.
Question 15:
What is the role of ethics in psychological research?
A) To minimize costs
B) To protect the rights and welfare of participants
C) To simplify data collection
D) To ensure publication
Rationale: Ethical guidelines are essential for safeguarding participants from harm and
ensuring the integrity of the research process.
Question 16:
What is "informed consent"?
Study Guide | Application-Based Questions, Exam
Practice, Research Design, Data Analysis, and
Verified Solutions [Capella University]
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of research in psychology?
A) To confirm personal beliefs
B) To systematically investigate and understand behavior and mental
processes
C) To collect anecdotes
D) To improve personal relationships
Rationale: The primary purpose of research in psychology is to systematically explore
and understand the complexities of behavior and mental processes.
Question 2:
What is a hypothesis?
A) A factual statement
B) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables
C) A summary of findings
D) A method of data collection
Rationale: A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction that can be confirmed or
refuted through research.
Question 3:
What type of research design is used to identify relationships between variables?
A) Experimental
B) Correlational
C) Longitudinal
D) Case study
Rationale: Correlational research examines the relationships between variables without
manipulating them, allowing researchers to identify patterns.
Question 4:
What does a positive correlation indicate?
A) One variable causes the other
B) As one variable increases, the other also increases
,C) There is no relationship between variables
D) One variable decreases while the other increases
Rationale: A positive correlation means that both variables move in the same direction,
indicating a relationship.
Question 5:
What is the main advantage of using a randomized controlled trial (RCT)?
A) It is less expensive
B) It minimizes bias and allows for causal inferences
C) It requires fewer participants
D) It is easier to conduct
Rationale: RCTs use random assignment to control for confounding variables, allowing
researchers to make causal claims about the effects of an intervention.
Question 6:
What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
A) To present new findings
B) To summarize and synthesize existing research on a topic
C) To collect raw data
D) To conduct experiments
Rationale: A literature review helps establish the context for new research by
summarizing what is already known and identifying gaps in the literature.
Question 7:
What does "operational definition" refer to?
A) A theoretical explanation
B) The specific way in which a variable is measured or manipulated
C) A statistical analysis
D) A summary of results
Rationale: An operational definition provides clarity on how variables are defined and
measured, allowing for replication and understanding.
Question 8:
Which method is considered the most rigorous for establishing causation?
A) Correlational studies
B) Experimental studies
,C) Surveys
D) Observational studies
Rationale: Experimental studies involve manipulation of independent variables and
control of extraneous variables, allowing for causal inferences.
Question 9:
What is a control group?
A) A group that receives the treatment
B) A group that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison
C) A random sample of participants
D) A group selected based on specific criteria
Rationale: A control group serves as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment,
helping to isolate the treatment's impact.
Question 10:
What is the significance of using a random sample in research?
A) It guarantees accurate results
B) It helps ensure that the sample is representative of the population
C) It simplifies data analysis
D) It increases the sample size
Rationale: Random sampling reduces bias and increases the generalizability of the
findings to the larger population.
Question 11:
What is a dependent variable?
A) The variable that is manipulated
B) The variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent
variable
C) A control factor
D) A theoretical construct
Rationale: The dependent variable is what researchers measure to see if it is affected
by changes in the independent variable.
Question 12:
Which of the following is a qualitative research method?
, A) Survey
B) Interviews
C) Experiment
D) Correlation
Rationale: Interviews are a qualitative method that gathers in-depth information about
participants' experiences and perspectives.
Question 13:
What is the purpose of a pilot study?
A) To finalize data collection
B) To test the feasibility and refine the research design before the main study
C) To analyze results
D) To recruit participants
Rationale: Pilot studies help identify potential issues in the research design and
methodology, allowing for adjustments before the full study.
Question 14:
What does a "null hypothesis" state?
A) There is a relationship between variables
B) There is no effect or relationship between variables
C) The hypothesis is proven
D) The study is not valid
Rationale: A null hypothesis serves as a default position that indicates no effect or
relationship, allowing researchers to test for significant differences.
Question 15:
What is the role of ethics in psychological research?
A) To minimize costs
B) To protect the rights and welfare of participants
C) To simplify data collection
D) To ensure publication
Rationale: Ethical guidelines are essential for safeguarding participants from harm and
ensuring the integrity of the research process.
Question 16:
What is "informed consent"?
