Research Methods For The Behavioral Sciences 2nd Edition by Gregory J. Privitera -Test Bank

,Privitera, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences 2e Instructor Resource
Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking



Multiple Choice (75)

1. ________ is the acquisition of knowledge through observation, evaluation,
interpretation, and theoretical explanation.

a. Science
b. Empiricism
c. Authority
d. Statistics
LO: 1, Ans: A, Cognitive Domain: Knowledge, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

2. A researcher uses the scientific method to acquire knowledge through observation,
evaluation, interpretation, and theoretical explanation. This researcher is engaged in:

a. statistics.
b. sampling.
c. science.
d. Empiricism.
LO: 1, Ans: C, Cognitive Domain: Comprehension, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

3. Science is the acquisition of knowledge through all of the following except:

a. observation.
b. evaluation.
c. interpretation.
d. anecdotal evidence
LO: 1, Ans: D, Cognitive Domain: Knowledge, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

4. Which of the following is NOT a means of acquiring knowledge through science?

a. Acquire knowledge through observation
b. Acquire knowledge through tenacity and intuition
c. Acquire knowledge through theoretical explanation
d. Acquire knowledge through evaluation and interpretation
LO: 1, Ans: B, Cognitive Domain: Application, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

5. Science is a broad term that comes from the Latin scientia, meaning what?

a. To state [a theory or idea]
b. Knowledge

,Privitera, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences 2e Instructor Resource
Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking



c. To observe
d. Interpretation
LO: 1, Ans: B, Cognitive Domain: Application, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

6. The ________ refers to a set of systematic techniques used to acquire, modify, and
integrate knowledge concerning observable and measurable phenomena.

a. hypothesis
b. population
c. scientific method
d. operational definition
LO: 1, Ans: C, Cognitive Domain: Knowledge, Answer Location: The Scientific
Method

7. The scientific method refers to a set of systematic techniques used to acquire, modify,
and integrate knowledge concerning:

a. observable and measurable phenomena.
b. populations, but not samples.
c. statistics, but not parameters .
d. any phenomena.
LO: 1, Ans: A, Cognitive Domain: Knowledge, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

8. Another name for the scientific method is the:

a. sampling method.
b. systematic method.
c. research method.
d. preferred method.
LO: 1, Ans: C, Cognitive Domain: Knowledge, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

9. Science is ________ way of knowing about the world.

a. one
b. the only
c. the best
d. the worst
LO: 1, Ans: A, Cognitive Domain: Knowledge, Answer Location: Science as a
Method of Knowing

, Privitera, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences 2e Instructor Resource
Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking



10. Which of the following is NOT one of the six general steps to apply the scientific
method?

a. Identify a problem
b. Select an authority figure
c. Conduct the study
d. Develop a research plan
LO: 2, Ans: B, Cognitive Domain: Application, Answer Location: The Scientific
Method

11. Which of the following lists the general steps for engaging in the scientific method in
the correct order?

a. Identify a problem, conduct the study, develop a research plan, analyze, and
evaluate the data, generate more new ideas, and communicate the results.
b. Identify a problem, conduct the study, develop a research plan, analyze, and
evaluate the data, communicate the results, and generate more new ideas.
c. Identify a problem, develop a research plan, conduct the study, analyze, and
evaluate the data, communicate the results, and generate more new ideas.
d. Develop a research plan, conduct the study, identify a problem, analyze, and
evaluate the data, communicate the results, and generate more new ideas.
LO: 2, Ans: C, Cognitive Domain: Analysis, Answer Location: The Scientific
Method

12. The first step in the scientific process is to identify a problem, which entails all of the
following except:

a. performing a literature review.
b. determining an area of interest.
c. developing a research hypothesis.
d. conducting the study
LO: 2, Ans: D, Cognitive Domain: Knowledge, Answer Location: Step 1 Identify a
Problem

13. A researcher reads an article that reports a significant result. While reading this
article, the researcher identifies a hypothesis to explain the findings reported in that
article. Which step of the scientific method is described in this example?

a. Analyze and evaluate data
b. Conduct the study
c. Communicate the results
d. Identify a problem
LO: 2, Ans: D, Cognitive Domain: Application, Answer Location: Step 1 Identify a
Problem