PSYC 304 Final: Research Methods
Athabasca University | Latest Update |
2024/2025 | Graded A+
What is the primary purpose of research methods in psychology?
✔✔ The primary purpose is to systematically investigate psychological phenomena, gather
empirical evidence, and enhance understanding of behavior and mental processes.
How does a hypothesis differ from a theory in psychological research?
✔✔ A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables,
while a theory is a broader explanation based on a body of evidence.
What is the significance of operational definitions in research?
✔✔ Operational definitions clarify how variables are measured or manipulated, ensuring that
researchers can accurately replicate studies and compare results.
What are the main components of a research proposal?
✔✔ A research proposal typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology,
anticipated results, and ethical considerations.
1
,What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods?
✔✔ Qualitative research focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings, while
quantitative research emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis.
How can researchers minimize bias in their studies?
✔✔ Researchers can minimize bias through random sampling, blinding participants and
researchers, and using standardized procedures.
What role does informed consent play in psychological research?
✔✔ Informed consent ensures that participants understand the nature of the study, their rights,
and any potential risks, allowing them to make an educated decision about participation.
What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
✔✔ A literature review synthesizes existing research on a topic, identifying gaps in knowledge
and providing a foundation for the current study.
How do researchers ensure the reliability of their measures?
✔✔ Researchers can ensure reliability by using established measurement tools, conducting pilot
tests, and assessing consistency across multiple trials.
2
, What is the importance of random assignment in experimental research?
✔✔ Random assignment helps control for extraneous variables, ensuring that participant
characteristics are evenly distributed across experimental groups.
How can observational research contribute to psychological studies?
✔✔ Observational research provides insights into natural behaviors in real-world settings,
helping to generate hypotheses for further investigation.
What is the difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies?
✔✔ Cross-sectional studies examine data at a single point in time, while longitudinal studies
collect data from the same participants over an extended period.
How do researchers operationalize abstract concepts like intelligence or anxiety?
✔✔ Researchers operationalize abstract concepts by defining specific measures or behaviors that
reflect the construct being studied, such as using standardized tests for intelligence.
What ethical considerations must researchers address when studying vulnerable populations?
3
Athabasca University | Latest Update |
2024/2025 | Graded A+
What is the primary purpose of research methods in psychology?
✔✔ The primary purpose is to systematically investigate psychological phenomena, gather
empirical evidence, and enhance understanding of behavior and mental processes.
How does a hypothesis differ from a theory in psychological research?
✔✔ A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables,
while a theory is a broader explanation based on a body of evidence.
What is the significance of operational definitions in research?
✔✔ Operational definitions clarify how variables are measured or manipulated, ensuring that
researchers can accurately replicate studies and compare results.
What are the main components of a research proposal?
✔✔ A research proposal typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology,
anticipated results, and ethical considerations.
1
,What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods?
✔✔ Qualitative research focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings, while
quantitative research emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis.
How can researchers minimize bias in their studies?
✔✔ Researchers can minimize bias through random sampling, blinding participants and
researchers, and using standardized procedures.
What role does informed consent play in psychological research?
✔✔ Informed consent ensures that participants understand the nature of the study, their rights,
and any potential risks, allowing them to make an educated decision about participation.
What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
✔✔ A literature review synthesizes existing research on a topic, identifying gaps in knowledge
and providing a foundation for the current study.
How do researchers ensure the reliability of their measures?
✔✔ Researchers can ensure reliability by using established measurement tools, conducting pilot
tests, and assessing consistency across multiple trials.
2
, What is the importance of random assignment in experimental research?
✔✔ Random assignment helps control for extraneous variables, ensuring that participant
characteristics are evenly distributed across experimental groups.
How can observational research contribute to psychological studies?
✔✔ Observational research provides insights into natural behaviors in real-world settings,
helping to generate hypotheses for further investigation.
What is the difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies?
✔✔ Cross-sectional studies examine data at a single point in time, while longitudinal studies
collect data from the same participants over an extended period.
How do researchers operationalize abstract concepts like intelligence or anxiety?
✔✔ Researchers operationalize abstract concepts by defining specific measures or behaviors that
reflect the construct being studied, such as using standardized tests for intelligence.
What ethical considerations must researchers address when studying vulnerable populations?
3
