Psychology Research Methods Exam 1
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Prolonged stress is unpleasant and leads people to seek ways to reduce stress. Smoking, drinking, and drug use are ways in which people self-medicate to reduce stress. Identify and operationally define independent and dependent variables, including their levels.
- 2.
The first prospective study examing smoking and lung cancer, conducted in 1954, found that smokers were 10 times more likely than non-smokers to develop lung cancer. Identify the one condition for inferring causation that this study did not address.
- 3.
Identify two types of reliability.
- 4.
Consider the following excerpt: The efficacy of a brief prevention program (BP) aimed at arresting the development of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was examined with 10 recent remale victims of sexual and nonsexual assault who received 4 sessions of a cognitive-behavioral program shortly after the assault. Their PTSD and depression severity was compared with that of 10 matched recent female assault victims who received repeated assessments of their trauma-related psychopathology (assessment control: AC). The BP program consisted of education about common reactions to assault and cognitive-behavioral procedures.
- What is the independent variable? How many levels does it have?
- What is/are the dependent variables?
- What is the scientific hypothesis?
- What is the null hypothesis?
- Explain why the internal validity of this study is relatively low.
- How does low internal validity affect our interpretation of the results of this study?
- Identify two strategies of control that were used in this research.
- 5.
- Below is a display of 100 scores on a measure of perceived group diversity. Higher scores indicate greater perceived diversity. The lowest possible score is 0; the highest is 20.
- What is this type of display called?
- Is this distribution symmetric or asymmetric?
- Is this distribution positively skewed, negatively skewed, or normal?
- How many individuals have scores of 13.9?
- What is the modal score?
- What is the median?
- Is the mean of this distribution higher than, lower than, or equal to the median?
- What is the range of perceived diversity scores?
- 6.
The term variable may best be defined as a:
- A.
Numerical value assigned to an observation.
- B.
Single number that allows one to summarize, analyze, or evaluate a group of observations.
- C.
Label assigned to an observation.
- D.
Property of an event that can assume any of a range of values.
Correct Answer
D. Property of an event that can assume any of a range of values.Explanation
A variable is a property of an event that can take on different values. In statistics, variables are used to represent characteristics or attributes that can vary among individuals or objects. They can be numerical values, labels, or any other type of data that can be measured or observed. By understanding and analyzing the range of values that a variable can assume, we can gain insights and make conclusions about the event or phenomenon being studied.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A researcher records the amount of light it takes to detect a small visual stimulus in a dark room. Luminance is the variable being measured and may be thought of here as physical energy. What level of measurement is most likely involved in making this observation?
- A.
Interval
- B.
Ordinal
- C.
Ratio
- D.
Nominal
Correct Answer
C. RatioExplanation
The level of measurement involved in making this observation is most likely ratio. Ratio level of measurement includes all the characteristics of the other levels (nominal, ordinal, and interval) and also has a true zero point, meaning that zero indicates the absence of the variable being measured. In this case, the amount of light (luminance) being measured can have a true zero point, as zero luminance would indicate the complete absence of light.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Random error refers to change in the measurement of a variable that can be attributed to:
- A.
Chance
- B.
The amount of time between measurements
- C.
Systematic error
- D.
Confounding
Correct Answer
A. ChanceExplanation
Random error refers to the variation or fluctuation in the measurement of a variable that occurs due to chance factors. It is an unpredictable and uncontrollable factor that can affect the accuracy and precision of measurements. Random errors are typically caused by factors such as human error, instrument limitations, or environmental conditions that cannot be completely eliminated or controlled. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "chance," as random error is attributed to unpredictable chance factors.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Face validity is:
- A.
Lacking in the Rorschach test
- B.
More of a public relations question than a scientific one
- C.
Unrelated to a test's actual validity
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Face validity refers to the extent to which a test appears to measure what it claims to measure. In the context of the given options, "lacking in the Rorschach test" suggests that the Rorschach test may not have face validity because the inkblot images used in the test may not seem directly related to the purpose of the test. "More of a public relations question than a scientific one" suggests that face validity is more concerned with how a test is perceived by the public rather than its actual scientific validity. "Unrelated to a test's actual validity" implies that face validity is not a reliable indicator of a test's true validity. Therefore, all of the above options correctly describe face validity.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Kuder-Richardson-20 is a measure of:
- A.
Validity
- B.
Internal validity
- C.
Internal consistency
- D.
Test-retest reliability
Correct Answer
C. Internal consistencyExplanation
The Kuder-Richardson-20 is a measure of internal consistency. This means that it assesses the degree to which the items in a test or questionnaire are consistently measuring the same construct or trait. A high internal consistency indicates that the items are highly correlated with each other, suggesting that they are measuring the same thing. This measure is commonly used in psychological and educational research to ensure that the items in a test are reliable and consistent in measuring the intended construct.Rate this question:
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- 11.
If an investigator were to define aggression in terms of the frequency and intensity of shock administered to another person, he or she would have used:
- A.
Rationalism
- B.
A scientific technique
- C.
Converging operations
- D.
An operational definition
Correct Answer
D. An operational definitionExplanation
An operational definition is a clear and specific definition of a concept or variable that allows for objective measurement. In this case, defining aggression in terms of the frequency and intensity of shock administered to another person provides a measurable and observable way to identify and quantify aggressive behavior. By using an operational definition, the investigator can ensure that their study is based on objective criteria and can be replicated by other researchers.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Regression to the mean can occur when:
- A.
A person scores extremely low on one test scores closer to the mean at a second testing
- B.
Scores on two measures are not perfectly correlated
- C.
Subjects are selected because they scored extremely high on a pretest measure
- D.
A and c
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
Regression to the mean can occur when a person scores extremely low on one test and scores closer to the mean at a second testing. This happens because extreme scores are likely to be less extreme on subsequent measurements due to chance alone. Similarly, when scores on two measures are not perfectly correlated, regression to the mean can occur. This is because individuals who score extremely high or low on one measure are likely to score closer to the mean on a different measure. Additionally, regression to the mean can occur when subjects are selected because they scored extremely high on a pretest measure. This is because their subsequent scores are likely to be less extreme. Therefore, all of the above options can lead to regression to the mean.Rate this question:
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- 13.
If people who drop out of a study are systematically different from those who remain, which of the following is a threat to internal validity?
- A.
History
- B.
Testing
- C.
Selection
- D.
Maturation
- E.
Mortality
Correct Answer
E. MortalityExplanation
Mortality is a threat to internal validity because it refers to the differential loss of participants from a study. If the individuals who drop out of the study are systematically different from those who remain, it can introduce bias and affect the validity of the study's results. This is because the characteristics or factors that led to the dropout may be related to the outcome being measured, leading to an inaccurate representation of the population under study.Rate this question:
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- 14.
If a measure is not __________, then it cannot be __________.
- A.
Valid, internally consistent
- B.
Valid, reliable
- C.
Reliable, valid
- D.
A and b
Correct Answer
C. Reliable, validExplanation
If a measure is not reliable, then it cannot be valid. Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of a measure, while validity refers to the accuracy and truthfulness of the measure in assessing what it intends to measure. If a measure is not reliable, it means that it produces inconsistent results and cannot be trusted. In such cases, it is not possible for the measure to accurately assess what it intends to measure, making it invalid. Therefore, reliability is a necessary condition for validity.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Friedman and his colleagues (1980) showed that their ACT measure of expressiveness was, as expected, highly correlated with measures of exhibition and extraversion. These results provide evidence of the measure's _______ validity.
- A.
Consistent
- B.
Content
- C.
External
- D.
Convergent
Correct Answer
D. ConvergentExplanation
The given correct answer is "convergent." This is because the statement mentions that the ACT measure of expressiveness was highly correlated with measures of exhibition and extraversion, which suggests that the ACT measure is converging or aligning with other measures of similar constructs. This indicates that the measure has convergent validity, meaning it is measuring what it is intended to measure.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following is used to maximize the external validity of a study?
- A.
Systematic replication
- B.
Direct replication
- C.
Random assignment of subjects to conditions
- D.
Random selection of subjects from the population of interest
- E.
B and d
Correct Answer
E. B and dExplanation
Systematic replication and random selection of subjects from the population of interest are used to maximize the external validity of a study. Systematic replication involves conducting the study again using different participants, settings, or times to ensure that the results are consistent and generalizable. Random selection of subjects from the population of interest helps to ensure that the sample is representative and that the findings can be applied to the larger population. By combining these two methods, researchers can increase the likelihood that their findings will be valid and applicable to real-world situations.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The extent to which a research design is sufficiently precise or powerful enough to detect relationships among the operationalized constructs is known as:
- A.
Statistical conclusion validity
- B.
Internal validity
- C.
Construct validity
- D.
Type I error
- E.
Type II error
Correct Answer
A. Statistical conclusion validityExplanation
Statistical conclusion validity refers to the extent to which a research design is able to accurately detect relationships among the operationalized constructs. It focuses on the accuracy of the statistical tests used in analyzing the data and determining if the results are statistically significant. This involves considering factors such as sample size, effect size, and the control of confounding variables. Therefore, statistical conclusion validity is concerned with the precision and power of the research design in drawing conclusions about relationships between variables.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In a study of emotional distress, an experimenter randomly assigns subjects to either see a violent film first and then read a transcript of a violent incident, or read the transcript first and then see the film. Which of the following strategies was used to control for order effects?
- A.
Balanced Latin square
- B.
Latin square
- C.
Counterbalancing
- D.
Matching
- E.
Subjects as own control
Correct Answer
C. CounterbalancingExplanation
Counterbalancing is the strategy used to control for order effects in this study. By randomly assigning subjects to either see the violent film first and then read the transcript, or read the transcript first and then see the film, the experimenter ensures that any potential effects of the order in which the stimuli are presented are balanced out across the two groups. This helps to eliminate or minimize any confounding influence of the order on the emotional distress experienced by the subjects.Rate this question:
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- 19.
In a study of emotional distress, an experimenter randomly assigns subjects to either see a violent film first and then read a transcript of a violent incident, or read the transcript first and then see the film. Film versus transcript is a(n):
- A.
Extraneous variable
- B.
Between-subjects variable
- C.
Within-subjects variable
- D.
Dependent variable
Correct Answer
C. Within-subjects variableExplanation
In this study, the experimenter is manipulating the order in which the subjects are exposed to the violent film and the violent incident transcript. This manipulation of the order is the within-subjects variable. The within-subjects variable refers to a variable that is manipulated within each subject, in this case, the order of exposure to the film and the transcript.Rate this question:
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- 20.
In a study of emotional distress, an experimenter randomly assigns subjects to either see a violent film first and then read a transcript of a violent incident, or read the transcript first and then see the film. Order is a:
- A.
Repeated measures variable
- B.
Between-subjects variable
- C.
Within-subjects variable
- D.
Dependent variable
Correct Answer
B. Between-subjects variableExplanation
The order in which the subjects are assigned to either see the violent film first and then read the transcript, or read the transcript first and then see the film, is a between-subjects variable. This means that different subjects are assigned to different conditions of the study, and their responses or outcomes are compared between these different conditions. In this case, the order of presentation is the variable that is being manipulated between different subjects.Rate this question:
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- 21.
If an experimenter is not interested in examining the effects of age in an experiment, she might control for age by:
- A.
Including only those subjects who are 30 years old
- B.
Randomly assigning subjects of all ages to the treatment and control conditions
- C.
Not asking subjects how old they are
- D.
A and b
- E.
B and c
Correct Answer
D. A and bExplanation
To control for age in an experiment, the experimenter can include only those subjects who are 30 years old (option a) and randomly assign subjects of all ages to the treatment and control conditions (option b). By including only 30-year-olds, the experimenter ensures that age is consistent across all subjects. Randomly assigning subjects of all ages to the treatment and control conditions helps to eliminate any potential age-related biases or confounding variables. Therefore, options a and b together provide a comprehensive approach to controlling for age in the experiment.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Subtle cues in a laboratory study which subjects can use to guide their behavior are known as:
- A.
Signaling cues
- B.
Performance indicators
- C.
Demand characteristics
- D.
Measurement expectancies
Correct Answer
C. Demand characteristicsExplanation
Demand characteristics refer to subtle cues in a laboratory study that participants can use to guide their behavior. These cues may include the experimenter's expectations or unintentional hints about how participants should respond. Demand characteristics can influence participants' behavior and lead to biased results. For example, if participants perceive that the experimenter expects them to behave in a certain way, they may modify their behavior to conform to those expectations, affecting the validity of the study.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A student complains that his psychology test was unfair and, "Did not cover the material!" In other words, he is complaining that the test lacks:
- A.
Power
- B.
Criterion validity
- C.
Internal validity
- D.
Content validity
Correct Answer
D. Content validityExplanation
The student's complaint that the psychology test was unfair and did not cover the material suggests that he is referring to content validity. Content validity refers to the extent to which a test accurately measures the specific content or knowledge it is intended to assess. In this case, the student is implying that the test did not adequately cover the material that was taught, indicating a lack of content validity.Rate this question:
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- 24.
There are trade-offs associated with each research strategy. For example, in order to maximize control, laboratory experiments often sacrifice:
- A.
Power of the independent variable to affect the dependent variable
- B.
Realism
- C.
External validity
- D.
B and c
Correct Answer
D. B and cExplanation
Laboratory experiments prioritize control over variables, allowing researchers to manipulate and isolate specific factors to study their effects. However, this focus on control often sacrifices realism, as laboratory settings may not accurately represent real-world conditions. Additionally, external validity, which refers to the generalizability of findings to real-world settings, can also be compromised in laboratory experiments. Therefore, the correct answer is that laboratory experiments sacrifice both realism and external validity.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following is not a major role of a theory?
- A.
Guide new research
- B.
To explain laws
- C.
To organize knowledge
- D.
To describe behavior
- E.
To predict new laws
Correct Answer
D. To describe behaviorExplanation
The correct answer is "to describe behavior." While theories do play a major role in guiding new research, explaining laws, organizing knowledge, and predicting new laws, their primary purpose is not to solely describe behavior. Rather, theories aim to provide explanations and understandings of why certain behaviors occur, rather than simply describing them.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The term power refers to:
- A.
The probability of finding a significant difference when a difference does not exist in the population
- B.
The probability of committing a Type II error
- C.
The probability of finding a significant difference when a difference exists in the population
- D.
The probability that a statistical test will account for unexplained variability
Correct Answer
C. The probability of finding a significant difference when a difference exists in the populationExplanation
The term power refers to the probability of finding a significant difference when a difference exists in the population. In other words, it is the likelihood of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false. Power is an important concept in statistical hypothesis testing as it helps determine the ability of a study to detect an effect or relationship if one truly exists. A higher power indicates a greater chance of detecting a true difference, while a lower power suggests a higher risk of a false negative result.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of a matched-pairs design?
- A.
Pretesting may increase demand characteristics.
- B.
Members of each pair cannot be randomly assigned to conditions.
- C.
Power is often increased.
- D.
Causal conclusions cannot be drawn.
Correct Answer
A. Pretesting may increase demand characteristics.Explanation
A matched-pairs design involves pairing participants based on certain characteristics and then assigning each pair to different conditions. The disadvantage of this design is that pretesting, where participants are tested before the experiment, may increase demand characteristics. Demand characteristics refer to cues or clues that participants may pick up on during the experiment, which can influence their behavior and lead to biased results. Therefore, by pretesting participants, the likelihood of them becoming aware of the purpose of the study and altering their behavior accordingly is increased, compromising the validity of the results.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Those differences between subjects that cannot be controlled (for example, gender and race) are known as:
- A.
Experimental variables
- B.
Organismic variables
- C.
Control variables
- D.
Subject variables
Correct Answer
D. Subject variablesExplanation
Subject variables refer to the differences between subjects that cannot be controlled, such as gender and race. These variables are inherent characteristics of the individuals participating in a study and cannot be manipulated by the researcher. Unlike experimental variables that can be controlled and manipulated by the researcher, subject variables are pre-existing and may influence the outcome of the study. Therefore, subject variables are the correct answer in this case.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which one of the following terms least belongs with the others?
- A.
Y-axis
- B.
Independent variable values
- C.
X-axis
- D.
Horizontal
Correct Answer
A. Y-axisExplanation
The terms "Independent variable values," "X-axis," and "Horizontal" are all related to the concept of plotting data on a graph. The Y-axis, on the other hand, refers specifically to the vertical axis of a graph. Therefore, the term "Y-axis" is the odd one out as it does not directly relate to the horizontal positioning of data points.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which one of the following would be best for conveying the shape of the frequency distribution of 250 test scores?
- A.
Rank-order distribution
- B.
Histogram
- C.
Cumulative frequency distribution
- D.
Ungrouped frequency distribution
Correct Answer
B. HistogramExplanation
A histogram would be the best choice for conveying the shape of the frequency distribution of 250 test scores. A histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of a dataset, where the data is divided into intervals and the height of each bar represents the frequency of data points falling within that interval. This allows for a visual depiction of the shape of the distribution, showing whether it is symmetric, skewed, or has other characteristics. The other options, such as rank-order distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, and ungrouped frequency distribution, do not provide a visual representation of the shape of the distribution as effectively as a histogram.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Scattergrams represent data commonly analyzed by which statistic?
- A.
Chi-square
- B.
Analysis of variance
- C.
Correlation coefficient
- D.
T-test
Correct Answer
C. Correlation coefficientExplanation
Scattergrams are graphical representations that display the relationship between two variables. They are commonly used to analyze the correlation between these variables. The correlation coefficient is a statistic that measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is the correlation coefficient.Rate this question:
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- 32.
A bar graph should be used when the:
- A.
Dependent variable is a discrete variable
- B.
Independent variable is a discrete variable
- C.
Dependent variable is a continuous variable
- D.
Independent variable is a continuous variable
Correct Answer
B. Independent variable is a discrete variableExplanation
A bar graph should be used when the independent variable is a discrete variable because a bar graph is most suitable for displaying and comparing data that is categorized or grouped into distinct categories. The independent variable being discrete means that it can only take on specific values or categories, such as different types of objects or categories of data. A bar graph allows for easy visualization and comparison of these discrete categories by representing them as separate bars, with the height of each bar indicating the frequency or value associated with that category.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Laboratory research, as opposed to field research, is:
- A.
Generally preferred because it is easier to achieve control.
- B.
The only way to achieve satisfactory experimental control.
- C.
Required by government funding agencies.
- D.
Better because participants expect formal settings.
Correct Answer
A. Generally preferred because it is easier to achieve control.Explanation
Laboratory research is generally preferred over field research because it allows for easier control of variables. In a laboratory setting, researchers have the ability to manipulate and control various factors, such as temperature, lighting, and equipment, which can help ensure the accuracy and reliability of the study. This control is important in order to isolate and examine specific variables and their effects on the research outcome. On the other hand, field research is conducted in real-world settings, where there are numerous uncontrollable variables that can influence the results. Therefore, laboratory research is generally preferred when the goal is to achieve a higher level of control.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Subjects may be used as their own control when:
- A.
A within-subjects condition is not possible.
- B.
There are likely to be sequence effects.
- C.
Experiencing one condition is unlikely to influence the response to another.
- D.
Using statistical control is impossible.
Correct Answer
C. Experiencing one condition is unlikely to influence the response to another.Explanation
When subjects are used as their own control, it means that the same subjects are exposed to different conditions or treatments. This is done when experiencing one condition is unlikely to influence the response to another. By using the same subjects, any individual differences or extraneous variables that could affect the results are controlled for. This allows researchers to isolate the effects of the different conditions and determine their specific impact on the response variable.Rate this question:
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- 35.
What is the main purpose of matching?
- A.
To control for order effects
- B.
To control for sequence effects
- C.
To reduce initial differences between the experimental and control groups on the dependent variable
- D.
To reduce the amount of variability among subjects within each treatment group
- E.
B and d
Correct Answer
C. To reduce initial differences between the experimental and control groups on the dependent variableExplanation
The main purpose of matching is to reduce initial differences between the experimental and control groups on the dependent variable. By matching participants based on certain characteristics, such as age, gender, or pre-test scores, researchers can ensure that the groups are as similar as possible at the start of the study. This helps to minimize the potential confounding effects of these initial differences and increases the internal validity of the research design.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Statistical control is:
- A.
Generally preferable to experimental control.
- B.
A way of equating subjects on paper that are actually not equal.
- C.
The same as randomization.
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. A way of equating subjects on paper that are actually not equal.Explanation
Statistical control refers to a method of accounting for variables that could potentially influence the outcome of an experiment. It involves identifying and measuring these variables, and then using statistical techniques to adjust for their effects. This helps to ensure that any observed differences or effects can be attributed to the independent variable being studied, rather than other factors. Therefore, statistical control is a way of equating subjects on paper that are actually not equal, as it aims to minimize the impact of confounding variables and create a more accurate comparison between groups.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Which one of the following is not a good specific strategy for achieving control in research?
- A.
Building nuisance variables into the experiment.
- B.
Using subjects as their own control.
- C.
Using statistical controls.
- D.
Making designs more complex.
Correct Answer
D. Making designs more complex.Explanation
Making designs more complex is not a good specific strategy for achieving control in research because it can introduce more variables and make it difficult to isolate the effects of the independent variable. Complex designs can also increase the likelihood of confounding variables and decrease the internal validity of the study. It is important to keep the design as simple as possible to ensure that the effects observed can be attributed to the independent variable and not to other factors.Rate this question:
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- 38.
The threat of confounding is particularly serious in research using:
- A.
True experiments
- B.
Randomization
- C.
Assignment of subjects to conditions
- D.
Subject variables
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. Subject variablesExplanation
The threat of confounding refers to the possibility of an extraneous variable influencing the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. In research using subject variables, there is a higher likelihood of confounding because these variables are pre-existing characteristics of the participants that cannot be manipulated or controlled by the researcher. Therefore, subject variables can introduce bias and make it difficult to determine causality.Rate this question:
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- 39.
If a researcher finds a result in a laboratory setting but not in a real world setting, the finding:
- A.
Lacks internal validity
- B.
Lacks statistical validity
- C.
Lacks ecological validity
- D.
Cannot be published
Correct Answer
C. Lacks ecological validityExplanation
Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized and applied to real-world settings. If a researcher finds a result in a laboratory setting but not in a real-world setting, it suggests that the findings may lack ecological validity. This means that the findings may not accurately reflect how the phenomenon would occur or behave in the real world. Therefore, the answer "lacks ecological validity" is the most appropriate explanation for this question.Rate this question:
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- 40.
When a researcher asks the question, "Have subjects been pre-selected so as to represent the extremes on the variable of interest?", she is concerned with which one of the following potential threats to internal validity?
- A.
Regression effect
- B.
Subject selection
- C.
Testing effect
- D.
Maturation
Correct Answer
A. Regression effectExplanation
The researcher is concerned with the potential threat to internal validity known as the regression effect. This effect refers to the tendency for extreme scores on a variable to become less extreme over time and move closer to the mean. If subjects have been pre-selected to represent the extremes on the variable of interest, their scores may naturally regress toward the mean in subsequent measurements, which could impact the internal validity of the study.Rate this question:
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- 41.
When a researcher asks the question, "Was the subject dropout rate during the course of the study equal over the various conditions or more pronounced in certain treatment groups?", she is concerned with which one of the following potential confounds?
- A.
Random error
- B.
History (events outside the laboratory)
- C.
Regression
- D.
Morality
Correct Answer
D. MoralityExplanation
The researcher is concerned with morality as a potential confound because the dropout rate may be influenced by ethical considerations or personal beliefs of the subjects rather than the actual conditions of the study.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Role demands are a source of:
- A.
Subject bias
- B.
Selection bias
- C.
Experimenter bias
- D.
Evaluation bias
Correct Answer
A. Subject biasExplanation
Subject bias refers to the tendency of individuals to respond in a certain way due to their personal characteristics or beliefs. In the context of role demands, subject bias occurs when individuals' responses are influenced by the expectations or requirements associated with their role. This bias can lead to skewed or inaccurate data, as individuals may alter their behavior or responses to align with their perceived role expectations. Therefore, subject bias is a potential source of bias in research or evaluations involving role demands.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Accepting the information in an instructor's lecture without examining the book or asking about the source of the ideas is an example of which way of knowing about behavior?
- A.
Logic
- B.
Intuition
- C.
Authority
- D.
Science
Correct Answer
C. AuthorityExplanation
Accepting the information in an instructor's lecture without examining the book or asking about the source of the ideas is an example of relying on authority. This means that the individual trusts the instructor's knowledge and expertise, assuming that they have the correct information and are a reliable source. They are accepting the information based on the authority of the instructor rather than independently verifying it through other means such as logic, intuition, or scientific research.Rate this question:
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- 44.
The suggestion to take an aspirin to relieve a headache would be considered ________ while ________ would be concerned with the reason that the aspirin works.
- A.
Law, theory
- B.
Parsimonious, excessive
- C.
Technology, science
- D.
Science, technology
Correct Answer
C. Technology, scienceExplanation
In this question, the suggestion to take an aspirin to relieve a headache would be considered "technology" because it refers to a practical application or method to solve a problem. On the other hand, "science" would be concerned with the reason that the aspirin works, as it involves the study and understanding of natural phenomena through systematic observation and experimentation.Rate this question:
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- 45.
A law may best be defined as a statement that certain events:
- A.
Are regularly associated with each other.
- B.
Occur regularly.
- C.
Are caused by preceding events.
- D.
Explain one or more events.
Correct Answer
A. Are regularly associated with each other.Explanation
This answer is correct because a law is a statement that describes a consistent pattern or relationship between events. It implies that these events occur together or in a predictable manner. The other options, such as events occurring regularly or being caused by preceding events, do not encompass the full definition of a law.Rate this question:
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- 46.
Which is not a way to judge a good theory? How well it:
- A.
Predicts new laws
- B.
Explains existing laws
- C.
Guides research
- D.
Agrees with common sense
Correct Answer
D. Agrees with common senseExplanation
A theory being in agreement with common sense is not a valid way to judge its quality. Common sense is subjective and can vary among individuals or cultures. A good theory should be based on empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and be able to predict and explain phenomena. Agreement with common sense does not guarantee accuracy or validity, as there may be instances where common sense is unreliable or contradicts scientific principles. Therefore, relying solely on common sense as a criterion for judging a theory would be flawed.Rate this question:
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- 47.
The idea that scientific progress does not proceed in a straightforward manner, but rather consists of normal science, followed by shifts to other ways of thinking, is Kuhn's concept of a ________.
- A.
Law
- B.
Paradigm
- C.
Theory
- D.
Hypothesis
Correct Answer
B. ParadigmExplanation
Kuhn's concept of a paradigm refers to the idea that scientific progress does not proceed in a straightforward manner, but rather consists of normal science, followed by shifts to other ways of thinking. A paradigm is a set of beliefs, assumptions, and practices that guide scientific research within a particular field. It provides a framework for understanding and interpreting data, as well as for formulating theories and hypotheses. When a paradigm shift occurs, there is a fundamental change in the underlying assumptions and methods of a scientific discipline, leading to a new way of approaching and understanding the subject matter.Rate this question:
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- 48.
Although the general public does still go to see shows on Broadway, their reluctance to see new and unfamiliar shows is a potential threat to the vitality of the theater. One indicator of a show's performance is how long it plays on Broadway. For the shows playing during the week of June 5, 2011, information was collected regarding how long each show was on Broadway and its attendance during the week. Is attendance quantitative or categorical?
- A.
Quantitative
- B.
Categorical
Correct Answer
A. QuantitativeExplanation
Attendance is a quantitative variable because it can be measured and expressed as a numerical value. In this context, attendance refers to the number of people who attended the shows on Broadway during a specific week. The data collected regarding the attendance would involve counting the number of individuals present at each show, which can be represented by numerical values.Rate this question:
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- 49.
Although the general public does still go to see shows on Broadway, their reluctance to see new and unfamiliar shows is a potential threat to the vitality of the theater. One indicator of a show's performance is how long it plays on Broadway. For the shows playing during the week of June 5, 2011, information was collected regarding how long each show was on Broadway and its attendance during the week. What kind of scale would be best used to measure attendance?
- A.
Ratio
- B.
Interval
- C.
Nominal
- D.
Ordinal
Correct Answer
A. RatioExplanation
The best scale to measure attendance would be a ratio scale. A ratio scale allows for the measurement of the exact amount or quantity of a variable, in this case, the attendance. It provides a meaningful zero point, where zero attendance means no one attended the show. The ratio between attendance numbers can also be calculated, allowing for meaningful comparisons and analysis of the data.Rate this question:
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- 50.
Although the general public does still go to see shows on Broadway, their reluctance to see new and unfamiliar shows is a potential threat to the vitality of the theater. One indicator of a show's performance is how long it plays on Broadway. For the shows playing during the week of June 5, 2011, information was collected regarding how long each show was on Broadway and its attendance during the week. Are weeks (the length of time the show was on Broadway) quantitative or categorical?
- A.
Quantitative
- B.
Categorical
Correct Answer
A. QuantitativeExplanation
The weeks (the length of time the show was on Broadway) can be measured and expressed as a numerical value, making it a quantitative variable. This means that the length of time each show was on Broadway can be compared and analyzed using mathematical operations and statistical techniques.Rate this question:
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Feb 04, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Feb 14, 2012Quiz Created by
Makijane
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