Research Design: Master the Art of Experimentation in Psychology

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a type of non-experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Experimental studies

Answer

Observational studies

Answer

Survey studies

Answer

Correlational studies

Question 2

In a research study, which design type enables the researcher to control variables, manipulate them, and establish a cause-and-effect relationship between them?

Accepted Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Quasi-experimental study

Question 3

In an experimental research design, which sampling method is used to create groups that are comparable for comparison?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 4

What is a defining characteristic of experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment of participants to groups

Answer

Observational data collection

Answer

Lack of a control group

Answer

Absence of hypothesis testing

Question 5

Which characteristic is NOT associated with an experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation of participants

Answer

Random assignment of participants to conditions

Answer

Use of a control group

Answer

Manipulation of the independent variable

Question 6

What is a defining characteristic that sets experimental research designs apart from other research designs?

Accepted Answer

Randomly assigns participants

Answer

Uses only observational data

Answer

Does not have a control group

Answer

Studies behavior in a natural setting

Question 7

Which research design involves randomly assigning participants to experimental and control groups?

Accepted Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Observational study

Answer

Correlational study

Question 8

In experimental research designs, which of the following is a primary objective?

Accepted Answer

To test causal relationships between variables

Answer

To generalize findings to a wider population

Answer

To explore a research question in a naturalistic setting

Answer

To describe the characteristics of a particular phenomenon

Question 9

In non-experimental research designs, which of the following is a key characteristic?

Accepted Answer

The researcher observes variables in their natural setting.

Answer

The researcher controls and manipulates variables.

Answer

Participants are randomly assigned to groups.

Question 10

In an experimental research design, which factor is essential for ensuring that the experimental and control groups are similar at the start of the study, thus enhancing the study's internal validity?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment of participants

Answer

Matching participants based on age and gender

Answer

Using a large sample size

Answer

Implementing a double-blind procedure

Question 11

Which characteristic is NOT unique to experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Observational data collection

Answer

Random assignment of participants

Answer

Control of extraneous variables

Answer

Manipulation of the independent variable

Question 12

In experimental research, what is the main reason for using a placebo?

Accepted Answer

To control for the effects of participant expectations

Answer

To increase the study's sample size

Answer

To eliminate the potential for researcher bias

Answer

To reduce the overall cost of the study

Question 13

In experimental research, why do we primarily adjust the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

To observe its impact on the dependent variable

Answer

To enhance the reliability of the findings

Answer

To generalize the results to a broader population

Question 14

In an experimental research design, which variable is directly manipulated by the researcher to examine its impact on another variable?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Randomized variable

Question 15

In research design, what is the key difference between experimental and non-experimental studies?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment is used in experimental studies, but not in non-experimental studies.

Answer

Control groups are always present in experimental studies, but not in non-experimental studies.

Question 16

Why are within-subjects designs more prone to order effects than between-subjects designs?

Accepted Answer

Within-subjects designs involve repeated measures on the same participants, increasing the risk of carryover or practice effects.

Answer

Within-subjects designs typically use smaller sample sizes, making them more susceptible to order effects.

Answer

Within-subjects designs often employ non-random assignment, exacerbating order effects.

Answer

Within-subjects designs are more suitable for non-experimental research, which is inherently susceptible to order effects.

Question 17

In experimental research, why is random assignment of participants to experimental and control groups crucial?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that important characteristics are evenly distributed across groups.

Answer

To make the sample more representative.

Answer

To increase the likelihood of statistically significant results.

Question 18

In experimental research, debriefing is an ethical requirement. What is its primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform participants about the true purpose and procedures of the experiment.

Answer

To allow participants to express concerns and ask questions.

Answer

To obtain consent from participants to continue.

Answer

To manipulate participants' behavior or attitudes.

Question 19

In experimental research, the independent variable is the variable that is:

Accepted Answer

Manipulated by the researcher

Answer

Measured by the researcher

Answer

Kept constant across all conditions

Answer

Randomly assigned to participants

Question 20

In experimental research, what's the main goal of randomly assigning participants?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring each participant has an equal chance of being in either the experimental or control group.

Answer

Increasing the study's sample size.

Answer

Making the research design more complex.

Answer

Reducing the likelihood of participants dropping out.

Question 21

Which characteristic is NOT associated with a true experimental research design?

Accepted Answer

Lack of control over extraneous variables

Answer

Random assignment of participants to groups

Answer

Inclusion of a control group

Answer

Manipulation of the independent variable

Question 22

In experimental research, why is it essential to ensure that both participants and researchers are unaware of the treatment conditions?

Accepted Answer

Blinding participants prevents them from consciously or unconsciously influencing the study results.

Accepted Answer

Blinding researchers eliminates biases in their interpretations and data collection, enhancing the objectivity of the findings.

Answer

Blinding both participants and researchers completely eliminates the impact of confounding variables in the study.

Question 23

When conducting research with human participants, which ethical principle is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Methodological accuracy

Answer

Participant privacy

Question 24

In an experimental research design, why is it crucial to randomly assign participants to different groups?

Accepted Answer

To give each participant an equal chance of being in any group

Answer

To ensure equivalent demographic characteristics across groups

Answer

To enlarge the study's sample size

Answer

To enhance the design's complexity

Question 25

In a matched-pairs design, participants are first matched on which of the following characteristics before being randomly assigned to the experimental or control group?

Accepted Answer

Relevant characteristics

Answer

No matching characteristics

Answer

Irrelevant characteristics

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a notable trend in modern psychological research methodology?

Accepted Answer

Continued focus on traditional experimental designs

Answer

Increased use of mixed-methods research

Answer

Growing reliance on big data analytics

Answer

Increased use of advanced statistical techniques

Question 27

What are the ethical concerns associated with conducting a research study without obtaining informed consent from participants?

Accepted Answer

Participants may experience harm or discomfort without fully understanding the risks involved.

Answer

The study findings may not be generalizable to the wider population.

Answer

Researchers may be biased in their interpretation of the results.

Question 28

How does meta-analysis contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge by combining and summarizing research findings?

Accepted Answer

Meta-analysis combines results from multiple studies on similar topics, even if they use different methods.

Answer

Meta-analysis is used to analyze qualitative data, such as interviews and observations.

Answer

Meta-analysis involves conducting a new study to verify previous research findings.

Answer

Meta-analysis is a method for designing research studies, especially experimental studies.

Question 29

What is a key advantage of employing a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Enables in-depth examination of changes over time

Answer

Can be effortlessly replicated by other researchers

Answer

Requires a limited number of participants

Question 30

How does cultural context impact research design and the interpretation of findings?

Accepted Answer

Cultural context influences participants' responses and the interpretation of those responses.

Answer

Cultural context is only relevant when conducting research in non-Western cultures.

Answer

Researchers should ignore cultural context to maintain objectivity in their research.

Question 31

To establish a causal relationship between a therapeutic intervention and reduced anxiety levels, which research design offers the strongest evidence?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Question 32

Which characteristic distinguishes experimental research designs from non-experimental ones?

Accepted Answer

In experimental designs, researchers control the independent variable, while in non-experimental designs, they do not.

Answer

Non-experimental designs produce more reliable results.

Answer

Experimental designs have broader generalizability than non-experimental designs.

Answer

Non-experimental designs are exclusively appropriate for exploratory studies.

Question 33

In a quasi-experimental design, what is the primary function of a pretest?

Accepted Answer

To measure the dependent variable prior to the implementation of the treatment.

Answer

To control for extraneous variables.

Answer

To counteract the impact of historical events.

Answer

To enhance the internal validity of the study.

Question 34

In a non-equivalent control group design, what poses the most significant threat to internal validity?

Accepted Answer

Selection Bias

Answer

History

Answer

Maturation

Answer

Regression to the mean

Question 35

In experimental research, what is the primary purpose of randomization?

Accepted Answer

Control for confounding variables

Answer

Increase statistical power

Answer

Enhance ecological validity

Answer

Ensure research ethics

Question 36

In experimental research designs, why is it crucial to control for extraneous variables that might impact the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the influence of factors other than the independent variable on the dependent variable, thereby enhancing the internal validity of the research findings.

Answer

To increase the generalizability of the research findings to a wider range of populations and settings.

Answer

To reduce the time and resources needed to conduct the research study.

Question 37

In experimental research designs, which statement correctly describes the difference between independent and dependent variables?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is controlled by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the outcome being measured.

Answer

The dependent variable is controlled by the researcher, while the independent variable is the outcome being measured.

Answer

Both the independent and dependent variables are controlled by the researcher.

Answer

Neither the independent nor the dependent variable is controlled by the researcher.

Question 38

Which type of experimental design involves the manipulation of multiple independent variables?

Accepted Answer

Factorial design

Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

Matched-pairs design

Answer

Time-series design

Question 39

Which research design closely resembles an experimental design but does not use random assignment to groups?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Non-experimental design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Correlational design

Question 40

Which research design is most suitable for investigating the long-term effects of an educational intervention?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal design

Answer

Cross-sectional design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Case study design

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of randomization in experimental designs?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating bias in participant selection

Answer

Increasing sample size

Answer

Controlling for confounding variables

Answer

Ensuring ethical conduct

Question 42

Which research design involves observing and recording naturally occurring behaviors or phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Non-experimental design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Longitudinal design

Question 43

Which option is NOT a defining characteristic of a true experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Absence of bias in participant recruitment

Answer

Random allocation of participants to groups

Answer

Control over extraneous variables

Answer

Manipulation of the independent variable

Question 44

In a quasi-experimental design, what is the primary purpose of implementing a pretest?

Accepted Answer

To establish a baseline and control for initial group differences

Answer

To manipulate the independent variable and observe its effects

Answer

To eliminate confounding variables from the study

Answer

To measure the dependent variable after the intervention

Question 45

Which of the following is considered a strength of non-experimental research designs?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced generalizability to real-world settings

Answer

Ability to establish causal relationships

Answer

High level of control over extraneous variables

Answer

Precise measurement of dependent variables

Question 46

What is the function of randomization in research design?

Accepted Answer

To balance participant characteristics across groups

Answer

To eliminate the effects of confounding variables

Answer

To improve the accuracy of statistical tests

Answer

To reduce sampling error

Question 47

Which design type is an example of a longitudinal research design?

Accepted Answer

Cohort study

Answer

Case study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Observational study

Question 48

How does a hypothesis differ from a research question?

Accepted Answer

A research question is more specific and testable.

Answer

A hypothesis is more general and exploratory.

Answer

A research question does not require empirical testing, while a hypothesis does.

Answer

There is no difference between a hypothesis and a research question.

Question 49

Which characteristic distinguishes quasi-experimental designs?

Accepted Answer

Non-equivalent comparison groups

Answer

Random assignment of participants

Answer

Extensive control over extraneous variables

Answer

Manipulation of the independent variable

Question 50

In experimental designs, which group serves as the reference point for assessing the effects of the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Control group

Answer

Experimental group

Answer

Comparison group

Answer

Treatment group

Question 51

In non-experimental designs, data is collected under which conditions?

Accepted Answer

Naturally occurring situations without manipulating variables

Answer

Controlled laboratory settings with extensive manipulation

Answer

Real-world settings with partial manipulation

Answer

Simulations with precise control over variables

Question 52

What does the term 'validity' encompass in the context of research design?

Accepted Answer

The extent to which the design measures what it claims to measure

Answer

The precision of the results

Answer

The replicability of the findings

Answer

The ethical implications of the study

Question 53

Which advantage is associated with longitudinal research designs?

Accepted Answer

Tracking developmental processes over time

Answer

Controlling for extraneous variables

Answer

Maximizing statistical power

Answer

Minimizing data collection time

Question 54

In a pretest-posttest design, when is the dependent variable measured?

Accepted Answer

Before and after the intervention

Answer

Only after the intervention

Answer

Only before the intervention

Answer

Multiple times during the intervention

Question 55

What characterizes the experimental group in an experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to the independent variable

Answer

Absence of the independent variable

Answer

Random assignment to the condition

Answer

Matching with the control group on relevant variables

Question 56

Which research design is optimal for determining the effectiveness of a new treatment?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Case study

Answer

Correlational design

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 57

Which research design involves randomly assigning participants to different groups to manipulate the independent variable and control for confounding variables?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Answer

Non-experimental

Answer

Cross-sectional

Answer

Longitudinal

Question 58

Which research design allows for some control over the independent variable but does not involve random assignment of participants to groups due to practical or ethical constraints?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experimental

Answer

Correlational

Answer

Longitudinal

Answer

Cross-sectional

Question 59

Which research design examines relationships between variables without manipulating any variables?

Accepted Answer

Non-experimental

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Cross-sectional

Answer

Longitudinal

Question 60

Which research design collects data from a sample of participants at a single point in time?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional

Answer

Longitudinal

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Question 61

Which research design collects data from the same sample of participants over an extended period to observe changes in variables over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal

Answer

Cross-sectional

Answer

Experimental

Answer

Quasi-experimental

Question 62

Which of the following is a key strength of experimental designs?

Accepted Answer

High internal validity due to random assignment and control over variables

Answer

Generalizability to a wider population

Answer

Cost-effectiveness in terms of time and resources

Answer

Ethicality in all situations

Question 63

When might a researcher consider using a quasi-experimental design?

Accepted Answer

When random assignment is not feasible or ethical

Answer

When the study involves a large and diverse sample

Answer

When the study requires a long duration to observe changes over time

Answer

When the research question is exploratory in nature

Question 64

Which non-experimental research design involves utilizing pre-existing data sources?

Accepted Answer

Archival analysis.

Answer

Observational study.

Answer

Case study.

Answer

Narrative research.