#1
Which of the following is a method to control for extraneous variables in experimental research?
Random assignment
ExplanationRandom assignment helps ensure that extraneous variables are equally distributed among groups.
#2
What is the purpose of a placebo in an experiment?
To serve as a comparison for the experimental group
ExplanationPlacebos help differentiate between the effects of the treatment and psychological factors.
#3
How does counterbalancing help in experimental research?
It controls for order effects in repeated measures design
ExplanationCounterbalancing ensures that each condition is experienced equally in all possible sequences.
#4
What is a confounding variable in experimental research?
A variable that is not controlled and may affect the dependent variable
ExplanationConfounding variables introduce uncertainty by influencing the dependent variable alongside the independent variable.
#5
What is the purpose of a pilot study in experimental research?
To identify potential problems and make necessary adjustments
ExplanationPilot studies help refine research protocols and identify logistical or methodological issues.
#6
What is the purpose of debriefing in experimental research?
To explain the true purpose of the study and address any concerns
ExplanationDebriefing informs participants of the study's true nature and offers support and clarification.
#7
What is the primary goal of a control group in an experiment?
To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group
ExplanationControl groups provide a reference point to assess the effect of the experimental treatment.
#8
Which of the following threats to internal validity is related to participants dropping out of an experiment?
Attrition
ExplanationAttrition threatens internal validity by potentially skewing the characteristics of the remaining sample.
#9
What is the purpose of using a control variable in experimental research?
To serve as a baseline for comparison
ExplanationControl variables ensure that observed effects are attributable to the manipulated variable rather than extraneous factors.
#10
What is the role of a research hypothesis in experimental research?
To guide the collection of data
ExplanationResearch hypotheses direct the investigation by specifying the expected relationship between variables.
#11
Which of the following is a potential ethical concern in experimental research?
Deception of participants
ExplanationDeception may violate participants' autonomy and undermine the voluntary nature of their participation.
#12
In a double-blind experiment, who is unaware of which treatment group the participants are in?
Both the participants and the researchers
ExplanationBoth participants and researchers are unaware to prevent bias in observations and reporting.
#13
What is demand characteristics in experimental research?
Cues that convey the experimenter's expectations to the participants
ExplanationDemand characteristics can influence participant behavior based on perceived expectations.
#14
What does it mean when an experiment has internal validity?
The experiment is consistent and free from confounding variables
ExplanationInternal validity ensures that observed effects are due to the manipulated variable and not extraneous factors.
#15
Which of the following is an example of a quasi-experimental design?
Pretest-posttest design with a non-equivalent control group
ExplanationQuasi-experimental designs lack random assignment and may have limited internal validity.
#16
What is the difference between internal and external validity in experimental research?
Internal validity refers to the accuracy of measurements, while external validity refers to generalizability.
ExplanationInternal validity concerns the study's accuracy, while external validity pertains to its applicability to other contexts.
#17
In the context of experimental research, what is a Type I error?
Rejecting a true null hypothesis
ExplanationA Type I error occurs when the null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected, suggesting an effect that doesn't exist.
#18
What is the purpose of a crossover design in experimental research?
To eliminate order effects in repeated measures design
ExplanationCrossover designs mitigate the influence of sequence effects by systematically varying treatment order.
#19
What is the purpose of a covariate in experimental research?
To control for extraneous variables
ExplanationCovariates account for additional factors that may influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
#20
In experimental research, what is a manipulation check?
A test to assess the validity of the manipulation of the independent variable
ExplanationManipulation checks ensure that the independent variable has been successfully altered as intended.