#1
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a true experiment?
Naturalistic observation
ExplanationObserving subjects in their natural environment lacks experimental control.
#2
What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
To serve as a baseline for comparison
ExplanationIt provides a reference point to measure the effect of the independent variable.
#3
What is the purpose of random assignment in an experiment?
To ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being in any experimental condition
ExplanationMinimizes the influence of participant characteristics on the results.
#4
In a within-subjects design, each participant:
Is exposed to multiple levels of the independent variable
ExplanationServes as their own control, experiencing all levels of the independent variable.
#5
What is a factorial design in experimental psychology?
A design involving manipulation of two or more independent variables
ExplanationExamines the effects of multiple independent variables simultaneously.
#6
Which statistical test is appropriate for comparing the means of two independent groups?
Independent samples t-test
ExplanationIt assesses whether means from two independent groups are significantly different.
#7
What does it mean if the p-value of a statistical test is less than the significance level (e.g., 0.05)?
The null hypothesis is rejected
ExplanationThere is sufficient evidence to reject the assumption of no effect or no difference.
#8
What is the purpose of conducting a post-hoc test following an ANOVA?
To determine which specific groups differ from each other
ExplanationIdentifies where differences lie after finding a significant overall effect.
#9
When would you use a one-tailed hypothesis test instead of a two-tailed test?
When you have a specific directional hypothesis
ExplanationTo test for an effect in one specific direction, rather than both directions.
#10
What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Causation implies correlation, but correlation does not imply causation
ExplanationCorrelation suggests a relationship, but it doesn't prove cause and effect.
#11
What is a Type I error in hypothesis testing?
Incorrectly rejecting the null hypothesis
ExplanationConcluding there is an effect when there isn't one.
#12
What is statistical power in hypothesis testing?
The likelihood of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis
ExplanationThe probability of detecting an effect when it truly exists.
#13
What is the difference between internal and external validity in experimental research?
Internal validity refers to the extent to which the study measures what it claims to measure, while external validity refers to the extent to which findings can be generalized to other settings
ExplanationInternal validity concerns the accuracy of conclusions within the study, while external validity relates to their applicability beyond the study.
#14
What is a Type II error in hypothesis testing?
Incorrectly failing to reject the null hypothesis
ExplanationFailing to detect an effect that truly exists.
#15
What is the purpose of conducting a power analysis before conducting an experiment?
To determine the sample size needed to detect a significant effect
ExplanationEnsures that the study has sufficient power to detect a meaningful effect, avoiding underpowered studies.