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Experimental Design and Variables in Psychological Research Quiz

#1

Which of the following is an example of an independent variable?

The amount of caffeine consumed
Explanation

Independent variable is manipulated by the researcher and can influence the dependent variable.

#2

What is the term for a measure that consistently yields the same result under consistent conditions?

Reliable
Explanation

Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of a measure, indicating that it produces the same results under similar conditions.

#3

In a cross-sectional study, how are data collected from participants?

At a single point in time
Explanation

Cross-sectional studies collect data from participants at a single point in time, offering a snapshot of their characteristics or behaviors.

#4

In a double-blind experiment, who is unaware of which participants are in the control group and which are in the experimental group?

Both the participants and the researchers
Explanation

To minimize bias, both participants and researchers are kept unaware of group assignments in a double-blind experiment.

#5

What type of variable is age in a study examining the relationship between age and memory performance?

Independent variable
Explanation

In this study, age is manipulated to observe its impact on memory performance, making it the independent variable.

#6

What is the purpose of random assignment in experimental research?

To ensure equal representation of participants
Explanation

Random assignment helps distribute participants evenly across conditions, minimizing pre-existing differences and ensuring a representative sample.

#7

If a researcher wants to study the long-term effects of a new therapy, what type of research design would be most appropriate?

Longitudinal study
Explanation

Longitudinal studies observe participants over an extended period, making them suitable for investigating long-term effects.

#8

What is the purpose of counterbalancing in experimental design?

To control for order effects in repeated measures designs
Explanation

Counterbalancing helps minimize order effects by varying the order of conditions across participants in repeated measures designs.

#9

Which of the following is NOT a type of validity in psychological research?

Temporal validity
Explanation

Temporal validity is not a recognized type of validity; other types include internal, external, and construct validity.

#10

A researcher wants to study the effects of temperature on aggression. In this study, temperature is the:

Independent variable
Explanation

Temperature, manipulated by the researcher, is the independent variable influencing aggression in the study.

#11

In an experiment, what is the role of a placebo?

To simulate the effects of the independent variable
Explanation

A placebo mimics the treatment's appearance without active ingredients, helping researchers isolate the true effects of the independent variable.

#12

Which of the following is an example of a quasi-experimental design?

Nonequivalent control group design
Explanation

Quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment; the nonequivalent control group design is an example.

#13

What is the main advantage of using a factorial design in psychological research?

Ability to examine interactions between variables
Explanation

Factorial designs allow researchers to study interactions between multiple independent variables, offering a more comprehensive understanding.

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