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Experimental Design and Variables in Psychology Quiz

#1

In an experiment, what is the independent variable?

The variable that is manipulated
Explanation

Variable that researchers control to observe its effects.

#2

Which type of variable is the one that is directly manipulated by the researcher?

Independent variable
Explanation

Variable that researchers control to observe its effects.

#3

Which of the following is NOT a type of research design?

Predictive research
Explanation

Predictive research is not a recognized research design.

#4

What is random assignment in experimental research?

Assigning participants to different groups based on chance
Explanation

Participants allocated to groups randomly to minimize bias.

#5

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

To provide a baseline for comparison
Explanation

Establishes a standard for comparison to assess the effect of the independent variable.

#6

What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

The independent variable is manipulated, while the dependent variable is measured
Explanation

Independent variable is controlled by the researcher; dependent variable changes in response.

#7

What is the difference between a population and a sample in research?

A population refers to a specific group, while a sample is a subset of that group
Explanation

Population includes all individuals of interest; sample is a subset for study.

#8

What is a placebo in experimental research?

A treatment that has no therapeutic effect
Explanation

Substance or procedure with no active therapeutic effect.

#9

What is a within-subjects design in experimental research?

An experimental design where each participant is tested multiple times
Explanation

Each participant experiences all experimental conditions.

#10

Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of a between-subjects design?

Order effects
Explanation

Risk of participant performance influenced by order of conditions.

#11

What are extraneous variables in an experiment?

Variables that are irrelevant to the study but can affect the results
Explanation

Factors that may unintentionally influence the outcome.

#12

What is a confounding variable in an experiment?

A variable that is irrelevant to the study but can affect the results
Explanation

Variable that obscures the true relationship between variables.

#13

What is a double-blind procedure in experimental research?

When neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the control group
Explanation

Neither participants nor researchers know group assignments.

#14

In a factorial design, how many independent variables are manipulated?

Two or more
Explanation

Multiple independent variables tested simultaneously.

#15

What is the purpose of counterbalancing in experimental research?

To control for order effects
Explanation

Balancing the order of presentation to mitigate order effects.

#16

What is the difference between internal validity and external validity in research?

Internal validity refers to the accuracy of measurements within the study, while external validity refers to the generalizability of findings beyond the study.
Explanation

Internal validity: how well study measures what it claims; External validity: extent findings apply beyond study.

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