Introduction to psychology 10th edition kalat test bank

Chapter 2—Scientific Methods in Psychology MULTIPLE CHOICE Psychology research differs from chemistry research in many ways What is one way in which they are similar? A They face similar ethical issues B They both need careful measurement C They have the same problems of getting a representative sample D They both have to worry that their participants will know they are in an experiment ANS: B REF: introduction OBJ: application and understanding The word science derives from a Latin word with which meaning? A knowledge B test C fact D statistics ANS: A REF: gathering evidence OBJ: remembering Any scientific study goes through four steps Which of the following is NOT one of those steps? A hypothesis B interpretation C method D proof ANS: D REF: gathering evidence OBJ: remembering What is a hypothesis? A a statistical procedure B a testable prediction C an established fact D a method of investigation ANS: B REF: gathering evidence OBJ: remembering (definition) A testable prediction of what will happen under a specific set of conditions is known as a/an A replication B hypothesis C demand characteristic D correlation ANS: B REF: gathering evidence OBJ: remembering (definition) When someone conducts a research study, which of these comes first? A methods B results C interpretation D hypothesis ANS: D REF: gathering evidence OBJ: remembering 39 If nearly all investigators can repeat a study and get similar results, the result is A parsimonious B replicable C falsifiable D correlational ANS: B REF: replicable OBJ: remembering (definition) Which of these must be true if a result is “replicable”? A The results are statistically significant B Other investigators can repeat the results C The interpretation is consistent with other scientific theories D The result agrees with common sense ANS: B REF: replicable OBJ: remembering (definition) Suppose an unscrupulous researcher made up results and got them published In the long run, people will not take them seriously, because presumably the false results will not be A parsimonious B replicable C falsifiable D psychoanalytic ANS: B REF: replicable OBJ: application and understanding 10 If competent researchers consistently get similar results whenever they follow a particular procedure, then the results are A replicable B correlational C representative D operational ANS: A REF: replicable OBJ: remembering 11 An investigator repeats the procedures of another researcher's experiment but obtains different results Scientists would say that the results of the first experiment were not A correlational B parsimonious C statistically significant D replicable ANS: D REF: replicable OBJ: application and understanding 12 Which of the following is a highly desirable feature of a scientific study? A selective attrition B demand characteristics C replicability D illusory correlation ANS: C REF: replicable OBJ: application and understanding 13 Which of these refers to the idea that we accept results only if other investigators can repeat them? A determinism B parsimony C synesthesia 40 D replicability ANS: D REF: replicable OBJ: remembering 14 If someone combines results from many studies as if they were one study, what is the outcome? A a meta-analysis B a demand characteristic C a standard deviation D a confidence interval ANS: A REF: replicable OBJ: remembering (definition) 15 Which of the following is a desirable feature of a scientific theory? A The theory simply restates the facts it is supposed to explain B The theory is based on illusory correlations C The theory makes complex assumptions D The theory is falsifiable ANS: D REF: burden of proof OBJ: application and understanding 16 What does it mean to say that a theory is “falsifiable”? A Someone has reported evidence that contradicts the theory B We can imagine evidence that would contradict the theory C The evidence supporting the theory is not replicable D Most scientists not agree with the theory ANS: B REF: burden of proof OBJ: remembering (definition) 17 To say that a theory is falsifiable is to say that A it is based on results that are not replicable B investigators have replaced it with a more accurate theory C we can imagine results that would contradict it D it is so vague that it fits any and all possible results ANS: C REF: burden of proof OBJ: remembering (definition) 18 A falsifiable theory A disagrees with known, replicable data B makes clear, unambiguous predictions C is widely debated and disputed D has not yet been tested ANS: B REF: burden of proof OBJ: remembering 19 If a theory is "falsifiable," then it A makes specific, testable predictions B contradicts other well-established theories C contradicts common sense D requires more new assumptions than necessary ANS: A REF: burden of proof OBJ: remembering (definition) 20 "Falsifiability" is a desirable characteristic for a scientific theory because a falsifiable theory A avoids independent variables 41 B makes clear, testable predictions C disagrees with common sense D relies on anecdotal evidence ANS: B REF: burden of proof OBJ: remembering 21 Which of the following would NOT be falsifiable? A "Children in day care centers develop about the same as those reared at home." B "Dreams are often disguised to hide their true meaning." C "Behaviors followed by reward increase in frequency." D "People find the direction of a sound by comparing the responses of the two ears." ANS: B REF: burden of proof OBJ: application and understanding 22 A psychic claims that he can read the minds of people on the planet Zipton, which is millions of light years away The main scientific objection is that this claim A confuses correlation with causation B ignores the role of demand characteristics C is based on a negative correlation D is not falsifiable ANS: D REF: burden of proof OBJ: application and understanding 23 Which of the following researchers generally regard as desirable? A illusory correlations B selective attrition C demand characteristics D falsifiable theories ANS: D REF: burden of proof OBJ: application and understanding 24 In both science and the legal system, the "burden of proof" is on the side that A agrees with common sense B disagrees with common sense C should find it possible to present convincing evidence, if in fact it is right D should find it harder to present convincing evidence, if in fact it is right ANS: C REF: burden of proof OBJ: application and understanding 25 In both science and a criminal trial, who has the "burden of proof"—that is, the obligation to demonstrate that their claims are correct? A the side that should be able to produce good evidence, if they are right B the side that has more to lose, if they fail to convince others C the side with more money to spend D the side that is defending the status quo (that is, the current set of beliefs) ANS: A REF: burden of proof OBJ: application and understanding 26 In both the U.S legal system and in scientific disputes, the "burden of proof" falls on A someone who has been accused of doing something wrong 42 B someone who is defending traditional beliefs or values C someone who is politically unpopular D someone who should be in the better position to provide convincing evidence ANS: D REF: burden of proof OBJ: application and understanding 27 The legal system requires the prosecution to demonstrate the defendant’s guilt Similarly, a scientist who makes a claim is expected to provide evidence What is this obligation called? A demand characteristic B correlation coefficient C burden of proof D principle of parsimony ANS: C REF: burden of proof OBJ: remembering (definition) 28 Scientists’ preference for the theory that makes the fewest unfamiliar or untested assumptions is the principle of A parsimony B statistical significance C normal distribution D informed consent ANS: A REF: parsimony OBJ: remembering (definition) 29 If a theory makes only simple assumptions similar to those of other theories that are widely accepted, the new theory is said to be A replicable B correlational C parsimonious D reductionistic ANS: C REF: parsimony OBJ: remembering (definition) 30 To determine whether a theory is parsimonious, psychologists pay attention to whether A its assumptions are simple and consistent with those of other theories B the results on which it is based are statistically significant C it has the potential to lead to practical applications D investigators have replicated the results on which it is based ANS: A REF: parsimony OBJ: application and understanding 31 According to the principle of parsimony, we should prefer the theory that A is most popular among the population as a whole B makes fewer or simpler assumptions C fits any data that we could possibly imagine D relies on anecdotal evidence ANS: B REF: parsimony OBJ: remembering 32 Brittany cannot remember what happened during her psychology class and suggests that aliens from outer space temporarily kidnapped her brain Her roommate suggests that she slept through class Most psychologists prefer the “sleep” explanation because it is more A statistical B correlational 43 C psychoanalytic D parsimonious ANS: D REF: parsimony OBJ: application and understanding 33 Scientists usually prefer the more "parsimonious" explanation because it is: A based on common sense B more interesting C based on higher levels of mathematics D simpler ANS: D REF: parsimony OBJ: application and understanding 34 If someone claims to read other people’s minds though psychic powers, most psychological researchers would seek an explanation that is more A synesthetic B statistical C parsimonious D psychodynamic ANS: C REF: parsimony OBJ: application and understanding 35 Who was Clever Hans? A a dog that seemed to speak in German B Clever Gretel's brother C a horse that seemed to arithmetic D a psychic who was popular in the 1930s ANS: C REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 36 “Clever Hans” appeared able to answer math questions, but only under which conditions? A only if his trainer was present B only if he could see the face of the questioner C only if he could hear the voice of the questioner D only if he could see the objects that he was supposed to count ANS: B REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 37 When Clever Hans appeared to math, what was he really responding to? A subtle sounds B facial expressions C brain waves D magnetic fields ANS: B REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 38 We find it difficult to accept the idea of a horse doing math because we regard it as A unparsimonious B falsifiable C replicable D insignificant ANS: A REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 39 What was Oskar Pfungst’s evidence that Clever Hans was not doing math? 44 A B C D Hans was correct no more often than we would expect for chance guessing Hans answered correctly only if the questioner knew the correct answer Hans answered correctly only if the questioner made subtle sounds Hans answered correctly only if his owner, Mr von Osten, was present ANS: B REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 40 When Clever Hans seemed to answer mathematical questions, what was he really responding to? A facial expressions B signals from the person asking the question C subtle sounds that spectators made D extrasensory perception ANS: A REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 41 Clever Hans could answer a question correctly only if he A heard the questioner during the answer B saw his trainer in the background C saw the questioner during the answer D had practiced that particular question previously ANS: C REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 42 How did Clever Hans solve arithmetic problems? A with ESP B by taking advantage of coincidence C by watching the examiner for subtle cues D by using his native abilities to arithmetic ANS: C REF: Clever Hans OBJ: remembering 43 In one word, why did most scientists resist the belief that Clever Hans could complex mathematics, even before they had a good explanation of what he was actually doing? A parsimony B randomness C statistics D correlation ANS: A REF: Clever Hans OBJ: application and understanding 44 What is an anecdote? A medicine that reverses the effect of a poison B professional psychic C measurement of the variation in results within a group D report of a single event or experience ANS: D REF: extrasensory OBJ: remembering (definition) 45 Jane describes a dream she had that came true the next day This is an example of A an anecdote B an experimental result C a parsimonious explanation D a correlational result ANS: A REF: extrasensory OBJ: application and understanding 45 46 One problem with using anecdotes as evidence for ESP (or for anything else) is that anecdotes are A highly technical B not replicable C falsifiable D experimental ANS: B REF: extrasensory OBJ: application and understanding 47 "The Amazing Kreskin" demonstrates his powers by finding his paycheck hidden somewhere in the audience The most parsimonious explanation for this trick is that A he genuinely possesses psychic abilities B he reads subtle cues, much like Clever Hans C it is a coincidence that he keeps finding his check D audience members send delta waves that lead him to his check ANS: B REF: extrasensory OBJ: application and understanding 48 When The Amazing Kreskin finds his check hidden in the audience, he uses the same method as A Wilhelm Wundt B Clever Hans C Oskar Pfungst D Mary Calkins ANS: B REF: extrasensory OBJ: application and understanding 49 A proponent of ESP claims that ESP shows up only when the vibrations are right and that there is no way to know whether the vibrations are right except to see whether ESP shows up What is wrong with this theory from a scientific standpoint? A It relies too heavily on operational definitions B It relies too heavily on negative correlations C It is not falsifiable D It has too many dependent variables ANS: C REF: extrasensory OBJ: application and understanding 50 One of the main objections raised against ESP is that A the theory of ESP is falsifiable B the experiments that reportedly produced positive results have not been replicable C the claims for it are based entirely on anecdotes D none of the experiments on ESP has produced statistically significant results ANS: B REF: extrasensory OBJ: remembering 51 Two serious objections to claims of extrasensory perception are that the explanations are not and that the results are not A parsimonious replicable B statistical correlational C significant independent D double-blind random ANS: A REF: extrasensory OBJ: remembering 52 An operational definition is a definition that A explains where the term came from 46 B describes the underlying cause of something C gives synonyms or antonyms D tells us how to produce or measure something ANS: D REF: operational def OBJ: remembering (definition) 53 The benefit of using an operational definition is that it A provides a compromise between competing viewpoints B explains what the term means to the average person C enables investigators to measure a phenomenon D offers a theoretical explanation of the causes of a phenomenon ANS: C REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 54 Which of the following is an operational definition of "grief"? A synonym for bereavement B a feeling of sadness and loneliness C the consequence of the loss of a loved one D the number of tears shed per day ANS: D REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 55 Which of the following is an operational definition of "anxiety"? A a vague sensation that "something dangerous might happen" B an experience like fear, but more prolonged C the amount of muscle tension after hearing a loud noise D the opposite of relaxation ANS: C REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 56 Which of the following is an operational definition of "confusion"? A an unpleasant feeling of not understanding something B the result of receiving several kinds of contradictory information C the opposite of "decisiveness" D number of seconds delay before answering a question ANS: D REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 57 Which of the following could be an operational definition of "curiosity"? A the mental activity experienced by a child in the presence of brightly colored objects B the number of unassigned books that someone reads during a month C discomfort provoked by recognizing that one does not understand something D a desire to gain knowledge for its own sake ANS: B REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 58 Which of the following could be an operational definition of “politeness”? A an effort to treat other people with respect and dignity B the opposite of rudeness C a set of customs taught by one’s cultue 47 D the percentage of someone’s statements that include the word “please” ANS: D REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 59 Which of the following could be an operational definition of “conscientiousness”? A an effort to live up to the obligations one has accepted B a lack of spontaneous or surprising behavior C the number of times someone shows up on time for classes and appointments D the outcome of a strict and demanding style of parenting ANS: C REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 60 Which of the following could be an operational definition of “sense of humor”? A the ability to enjoy amusing events B the number of times someone makes other people laugh C the ability to fight off depression by seeing events in a different light D the opposite of being “too serious” ANS: B REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 61 Which of the following is an operational definition of “good color vision”? A how quicly someone can find 25 red and green dots on a gray background B the ability to perceive the difference between one color and another C the results of having three types of cone in the retina D the ability to describe colors to another person ANS: A REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 62 Which of the following is an operational definition of “high self esteem”? A thinking highly of yourself and your abilities B tending to remain confident in the face of setbacks and disappointments C the opposite of depression D how frequently you describe yourself in ways that other people rate as favorable ANS: D REF: operational def OBJ: application and understanding 63 Which of the following is true of a convenience sample? A It is representative of the population B Every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected C People are chosen just because they are available or easy to study D The mean for this sample is probably the same as for the whole population ANS: C REF: samples OBJ: remembering (definition) 64 Suppose you conduct a survey, interviewing every fourth person who enters a certain fast-food restaurant What kind of sample is this? A random B representative C convenience D cross-cultural 48 146 An experimenter kept students in a hot, neutral, or cold room and then tested their ability to memorize poetry What was the dependent variable in this experiment? A the motivation of the students B the difficulty of the poetry C the temperature of the room D the students' success in memorizing the poetry ANS: D REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 147 An instructor gives more tests in one class than in the other, and compares students when they all take the same final exam What is the dependent variable in this experiment? A the number of students in each class B the difficulty of the final exam C the number of tests given before the final exam D the students' scores on the final exam ANS: D REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 148 An instructor gives weekly tests to one class and just a midterm exam to another class The instructor compares the two classes’ performances when both take the same final exam What is the independent variable in this experiment? A the number of tests before the final B the students' performance on the final exam C the difficulty of each test D the number of students in each class ANS: A REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 149 What characterizes the control group in an experiment? A It gets to choose which procedure to receive B Its members have some control over the independent variable C The dependent variable controls its behavior D It is treated like the experimental group except for the treatment the experiment is designed to test ANS: D REF: experiments OBJ: remembering (definition) 150 The experimental group receives a free copy of the study guide so that the experimenter can determine its effect on test performance What will the control group in this experiment do? A help the experimenter write the tests B take all the same tests without using the study guide C use the study guide without taking any tests D help the experimenter decide which students will get the study guide ANS: B REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 151 In one study, the experimental group is subjected to loud, unpredictable noises to see how they affect performance on a memory task What will the control group do? A nothing at all B perform the memory task without noises C listen to the noises but perform no task D control the noises that the experimental group has to listen to ANS: B REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 62 152 Random assignment is a procedure that psychological researchers apply to their A demand characteristics B dependent variables C means and medians D participants ANS: D REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 153 How does an experimenter try to equate the experimental group and the control group? A elimination of independent variables B random assignment C demand characteristics D statistical tests ANS: B REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 154 What is random assignment? A a means of deciding who will be in the experimental group B a means of eliminating the effects of independent variables C the procedure administered to just the control group D a means of keeping the dependent variable constant for all groups ANS: A REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 155 If everyone has the same chance of being in the experimental group, then the experiment has A demand characteristics B random assignment C a correlation D statistical significance ANS: B REF: experiments OBJ: remembering (definition) 156 Professor King gave copies of old tests to the first 20 students who came to class Later these students got better grades than the other students What is wrong with this experiment? A The procedure had too many independent variables B Participants were not randomly assigned to groups C The procedure lacked demand characteristics D The procedure did not include a dependent variable ANS: B REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 157 Which of the following is part of an experiment but NOT part of a correlational study? A operational definitions B random assignment to groups C measurement of each individual’s responses D careful analysis of results ANS: B REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 158 Older studies found that menopausal women taking hormone replacement were healthier than other women their age not taking the hormones What was a major limitation on this study? A Women were not randomly assigned to groups B The results were based on small groups of women C The study had too many independent variables D The research did not include men 63 ANS: A REF: experiments OBJ: remembering 159 Several studies found that moderate alcohol drinkers tend to be healthier than non-drinkers Can we draw a conclusion about the effects of moderate alcohol? If not, why not? A Yes, it is clear that drinking alcohol in moderation is good for health B No, because participants may have been influenced by the independent variable C No, because people were not randomly assigned to groups D No, because excess alcohol is clearly bad for people’s health ANS: C REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 160 Moderate alcohol drinkers have been reported to be healthier than non-drinkers What is a problem with this research? A The studies were based on very small samples of people B People were not randomly assigned to groups C Different people drink different alcoholic beverages D The reported differences were so large that they are hard to believe ANS: B REF: experiments OBJ: remembering 161 What is the advantage of randomly assigning participants to the experimental and control groups? A It guarantees that participants will know what results are expected B It avoids the need to perform statistical tests on the results C It reduces the influence of independent variables D It reduces the possibility that the groups differ greatly at the start of the experiment ANS: D REF: experiments OBJ: application and understanding 162 Dr Hoonoes got impressive results in her last experiment, but she is worried about experimenter bias By this she means that the results may have been influenced by A the experimenter's dislike for calculating statistics B the way the expectations influence how the experimenter collects results C the fact that some people quit before the experiment was finished D a tendency to rank people high on everything or on nothing ANS: B REF: blind studies OBJ: application and understanding 163 Who is influenced by demand characteristics? A people who read about an experiment B people who provide financial support for an experiment C participants in an experiment D the experimenter ANS: C REF: blind studies OBJ: application and understanding 164 Researchers use placebos to try to minimize the effects of which of the following? A dependent variables B case histories C experimenter bias D informed consent ANS: C REF: blind studies OBJ: application and understanding 165 What is a placebo? 64 A B C D a member of the control group a pill with effects opposite to those of an experimental drug a non-blind observer a pill with no important biological effects ANS: D REF: blind studies OBJ: remembering (definition) 166 A blind observer is an observer who A has no previous experience with psychological observations B does not reveal his or her observations to anyone C observes everyone except himself/herself D does not know the experimenter’s predictions ANS: D REF: blind studies OBJ: remembering (definition) 167 In Dr Wizard’s study, people in the experimental group receive a "subliminal audiotape" that is supposed to improve their self-esteem The other group receives no treatment Later, Dr Wizard interviews them and reports that people in the experimental group show higher self-esteem What change would IMPROVE the research? A Eliminate the independent variables B Use a convenience sample of people C Include more demand characteristics D Use a blind observer ANS: D REF: blind studies OBJ: application and understanding 168 A researcher, who predicts that children are more aggressive in the afternoon, watches them at play, counting acts of aggression How could this study be improved? A Tell the children what the experimenter predicted B Use a “blind” observer C Add demand characteristics D Avoid having an independent variable ANS: B REF: blind studies OBJ: application and understanding 169 Dr Wonderful provides a new therapy to half of those seeking help, while keeping the others on a waiting list After months she evaluates both groups and reports that those receiving treatment are doing better than the others What is wrong with this study? A It has too many independent variables B It has too many dependent variables C It should have a blind observer D It lacks a control group ANS: C REF: blind studies OBJ: application and understanding 170 Which of these best describes a double-blind study? A The observer does not know who is in the experimental group B Neither the observer nor the participants know who is in the experimental group C The participants not know who is in the experimental group D Both the observer and the participants know who is in the experimental group ANS: B REF: blind studies OBJ: remembering (definition) 65 171 A researcher hypnotizes 20 volunteers and suggests that they will become more creative Later the researcher reports that these people wrote more creative stories than 20 other people This study LACKS: A independent variables and demand characteristics B dependent variables and informed consent C random assignment and blind observations D hypothesis and correlation ANS: C REF: blind studies and random assignment OBJ: application and understanding 172 A teacher expects physical activity to improve students’ alertness She has them exercise on randomly chosen days, and rates their alertness What, if anything, is wrong with this study? A It doesn’t have enough demand characteristics or case histories B It should have a blind observer and a control group C It should get rid of the independent variable and add a dependent variable D Nothing is wrong with this study ANS: B REF: blind studies OBJ: application and understanding 173 To test the effect of an informal atmosphere on class performance, Professor Hall dresses in shorts and bare feet for his morning class and in conventional clothing for his afternoon class He then counts the number of "intelligent questions" in each class and reports more in the class for which he wore shorts What are the two things wrong with this experiment? A lack of random assignment and lack of blind observations B differential survival and lack of an independent variable C lack of blind observations and lack of a dependent variable D lack of random assignment and lack of an independent variable ANS: A REF: random assignment and blind observer OBJ: application and understanding 174 To test the effects of eating on learning, Professor Lee permits snacks in her morning class but not in her afternoon class She reports getting more interesting questions in the morning class What are two serious flaws in this experiment? A too many dependent variables and lack of an independent variable B lack of a control group and use of a falsifiable hypothesis C lack of random assignment and lack of blind observations D lack of demand characteristics and presence of too many independent variables ANS: C REF: random assignment and blind observer OBJ: application and understanding 175 What we call the cues that suggest what the experimenter hopes to find? A independent variables B correlations C dependent variables D demand characteristics ANS: D REF: demand characteristics OBJ: remembering (definition) 176 People give different answers depending on whether they think the survey was sponsored by the Republican or Democratic Party What does this tendency illustrate? A the placebo effect 66 B illusory correlation C standard deviation D demand characteristics ANS: D REF: demand characteristics OBJ: application and understanding 177 Which of the following procedures would be most likely to reduce the effects of demand characteristics? A Conceal the purpose of the experiment from the participants B Evaluate the statistical significance of the results C Discard data from any subject who did not complete the experiment D Assign participants randomly to groups ANS: A REF: demand characteristics OBJ: application and understanding 178 An experimenter announces, "This is an experiment on hypnosis." Although the experimenter does not actually hypnotize anyone, many participants behave the way they believe hypnotized people Which of these the results illustrate? A demand characteristics B an illusory correlation C random assignment D experimenter bias ANS: A REF: demand characteristics OBJ: application and understanding 179 Which of the following would a psychological experimenter try to avoid or minimize? A parsimony B independent variables C demand characteristics D random assignment ANS: C REF: demand characteristics OBJ: application and understanding 180 Men who thought seeing pink would increase their strength showed greater strength while seeing something pink than did men who thought it would decrease their strength This result illustrates which of the following? A operational definitions B demand characteristics C illusory correlations D random assignment ANS: B REF: demand characteristics OBJ: application and understanding 181 Which of the following is undesirable for psychological research and theories? A demand characteristics B falsifiability C parsimony D independent variables ANS: A REF: demand characteristics 67 OBJ: application and understanding 182 Why many psychological researchers take elaborate steps to conceal the purpose of the experiment from the participants? A to establish random assignment B to eliminate demand characteristics C to make the study more ethical D to eliminate illusory correlations ANS: B REF: demand characteristics OBJ: application and understanding 183 Juanita takes a drug one night to eliminate her headache The next morning her headache is gone What kind of research is this? A a double-blind experiment B a before and after study C a cross-sectional study D a single-blind experiment ANS: B REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 184 Juanita takes a drug one night to eliminate her headache The next morning her headache is gone What conclusion, if any, can we draw, and why? A We conclude that the drug relieved her headache B We conclude that sleep relieved her headache C We draw no conclusion because the study lacks a control group D We draw no conclusion because the study has an independent variable ANS: C REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 185 An experimenter tests the reading skills of 10-year-old children, puts them on a low-fat diet, and finds that most show improved reading months later The experimenter concludes that the diet was helpful One major defect in this study is that it lacks A a dependent variable B demand characteristics C a control group D independent variables ANS: C REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 186 A therapist provides treatment for clients just by saying “magic words.” Surprisingly, most of them show improvement over months What is the main problem with this research? A lack of a no-treatment control group B lack of demand characteristics C probable presence of an independent variable D falsifiability of the hypothesis ANS: A REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 187 Professor Lewis gave a study guide to the students in the first two rows of class Later, these students got better grades than the other students What is wrong with this experiment? A lack of an independent variable B confusion of experimentation with correlation C lack of random assignment to groups 68 D lack of a dependent variable ANS: C REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 188 An investigator trying to demonstrate Lamarckian evolution tested rats’ ability to learn a swimming maze, and then bred those rats and demonstrated that the next generation learned faster What kind of study is this? A before and after study B single-blind experiment C double-blind experiment D case history ANS: A REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 189 An investigator trying to demonstrate Lamarckian evolution tested rats’ ability to learn a swimming maze, and then bred those rats and demonstrated that the next generation learned faster What important element was this study MISSING? A a dependent variable B a control group C an operational definition of learning D demand characteristics ANS: B REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 190 An investigator trying to demonstrate Lamarckian evolution tested rats’ ability to learn a swimming maze, and then bred those rats and demonstrated that the next generation learned faster What conclusion can we draw, if any? A We conclude that rats can inherit what their parents learned B We conclude that rats are gradually evolving greater learning abilities C We draw no conclusion, because the study lacked a control group D We draw no conclusion, because the hypothesis was falsifiable ANS: C REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 191 Which type of experiment produces the results that are often difficult to interpret? A before and after studies B single-blind experiments C double-blind experiments D experiments with random assignment ANS: A REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 192 Results of a before-and-after study are often difficult to interpret Why? A Participants in such studies are randomly assigned to groups B Such studies use a falsifiable hypothesis C Such studies lack an operational definition D Such studies lack a control group ANS: D REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 193 A psychologist evaluates 60 people before and after weeks of therapy Because 55 of the 60 are improved, she concludes that the therapy was effective A flaw in this study is that it lacks A descriptive statistics B a control group C a dependent variable 69 D a hypothesis ANS: B REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 194 Which of these is an important ethical principle for research with human participants? A Start by telling the participants the theory behind the research B Tell people what will happen and get their consent C Never repeat an experiment that someone else has already done D All participants must be paid at least a minimum wage ANS: B REF: human ethics OBJ: remembering 195 What must a researcher obtain before conducting research on humans? A a license from the local government B signed permission from the American Psychological Association C an outline of likely results from a statistician D informed consent from the participants ANS: D REF: human ethics OBJ: remembering 196 Before conducting research on humans, a researcher must obtain informed consent Who signs this informed consent? A the American Psychological Association B the people participating in the research C a board of people who oversee research at the institution D the local government ANS: B REF: human ethics OBJ: remembering 197 What does an Institutional Review Board do? A It provides lists of people who are willing to participate in research studies B It collects statistics on the results of research at an institution C It helps experimenters evaluate the statistical significance of their data D It judges whether proposed experiments are ethical ANS: D REF: human ethics OBJ: remembering 198 Who decides whether a proposed research study on humans is ethically permissible? A an Institutional Review Board B elected officials of the city or state C friends and colleagues of the experimenters D the experimenters themselves ANS: A REF: human ethics OBJ: remembering 199 Under what circumstances is psychological research with animals legally permissible? A whenever the proposal satisfies the researchers’ own conscience B only after a committee at the college or research institute approves the proposal C only after the researcher obtains a license from the government D never ANS: B REF: animal ethics OBJ: remembering 200 What are “descriptive statistics”? A mathematical summaries of results 70 B rules about how to conduct research C books about how to evaluate data D predictions of future results ANS: A REF: descriptive stats OBJ: remembering (definition) 201 Your soccer team scored 1, 1, 2, 3, and goals (a total of 15) in their first five games What was their mean number of goals? A B C D ANS: C REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 202 Your soccer team scored 1, 1, 2, 3, and goals (a total of 15) in their first five games What was their median number of goals? A B C D ANS: B REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 203 The Lizard Lick State Fighting Nematodes scored 50, 50, 55, 60, and 85 points in their first five basketball games What was their mean score? A 50 B 55 C 60 D 85 ANS: C REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 204 The Lizard Lick State Fighting Nematodes scored 50, 50, 55, 60, and 85 points in their first five basketball games What was their median score? A 50 B 55 C 60 D 85 ANS: B REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 205 Which of the following is true of normal distributions? A They are symmetrical B They have a standard deviation of zero C They have a mean equal to the standard deviation D They have a mean of zero ANS: A REF: central score OBJ: remembering 206 You take a job selling diet marshmallows at a company where the average employee earns $70,000 a year Later you discover that the company has a president and 30 salespeople, but each salesperson earns $20,000 a year How can the “average” be so high? A The median is $70,000 because of the president’s high salary B The mean is $70,000 because of the president’s high salary 71 C The median is higher than the mean D The mode is $70,000 because of the president’s high salary ANS: B REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 207 When is the median a better indicator of most people's scores than the mean? A when most scores were low but a few scores were very high B whenever the scores follow the normal distribution C when the mean score is larger than the standard deviation D when the mean is equal to the mode ANS: A REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 208 In what situation is the median better than the mean for representing most scores? A when all of the scores cluster around the mean B when the scores are arranged in a normal distribution C when there are some extreme scores D when there are no very low or very high scores ANS: C REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 209 A group of seven students receive the following scores on a test: 87, 88, 89, 86, 85, 90, and 35 What is the median score? A 35 B 87 C 86 D 90 ANS: B REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 210 Which term refers to the most common score? A standard deviation B median C mode D mean ANS: C REF: central score OBJ: remembering (definition) 211 Students received these scores: 70, 75, 80, 90, 95, 95, and 100 The score of 95 is what? A the mean B the median C the mode D the standard deviation ANS: C REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 212 If we want to describe the "average" person, the mean and median give similar results UNLESS A the sample has a small standard deviation B the population being studied is extremely large C the sample has a normal distribution centered around a mean of zero D a few individuals in the sample are extreme, unlike the others ANS: D REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 72 213 A pre-school teacher records the height of all the students and their parents The distribution of these measures would be a A bimodal distribution B normal distribution C logarithmic distribution D standard distribution ANS: A REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 214 A survey asked how many sex partners you hope to have in the future The majority of men answered 1, 2, or 3, yet the mean was 64 How can that be? A The median was even higher than 64 B The mean is influenced by extreme scores (i.e., very high numbers) C Inferential statistics are misleading D The study had no independent variables ANS: B REF: central score OBJ: application and understanding 215 What does the standard deviation measure? A the average score B the difference between two groups C mistakes made by the experimenter D the amount of variation ANS: D REF: variation OBJ: remembering (definition) 216 If most scores are very close to the mean, then the standard deviation is A impossible to determine B very small C very large D about the same size as the mean ANS: B REF: variation OBJ: remembering 217 If the standard deviation is small, then A most scores are close to the mean B the results are probably not statistically significant C the mean is high D the median is larger than the mean ANS: A REF: variation OBJ: remembering 218 On the first test, the mean is 70, the standard deviation is 5, and your score is 80 On the second test, the mean is 70, the standard deviation is 15, and your score is 85 Compared to other students, how well did you on the two tests? A better on the first test than on the second test B better on the second test than on the first test C equal on both tests D Not enough information is given to answer the question ANS: A REF: variation OBJ: application and understanding 219 The mean, median, range, and standard deviation are all examples of A inferential statistics B descriptive statistics 73 C correlations D tests of significance ANS: B REF: descriptive stats OBJ: remembering 220 Which of the following is an example of an inferential statistic? A the p value from a statistical test B the mean C the median D the standard deviation ANS: A REF: inferential OBJ: remembering 221 Mathematical summaries of results are called statistics, while statistics that inform about the entire population, based on information collected from small samples, are called statistics A inferential descriptive B inferential correlational C correlational descriptive D descriptive inferential ANS: D REF: inferential OBJ: remembering (definition) 222 What does it mean to say that "p < 05"? A The correlation between two variables is very low, almost random B The probability that the experiment was done correctly is less than 5% C Fewer than 5% of all scientists agree with the theory D The probability of getting such a pattern of results by accident is less than 5% ANS: D REF: inferential OBJ: remembering (definition) 223 In the statement “p < 05,” what does p stand for? A percentage B probability C psychologists D perception ANS: B REF: inferential OBJ: remembering (definition) 224 A particular research study compares an experimental group with a control group An analysis of the results reveals that "p < 05." Therefore, A the difference between the experimental group and the control group is less than 5% B there is less than a 5% chance that the results are statistically significant C the chance of getting the observed difference by accident is less than 5% D fewer than 5% of psychologists would agree with the conclusions ANS: C REF: inferential OBJ: remembering (definition) 225 An investigator analyzes the results of an experiment and determines that p < 05 Why does the investigator want to know the value of p? A to determine whether the results are statistically significant B to determine whether participants were randomly assigned to the two groups C to determine whether the results are replicable D to determine whether to use the mean or the median 74 ANS: A REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 226 The statement "p < 05" refers to A the amount of change in some behavior over time B the amount of agreement among psychologists C how accurately we can predict one variable from measurements of another one D the probability of getting a result by chance ANS: D REF: inferential OBJ: remembering 227 If p < 05, then the observed difference between two groups is A difficult to replicate B an accidental fluctuation C larger than usually occurs by chance D too small to measure ANS: C REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 228 A psychologist conducts an experiment and reports that p < 05 What is the relationship between the value of p and the statistical significance of the results? A The results are significant if the value of p is very low B The value of p has no relationship to the significance of the results C The closer p is to 05, the more significant the results D The higher the value of p, the more significant the results ANS: A REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 229 In the statistical expression "p < 05," what does "p" represent? A the difference between the independent variable and the dependent variable B the correlation between two measured variables C the percentage of psychologists who agree with the conclusion D the probability of accidentally obtaining results similar to the obtained results ANS: D REF: inferential OBJ: remembering (definition) 230 Which of the following would (as a rule) indicate that a result is statistically significant? A p < 05 B mean=standard deviation C correlation=.1 D mean>median ANS: A REF: inferential OBJ: remembering 231 An investigator decides to consider the results of an experiment to be statistically significant if p < 05 An analysis of the result indicates that p = 09 What conclusion, if any, can the investigator draw? A The results not justify any conclusion B The hypothesis was correct C The hypothesis was incorrect D The results are significant for the control group but not the experimental group ANS: A REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 232 An investigator wishes to determine whether the difference between two groups of participants is statistically significant To answer that question, the investigator must first determine the difference between the means of the two groups, the number of participants in each group, and 75 A B C D the age of participants in each group the duration of the experiment in hours the amount of variation in each group the strength of motivation by members of each group ANS: C REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 233 An investigator conducts a statistical test to determine whether the difference between the experimental group and the control group was statistically significant Other things being equal, the difference is most likely to be significant if A the standard deviation was high for each group B the mean of one group was much larger than the mean of the other group C both groups had a small number of participants D the mean for each group was about the same size as the standard deviation ANS: B REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 234 You wish to determine whether the difference between the experimental group and the control group was statistically significant To make that determination, you will need to know three of the following types of information Which one will you NOT need to know? A the number of participants in each group B the ages of the participants in each group C the amount of variation among participants within each group D the difference between the means of the two groups ANS: B REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 235 For a variety of reasons, many scientists recommend that instead of (or in addition to) stating the p value, researchers should show the means and: A the mode for each group B 95% confidence intervals for each group C 85% confidence intervals for each group D the median for each group ANS: B REF: inferential OBJ: remembering 236 We should be more impressed with a result if the p value is _ and the 95% confidence interval is _ A small small B small large C large small D large large ANS: A REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 237 Why researchers need to determine the 95% confidence interval for their results? A They know that the results are not completely accurate B They know that some people will disagree with the conclusions C They need to state the results as convincingly as possible D They want to avoid the need for replications ANS: A REF: inferential OBJ: application and understanding 76 ... participants? A case history B correlational study C experiment D survey ANS: A REF: case history OBJ: application and understanding 81 Investigators are most likely to use the case history method when... elaborate steps to conceal the purpose of the experiment from the participants? A to establish random assignment B to eliminate demand characteristics C to make the study more ethical D to eliminate... assignment to groups 68 D lack of a dependent variable ANS: C REF: before/after OBJ: application and understanding 188 An investigator trying to demonstrate Lamarckian evolution tested rats’ ability to