[RMP356] 356 Research Methods in Psychology
Certification Exam Preparation
**Question 1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the scientific
method in psychological research?**
A) To confirm existing theories without doubt
B) To generate hypotheses that are never tested
C) To systematically observe, hypothesize, test, and revise explanations
D) To rely solely on anecdotal evidence
Answer: C
Explanation: The scientific method involves systematic observation, hypothesis formation,
empirical testing, and revision of theories based on data, distinguishing it from intuition or
anecdote.
**Question 2. In psychology, which goal focuses on identifying relationships among variables so
that future occurrences can be anticipated?**
A) Description
B) Prediction
C) Explanation
D) Influence
Answer: B
Explanation: Prediction involves using known relationships to forecast future behavior or
phenomena, a core aim of psychological science.
**Question 3. Which of the following best illustrates basic (fundamental) research in
psychology?**
A) Developing a new therapy for PTSD based on client feedback
B) Examining how memory consolidation occurs during sleep
, [RMP356] 356 Research Methods in Psychology
Certification Exam Preparation
C) Conducting a market survey to improve product design
D) Testing a classroom intervention to raise reading scores
Answer: B
Explanation: Basic research seeks to expand theoretical knowledge, such as understanding
memory processes, without immediate applied intent.
**Question 4. When conducting a literature review, which database is most specialized for
psychological studies?**
A) PubMed
B) PsycINFO
C) JSTOR
D) IEEE Xplore
Answer: B
Explanation: PsycINFO is a comprehensive database dedicated to psychology and related fields,
making it ideal for locating relevant literature.
**Question 5. According to the Belmont Report, which principle emphasizes that participants
should be treated fairly and that the benefits and burdens of research be distributed
equitably?**
A) Respect for persons
B) Beneficence
C) Justice
D) Autonomy
Answer: C
, [RMP356] 356 Research Methods in Psychology
Certification Exam Preparation
Explanation: The principle of Justice requires equitable selection of participants and fair
distribution of research risks and benefits.
**Question 6. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of an Institutional Review Board
(IRB)?**
A) Assessing scientific merit of the study
B) Evaluating risk‑benefit ratio
C) Ensuring informed consent procedures are adequate
D) Protecting participants from undue harm
Answer: A
Explanation: While IRBs may consider scientific merit, their primary role is to protect human
participants by reviewing ethical aspects, not to judge scientific quality.
**Question 7. Informed consent must include all of the following EXCEPT:**
A) A clear description of the study’s purpose
B) Detailed instructions for data analysis
C) Statement of participants’ right to withdraw without penalty
D) Disclosure of any foreseeable risks
Answer: B
Explanation: Detailed instructions for data analysis are not required for informed consent;
participants need to know purpose, risks, benefits, and withdrawal rights.
**Question 8. Deception in psychological research is permissible only when:**
A) It is used to enhance the novelty of the study
, [RMP356] 356 Research Methods in Psychology
Certification Exam Preparation
B) Participants are debriefed as soon as possible after participation
C) The researcher believes participants will not notice the deception
D) The study’s results are intended for commercial profit
Answer: B
Explanation: Ethical guidelines allow deception only when it is justified by the study’s value and
participants are fully debriefed promptly.
**Question 9. Which population is considered most vulnerable and thus requires additional
safeguards in research?**
A) College students
B) Adults with a high income
C) Children under 12 years of age
D) Retired individuals
Answer: C
Explanation: Children are classified as a vulnerable group due to limited capacity for informed
consent and heightened risk of coercion.
**Question 10. An operational definition of “stress” that uses cortisol levels measured in saliva
is an example of converting a construct into:**
A) A theoretical variable
B) A dependent variable only
C) An observable, measurable variable
D) A confounding variable
Certification Exam Preparation
**Question 1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the scientific
method in psychological research?**
A) To confirm existing theories without doubt
B) To generate hypotheses that are never tested
C) To systematically observe, hypothesize, test, and revise explanations
D) To rely solely on anecdotal evidence
Answer: C
Explanation: The scientific method involves systematic observation, hypothesis formation,
empirical testing, and revision of theories based on data, distinguishing it from intuition or
anecdote.
**Question 2. In psychology, which goal focuses on identifying relationships among variables so
that future occurrences can be anticipated?**
A) Description
B) Prediction
C) Explanation
D) Influence
Answer: B
Explanation: Prediction involves using known relationships to forecast future behavior or
phenomena, a core aim of psychological science.
**Question 3. Which of the following best illustrates basic (fundamental) research in
psychology?**
A) Developing a new therapy for PTSD based on client feedback
B) Examining how memory consolidation occurs during sleep
, [RMP356] 356 Research Methods in Psychology
Certification Exam Preparation
C) Conducting a market survey to improve product design
D) Testing a classroom intervention to raise reading scores
Answer: B
Explanation: Basic research seeks to expand theoretical knowledge, such as understanding
memory processes, without immediate applied intent.
**Question 4. When conducting a literature review, which database is most specialized for
psychological studies?**
A) PubMed
B) PsycINFO
C) JSTOR
D) IEEE Xplore
Answer: B
Explanation: PsycINFO is a comprehensive database dedicated to psychology and related fields,
making it ideal for locating relevant literature.
**Question 5. According to the Belmont Report, which principle emphasizes that participants
should be treated fairly and that the benefits and burdens of research be distributed
equitably?**
A) Respect for persons
B) Beneficence
C) Justice
D) Autonomy
Answer: C
, [RMP356] 356 Research Methods in Psychology
Certification Exam Preparation
Explanation: The principle of Justice requires equitable selection of participants and fair
distribution of research risks and benefits.
**Question 6. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of an Institutional Review Board
(IRB)?**
A) Assessing scientific merit of the study
B) Evaluating risk‑benefit ratio
C) Ensuring informed consent procedures are adequate
D) Protecting participants from undue harm
Answer: A
Explanation: While IRBs may consider scientific merit, their primary role is to protect human
participants by reviewing ethical aspects, not to judge scientific quality.
**Question 7. Informed consent must include all of the following EXCEPT:**
A) A clear description of the study’s purpose
B) Detailed instructions for data analysis
C) Statement of participants’ right to withdraw without penalty
D) Disclosure of any foreseeable risks
Answer: B
Explanation: Detailed instructions for data analysis are not required for informed consent;
participants need to know purpose, risks, benefits, and withdrawal rights.
**Question 8. Deception in psychological research is permissible only when:**
A) It is used to enhance the novelty of the study
, [RMP356] 356 Research Methods in Psychology
Certification Exam Preparation
B) Participants are debriefed as soon as possible after participation
C) The researcher believes participants will not notice the deception
D) The study’s results are intended for commercial profit
Answer: B
Explanation: Ethical guidelines allow deception only when it is justified by the study’s value and
participants are fully debriefed promptly.
**Question 9. Which population is considered most vulnerable and thus requires additional
safeguards in research?**
A) College students
B) Adults with a high income
C) Children under 12 years of age
D) Retired individuals
Answer: C
Explanation: Children are classified as a vulnerable group due to limited capacity for informed
consent and heightened risk of coercion.
**Question 10. An operational definition of “stress” that uses cortisol levels measured in saliva
is an example of converting a construct into:**
A) A theoretical variable
B) A dependent variable only
C) An observable, measurable variable
D) A confounding variable
