Psychological Research Methods 2026 Study Guide

1. What is the primary purpose of the "Scientific Method" in psychology? A) To prove a specific theory is always correct B) To provide an objective framework for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, and correcting previous errors C) To allow researchers to follow their intuition D) To make psychological research faster Correct Answer: B) To provide an objective framework for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, and correcting previous errors 2. A "Hypothesis" is best defined as: A) A proven fact B) A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables C) A random guess D) The final conclusion of a study Correct Answer: B) A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables 3. In an experiment, the "Independent Variable" is: A) The variable being measured B) The variable manipulated or controlled by the researcher C) The variable that changes based on others D) The error in the experiment Correct Answer: B) The variable manipulated or controlled by the researcher 4. The "Dependent Variable" is: A) The variable manipulated by the researcher B) The outcome measured in the experiment C) The variable kept constant D) The number of participants Correct Answer: B) The outcome measured in the experiment 5. "Operational Definition" refers to: A) The definition found in a dictionary B) Defining a variable in terms of the specific procedures used to measure or manipulate it C) The professional opinion of the researcher D) The abstract concept being studied Correct Answer: B) Defining a variable in terms of the specific procedures used to measure or manipulate it 6. A "Random Sample" is essential for: A) Making the research faster B) Ensuring that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, increasing generalizability C) Reducing the cost of the study D) Making the results more biased Correct Answer: B) Ensuring that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, increasing generalizability 7. "Internal Validity" refers to: A) The extent to which the results can be generalized to other populations B) The extent to which a study can rule out alternative explanations for the relationship between the independent and dependent variables C) The speed of data collection D) The cost-effectiveness of the study Correct Answer: B) The extent to which a study can rule out alternative explanations for the relationship between the independent and dependent variables 8. "External Validity" refers to: A) The extent to which results can be generalized to other settings, people, and times B) The accuracy of the equipment used C) The complexity of the statistical model D) The number of researchers involved Correct Answer: A) The extent to which results can be generalized to other settings, people, and times 9. A "Confounding Variable" is: A) An independent variable B) An extraneous variable that correlates with both the independent and dependent variables, potentially obscuring the true relationship C) A variable that doesn't affect the study D) The primary variable of interest Correct Answer: B) An extraneous variable that correlates with both the independent and dependent variables, potentially obscuring the true relationship 10. What is a "Double-Blind" study? A) A study where the researcher wears a blindfold B) A study where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the control or experimental group C) A study with two groups of participants D) A study conducted in the dark Correct Answer: B) A study where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the control or experimental group 11. "Reliability" refers to the: A) Accuracy of a measure B) Consistency and stability of a measurement over time or across administrations C) Truthfulness of the data D) Cost of the study Correct Answer: B) Consistency and stability of a measurement over time or across administrations 12. "Validity" refers to the: A) Consistency of the data B) Degree to which a tool measures what it claims to measure C) Speed of the data analysis D) Number of participants Correct Answer: B) Degree to which a tool measures what it claims to measure 13. What is the difference between "Correlation" and "Causation"? A) They are the same thing B) Correlation indicates a relationship; Causation indicates that one variable directly produces the change in the other C) Causation is easier to prove D) Correlation is only for big data Correct Answer: B) Correlation indicates a relationship; Causation indicates that one variable directly produces the change in the other 14. In 2026, "Open Science" initiatives in psychology focus on: A) Closing all research data from public view B) Making research data, code, and methods transparent and accessible to enhance replicability C) Making research more expensive D) Only publishing positive results Correct Answer: B) Making research data, code, and methods transparent and accessible to enhance replicability