ASPPB Research Methods & Psychological Foundations 3

Question 1

Pavlov's discovery that a neutral stimulus can elicit a conditioned response after repeated pairing with an unconditioned stimulus best illustrates:

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Classical (Pavlovian) conditioning involves pairing a neutral conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus until the conditioned stimulus alone elicits the response.

Question 2

The concept of 'regression to the mean' is most relevant when interpreting:

Accepted Answer

Pre-test scores of extreme performers on a retest

Answer

Regression to the mean predicts that individuals who score at extremes on one assessment tend to score closer to the group mean on a subsequent assessment.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key assumption of parametric tests such as the independent-samples t-test?

Accepted Answer

Homogeneity of variance across groups

Answer

The independent-samples t-test assumes homogeneity of variance (equal population variances) across the groups being compared.

Question 4

A researcher uses a double-blind procedure in a drug efficacy study. This controls for:

Accepted Answer

Placebo effects and experimenter expectancy bias

Answer

Double-blind procedures prevent both participants and researchers from knowing group assignments, controlling placebo effects and experimenter bias.

Question 5

In Erikson's theory, the central conflict of young adulthood (approximately ages 20–40) is:

Accepted Answer

Intimacy vs. isolation

Answer

Erikson identified intimacy vs. isolation as the core psychosocial crisis of young adulthood, focused on forming close relationships.

(ASPPB) Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Practice Test

(ASPPB) Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Practice Test

ASPPB Research Methods & Psychological Foundations 3