FREE BAPSY Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Psychological Research Methods Questions and Answers Flashcards

A researcher studying aggression records children's behavior on a playground without intervening. Which research method is being used?

Answer: Naturalistic observation

Naturalistic observation involves systematically recording behavior in its natural setting without manipulation or interference by the researcher.

What is the main advantage of using stratified random sampling over simple random sampling?

Answer: It ensures proportional representation of key subgroups

Stratified random sampling divides the population into relevant subgroups and samples proportionally from each, ensuring important demographics are represented.

Which type of reliability is assessed when two independent raters evaluate the same set of behavioral observations?

Answer: Inter-rater reliability

Inter-rater reliability measures the degree of agreement between two or more independent observers scoring the same behaviors.

A researcher finds a correlation of r = -0.85 between screen time and academic performance. How should this be interpreted?

Answer: There is a strong negative relationship between screen time and academic performance

An r value of -0.85 indicates a strong inverse relationship where higher screen time is associated with lower academic performance, but causation cannot be inferred.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of random assignment in experimental research?

Answer: To equalize pre-existing differences between groups

Random assignment distributes participant characteristics evenly across experimental conditions, reducing the influence of confounding variables.

What is the main limitation of using self-report questionnaires in psychological research?

Answer: Participants may respond in socially desirable ways rather than honestly

Social desirability bias leads participants to present themselves favorably rather than accurately, reducing the validity of self-report data.