Psychology Degree Research Methods and Ethics Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which sampling method gives every member of a population an equal chance of being selected for a study?

Answer: Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling ensures each individual in the population has an equal probability of selection, reducing sampling bias.

A psychologist conducts a study where participants are observed in a shopping mall without their knowledge. Which ethical concern is most relevant?

Answer: Lack of informed consent

Observing people without their awareness in public settings raises concerns about informed consent, though public behavior may have reduced privacy expectations.

What does statistical significance at p < 0.05 mean in psychological research?

Answer: There is less than a 5% probability the results occurred by chance alone

A p-value below 0.05 means there is less than a 5% likelihood that the observed results are due to random chance.

Which of the following best describes the concept of operational definition in research?

Answer: A specific, measurable definition of a variable as used in a particular study

An operational definition specifies exactly how a variable will be measured or manipulated, making the research replicable.

The Belmont Report established three core ethical principles for research with human subjects. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

Answer: Replicability

The Belmont Report's three principles are respect for persons, beneficence, and justice; replicability is a methodological standard, not an ethical principle.

A researcher measures the same group of children's cognitive abilities every two years from age 4 to age 12. What type of research design is this?

Answer: Longitudinal design

Longitudinal designs follow the same participants over an extended period to observe developmental changes over time.