Psychology Degree Research Methods and Ethics 4

Question 1

Which of the following is the best example of a confounding variable?

Accepted Answer

A variable that varies systematically with the IV and also affects the DV

Answer

A confound co-varies with the independent variable and independently influences the dependent variable, threatening internal validity.

Question 2

Content validity of a test is best evaluated by:

Accepted Answer

Having subject matter experts judge whether items represent the domain

Answer

Content validity is established through expert review to ensure the test items adequately sample the relevant content domain.

Question 3

What does it mean if a study has low statistical power?

Accepted Answer

It has a high probability of failing to detect a true effect

Answer

Low power means a high probability of a Type II error — failing to reject a false null hypothesis when a true effect exists.

Question 4

An IRB review is most concerned with which three core ethical principles from the Belmont Report?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons, beneficence, and justice

Answer

The Belmont Report establishes respect for persons (autonomy/consent), beneficence (maximize benefit/minimize harm), and justice (fair distribution) as foundational principles.

Question 5

A researcher studying suicidal ideation in teenagers omits the topic from the informed consent form to avoid distressing participants before the study. This is:

Accepted Answer

A violation of informed consent requirements

Answer

Participants must be told the general nature of a study; omitting a central sensitive topic violates their right to make an informed decision about participation.

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Research Methods and Ethics 4