Research Designs
What is the primary purpose of a descriptive research design? Provide an example of a study that would use this type of design.
A descriptive research design aims to describe and document characteristics or behaviors without manipulating variables. For example, surveying people about their social media usage habits.
Define an independent variable (IV) and give an example related to psychological research c
An independent variable directly affects the DV (e.g., type of therapy)
Define what a sample is in research. How does it differ from the population?
A sample is a subset of the population (e.g., surveying 100 students out of all university students).
Define objective data. Give an example related to psychological research.
Objective data is factual and measurable (e.g., heart rate).
Compare and contrast cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs. What are their advantages and limitations?
Cross-sectional research designs collect data from different groups at a single point in time, while longitudinal research designs follow the same group over an extended period.
Compare independent and dependent variable (DV) and give an example related to psychological research.
The independent variable (IV) is manipulated by the researcher (e.g., type of therapy). The dependent variable (DV) is measured (e.g., anxiety levels).
Explain the concept of random sampling. What are its advantages and limitations?
Random sampling involves selecting participants randomly from the population.
Differentiate between subjective data and objective data. Why is it important to consider both types in research?
Subjective data relies on personal opinions or interpretations (e.g., pain level) whilst Objective data is factual and measurable (e.g., heart rate).
Explain the concept of a quasi-experimental design. How does it differ from a true experimental design?
Quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment to groups but still involve manipulation of an independent variable (IV).
In a study examining the effects of caffeine on memory, identify the dependent variable (DV) and explain why it is considered dependent.
In a study on caffeine and memory, caffeine consumption is the IV, and memory performance is the DV.
What city is known as "The Eternal City"?
rome
Explain the characteristics of qualitative data. Provide an example of a study that collects qualitative data.
Qualitative data describes qualities, emotions, or experiences (e.g., interview responses).
Describe the steps involved in conducting a case study research design. What are the potential biases associated with this approach?
Case study research designs focus on in-depth analysis of a single individual or small group.
Which planet in the Milky Way is the hottest?
venus
Which planet has the most moons?
saturn
How many bones do we have in an ear?
3
Discuss the importance of random assignment in experimental research designs. How does it enhance internal validity?
Random assignment ensures equal chance of participants being in different experimental conditions.
Imagine a study investigating the impact of exercise on stress levels. Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and any potential extraneous variables
In an exercise study, exercise type (e.g., aerobic vs. strength training) is the IV, stress levels are the DV, and sleep quality could be an extraneous variable.
what is the chemical symbol for bismuth?
bi
How many dots appear on a pair of dice?
42