Ninth Edition CoverGraziano & Raulin
Research Methods (9th edition)

Chapter 7 Multiple-Choice Questions
Correlational and Differential
Methods of Research

Test yourself on these multiple-choice questions. Clicking on the letter of your choice will give you immediate feedback on whether you are correct. Even when you are incorrect, you will receive feedback that will help you learn the material better so that you do well on the exam.

  1. Differences between groups defined by preexisting variables is the focus of
    (a) naturalistic and case-study research.
    (b) correlational research.
    (c) differential research.
    (d) experimental research.

  2. One of the most important uses of a correlation is its potential use in
    (a) causal inferences.
    (b) determining differences between groups.
    (c) enhancing internal validity.
    (d) the prediction of future events.

  3. Charles Spearman's concept of intelligence emphasized
    (a) genetic differences between the sexes.
    (b) a general factor of intelligence.
    (c) highly constrained experimental procedures.
    (d) research with chimpanzees.

  4. Which of the following is always used in differential research?
    (a) Random assignment of participants to groups.
    (b) The Pearson r or the Spearman r.
    (c) Random selection of participants to ensure a representative sample.
    (d) Groups differentiated on the basis of preexisting variables.

  5. One major difference between correlational and naturalistic research is that in correlational research we always
    (a) apply constraints only on the researcher.
    (b) seek a causal inference.
    (c) seek high positive correlations.
    (d) measure at least two variables.

  6. An example of a qualitative dimension on which groups are differentiated is the
    (a) gender of the participant.
    (b) number of participants in a category.
    (c) time it takes to respond to a task.
    (d) age of the participant.

  7. In differential research, the classification variable is the
    (a) stimulus variable.
    (b) response variable.
    (c) independent variable.
    (d) dependent variable.

  8. A major difference between differential and experimental research is that,
    (a) in experimental research, the independent variable is not manipulated.
    (b) in differential research, the independent variable is manipulated.
    (c) in differential research, only the dependent variable is manipulated.
    (d) in experimental research, the independent variable is manipulated.

  9. The same general principles are used in interpreting the results of
    (a) experimental and correlational research.
    (b) correlational and differential research.
    (c) differential and experimental research.
    (d) case-study and differential research.

  10. In which of the following ways are differential and experimental research similar?
    (a) Causality can be inferred from both.
    (b) All variables are manipulated variables.
    (c) The same statistical procedures can be used for both.
    (d) They are both ex post facto designs.

  11. What is the reason for this statement: "In differential research, we are actually studying relationships between variables"?
    (a) Correlation coefficients are calculated.
    (b) The strength of the relationship between variables is measured.
    (c) Differential research involves only measuring variables and not manipulating them.
    (d) Contingent relationships are carefully measured.

  12. In which level of research is there usually a single group of participants that is a representative sample of a larger population?
    (a) naturalistic
    (b) correlational
    (c) differential
    (d) experimental

  13. A correlation cannot prove a theory
    (a) but can negate a theory.
    (b) unless it has been found many times.
    (c) nor can it negate a theory.
    (d) because it does not use representative samples.

  14. Which of the following interpretations CANNOT be made in differential research?
    (a) The conclusion that there are differences between groups.
    (b) The conclusion that groups are differentiated on the classification variable.
    (c) The conclusion that a causal relationship exists.
    (d) The conclusion that there are no differences between groups.

  15. Which of the following is a source of confounding in differential research?
    (a) Measuring each variable.
    (b) Failing to manipulate the independent variable.
    (c) Using the Pearson r instead of the Spearman r.
    (d) Using different observation procedures in each group.

  16. What price is paid for using high-constraint research?
    (a) internal validity
    (b) loss of flexibility
    (c) measurement precision
    (d) replicability

  17. Confounding can result in
    (a) artifacts.
    (b) participant attrition.
    (c) loss of flexibility.
    (d) statistical errors in the calculations.

  18. Which of the following is the term that means the tendency for a researcher to influence the behavior of the participants?
    (a) experimenter validity
    (b) experimenter reactivity
    (c) double-blind
    (d) reification

  19. Correlating one variable with an entire set of variables is called
    (a) multiple correlation.
    (b) partial correlation.
    (c) canonical correlation.
    (d) complete correlation.