Test: Methods of Enquiry in Psychology- 1 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

- The Assertion is true because, in experimental research, researchers manipulate independent variables to investigate their impact on dependent variables.

- The Reason is false. Dependent variables are expected to change in response to the manipulation of independent variables, thus they are not consistent.

- Since the Reason does not accurately explain the Assertion, the correct answer is Option C.

• Description (B: Aims to accurately describe behaviors or phenomena):

  • In psychological research, description refers to the careful and accurate portrayal of behaviors or phenomena, distinguishing them from others.

• Prediction (A: Predicts behaviors based on relationships established):

  • Prediction involves forecasting future behaviors by understanding the relationships between different variables based on past observations.

• Explanation (C: Identifies causal factors influencing behaviors):

  • Explanation is about identifying the underlying causes that influence behaviors, establishing cause-effect relationships.

• Control (D: Uses understanding to modify or manage behaviors):

  • Control involves using knowledge gained from research to modify or influence behaviors in a desired direction, such as in therapetic settings. 

• Statement 1 is true because prediction involves using descriptions and understanding of past behaviors to anticipate future behaviors under specific conditions.
• Statement 2 is false because control in psychological research refers to the application of knowledge to influence or change behaviors, not just to describe or explain them.

• Assertion (A): is true because one of the primary goals of psychological research is to accurately describe behaviors or phenomena.
• Reason (R): is also true, as prediction is indeed focused on forecasting behaviors. However, R is not the correct explanation for A because A is about description, while R focuses on prediction.
• Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

• Conceptualizing a Problem (Step 1):

  • This is the first step in research, where the researcher identifies and narrows down a specific problem or research question.

• Collecting Data (Step 2):

  • After conceptualizing the problem, the researcher develops a design, selects participants, and collects data relevant to the research question.

• Drawing Conclusions (Step 3):

  • The collected data is then analyzed to interpret findings and draw conclusions, often validating or refuting the initial hypotheses.

• Revising Research Conclusions (Step 4):

  • Based on the analysis, the researcher revises or refines conclusions, and this iterative process may lead to the development of new theories or modifications to existing ones.

The correct answer is b) ii and iv.

Explanation:

• Statement i is incorrect: Description in psychological enquiry refers to providing an accurate account of behaviors and phenomena, not about establishing cause-effect relationships (which is the goal of explanation).
• Statement ii is correct: Prediction involves forecasting behaviors based on established relationships between variables.
• Statement iii is incorrect: Explanation involves identifying causes or reasons behind behaviors, not just providing records of them.
• Statement iv is correct: Control refers to using the findings of psychological research to influence or modify behaviors.

• i is false; Experimental Method is for determining cause-effect relationships, not Description.
• ii is false; Observation does not involve controlling variables; that is the role of Experiments.
• iii is true; Case Studies are used for in-depth analysis.
• iv is false; Surveys do not involve manipulating variables but collecting data.

Research ethics bind psychologists to a set of rules or code that delineates appropriate treatment of animal and human subjects. Research ethics do not provide statistical procedures, testable hypotheses or standards for variable selection.

• Assertion (A) is true because one of the main goals of psychological enquiry is to provide accurate and detailed descriptions of behaviors to facilitate better understanding.
• Reason (R) is also true as accurate descriptions are fundamental in predicting future behaviors based on observed patterns.
• Furthermore, Reason (R) directly explains why Assertion (A) is valid—by establishing that the purpose of detailed descriptions is to enhance predictive capabilities.

When the responses in a research study differ significantly from what would be expected under the assumption of no relationship among variables, it suggests that the observed effects may not be due to chance alone.

1. Using a different method to replicate results (Option A) helps ensure the findings are not specific to one methodological approach.
2. Obtaining a larger sample to replicate results (Option B) increases the power of the study and helps generalize the findings.
3. Performing manipulation checks (Option C) ensures that the experimental manipulations worked as intended, validating the results.