Test Bank for Research Methods, Concepts and

Test Bank for Research Methods, Concepts and Connections, 3e Michael Passer (All Chapters Download link at the end of this file)

• Describe the elements of the three-door problem and explain what lessons we can learn about research from

understanding the problem and how people reacted to it.

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• Define each of the five ways we acquire knowledge, and provide an example of each.

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• Describe the positive and negative aspects of acquiring knowledge via reliance on authority.

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• One pitfall in acquiring knowledge known to psychologists is confirmation bias. Define this term and apply it

to a person's efforts to gather information as a basis for buying a new car this year.

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• Define each goal of psychology and explain how each one would contribute to the following: The state police

have asked psychologists for their help in gathering data that will help reduce crime in a high-crime neighborhood.

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• There are several reasons that developing theories and explaining behavior are complex tasks. Describe these

major reasons and give a concrete example of each of them.

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• What is the major difference between a hypothesis and a theory? Apply the two terms to a psychologist's

efforts to understand how technology affects learning in a college environment.

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• One of the keys to acquiring knowledge is to state claims so that they meet the criterion of falsifiability. What

does this term mean? Give a specific example of a falsifiable and nonfalsifiable claim.

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• What are two reasons that operational definitions are so important to researchers? Give an operational

definition for each of the following: depression, anxiety, and passion.

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• The scientific method is not a single method of conducting research. Rather, it is a set of characteristics that

typify how scientists collectively go about acquiring and applying knowledge. Discuss the characteristics of science that are described in the text and give an example of each.

ANSWER:

• How are applied and basic research related to one another? Give an example of each from the following: the

structure of the sleep cycles across the night in the average adult. 1 / 3

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• Suppose you decide that you are interested in pursuing a career in psychology, emphasizing research. Give

three ideas that would help you enhance your credentials for possible admission to graduate school in the future.

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• Describe at least three of the critical thinking questions you might pose when faced with a claim in the

media, via friends, or other sources.

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• Anecdotal evidence is frequently encountered in everyday life. Explain what anecdotal evidence is, why it is

persuasive, and problems associated with it.

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• Explain the different ways that taking a course in research methods can aid you in various areas. Several are

described in the text.

ANSWER:

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Chapter_01_Multiple_Choice

• Which of these themes is NOT central to science and the research process that is highlighted in the three-door

problem?

• the need for sound reasoning
• the importance of gathering relevant data in an organized manner
• the need for plausible alternative explanations
• the willingness to modify our beliefs when it becomes apparent that they are wrong

ANSWER: c

• What is the primary reason the author introduces the three-door problem?
• to introduce students to the three goals of scientific research
• to describe the three methods psychologists use to conduct research
• to provide insight into how people acquire knowledge and beliefs
• to present an analogy that illustrates how research affects real-life decisions

ANSWER: c

• As part of a research requirement in an introductory psychology class, Alex is taking part in the three-door

game in which he might win a car or a goat. After selecting one of the three doors, he has a choice of staying with his current door or switching. What is the BEST advice that you would give Alex in order to increase his chance of winning?

• It is best to switch.
• Go with your first hunch; do not switch.
• If you switch, your odds of winning are only 50–50, so stay put.
• Your selection makes no difference, as the game is rigged in favor of the "house."

ANSWER: a

• A student is taking part in the three-door problem as part of a research requirement. What are the odds that

this student will win if he decides to switch doors?

• 2 to 1 in his favor
• equal odds of winning or losing
• 2 to 1 against winning
• just over 50% chance of winning

ANSWER: a

• Your textbook mentions that in 1990 Marilyn vos Savant became involved in the three-door problem via her

newspaper column. What was the general reaction of the public and academics to her suggestion that the best approach is to switch doors?

• Most people recognized she had solved the problem correctly.
• She was seen as having made an error in offering her solution.
• Academics accepted her solution, but the general public did not.
• Her solution was obvious to almost everyone once she explained it in detail.

ANSWER: b

• Beth is reading an article about the 1990 three-door controversy involving the "Ask Marilyn" column, which
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