By using which method of assignment of participants to treatment conditions, investigators increase the chances that participants' characteristics will be equally distributed across treatment groups?
- A. sequential
- B. random
- C. systematic
- D. correlational
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: By using random assignment of participants to treatment conditions, investigators increase the chances that participants' characteristics will be equally distributed across treatment groups. Random assignment helps reduce the likelihood of bias in the selection process and ensures that any differences between groups are due to the treatment and not pre-existing group differences. Sequential, systematic, and correlational assignment methods do not provide the same level of assurance in distributing participants' characteristics equally across treatment groups.
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In a structured observation, each participant has an equal opportunity to display the behavior of interest because the researcher designs a specific set of conditions or tasks for all participants to engage in, providing a standardized environment for observation.
- A. clinical interview
- B. naturalistic observation
- C. structured observation
- D. case study
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a structured observation, each participant has an equal opportunity to display the behavior of interest because the researcher designs a specific set of conditions or tasks for all participants to engage in, providing a standardized environment for observation. This allows for fair and equitable observations across all participants, ensuring that each individual has the same opportunities to exhibit the behavior being studied.
Choice A, clinical interview, typically involves a one-on-one interaction between a researcher and a participant focusing on collecting information through questions and answers, not providing equal opportunities for behavior display.
Choice B, naturalistic observation, involves observing individuals in their natural environment without intervention or manipulation of conditions, which may not always ensure equal opportunities for behavior display.
Choice D, case study, focuses on in-depth analysis of a single individual or a small group, providing detailed information but not necessarily ensuring equal opportunities for behavior display among participants.
Maryann is pregnant and works in a smoke-filled environment. What can you tell her about passive smoking?
- A. The negative effects of smoking are only evident in children born to heavy smokers.
- B. Passive smoking is related to low birth weight, infant death, and childhood respiratory illnesses.
- C. Smoke-filled environments are harmful to expectant mothers, but not to their unborn children.
- D. The effects of passive smoking are not yet known.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke, can have harmful effects on pregnancies. Research has shown that exposure to smoke-filled environments during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight, infant death, and childhood respiratory illnesses. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to protect the health of their unborn babies. Choice A is incorrect because passive smoking affects both the mother and the unborn child, not just children born to heavy smokers. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the risks of smoke-filled environments on unborn children. Choice D is incorrect as research has already established the harmful effects of passive smoking on pregnancies.
Before the late 1800s, childbirth usually took place __________.
- A. at home and was a family-centered event
- B. at home, but away from other family members
- C. in a hospital with trained midwives
- D. in the home of a medical professional or in a hospital
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Before the late 1800s, childbirth usually took place at home and was a family-centered event. During this period, most women gave birth at home with the help of family members and possibly a midwife. Hospitals were not common settings for childbirth at that time. Choice B is incorrect because childbirth was not typically done away from family members. Choice C is incorrect because hospitals were not the common setting for childbirth before the late 1800s. Choice D is incorrect because giving birth in the home of a medical professional or a hospital was not the norm during that period.
Under ethical standards, when is deception permitted in research studies?
- A. if the participants are young enough that they would not understand the deception
- B. if investigators satisfy institutional review boards that such practices are necessary
- C. if researchers can observe participants from behind one-way mirrors
- D. if the participants give informed consent and the researchers never reveal the real purpose of the study
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ethical standards permit deception in research studies if investigators satisfy institutional review boards that such practices are necessary. Institutional review boards are responsible for ensuring that research studies comply with ethical guidelines and protect the welfare of study participants. Deception should only be used when necessary, and the board's approval indicates that safeguards are in place to minimize harm to participants. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because ethical deception in research studies is not based on the age of participants, observing from behind mirrors, or obtaining informed consent without revealing the study's real purpose.
Dr. Anderson wants to conduct a study to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between domestic violence and anger in children. Dr. Anderson should use a(n) __________ design.
- A. structured
- B. observational
- C. correlational
- D. experimental
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dr. Anderson should use an experimental design to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between domestic violence and anger in children. In an experimental design, the researcher manipulates the independent variable (in this case, exposure to domestic violence) to observe its effect on the dependent variable (anger in children). This design allows for the establishment of a cause-and-effect relationship by controlling for other variables that may influence the outcomes. Observational design (Choice B) involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, correlational design (Choice C) examines the relationship between variables without manipulating them, and structured design (Choice A) typically refers to a study with predetermined procedures and data collection methods, which may not be suitable for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.