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Research methods and techniques

Research methods and techniques

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Question 20

A researcher, Dr. Aris, conducts a memory experiment and records three variables for each participant:

  • Variable XXX: The exact time taken (in seconds) to complete a recall task.
  • Variable YYY: The rank order of participants based on their final recall accuracy (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd...).
  • Variable ZZZ: The classification of each participant's preferred study environment (e.g., 'Quiet Room' or 'Background Music').

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the levels of measurement and handling of Dr. Aris's data?

A

Variable YYY represents interval data because there is a uniform distance of exactly one position between consecutive ranks (e.g., between 1st and 2nd, and 2nd and 3rd).

B

Variable XXX can be converted into nominal data by grouping the completion times into binary categories (e.g., 'Fast' vs 'Slow'), though this process discards detailed information about individual differences.

C

Variable ZZZ is nominal data, meaning Dr. Aris can calculate a precise mean score for each study environment category and plot these directly on a normal distribution.

D

Variable XXX represents ratio data, which is considered a lower level of measurement than Variable YYY because it does not order the participants into explicit ranks.

Markscheme

Research methods and techniques Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
  3. /Research methods and techniques

644 exam-style questions on OCR A Level Psychology Research methods and techniques. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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