49 exam-style questions on Analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data — topic RM.2 of Research methodology in the IB Psychology syllabus — with answers and explanations. Samples below; the full set is free with an account.
Using multiple methods, data sources or researchers to cross-check qualitative findings is known as:
Answer: Triangulation
Triangulation combines different methods, data sources, theories or investigators to check whether findings converge. Consistent results across approaches increase the credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative research.
A researcher reports a correlation coefficient of r = +0.20 between hours of sleep and exam score. What does this indicate?
Answer: A weak positive relationship
A coefficient near 0 indicates a weak relationship; the positive sign means the variables tend to increase together, so +0.20 is a weak positive correlation.
In qualitative research, the process of identifying, analysing and reporting patterns of meaning within textual data is called:
Answer: Thematic analysis
Thematic analysis identifies and interprets recurring themes across qualitative data; triangulation is cross-checking with multiple sources, not the analysis method itself.
A standard deviation of 2.1 for Group A and 9.8 for Group B (same mean) tells you that:
Answer: Group B scores are more spread out than Group A
Standard deviation measures dispersion around the mean; a larger SD (9.8) means Group B's scores are more spread out (more variable).
Which of the following best describes a Type I error in hypothesis testing?
Answer: Rejecting a true null hypothesis (a false positive)
A Type I error is rejecting a null hypothesis that is actually true — concluding there is an effect when there is none (a false positive).
A scatterplot shows points forming a downward-sloping band from top-left to bottom-right. This pattern most likely reflects a correlation coefficient close to:
Answer: −0.75
A downward-sloping band indicates a negative relationship of moderate-to-strong strength, consistent with a coefficient like −0.75.
That was 6 of 49 Analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data questions.
Practise all 49 freeCalculateAO4 · 1–4 marks
Show the formula, the substitution and the answer with units and sensible significant figures.
DistinguishAO2 · 3–9 marks
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StateAO1 · 1–9 marks
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49 Analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data questions — free with an account. Spaced repetition, streaks and full exam simulations included.
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