A Psychology Instructor Studying the Effects of the Order of Test

question 232

Multiple Choice

A psychology instructor studying the effects of the order of test items on test scores gave half the class a test in which the item order reflected the order in the textbook. The other half received the same questions in random order. What was the independent variable in this experiment?

• A) The order of the items
• B) Scores on the test
• C) The difficulty of the items on the test
• D) The method used to assign subjects to groups

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Definitions:

Jonah Complex

The fear that maximizing our potential will lead to a situation with which we will be unable to cope.

Neurotic Needs

Neurotic needs are compulsive attachments or strategies that individuals develop to cope with feelings of insecurity and anxiety, according to psychoanalytic theories.

Irrational Defenses

Mental strategies that are logically flawed used by individuals to protect themselves from feelings of anxiety or guilt.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, or apprehension, often with no clear justification. It can affect both the mind and the body, leading to physical symptoms as well as psychological distress.