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1 Introduction to Psychology
Key: Answer, Page, Type, Learning Objective, Level Type A=Applied C=Conceptual F=Factual Level (1)=Easy; (2)=Moderate; (3)=Difficult LO=Learning Objective p=page An Introduction to The World of Psychology Learning Objective 1.1 – What process do scientists use to answer questions about behavior and mental processes?
- Which of these is the most accurate definition of the discipline of psychology? a) the scientific study of behavior b) the scientific study of mental processes c) the scientific study of behavior and mental processes Correct. The definition of psychology includes both behavior and mental processes and doesn’t exclude animals. d) the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes Incorrect. The definition of psychology includes also animal behavior and mental processes. ANS: c, p. 3, F, LO=1.1, (1)
- ________________ is the most objective method known for acquiring knowledge. a) Research b) The scientific method Correct. The scientific method systematically controls variables reducing bias and error. c) Checks and balances d) The double-blind method Incorrect. This is a method for reducing bias but is not involved in measuring data. ANS: b, p. 3, F, LO=1.1, (2) % correct 33 a= 14 b= 33 c= 7 d= 47 r =.
- “Children who watch violent cartoons will become more aggressive.” According to the scientific method, this statement is most likely a ____________ a) conclusion. b) result. c) hypothesis. Correct. This statement is an educated guess about the effects of violent cartoons. d) fact.
Incorrect. This is merely a testable statement about the effects of violent cartoons on children’s behavior. ANS: b, p. 4, C, LO=1.1, (2) % correct 81 a= 4 b= 81 c= 0 d= 15 r =.
- A general principle or a set of principles that attempts to explain how a set of separate facts are related to one another is called ____________ a) a theory. Correct. A theory explains different bits of information and their relationship to each other. b) an hypothesis. Incorrect. A hypothesis is an educated guess, or a speculation about the answer to a research question. c) applied research. d)basic research. ANS: a, p. 4, F, LO=1.1, (2)
- The first step in any scientific investigation is _______________. a) forming the hypothesis Incorrect. This step follows the development of a question to test. b) observing and theorizing Correct. This is the first step in any scientific investigation. c) coming to a conclusion d) designing a study ANS: b, p. 4, F, LO=1.1, (1)
- Forming a hypothesis is the second step in a scientific investigation. This step is derived from which goal of psychology? a) describing Incorrect. The question comes from observing a situation and asking “What is happening?” This is a description. b) explaining Correct. Forming a hypothesis attempts to explain the question you are asking. c) predicting d) changing ANS: b, p. 4, C, LO=1.1, (3)
- After reading about the possible causes of schizophrenia, a scientist thinks that a virus is the most likely cause. What term most accurately describes the scientist’s idea? a) hypothesis Correct. A hypothesis is an “educated guess” based on solid information. b) dependent variable c) extraneous variable d) experimental estimate Incorrect. Experimental estimate is not a valid term used in science. ANS: a, p. 4, A, LO=1.1, (2)
- Jeremy has some doubt about another researcher's claim of discovering ESP in all humans. Jeremy decides that he will try to conduct the same study himself. Jeremy will be doing a(n) ____________ a) replication. Correct. Replication is a future repeat of research to see if the findings or outcomes are consistent. b) pilot study. Incorrect. A pilot study is the “first” in a series of research investigations. c) longitudinal study. d) qualitative study. ANS: a, pp. 4-5, A, LO=1.1, (2)
- A psychologist is interested in finding out why identical twins have different personalities. This psychologist is most interested in the goal of ______________. a) description Incorrect. “Why” does not describe; it explains. b) explanation Correct. “Why” asks for an explanation. c) prediction d) influence ANS: b, p. 5, F, LO=1.2, (1)
- The question “Why is it happening?” refers to which of the following goals in psychology? a) description Incorrect. Describing does not answer the question why. b) explanation Correct. Asking “why” calls for an explanation. c) prediction d) influence ANS: b, p. 5, F, LO=1.2, (1)
- Dr. Lewis has been studying Bobby's poor academic performance and has come to expect that Bobby is most easily distracted right after lunch. Dr. Lewis has met which goal? a) description b) explanation c) prediction Correct. Dr. Lewis has observed Bobby’s behavior in the past, and is making a prediction about future behaviors. d) influence Incorrect. Dr. Lewis has not introduced any attempts to change or control Bobby’s behavior, so the goal of influence has not (yet) been met. ANS: c, p. 5, A, LO=1.2, (2)
- The question “How can it be changed?” refers to which of the following goals in psychology? a) description b) explanation c) prediction Incorrect. Prediction does not cause change. d) influence Correct. Influence modifies behavior. ANS: d, p. 5, F, LO=1.2, (1)
- Professor Perdomo has instituted a program that he has determined will improve the memories of his psychology students. This is an example of which goal of psychology? a) prediction Incorrect. Prediction often comes before influence, but in this example the professor’s attempts to change behaviors makes “influence” the best answer. b) influence Correct. Professor Perdomo is attempting to change (or influence) psychological functions (memory) in his students. c) explanation d) description ANS: b, p. 5, A, LO=1.2, (2)
- The question “What is happening?” refers to which of the following goals in psychology? a) description Correct. Asking “what” means asking for a description. b) explanation
Incorrect. Explanation goes beyond “what.” c) prediction d) control ANS: a, p. 5, F, LO=1.2, (1) % correct 28 a= 28 b= 58 c= 11 d= 2 r =.
- The question “When will it happen again?” refers to which of the following goals in psychology? a) description b) explanation Incorrect. Explanation deals with the present. c) prediction Correct. Prediction deals with future events. d) control ANS: c, p. 5, F, LO=1.2, (1) % correct 92 a= 0 b= 4 c= 92 d= 4 r =.
- Psychologists who give potential employees tests that determine what kind of job those employees might best perform are interested in the goal of _____________. a) description b) explanation Incorrect. The test is predicting, not explaining. c) prediction Correct. The test predicts behavior. d) control ANS: c, p. 5, A, LO=1.2, (2) % correct 83 a= 7 b=41 c= 83 d= 7 r =.
- Description is to assessment as _________ is to prognosis. a) prediction Correct. A prognosis is a prediction of what will happen. b) explanation Incorrect. An explanation does not indicate future outcomes. c) indication d) influence ANS: a, p. 5, C, LO=1.2, (3)
- Which goal of psychology is most closely met through naturalistic observation? a) altering behavior b) predicting behavior Incorrect. Naturalistic observation involves just watching and describing. No predictions are made. c) describing behavior Correct. Naturalistic observation involves watching and describing d) controlling behavior ANS: c, p. 5 & 18, C, LO=1.2 & 1.7, (3)
- A teacher tells the school psychologist that Kate is late to class, does not turn in her homework, squirms around a lot in her seat, and swings her feet constantly. This is an example of which goal of psychology? a) describing behavior Correct. We only know WHAT she is doing. b) explaining behavior Incorrect. Explaining focuses on why it is happening, not what is happening. c) predicting behavior d) controlling behavior ANS: a, p. 5, A, LO=1.3, (2) % correct 85 a= 85 b= 14 c= 0 d= 0 r =.
Incorrect. Freud’s theories have had enormous influence on the field of psychology, but the correct answer to this question is Wilhelm Wundt. ANS: c, p. 6, F, LO=1.3, (1)
- The school of psychology called structuralism used a technique called __________, which involved reporting the contents of consciousness to study a person’s experiences. a) intervention Incorrect. Intervention has a totally different meaning than introspection, even though it looks similar. b) introspection Correct. This requires self-examination of the structure of the mind. c) insight inventory d) induction ANS: b, p. 6, F, LO=1.3, (2) % correct 96 a= 0 b= 96 c= 4 d= 0 r =.
- The major emphasis of structuralism was the ____________ a) perception of whole units or patterns. b) analysis of the basic elements of conscious mental experience. Correct. The structuralists felt that the goal of psychology should be to identify the basic elements of the human mental experience. c) function of conscious mental experience. Incorrect. It was the functionalists who felt that the emphasis of the field of psychology should be on discovering the functions of the human mental experience. d) scientific study of behavior. ANS: b, pp. 6-7, F, LO=1.3, (1)
- Why was the perspective followed by Wilhelm Wundt and his followers called structuralism? a) They wanted to identify the major brain structures. b) Their primary goal was to understand the physiology of the mind. Incorrect. It was the structure of thought, not physiology. c) They focused their efforts on analyzing the elements of the nervous system. d) Their primary focus was on describing the structure of conscious experience. Correct. Structure was key in the definition. ANS: d, pp. 6-7, F, LO=1.3, (1) % correct 48 a= 30 b= 19 c= 4 d= 48 r =.
- At the close of the nineteenth century, Gerhard is excited to find that he has been accepted for training in the psychology laboratory of Wilhelm Wundt. It is likely that Gerhard will be trained to ________________ a) analyze how to break down his sensations into their most basic elements. Correct. Wundt was a structuralist. b) determine the function or purpose of a particular human behavior. Incorrect. Wundt was not a functionalist. c) listen intently while individuals tell him of their depression or nervousness. d) carefully feel the bumps on a person’s head in order to determine his or her character traits. ANS: a, pp. 6-7, A, LO=1.3, (2)
- What is the best analogy for Wundt’s and Titchener’s mission for psychology? a) a chart listing the basic chemical elements Correct. They wanted to break down the mind into basic elements. b) a list of the courses required for graduation c) a list of the types of clothing sold at a retail outlet d) a computer program for word processing a term paper Incorrect. A computer program does not have basic elements. ANS: a, pp. 6-7, C, LO=1.3, (3)
- Dr. Smith wants to know more about how our sensations become perceptions. She has developed a drawing that can be interpreted in different ways, depending on which parts of the drawing the viewer focuses on. Now she is showing the drawing to different people, and asking them to report what they see, any thoughts they may have as they view the drawing, and how their thoughts influence their perceptions. Dr. Smith's approach to this research most closely resembles ____________ a) structuralism. Correct. Dr. Smith is asking her participants to use introspection in order to identify the basic units of their conscious experience. This is consistent with the goals of structuralism. b) functionalism. Incorrect. The functionalists did not feel that identifying the basic elements of one’s mental experiences, as Dr. Smith is doing, was a useful goal for the science of psychology. c) Gestalt psychology. d) evolutionary psychology. ANS: a, pp. 6-7, A, LO=1.3, (3)
- Participants in research early in psychology’s history might have been asked to view a chair and describe its color, shape, and texture and other aspects of their conscious experience. These individuals would have been using a method called _________. a) hypnosis b) introspection Correct. In introspection you describe your conscious thoughts. c) psychosurgery d) psychoanalysis Incorrect. Psychoanalysis was not concerned with these issues. ANS: b, p. 6, C, LO=1.3, (2)
- Which of the following terms do NOT belong together? a) structuralism; observable behavior Correct. Structuralism focuses on introspection, which is not observable. b) Gestalt; whole c) psychoanalysis; unconscious conflict Incorrect. These terms do belong together. d) natural selection; functionalism ANS: a, pp. 6–10, C, LO=1.3-1.7, (3)
- Advocates of the school of structuralism were criticized for their reliance upon introspection ____________ a) because it did not provide for individual measurements of responses. b) because it lacked objectivity. Correct. Because there was no way to verify the findings of an individual’s attempt to use introspection, it was criticized for lacking objectivity. c) because it relied too much upon free association. Incorrect. Free association is a concept from Freud’s psychoanalysis, not from structuralism. d) because it did not lend itself to experimentation. ANS: b, p. 7, C, LO=1.3, (3) Learning Objective 1.4 – Why is functionalism important in the history of psychology?
- Who was an early proponent of functionalism? a) Ivan Pavlov b) William James Correct. James was a functionalist. c) Wilhelm Wundt Incorrect. Wundt was a structuralist. d) Max Wertheimer
d) Christine Ladd-Franklin Correct. Ladd-Franklin was made to wait over 40 years for her doctorate solely because of her gender. ANS: d, p. 8, F, LO=1.5, (2)
- He is known as the “father of African American psychology.” a) Francis Cecil Sumner Correct. Sumner was the chair of the psychology department at Howard University, which was well known as an African American institution of higher learning. b) Albert Sidney Beckham c) Kenneth Clark Incorrect. Clark did very important research into the effects of racial segregation, but the correct answer to this question is Francis Cecil Sumner. d) Porter Lincoln Jackson ANS: a, p. 8, F, LO=1.5, (2)
- The first psychology laboratory at an African American university was established by __________ at Howard University. a) Kenneth Clark b) Francis Cecil Sumner c) Albert Sidney Beckham Correct. Beckham established that laboratory after doing revolutionary research into the wide-ranging applicability of intelligence. d) George Sánchez Incorrect. Sanchez did important work demonstrating the presence of bias against Hispanic individuals in intelligence tests. ANS: c, p. 8, F, LO=1.5, (2) Schools of Thought in Psychology Learning Objective 1.6 – How do behaviorists explain behavior and mental processes?
- Which type of psychologist would be most likely to argue that a criminal engages in unlawful behavior because he grew up around older boys who engaged in criminal activities? a) Gestaltist b) behavioralist Correct. This theory focused on learned behavior. c) psychodynamic Incorrect. This theory focused on unconscious influences. d) functionalist ANS: b, p. 9, C, LO=1.6, (2)
- John B. Watson believed that psychology should involve the study of _________. a) behavior Correct. He thought that was the most scientific. b) the mind c) the brain d) consciousness Incorrect. This was not observable. ANS: a, p. 9, F, LO=1.6, (1)
- What advice might John B. Watson have offered to psychologists of his time? a) “Focus on observable behavior.” Correct. Behaviorism was founded on the study of observable behavior. b) “Life is an effort to overcome inferiority.”
c) “We cannot know others until we know ourselves.” Incorrect. Watson only studied what he observed. d) “Remember that what we accomplish is due to the composition of our genes.” ANS: a, p. 9, A, LO=1.6, (1) % correct 75 a= 75 b= 6 c= 14 d= 3 r =.
- The school of psychology called behaviorism was started by __________ a) B.F. Skinner. Incorrect. Skinner kept behaviorism in the forefront of psychological thought through his work in the 1960s and beyond. b) John B. Watson. Correct. Watson, who was influenced by the work of Ivan Pavlov, was one of the founders of the school of behaviorism. c) Abraham Maslow. d) Edward B. Titchener. ANS: b, p. 9, F, LO=1.6, (1)
- Behaviorism is still a major force in modern psychology due to the profound influence of __________ a) Alfred Adler. b) Gustav Fechner. c) John B. Watson. Incorrect. Watson, who was influenced by the work of Ivan Pavlov, was one of the founders of the school of behaviorism, but it was Skinner who kept behaviorism active in the 1960s and beyond. d) B. F. Skinner. Correct. Skinner kept behaviorism in the forefront of psychological thought through his work in the 1960s and beyond. ANS: d, p. 9, F, LO=1.6, (2)
- Skinner's research showed that ____________ is an integral factor for both learning and maintaining a particular behavior. a) perception b) reinforcement Correct. Reinforcement, or reward, was a hallmark of Skinner’s work. He demonstrated that the outcomes of an action could affect future repetition of that action. c) recognition d) compliance Incorrect. Compliance is a concept that is discussed in the chapter on social psychology, and is not directly tied to the work of B. F. Skinner. ANS: b, p. 9, C, LO=1.6, (2)
- You are mostly a product of your environment. Parents, teachers, friends and experiences in life all operate to shape your behaviors and determine who you become. This summarizes the __________ perspective in psychology. a) behavioral Correct. The behavioral school of thought suggests that we are largely shaped by influences that surround us in our environments. b) biological c) evolutionary d) psychoanalytic Incorrect. The psychoanalytic school of thought suggests that our early childhood experiences, along with unconscious sexual and destructive impulses, shape who we are. ANS: a, p. 9, C, LO=1.6, (1)
- Which founding contributors to psychology helped develop behaviorism? a) Gestalt and Wundt b) Freud and Watson
Incorrect. There was no physical cause to the problems patients had. c) unconscious mind Correct. Freud’s entire theory centered on the unconscious. d) external consequences ANS: c, p. 10, C, LO=1.7, (2)
- The class is playing a game of Jeopardy! and it is your turn. “I'll take Pioneers in Psychology for $50.” The revealed answer is “Focused on unconscious factors and relied on the case study method.” Just before the buzzer sounds, what will you say? a) “Who is B. F. Skinner?” Incorrect. Skinner rejected the unconscious. b) “Who are the humanists?” c) “Who is Sigmund Freud?” Correct. Freud based his entire theory on the unconscious. d) “Who are the behaviorists?” ANS: c, p. 10, C, LO=1.7, (2) % correct 81 a= 7 b= 0 c=81 d= 12 r =.
- Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, and Karen Horney were students of Sigmund Freud who eventually separated from Freud’s teachings and developed their own theories. In doing so, they became known as __________ a) neo-Freudians. Correct. These individuals all started off as students of Freud, but eventually set off in their own directions. b) renegades. c) psychiatrists. Incorrect. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in mental health. Jung, Adler, and Horney are all referred to as neo-Freudians. d) psychologists. ANS: a, p. 10, F, LO=1.7, (1) Learning Objective 1.8 – According to Maslow and Rogers, what motivates human behavior and mental processes?
- You attend a lecture by a psychologist who uses terms such as free will, innate goodness , and self-actualization. Which psychological perspective is most consistent with the points the psychologist presented? a) behaviorism Incorrect. This perspective does not suggest free will or human nature. b) humanism Correct. This perspective suggests people have many choices. c) functionalism d) psychodynamics ANS: b, p. 10, A, LO=1.8, (2)
- Humanistic psychology emerged as a reaction against __________ a) structuralism and functionalism. Incorrect. The ideas of structuralism and functionalism were generally defunct before humanism emerged as the “third force” in psychology. b) behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Correct. Humanism felt that psychoanalysis was too negative and behaviorism was too deterministic. c) cognitive psychology and structuralism. d) Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis. ANS: b, p. 10, C, LO=1.8, (2)
- Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow represent the __________ school of psychology. a) humanistic
Correct. Maslow and Rogers are credited as being the founders of the humanistic school of psychology. b) behavioral Incorrect. John B. Watson is generally thought of as the founder of behaviorism in psychology, and his work was influenced by Ivan Pavlov. c) psychoanalytic d) cognitive ANS: a, p. 10, F, LO=1.8, (1)
- Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow emphasized that people have __________ a) free will. Correct. The idea that each person is free to act as they choose is central to the concepts of humanism. b) subconscious drives. c) a desire to harm others. Incorrect. The concept of an unconscious destructive drive, or ““thanatos,” is central to the work of Freud and the psychoanalytic school of psychological thought. d) physical needs that must be satisfied. ANS: a, p. 10, C, LO=1.8, (2)
- Self-actualization was part of which of the following perspectives? a) behaviorism Incorrect. Self-actualization was not part of that perspective. b) cognitive perspective c) functionalism d) humanism Correct. Humanists talk about self-actualization. ANS: d, p. 10, F, LO=1.8, (1) % correct 74 a= 11 b= 11 c= 4 d= 74 r =.
- Which perspective focuses on free will and self-actualization? a) psychoanalysis Incorrect. This theory does not acknowledge free will. b) humanism Correct. Humanist theory focuses on free will and self-actualization. c) cognitive perspective d) behaviorism ANS: b, p. 10, F, LO=1.8, (1) Learning Objective 1.9 – What is the focus of cognitive psychology?
- In the early part of the past century, psychologists who broke down thought processes into their basic elements and analyzed them were called structuralists. What term might we use to describe psychologists with similar interests today? a) Gestalt Incorrect. Gestaltists were not involved in breaking down thought processes into basic elements. b) cognitive Correct. The cognitive perspective focuses on breaking down thought processes, such as memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and other forms of cognition. c) behavioral d) humanistic ANS: b, p. 10, C, LO=1.9, (3)
- We are not passive creatures who respond reflexively to environmental reinforcements and punishments. We use reasoning and problem solving strategies to make decisions that shape our lives. This argument summarizes the main point of __________
a) introspection. b) functionalism. c) psychoanalysis. Incorrect. Psychoanalysis was concerned with unconsciousness, not “wholes.” d) Gestalt psychologists. Correct. “ The whole is greater than the sum of the parts” was the theme of the Gestaltists. ANS: d, p. 11, F, LO=1.9, (1) % correct 55 a= 14 b= 21 c= 11 d= 55 r =.
- While on a visit to a large city, you observe several billboards in which a series of lights seems to move. Which perspective in psychology would most likely help you understand this phenomenon? a) Gestalt Correct. Gestaltists focused on perception of wholes. b) behavioral c) humanistic d) psychodynamic Incorrect. This theory focused on the unconscious. ANS: a, p. 11, C, LO=1.9, (3)
- The German word Gestalt roughly means __________ a) belief or attitude. b) capacity or ability. Incorrect. This is not the right translation. The best translation of Gestalt is “whole.” c) emotion or feeling. d) whole, form or pattern. Correct. The meaning “whole” forms the basis of the Gestalt school of psychological thought. ANS: d, p. 11, F, LO=1.9, (2)
- Max Wertheimer’s demonstration of the “phi phenomenon” was used to promote the ideas of __________ a) humanistic psychology. Incorrect. The phi phenomenon is not discussed in humanistic psychology. It is central to the concepts of Gestalt psychology. b) Gestalt psychology. Correct. The phi phenomenon explains how individual sensory “units” are perceived as a combined whole. c) behavioral psychology. d) structural psychology. ANS: b, p. 11, F, LO=1.9, (1) Learning Objective 1.10 – What is the main idea behind evolutionary psychology?
- __________ focuses on how humans have adapted the behaviors required for survival in the face of environmental challenges over time. a) Gestalt psychology Incorrect. Gestalt psychology focuses on the experiencing of one’s “whole” existence. The best answer to this question is evolutionary psychology. b) Environmental psychology c) Evolutionary psychology Correct. Evolutionary psychology looks at the long-term survival of the human species over many generations, even as environmental demands have changed over time. d) Cognitive psychology ANS: c, p. 12, C, LO=1.10, (2)
- __________ psychology combines elements of cognitive psychology, evolutionary biology, anthropology and neuroscience. a) Structural Incorrect. Structuralism was the first psychological perspective, though it was contributed to by philosophy and physiology. b) Evolutionary Correct. All of these fields combined to help create the discipline of evolutionary psychology. c) Gestalt d) Functionalist ANS: b, p. 12, F, LO=1.10, (1)
- Evolutionary psychology attempts to explain the universality of language usage in humans by pointing to
a) the survival advantage of having an efficient means of communication.
Correct. Evolutionary psychology looks at traits, behaviors, and tendencies that help to preserve the survival of the species. b) the survival advantage of a generalized intelligence factor. c) the role of language in mate selection among humans. d) the role of parental practices in the way that infants acquire language. Incorrect. This would be the focus of a cognitive and/or developmental psychologist, not an evolutionary psychologist. ANS: a, p. 12, C, LO=1.10, (1)
- Dr. Mosher is a psychologist who tries to understand how people select their mates. She must be a(n) ___________________. a) behavioral psychologist b) cognitive psychologist c) evolutionary psychologist Correct. Evolutionary psychologists look at how human mate selection evolved. d) biopsychological psychologist Incorrect. Mate preference is an evolutionary issue. ANS: c, p. 12, A, LO=1.10, (2)
- Which perspective assumes that human behavior may have developed in certain directions because it served a useful function in preserving the species? a) psychoanalysis b) behaviorism c) cognitive psychology Incorrect. This area is interested in thought processes. d) evolutionary psychology Correct. Evolutionary psychologists believe that human behavior may have developed in certain directions because it was useful in preserving the species. ANS: d, p. 12, F, LO=1.10, (1) Learning Objective 1.11 – How is biological psychology changing the field of psychology?
- Professor Beverly approaches questions about human behavior from a perspective that emphasizes bodily events and chemicals, such as hormones, associated with behavior. It is most likely that she accepts which of the following psychological approaches? a) biopsychological Correct. The biopsychological perspective looks at the relationship between body chemistry and behavior. b) learning c) cognitive d) sociocultural
interest to a sociocultural psychologist. b) biological perspective. c) humanist perspective. Incorrect. Cultural influences that contribute to each individual’s uniqueness are not ignored by humanistic psychologists, but the best answer is the sociocultural perspective. d) evolutionary perspective. ANS: a, p. 13, A, LO=1.12, (1)
- The __________ stresses the importance of social and cultural influences on human behavior. a) sociocultural approach Correct. These are the primary areas of emphasis to a sociocultural psychologist. b) systems theory approach c) neuroscience approach d) eclectic approach Incorrect. An eclectic approach draws from multiple theories. The best answer to this question is the sociocultural approach. ANS: a, p. 13, F, LO=1.12, (1)
- The sociocultural approach is frequently considered to be part of the broader context of a systems perspective , which points out that __________ a) multiple factors interact with each other to influence our behavior. Correct. Multiple influences, such as family, peers, media, and culture are considered in a systems perspective. b) different levels of analysis are necessary to understand human behavior. c) human behavior cannot be equated with the behavior of other organisms. d) the totality of human behavior is greater than the sum of its parts. Incorrect. This is the main concept of the Gestalt, not the systems, perspective. ANS: a, p. 13, C, LO=1.12, (2) Learning Objective 1.13 – What are psychological perspectives, and how are they related to an eclectic position?
- Jamaal, a practicing psychologist, prefers to choose from a combination of approaches when trying to deal with a specific client behavior. Jamaal takes a(n) __________ position. a) humanistic Incorrect. When a theory draws form many different perspectives, it is called an eclectic position. b) client-centered c) sociocultural d) eclectic Correct. An eclectic approach draws from several different psychological theories. ANS: d, p. 15, A, LO=1.13, (2) Thinking about Theories and Research Learning Objective 1.14 – How do psychologists evaluate theories?
- A theory is said to have heuristic value if __________ a) it stimulates debate and motivates researchers to pursue research related to the theory. Correct. Even theories that are “off the wall” and seen as being ridiculous can have heuristic value if they stimulate discussion and debate among researchers. b) it explains a fairly narrow area of behavior. c) it focuses attention on observations that cannot be readily explained in other ways. d) it provides solutions for real-world problems. Incorrect. This is an explanation of applied research (versus basic research), not heuristic value.
ANS: a, p. 16, C, LO=1.14, (2)
- Freud’s theory has been criticized for being relatively untestable. It is still taught in introductory psychology classes, in part because of its __________ a) heuristic value. Correct. Though some are very passionate in their disdain of Freudian theories, there can be no argument that such theories have had massive influence on the field of psychology. This is the essence of heuristic value. b) shock value. c) explanatory power. Incorrect. Freud’s theories are, by and large, untestable in psychological research, and thus their ability to truly explain things is limited. d) ability to predict behavior. ANS: a, p. 16, C, LO=1.14, (1) Learning Objective 1.15 – How can critical thinking be used to interpret media reports of psychological research?
- The process of objectively evaluating claims, propositions, and conclusions to determine whether they follow logically from the evidence is known as __________ a) critical thinking. Correct. Critical thinking occurs when we objectively evaluate concepts and claims based on their merit, rather than summarily accepting or dismissing them for other reasons. b) evaluation. c) heuristic thinking. d) suspension of judgment. Incorrect. Suspension of judgment is one of the three key concepts in critical thinking. ANS: a, p. 16, F, LO=1.15, (1)
- Which of the following is not one of the characteristics of critical thinking? a) Critical thinking requires a willingness to modify or abandon prior judgments b) Critical thinking reminds us to suspend judgment Incorrect. This is an important criterion for critical thinking. c) Critical thinking reminds us that some authorities should not be questioned. Correct. It is not true that some authorities should not be questioned; evidence is more important than expertise. d) Critical thinking requires independent thinking ANS: c, p. 16. C, LO=1.15, (3)
- Critical thinking means making judgments based on ________________. a) emotion b) keeping a closed mind c) reason and logical evaluation Correct. Reason and logic are necessary to think critically. d) authority and expertise Incorrect. Authorities are often wrong. ANS: c, pp. 16-17, F, LO=1.15, (1) Descriptive Research Methods Learning Objective 1.16 - How do psychological researchers use naturalistic and laboratory observation?
- Which of the following statements is true about naturalistic observation? a) It recreates natural conditions in the laboratory as closely as possible to make an experiment more valid. Incorrect. Naturalistic observation does not involve recreating anything. b) It involves observing behavior in its natural context. Correct. Naturalistic observation does involve observing behavior in its natural context.
