Question 1

The role of natural selection processes in the development of social behavior is a concern in

Accepted Answer

The role of natural selection processes in the development of social behavior is a concern in evolutionary psychology, which focuses on how natural selection has shaped human behavior and mental processes over time.

Question 2

Cross-cultural research by Carl Falk and colleagues (2009), in which self-ratings by Canadian and Japanese participants were compared, indicated that

Accepted Answer

The study found that Canadian participants endorsed more positive traits about the self than did Japanese participants.

Question 3

Jessica and Nick are behavioral researchers.Jessica believes that her sons have been aggressive from birth because she and her husband Nick have inborn aggressive tendencies.Nick, however, believes that their sons are aggressive because throughout history it has been adaptive for men to be aggressive so that they can protect their territory and possessions.Nick's beliefs reflect the influence of _____, whereas Jessica's beliefs reflect _____.

Accepted Answer

Nick's beliefs reflect the principles of evolutionary psychology, which suggests that certain behaviors have evolved over time and have become adaptive because they have helped humans survive and reproduce. Jessica's beliefs reflect the principles of behavioral genetics, which suggest that genes play an important role in determining behavior. Therefore, the best choice is D, evolutionary psychology and behavioral genetics.

Question 4

Virtual reality allows social psychologists to

Accepted Answer

Virtual reality allows social psychologists to test questions that might otherwise be impractical or unethical by creating simulated environments where participants can behave and interact as they would in real life situations without the potential risks or ethical concerns associated with real life experimentation.

Question 5

Fatma investigates whether the tendency for people to return favors is the result of natural selection.Fatma's research is in the area of

Accepted Answer

Fatma's investigation into whether the tendency for people to return favors is the result of natural selection falls within the scope of evolutionary psychology, which focuses on how evolutionary processes have shaped human behavior and cognition.

Question 6

Which of the following questions would be of most interest to a social psychologist who studies behavioral genetics?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral genetics is the study of how genes and environment interact to influence behavior. One of the key topics within behavioral genetics is the extent to which specific behavioral traits or tendencies are inherited. Therefore, the question that would be of most interest to a social psychologist who studies behavioral genetics would be A) To what extent are attitudes inherited? This question directly addresses the role of genetics in shaping attitudes, which falls within the scope of behavioral genetics. The other questions listed also fall within the realm of psychology, but do not directly relate to the study of behavioral genetics.

Question 7

The interdisciplinary subfield that examines the close link between our minds and the positioning, experiences, and actions of our bodies is called

Accepted Answer

Embodied cognition is the interdisciplinary subfield that examines the close link between our minds and the positioning, experiences, and actions of our bodies. It explores how our physical experiences shape our cognitive processes, emotions, and decision-making.

(The other options listed are different subfields within psychology, but they do not specifically deal with the relationship between the body and the mind.)

Question 8

Izzy finds that when people vacate a parking spot, they do so more slowly when there is someone waiting to take their spot than if there is no one waiting.He attributes this behavior to an innate predisposition toward territoriality.It might be said that Izzy's findings represent a combination of work in social psychology and

Accepted Answer

Izzy's findings suggest that humans may have an innate predisposition toward territoriality, which can be explained by evolutionary psychology. This theory proposes that certain behaviors and traits have evolved over time due to their adaptive benefits in helping individuals survive and reproduce. Therefore, Izzy's work combines social psychology with evolutionary psychology.

Question 9

Cross-cultural research regarding attitudes about the self indicate that

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that people from individualistic cultures tend to have more positive views of the self and actively seek out information that confirms their positive self-image. In contrast, people from collectivist cultures tend to have more modest views of the self and prioritize group goals over individual goals.

Question 10

Which of the following is concerned with how the brain influences social behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social neuroscience is the branch of psychology that focuses on the neural and biological underpinnings of social behavior, including how the brain influences it. Evolutionary psychology is concerned with how evolutionary pressures have shaped our psychological systems. Social cognition focuses on how we perceive and process social information. Behavioral genetics examines the genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Question 11

Research shows that liberals and conservatives process information

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that liberals and conservatives process information differently and exhibit different patterns of brain activity, reflecting distinct cognitive and emotional processing styles.

Question 12

Aimee recently found out that she flunked math again.She is feeling pretty bad about herself.Research in behavioral economics suggests that Aimee will

Accepted Answer

Research in behavioral economics suggests that when people feel bad about themselves, they may engage in compensatory consumption, such as buying high-status items, to boost their self-esteem. Using a credit card makes it easier to make such purchases without immediate financial constraints.

Question 13

Research suggests that the reactions of the audience watching a presidential debate influences those viewing the debate on television

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that audience reactions, such as applause or laughter, can significantly influence television viewers' perceptions, sometimes even more than the actual content of the debate.

Question 14

According to research on embodied cognition, if you are feeling guilty, how can you reduce that feeling?

Accepted Answer

According to research on embodied cognition, physical sensations can affect our emotions and thoughts. The act of washing our hands is associated with cleanliness and purity, which can help reduce the feeling of guilt. This phenomenon is known as the "Macbeth effect," based on Lady Macbeth's famous hand-washing scene where she tries to wash away the guilt of the murders she was involved in. Therefore, washing one's hands may help reduce feelings of guilt.

Question 15

Which of the following is true of behavioral genetics?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral genetics examines the extent to which behavioral tendencies may be inherited. It is not a subfield of sociology, synonymous with evolutionary psychology, or considers social experiences to have a negligible effect on behavior.

Question 16

Mischa has just met a lovely fellow at a dance.She would really like for him to feel as attracted to her as she feels to him.Based on research on embodied cognition, what should Mischa do to promote is attraction to her?

Accepted Answer

According to research on embodied cognition, the way we physically move or interact with objects can influence our attitudes and feelings towards others. In this case, Mischa should try to hand the man a large object that will make his arms open towards her in the same motion as a bear hug. This physical gesture may subconsciously influence the man's feelings of attraction towards Mischa. Option B (handing him something to push away) could potentially have the opposite effect and make him less attracted to her. Option C and D do not involve any physical interaction that could influence the man's feelings towards Mischa.

Question 17

Of the following, which best illustrates an interest in multicultural psychology?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating the behavior of two different racial groups within the same country demonstrates an interest in understanding and acknowledging cultural differences and how they shape behavior. It shows an awareness of the importance of cultural competence and diversity within the field of psychology. Option A is more related to the nature versus nurture debate and genetics, rather than multicultural psychology. Option C is more focused on historical and sociopolitical factors that contribute to group conflict, but may not necessarily be directly related to understanding cultural differences. Option D is not directly related to multicultural psychology.

Question 18

An interdisciplinary subfield that focuses on how social and cognitive psychology relate to economic decision making is called

Accepted Answer

Behavioral economics integrates principles from psychology, economics, and neuroscience in understanding how people make economic decisions. Embodied cognition is a subfield that focuses on the relationship between the body, the mind, and the environment. Social neuroscience examines the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior. Social political science is a subfield that analyzes political behavior and institutions. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Question 19

Christine conducts cross-cultural research and Betty conducts multicultural research.Which of the following is probably true?

Accepted Answer

Cross-cultural research typically involves comparing and contrasting two or more cultures or countries, while multicultural research involves studying multiple cultures within a single context or country. Therefore, Christine is more likely to sample individuals from many different countries, whereas Betty may focus on exploring multiple cultures within a single context. The other options do not necessarily follow from the given information.

Question 20

Pettit and Sivanathan (2011)found that if people experienced threat to self-esteem, they were more likely to make a status-driven purchase with credit.This sort of study is part of the newly emerging field of

Accepted Answer

The study discussed in the question involves understanding how people's behavior is affected by certain psychological and emotional factors, specifically the desire to maintain self-esteem. This falls under the realm of behavioral economics, which examines the intersection between psychology and economic decision-making. Social neuroscience pertains more to studying brain activity during social interactions, multicultural research involves studying cultural differences and similarities, and embodied cognition is the concept that the body influences the mind's perception and understanding of the world.

Quiz 1: What is Social Psychology