Question 1

As used in scientific discourse, the term model generally refers to

Accepted Answer

The answer of As used in scientific discourse, the term...

Question 2

Theories can be used to

Accepted Answer

Theories can be used to organize existing knowledge by providing a framework for understanding and interpreting information. They can also extend knowledge by generating new hypotheses and offering explanations for observed phenomena. Finally, theories can guide action by providing a basis for decision making and problem solving. Therefore, all of the above options are valid uses for theories.

Question 3

Identifying general principles of behavior and using them to describe relationships among abstract concepts are part of the theoretical goal of

Accepted Answer

Identifying general principles of behavior and using them to describe relationships among abstract concepts fall under the goal of organizing knowledge, as it aims to establish a systematic and coherent framework for understanding and explaining phenomena. The other options listed are also important goals in psychological research, but they do not specifically address this aspect of theory-building.

Question 4

Theorists can extend knowledge by

Accepted Answer

The three options listed (using research to modify theories, establishing links with other theories, and borrowing concepts from other fields) are all potential ways that theorists can extend knowledge. Therefore, selecting option D (doing any of the above) is the best choice.

Question 5

When Sir Isaac Newton said that, "If I see farther than those who came before me, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants," he meant that science can only advance when

Accepted Answer

Sir Isaac Newton meant that science can only advance when new knowledge grows from existing knowledge, building upon the work of past scientists. This cumulative process allows scientists to stand on the shoulders of giants, using the knowledge and discoveries of their predecessors as a foundation for their own work. This approach to science emphasizes the importance of collaboration and recognizes that no scientist works in isolation, but rather in a community that builds upon each other's work.

Question 6

The theoretical goal of organizing knowledge is related to the behavioral science goal(s) of ________ behavior.

Accepted Answer

The theoretical goal of organizing knowledge is to both describe and understand behavior. Describing behavior involves categorizing and labeling it in a systematic way, while understanding behavior involves identifying the underlying causes and mechanisms of behavior. Both of these goals are necessary in order to effectively organize knowledge about behavior. Control of behavior is a separate goal that involves using knowledge to modify or influence behavior, and is not directly related to the goal of organizing knowledge itself.

Question 7

The theoretical goal of guiding action is related to the behavioral science goal of ________ behavior.

Accepted Answer

The goal of guiding action is to control behavior in a desired direction, whereas describing, understanding, and predicting behavior may not necessarily involve influencing or changing it.

Question 8

A theory that is falsifiable

Accepted Answer

A theory that is falsifiable is one that can be tested in research to see if it is correct. If the hypotheses generated from the theory are not confirmed through research, then the theory can be considered invalid or in need of revision. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 9

A logically consistent theory

Accepted Answer

A logically consistent theory does not contradict itself.

Question 10

A theory that is clear is also

Accepted Answer

A theory that is clear is also well-specified, meaning it is precisely defined and described, leaving little room for ambiguity or confusion. This helps to ensure the theory can be effectively tested and evaluated, which is a key aspect of falsifiability. However, being clear does not necessarily make a theory narrow in scope or action-oriented.

Question 11

A principle called Occam's Razor holds that "when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better." This principle means that theories should be

Accepted Answer

Occam's Razor emphasizes that the simplest explanation is often the best explanation. In this case, the principle suggests that the simpler theory that makes the same predictions as a more complicated theory is likely the correct choice. Therefore, the correct answer is C, which states that theories should be parsimonious or simple.

Question 12

A theory that is useful

Accepted Answer

A theory that is useful provides guidance for solving everyday problems, stimulates research and generates debate with opposing theories. All these aspects are important for a theory to be considered useful.

Question 13

The first step in the research process is

Accepted Answer

Translating an idea into a research hypothesis is typically considered the first step in the research process. This involves taking a general interest or idea and formulating it into a specific, testable hypothesis that can guide the direction of the study.

Question 14

________ deals with the degree to which the design of a research study ensures that the effect of the independent variable is the only possible explanation for the study's results.

Accepted Answer

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a researcher has controlled for alternative explanations for the relationship between the independent and dependent variables in a study. It ensures that changes in the dependent variable are directly related to changes in the independent variable and not due to other confounding factors. Therefore, it deals with the degree to which the design of a research study eliminates alternative explanations for the results, making it the best choice among the given options.

Question 15

________ deals with the adequacy of the operational definitions used in a study.

Accepted Answer

Construct validity deals with how well the variables in a study are measured or operationalized. It examines whether the measures used capture the intended psychological construct being studied. Therefore, it directly addresses the adequacy of the operational definitions used in a study.

Question 16

________ deals with the question of whether the results of a particular study would hold up under new conditions.

Accepted Answer

External validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other settings or populations. It specifically deals with the question of whether the findings of a particular study would hold up under new conditions. Internal validity, on the other hand, refers to the extent to which a study's results can be attributed to its independent variable and not to other factors. Construct validity refers to the extent to which a study measures what it claims to measure, while statistical conclusion validity deals with the accuracy of the statistical conclusions drawn from a study's results.

Question 17

Professor Simons examines how often 4th-grade students ask for help from their teachers. Professor Simons treats help-seeking as an indicator of dependency. Professor Li critiqued Professor Simons' study, saying that asking for help is a sign of initiative, not dependency. Professor Li is questioning the ________ of Professor Simons' study.

Accepted Answer

Professor Li is questioning the construct validity of Professor Simons' study because she is challenging whether the measure being used (help-seeking) is truly indicative of the construct being studied (dependency).

Question 18

Professor Carlsmith conducts a laboratory study of work motivation using college students as research participants. Professor Cantu wonders whether the same effect would be found using factory workers as participants. Professor Cantu's question concerns the ________ of Professor Carlsmith's study.

Accepted Answer

Professor Cantu's question addresses the external validity of Professor Carlsmith's study, which refers to the extent to which the findings from the study can be generalized to other populations and settings beyond the specific sample and context used in the study. Choosing B, C, or D would not accurately reflect Professor Cantu's question.

Question 19

That we cannot directly observe relationships between hypothetical constructs but must draw conclusions about those relationships from our observation of operational definitions illustrates the issue of ________ in research.

Accepted Answer

The issue described in the question pertains to the process of inference in research, where we use operational definitions to make conclusions about hypothetical constructs. This is a fundamental aspect of scientific inquiry and is necessary for making sense of complex phenomena. Theoretical validity is related to the extent to which a measure aligns with theoretical expectations, while epistemological error and descriptive failure are less relevant to the specific issue raised in the question.

Question 20

This type of reasoning applies the results from tests of a theory to verify the propositions of the theory.

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on observations or evidence, which is the process described in the given question.

Quiz 1: Behavioral Science