Question 1

Students who do well on an intelligence test tend to do well in their school grades.This ability of the IQ tests to forecast future school success illustrates which goal of psychology?

Accepted Answer

The goal of prediction in psychology is to forecast future behavior or outcomes based on current stimuli or variables. The ability of IQ tests to predict future school success aligns with this goal, as it suggests that individuals who score well on IQ tests are likely to continue their success in academic settings.

Question 2

Critical thinking includes which of the following questions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Critical thinking includes which of the following...

Question 3

An industrial psychologist uses psychometric tests and interviews to select the best candidate for a specialized task.The psychologist's work directly illustrates which goal of psychology?

Accepted Answer

The psychologist's work directly illustrates the goal of prediction, which refers to the ability of psychology to accurately forecast behavior based on certain variables. In this case, the psychologist is using psychometric tests and interviews to predict which candidate is best suited for the specialized task.

Question 4

A type of reflection involving the support of beliefs through scientific explanation and observation is called __________ thinking.

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves supporting beliefs through logical reasoning and evidence, including scientific explanation and observation. Transductive thinking involves drawing broad conclusions from specific examples, deductive thinking involves drawing specific conclusions from general premises, and creative thinking involves generating novel ideas and solutions. None of these types of thinking specifically involve scientific explanation and observation as a means of supporting beliefs.

Question 5

For most psychologists,control refers to

Accepted Answer

Control, in psychology, refers to altering or manipulating conditions that influence behavior. This can involve changing environmental factors, administering reinforcement or punishment, or applying various other behavior modification techniques, all with the aim of guiding behavior towards a desired outcome. It does not involve reducing personal freedom of choice or violating legal limitations on the use of conditioning principles.

Question 6

When current knowledge about an individual and his or her environment can be used to accurately forecast behavior at another time or in another setting,the scientific goal of __________ has been achieved.

Accepted Answer

The scientific goal of prediction is achieved when current knowledge about an individual and his or her environment can be used to accurately forecast behavior at another time or in another setting. This goes beyond mere description or understanding of behavior, and does not necessarily involve control.

Question 7

When people use critical thinking,they

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves constantly questioning and challenging one's understanding of the world, which leads to revision and refinement of ideas and beliefs. It is a process of evaluating evidence and arguments, rather than blindly accepting conventional wisdom or one's own beliefs. Critical thinkers remain open to new information and are willing to adjust their views based on evidence. They do not show a strong conviction to their beliefs or resist admitting when they are wrong.

Question 8

The psychological goal of understanding behavior is achieved when

Accepted Answer

The psychological goal of understanding behavior is achieved when psychologists can explain why a behavioral phenomenon occurs. This goes beyond simply describing behavior or obtaining empirical evidence, as it requires a theoretical understanding of the underlying factors that lead to certain behavior. Control over behavior may be a separate goal or application of understanding behavior, but is not necessary for achieving the goal of understanding itself.

Question 9

John's poor performance in reading was found to be due to visual discrimination problems.This determination of the cause for his poor reading performance illustrates which goal of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Understanding is the goal of psychology that is illustrated by determining the cause of John's poor reading performance as visual discrimination problems. This involves explaining why a behavior occurs.

Question 10

Research on "bystander apathy" reveals that people often fail to help when other possible helpers are nearby due to a "diffusion of responsibility." Explaining this perplexing problem meets which goal of psychology?

Accepted Answer

The explanation of the bystander apathy phenomenon meets the goal of understanding in psychology, as it aims to explain why people may fail to help in situations where there are other possible helpers nearby.

Question 11

Critical thinking does NOT involve which of the following questions?

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves questioning the relationship between evidence and commonsense beliefs, so option D is not a question that critical thinking would not involve. Options A, B, and C are all questions that are central to critical thinking.

Question 12

An environmental psychologist helps redesign a college dorm to reduce feelings of crowding.The psychologist's work reflects which of psychology's goals?

Accepted Answer

The psychologist is using their knowledge of environmental psychology to redesign the college dorm in order to control or change the feeling of crowding.

Question 13

Which goal of psychology is illustrated by a psychologist seeking to discover why sociopaths tend to repeat their destructive behavior?

Accepted Answer

The goal of understanding is illustrated by the psychologist's attempt to uncover the underlying reasons for sociopath behavior, which may provide insight into the dynamics of the disorder and how it can be better understood.

Question 14

A psychologist uses systematic desensitization to assist a student in overcoming test anxiety.This illustrates the goal of

Accepted Answer

The use of systematic desensitization to help a student overcome test anxiety demonstrates the goal of control, which is to change or modify behavior through interventions such as therapy or other means. The other goals of psychology include description, which involves documenting characteristics and behaviors; prediction, which involves making predictions about future behaviors based on current and past observations; and understanding, which involves gaining insight into the underlying causes of behavior. While these other goals are important, the use of systematic desensitization to control test anxiety exemplifies the goal of control.

Question 15

Critical thinking is used in psychology to evaluate theories by collecting

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking in psychology relies on empirical evidence, which refers to data and observations that are objectively gathered through research methods. Introspective analyses, intuitive data, and expert opinions are all subjective and can be biased, potentially leading to flawed evaluations of theories. Therefore, empirical evidence is the most reliable method for evaluating psychological theories.

Question 16

In achieving the psychological goals of describing,understanding,predicting,and controlling behavior,Dr.Aron uses the scientific method and

Accepted Answer

The scientific method involves critical thinking and systematic observation in order to describe, understand, predict, and control behavior. Uncritical acceptance and intuitive common sense may lead to inaccurate conclusions and incorrect predictions, while introspective analysis may only provide subjective insights. Therefore, choice D, critical thinking, is the best option.

Question 17

Critical thinking involves

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves actively reflecting on ideas and questioning assumptions, rather than simply relying on conventional wisdom or the opinions of experts. While expertise can be helpful in informing one's thinking, it is still important to engage in independent and reflective thinking.

Question 18

Two research studies are conducted on the effects of body piercing on self-esteem.One study found that body piercing increased self-esteem,while the other one found a decrease in self-esteem.If you are a critical thinker,you would

Accepted Answer

As a critical thinker, the best choice would be to compare how each study was conducted. This would involve examining the sample size, sampling method, measurement tools, and statistical analysis of both studies to determine if there were any flaws or bias that could have influenced the results. This would allow one to make an informed decision on the validity of the results and the implications for body piercing and self-esteem. Comparing the credentials of the psychologists may also be useful, but it is not the most relevant factor in determining the quality of the studies. Rejecting both studies or accepting the one that best fits within one's frame of reference would not be appropriate without first examining the methodology and results of both studies.

Question 19

In her psychology classes,Dr.Murphey uses problem-based learning cases in order to enhance her students' abilities to actively reflect,analyze,and evaluate information about real-life cases involving troubled marriages and caring for elderly parents.Dr.Murphey is attempting to increase her students'

Accepted Answer

Problem-based learning cases involving real-life situations encourages students to actively reflect, analyze, and evaluate information, which are all components of critical thinking skills.

Question 20

Which question below relates most directly to the goal of controlling behavior?

Accepted Answer

Controlling behavior involves preventing or stopping behavior that is harmful, inappropriate, or unwanted. The question that relates most directly to this goal is "How can child abuse be prevented?" as preventing child abuse involves controlling the behavior of the abuser.

Quiz 1: A: Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods