Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The goal of understanding is illustrated in this scenario because the psychologist is attempting to delve into the motives and thought processes of sociopaths in order to gain a better comprehension of why they behave in a certain manner.

Question 2

For most psychologists,control refers to

Accepted Answer

For most psychologists, control refers to altering conditions that influence behavior. This can involve creating an environment that encourages certain behaviors and discourages others, or using various techniques to modify or reinforce behavior. It does not involve punishment, legal limitations, or reducing personal freedom of choice.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The scientific method and critical thinking are essential in achieving the psychological goals of describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling behavior. The scientific method involves using empirical evidence and logical reasoning to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. Critical thinking, which involves questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and considering alternative explanations, is essential for accurately interpreting research findings and making sound decisions. Uncritical acceptance, intuitive common sense, and introspective analysis may be used in psychology, but they are not reliable or valid methods for achieving the psychological goals.

Question 4

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,which scientific goal has been achieved?

Accepted Answer

Prediction is the scientific goal that aims to accurately forecast behavior based on current knowledge about an individual and their environment in a different time or setting.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Controlling behavior often involves preventing unwanted or harmful actions, such as child abuse. The other options do not directly relate to controlling behavior.

Question 6

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's work aims to control the experience of crowding in the college dorm through redesign, which reflects psychology's goal of control.

Question 7

Critical thinking involves

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves actively reflecting on and evaluating ideas rather than simply accepting them at face value. It goes beyond conventional wisdom, common sense, or relying solely on expert opinions.

Question 8

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 9

You are less likely to receive help if you have car trouble on a busy freeway than if you have car trouble on a sparsely traveled two-lane highway.Your ability to foretell your likelihood of receiving help illustrates the goal of

Accepted Answer

The goal of prediction is to be able to anticipate what will happen in a given situation. In this case, the person is able to predict that they are less likely to receive help on a busy freeway compared to a sparsely traveled two-lane highway. Therefore, the best choice is B) prediction.

Question 10

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

Dr. Murphy's use of problem-based learning cases involving real-life cases is aimed at enhancing her student's abilities to reflect, analyze and evaluate information critically. As such, Dr. Murphy is trying to increase the student's critical thinking skills.

Question 11

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 assist a student in overcoming test anxiety illustrates the goal of control, as the psychologist is attempting to intervene and modify the student's behavior (anxiety level) in a specific situation (taking tests). The other goals of psychology may also be applicable in this scenario, but control is the most fitting in this context.

Question 12

If you are conducting research to determine why people tend to be more aggressive when they are uncomfortable,then you are attempting to meet which goal in psychology?

Accepted Answer

The goal of understanding in psychology is to explain why things happen, including human behavior. By conducting research to determine the underlying reasons for aggression in uncomfortable situations, the researcher aims to gain a deeper understanding of the causes of this behavior.

Question 13

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 involves predicting which candidate will be the best fit for the specialized task. This directly illustrates the goal of psychology focused on prediction, as the psychologist is using tests and interviews to make an informed prediction about future behavior or performance.

Question 14

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

Understanding, as this research seeks to explain why people fail to help in certain situations.

Question 15

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 determine how one variable will be affected by another variable, such as predicting how well a student will do in school based on their performance on an intelligence test.

Question 16

Dannon is using a type of reflection that involves the support of beliefs through scientific explanation and observation.Dannon is using ______ thinking.

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves evaluating and analyzing information, often using scientific explanation and observation, to support beliefs and make reasoned judgments.

Question 17

Because we are often tempted to "buy" commonsense beliefs,urban legends,and even outrageous claims about the powers of "healing" crystals and "miraculous" herbal remedies,it is important that we learn to think

Accepted Answer

Thinking critically allows us to evaluate claims and information using evidence and logic, and to avoid being swayed by emotional appeals or dubious sources. This is important for making informed decisions and avoiding scams or harmful practices.

Question 18

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 19

Critical thinking is used in psychology to evaluate theories by collecting

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence is the best choice for evaluating theories in psychology as it involves the collection of data through observation, measurement, and experimentation, which helps to test the validity and reliability of a theory. Introspective analyses, intuitive data, and expert opinions may provide some insight, but they are not as reliable or objective as empirical evidence.

Question 20

An engineering psychologist helps redesign a car to make it safer and more fuel efficient.The psychologist's work reflects which of psychology's goals?

Accepted Answer

The engineering psychologist's goal is to control and improve the design of the car, which aligns with psychology's goal of control.

Quiz 3: Introducing Psychology: Psychology, Critical Thinking, and Science