Question 1

An astute observer of human nature should state research questions in a manner that leads either to their being supported or refuted by the available evidence.This is the critical thinking principle of

A)falsifiability.
B)Occam's Razor.
C)replicability.
D)ruling out rival hypotheses.

falsifiability.

Accepted Answer

Falsifiability is the principle that scientific hypotheses must be capable of being proven false or potentially disconfirmed by empirical evidence. The research questions should be formulated in such a way that they can be supported or refuted by the available evidence, making falsifiability an essential principle. Occam's Razor is the principle that states that when two explanations are equally valid, the simpler one should be preferred. Replicability is the principle that research findings should be able to be repeated with similar results to ensure the accuracy and validity of the original study. Ruling out rival hypotheses refers to testing and eliminating other possible explanations for the results observed in a study. While important, these other principles are not directly related to formulating research questions that are capable of being supported or refuted by available evidence.

Question 2

Curtis is considering buying a new workout machine that promises weight loss at twice the rate of other machines.When Curtis questioned such a claim with the manufacturer,the customer service representative stated this was a new system and previous research on weight loss was not applicable.This example illustrates which warning sign of pseudoscience?

A)Evasion of peer review
B)Absence of connectivity
C)Overreliance on anecdotes
D)Lack of self-correction

Absence of connectivity

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's claim that previous research is not applicable suggests an absence of connectivity, as it disregards established scientific knowledge and research.

Question 3

A _____ works in prisons,jails,and other settings to assess inmates and assist in rehabilitation.&#10;A)clinical psychologist&#10;B)school psychologist&#10;C)biopsychologist&#10;D)forensic psychologist

Accepted Answer

A forensic psychologist works in various legal settings, including prisons and jails, to assess and assist in the rehabilitation of inmates. They may also provide expert testimony in court cases involving criminal behavior. Clinical psychologists, on the other hand, typically focus on providing therapy and counseling to clients with mental health concerns. School psychologists work in educational settings to assess and support the academic and emotional needs of students. Biopsychologists study the relationship between biology and behavior.

Question 4

Professor Clark gives her students an assignment to develop hypotheses on global warming.To be consistent with a scientific method,students should develop their hypotheses based on&#10;A)their own existing beliefs about the issue.&#10;B)reports discussed on television.&#10;C)untestable predictions.&#10;D)a well-supported scientific theory.

Accepted Answer

To be consistent with a scientific method, hypotheses should be based on a well-supported scientific theory. This means that the hypotheses should be consistent with explanations and evidence that have been previously established through scientific inquiry. Students cannot base their hypotheses on their own beliefs or untestable predictions, as these cannot be verified through scientific methods. Reports discussed on television may or may not be based on well-supported scientific theories, so they cannot be relied upon as the sole basis of a hypothesis.

Question 5

Dr.Wolpe designs an experimental test of his theory of aggression against a competing theory.After conducting the appropriate statistical tests,he finds that the data are better explained by the competing theory.His willingness to accept the evidence that another theory is superior is a characteristic of

A)dogmatism.
B)gullibility.
C)pathological skepticism.
D)scientific skepticism.

Accepted Answer

Dr. Wolpe's willingness to accept the evidence that another theory is superior demonstrates a scientific skepticism, which involves questioning assumptions, critically evaluating evidence, and being open to revising one's beliefs based on empirical data. It is a hallmark of scientific inquiry and distinguishes it from dogmatism, gullibility, and pathological skepticism.

Question 6

Which of the following ideas is the most compelling evidence against the idea of free will?&#10;A)Most of people's behavior is deliberate and controlled.&#10;B)People often lack direct access to the causes of their behavior.&#10;C)Recent brain imaging studies have shown that readiness potential and conscious intention to behave co-occur .&#10;D)We select when,where,and how to assert our option to engage in one behavior rather than in another.

Accepted Answer

The idea that people often lack direct access to the causes of their behavior challenges the notion of free will by suggesting that individuals may not be fully aware of, or in control of, the factors influencing their actions.

Question 7

A classmate tells you the following: &#34;It's not how a teacher answers your question that matters,but how you interpret his or her attempt at answering your question that leaves you satisfied or unsatisfied with his or her answer.&#34; This statement fits most closely with ideas from the school of thought known as&#10;A)behaviorism.&#10;B)cognitivism.&#10;C)psychoanalysis.&#10;D)structuralism.

Accepted Answer

The statement focuses on the individual's interpretation and understanding, which is a core principle of cognitivism. Cognitivism is a school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the importance of internal mental processes in the way people learn and respond to information.

Question 8

What famous American psychologist also heavily influenced the field of advertising?&#10;A)William James&#10;B)Carl Rogers&#10;C)B.F.Skinner&#10;D)John Watson

Accepted Answer

John Watson, through his behaviorist approach, heavily influenced the field of advertising by emphasizing the importance of creating emotional reactions to products through advertisements. He coined the term "consumer engineering" and believed that emotions, rather than reason, were the driving force behind consumer behavior. His ideas continue to influence advertising strategies today.

Question 9

Assuming that something is true simply because a teacher or religious authority said it is so,is an example of the _____ fallacy.&#10;A)appeal to authority&#10;B)circular reasoning&#10;C)hasty generalization&#10;D)naturalistic

Accepted Answer

This fallacy is called the appeal to authority fallacy, where the validity of a claim is based solely on the authority or expertise of the person making the claim, rather than on evidence or logic.

Question 10

A psychologist is often skeptical of claims suggesting that&#10;A)people are influenced by others' thoughts and behaviors.&#10;B)a particular behavior is the result of a single causal variable.&#10;C)a person's culture is a strong influence on his or her everyday thoughts and behaviors.&#10;D)a person's future behavior is often difficult to predict accurately.

Accepted Answer

Psychologists often believe that human behavior is complex and influenced by multiple factors, rather than being explained by a single cause. Therefore, they are skeptical of claims that suggest a single causal variable can fully explain a behavior.

Deck 1: Exsetntion: Psychology and Scientific Thinking