Question 1

In a study discussed in your textbook, researchers studied the reactions of people who were about to use a photocopier when a researcher approached and asked to be allowed to use it first. One of three different requests was made:
- "Excuse me; may I use the Xerox machine?"
- "Excuse me; may I use the Xerox machine, because I have to make copies?"
- "Excuse me; may I use the Xerox machine, because I'm in a rush?"
How did the individuals typically respond to these requests? How were these results interpreted in our textbook?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a study discussed in your textbook,...

Question 2

One well-known theory of intelligence, the triarchic theory proposed by Robert Sternberg, distinguishes three different aspects of intelligence. Explain each of these aspects in detail.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One well-known theory of intelligence, the triarchic...

Question 3

Critics have argued that intelligence tests favour some groups over others. For example, one test item required that children identify the composer of the Emperor Concerto! In response, test makers tried to design tests that are that were unaffected by culture. Discuss two reasons for disappointing results in regard to both of these approaches.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Critics have argued that intelligence tests favour...

Question 4

In the 1950s, a social psychologist and two of his associates joined a "doomsday" group in order to study how the group members would react when the world did not end as predicted by their leader. How did the believers respond? Analyze their responses according to the theory of cognitive dissonance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the 1950s, a social psychologist and...

Question 5

In his research on stereotype threat, Claude Steele has revealed how cultural stereotypes influence test performance. Explain stereotype threat and the effects it has on test performance. Who typically experiences stereotype threat?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In his research on stereotype threat, Claude...

Question 6

Alfred Binet's insight regarding a method of measuring mental development had an international impact in the twentieth century. Explain how he went about calculating a child's mental abilities. What scoring system did later researchers base on Binet's method, and how was it originally calculated?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Alfred Binet's insight regarding a method of...

Question 7

One of the longest-running psychological studies ever conducted was begun by Lewis Terman in 1921 in order to learn about children who scored in the top one percent of the IQ distribution. As they reached adulthood, some of these "Termites," as they were called, fulfilled their early promise, but others did not. Analyze the differences between those who were successful and those who were not.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One of the longest-running psychological studies ever...

Question 8

One type of mental representation is the concept. How do concepts allow us to relate to the world around us in a manageable way? Create an example to show what a person's experience in a novel situation could be like if humans didn't organize the world based on concepts.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One type of mental representation is the...

Question 9

Animals solve problems in ways that fascinate us. Describe the research that has led some researchers to conclude that animals can think. In your essay, include information regarding:
- the chimpanzees studied by Wolfgang Kohler;
- Kanzi, the bonobo who uses a computer keyboard; and
- Alex, the African gray parrot who vocalized English words.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Animals solve problems in ways that fascinate...

Quiz 9: Thinking and Intelligence

One well-known theory of intelligence, the triarchic theory proposed by Robert Sternberg, distinguishes three different aspects of intelligence. Explain each of these aspects in detail.

In his research on stereotype threat, Claude Steele has revealed how cultural stereotypes influence test performance. Explain stereotype threat and the effects it has on test performance. Who typically experiences stereotype threat?

Alfred Binet's insight regarding a method of measuring mental development had an international impact in the twentieth century. Explain how he went about calculating a child's mental abilities. What scoring system did later researchers base on Binet's method, and how was it originally calculated?

One type of mental representation is the concept. How do concepts allow us to relate to the world around us in a manageable way? Create an example to show what a person's experience in a novel situation could be like if humans didn't organize the world based on concepts.