Question 1

In the context of social psychology,identify an example of hindsight bias.

Accepted Answer

Hindsight bias refers to the tendency of individuals to believe, after an event has occurred, that they would have predicted or expected the outcome. In this case, Dominic claims that he knew all along that he would pass the exam, despite not being sure initially. This is an example of hindsight bias because he is retroactively changing his beliefs based on the outcome of the event. The other options do not accurately describe hindsight bias.

Question 2

Research done in natural,real-life settings outside the laboratory is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Field research is conducted in natural, real-life settings outside the laboratory, whereas correlational research studies the relationship between variables, experimental research involves manipulating variables in a controlled environment, and qualitative research typically involves collecting non-numerical data through methods such as interviews or observations.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the concept of random sampling?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling refers to a sampling technique where each member of the population being studied has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. Option A describes this process. Option B refers to a biased way of preparing questions for a survey, Option C refers to participant sharing their feelings with the researcher, and Option D refers to deception which is unethical in research.

Question 4

Which of the following is one of the purposes of hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

One of the main purposes of hypotheses is to allow us to test a theory. Hypotheses provide a way to create predictions based on a theory and then test those predictions through research. This allows us to evaluate and refine our theories based on empirical evidence.

Question 5

A _____ is an integrated set of principles that can explain and predict observed events.

Accepted Answer

A theory is a set of principles that provides an explanation for observed events. It goes beyond just a single fact or correlation and has been supported by extensive research and evidence. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, while a fact is a piece of information that has been proven to be true. A correlation refers to a relationship between two variables but does not necessarily provide an explanation for why they are related.

Question 6

One's decision to call someone engaged in guerrilla warfare a terrorist rather than a freedom fighter depends on one's view of the cause they're fighting for.In the context of social psychology,this statement indicates that:

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that one's view of someone engaged in guerrilla warfare is based on their underlying values, which can be influenced by cultural definitions, psychological concepts, and labels. This highlights how values can be embedded within various aspects of social psychology, including how people interpret and perceive events.

Question 7

Errors in both judging the future's foreseeability and in remembering our past together to create:

Accepted Answer

Hindsight bias refers to the tendency to overestimate our ability to have predicted an event after it has already occurred. It involves errors in both judging the future's foreseeability and in remembering our past together. Information bias, prediction bias, and retrospective bias are not specifically related to these types of errors.

Question 8

Standing in a campus courtyard with a clipboard to record your observations of students' usage of their cell phones is an example of what type of research?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of field research, as the researcher is collecting data directly in the environment where the behavior is taking place. Qualitative research involves gathering subjective data through methods like interviews and focus groups, experimental research involves manipulating variables to test causal relationships, and laboratory research is conducted in a highly controlled environment.

Question 9

The study of observable relationships among variables is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Correlational research involves the study of observable relationships among variables without intervention or manipulation of the variables like experimental research. It can be done in a laboratory or field settings, but refers specifically to the observation of patterns of association among variables.

Question 10

Identify a true statement about theories:

Accepted Answer

Theories are ideas that summarize and explain facts, providing a coherent way to understand patterns and make predictions about future observations.

Question 11

A theory is:

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on empirical observations and tested over time through various experimental methods. Theories summarize and explain facts, but they are not just mere opinions or untested assumptions. Instead, theories are supported by evidence and are subject to ongoing evaluation and refinement as new data becomes available. A theory is thus more than just an agreed-upon statement or less than a fact; it is a powerful tool for organizing and understanding complex phenomena in the world around us.

Question 12

A research program was conducted to understand the effects of two slogans created for a health care program.It was found that the number of people who registered for the program with the slogan "Saves 600 out of 1000 lives" were much higher than the number of people who registered for the program with the slogan "400 out of 1000 people lose their lives." This scenario exemplifies a psychological phenomenon called:

Accepted Answer

This scenario exemplifies the psychological phenomenon called framing, which refers to the way in which information is presented or framed in order to influence people's decisions and judgments. In this case, the two slogans present the same information about the program but frame it in different ways, highlighting either the potential lives saved or the lives lost. The first slogan presents a positive frame, emphasizing the lives that could be saved, while the second slogan presents a negative frame, emphasizing the lives that could be lost. The difference in registration rates suggests that the positive frame was more effective in motivating people to register for the program.

Question 13

Laboratory research is an example of research in a:

Accepted Answer

Laboratory research takes place in a controlled situation where variables are carefully manipulated and measured. This allows for greater control over extraneous factors that could affect the outcome of the research.

Question 14

Diya and Pierre are the candidates to lead their school's basketball team.Diya knows that Pierre will be selected as the team captain as he is a better player than she is.However,Diya is selected as the team captain because Pierre is unable to turn up on the day of the selection.Later,Diya boasts to her friends that she knew it all along that she will be selected as the team captain.In the context of social psychology,this scenario exemplifies a phenomenon called:

Accepted Answer

This scenario exemplifies hindsight bias as Diya is claiming that she knew all along that she will be selected as the team captain, despite knowing that it was Pierre who was more likely to be chosen, and only became the captain due to external circumstances.

Question 15

When asked who Chloe thinks will win the next presidential election,she replies that she does not know.However,after the election results are declared,she claims that it was obvious all along who the winner of the election will be.In the context of social psychology,this scenario illustrates:

Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates hindsight bias, which refers to the tendency for people to perceive past events as more predictable than they actually were after the outcome is known. Chloe initially claimed that she did not know who would win the election, but after the results were declared, she claimed that it was obvious all along, suggesting hindsight bias. Option A (distinction bias) refers to the tendency for people to overemphasize the differences between different groups or categories. Option B (automation bias) refers to the tendency for people to rely too heavily on automated systems or technology, leading to errors or biases in decision-making. Option C (optimism bias) refers to the tendency for people to overestimate the likelihood of positive outcomes and underestimate the likelihood of negative outcomes. None of these options accurately capture the scenario presented in the question.

Question 16

The tendency to exaggerate one's ability to have foresaw how something turned out,only after learning the outcome,is known as:

Accepted Answer

Hindsight bias is the tendency to believe, after an event has occurred, that one would have foreseen or predicted the outcome. It is also sometimes referred to as the "I-knew-it-all-along" phenomenon.

Question 17

In the context of social psychology,the way a question or an issue is posed is known as:

Accepted Answer

Framing refers to the way a question or issue is phrased, which can influence how people perceive and respond to it. For example, asking a question in a negative way ("Don't you think smoking is bad for your health?") may elicit a different response than asking it in a positive way ("Do you think quitting smoking would be good for your health?"). The framing effect is an important concept in social psychology, as it highlights the power of language and communication in shaping our attitudes and behaviors.

Question 18

Good theories do all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Good theories indeed summarize observations, make predictions that can lead to new research, and suggest practical applications. However, making assumptions about concepts is not a characteristic of a good theory. Instead, theories are built upon defined concepts and empirical evidence, rather than assumptions.

Question 19

Theories formed from testable predictions are called:

Accepted Answer

Theories are formed from testable predictions that are called hypotheses. Assumptions are untested beliefs or ideas, ideologies are systems of beliefs or values, and values are personal beliefs or principles.

Question 20

A testable proposition that describes a relationship that may exist between events is known as a:

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable proposition that describes a relationship that may exist between events. A statement is a broad, general statement while bias refers to a preference or prejudice. Correlation refers to a statistical relationship between variables.

Quiz 1: Introducing Social Psychology