Question 1

The belief that social behavior is shaped by experiences is reflective of:

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

Carlos is a deeply introverted person.However,at a party with several of his friends he ends up talking more than he normally would.Nevertheless,he still talks less than most of his friends.What is the best explanation of Carlos's behavior in this case?

Accepted Answer

Carlos's behavior is likely influenced by both the situation he is in (a party with friends) and his disposition (being introverted). The interaction of these two factors likely leads him to talk more than usual but still less than his more extroverted friends.

Question 3

What phenomena were behaviorists primarily interested in measuring?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorists were primarily interested in measuring observable behaviors, as opposed to mental states or unconscious drives, which they believed could not be reliably measured or studied scientifically. They focused on how environmental stimuli influenced behavior and learning, and developed methods such as operant conditioning and reinforcement to modify or control behavior.

Question 4

The earliest treatments of social psychology (such as the theories of Spencer and McDougall)tended to emphasize:

Accepted Answer

The theories of Spencer and McDougall were instinct-based and emphasized the role of innate biological factors in shaping behavior. They believed that humans have certain innate instincts that drive behavior, such as the instinct for self-preservation and the instinct for reproduction.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of the major perspectives that provides an integrated view of human social behavior in contemporary social psychology?

Accepted Answer

The three major perspectives that provide an integrated view of human social behavior in contemporary social psychology are the cognitive perspective, the evolutionary perspective, and the existential perspective. The instinct-based perspective is not a commonly recognized perspective in contemporary social psychology.

Question 6

From the social cognitive perspective,what is the primary metaphor for understanding human beings?

Accepted Answer

The social cognitive perspective views human beings as information processors who observe, interpret, and respond to environmental cues, including social cues. This metaphor emphasizes the active and complex nature of human cognition and behavior.

Question 7

What is the term for the way an individual understands his or her social world?

Accepted Answer

The term for the way an individual understands his or her social world is referred to as social cognition. It includes how individuals perceive, interpret, and remember information about themselves and others in social situations.

Question 8

Which of the following techniques of measurement is NOT considered a tool of the neuroscience perspective in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Assessing people's behaviors is not considered a tool of the neuroscience perspective in social psychology. The other options (brain imaging, assessing cardiovascular functioning, and measuring brain waves) all involve biological measures and are commonly used in neuroscientific research.

Question 9

Behaviorists emphasize that human behavior is driven primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Behaviorists believe that human behavior is predominantly shaped by past experiences and the consequences of those experiences. They emphasize the role of learning, particularly through reinforcement and punishment, in shaping behavior. While cognitive processes may play a role, they are seen as secondary to the impact of environment and experience. Instinct and unconscious motivation are not frequently emphasized in behaviorist theories.

Question 10

Which of the following is true of the very first social psychology textbook?

Accepted Answer

The very first social psychology textbook, written by William McDougall in 1908, was heavily influenced by Herbert Spencer's extensions of Darwin's ideas about evolution. McDougall believed that social behavior was instinctual and that the driving force behind human behavior was the desire to fulfill basic biological needs.

Question 11

Consistent preferences,ways of thinking,and behavioral tendencies that manifest across different situations and over time are referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Consistent preferences, ways of thinking, and behavioral tendencies are referred to as dispositions. Situational influences are external factors that affect behavior, while selves and core attitudes are broader concepts that include both dispositions and other factors.

Question 12

While social psychology in the first half of the 20th century tended to stress _____,social psychology from the second half of the 20th century to the present stresses _____.

Accepted Answer

Social psychology in the first half of the 20th century emphasized broad views of human social behavior, while social psychology from the second half of the 20th century to the present has focused on specific, topic-based theories.

Question 13

Which of the following assumptions is NOT one of the four core assumptions of social psychology?

Accepted Answer

While situations certainly play a major role in determining social behavior, social psychology recognizes that individual differences, personality factors, and other internal factors can also impact behavior. Therefore, behavior is not exclusively determined by situations.

Question 14

Which of the following is the best example of the "power of the situation"?

Accepted Answer

The situation of being in a library has a powerful effect on people's behavior, causing them to tend to be quiet regardless of their individual personalities or preferences. This is a clear example of the power of the situation. The other answer choices relate more to individual differences and traits, rather than the influence of the environment or context.

Question 15

The concept of adaptation is most central for which influential perspective in contemporary social psychology?

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary perspective in contemporary social psychology is most central to the concept of adaptation. This perspective emphasizes the importance of natural selection and how it has shaped human behavior and social processes over time. Adaptation is a key component of this perspective as it highlights how individuals have adapted to their environments and utilized specific behaviors to enhance their survival and reproductive success.

Question 16

Which of the following events had a major influence on the history of social psychology?

Accepted Answer

World War II had a major influence on the history of social psychology as it brought attention to the power of propaganda and the influence of group dynamics on individual behavior. Many social psychologists conducted research on topics such as persuasion, conformity, and prejudice during and after the war.

Question 17

What is social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Social psychology is the scientific study of the causes and consequences of people's thoughts, feelings, and actions regarding themselves and other people. It focuses on how individuals are influenced by others, and how they influence others in turn. It studies topics such as social perception, attitudes, group dynamics, conformity, obedience, intergroup relations, aggression, and prosocial behavior.

Question 18

What does it mean to say that humans are cultural animals?

Accepted Answer

Humans are cultural animals because they create and rely on symbolic systems, such as language, art, and religion, to understand and navigate their world.

Question 19

Jeremiah has become deeply depressed because he feels as if his life has no meaning.Which of the perspectives in contemporary social psychology is BEST suited to help us understand Jeremiah's experience?

Accepted Answer

The existential perspective is focused on the study of human meaning-making and the search for purpose and significance in life, making it the most appropriate perspective to help us understand Jeremiah's experience of feeling like his life has no meaning.

Question 20

The notion that much of human social behavior is driven by forces outside of conscious awareness is critical to which perspective?

Accepted Answer

The notion that much of human social behavior is driven by forces outside of conscious awareness is a key concept in the psychoanalytic perspective, which emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior.

Quiz 1: The Revealing Science of Social Psychology