Question 1

The __________ method refers to a process for conducting an objective inquiry through data collection and analysis.
A) investigative
B) experimental
C) empirical
D) scientific

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is a systematic process for conducting an objective inquiry through data collection and analysis.

Question 2

Which of the following is found in the definition of the term Psychology?
A) Scientific study
B) Cognition.
C) Relationships.
D) Experimental methods.

Accepted Answer

The definition of Psychology includes the term "scientific study," which implies the use of experimental methods and empirical research to understand behavior and mental processes. While cognition and relationships are important topics within Psychology, they are not explicitly mentioned in the definition.

Question 3

After reading about the possible causes of schizophrenia,a scientist thinks that a virus is the most likely cause.What term most accurately describes the scientist's idea?
A) hypothesis
B) dependent variable
C) formulation
D) theory

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or idea based on limited evidence and/or observations. In this scenario, the scientist has come up with an idea or explanation (a virus causing schizophrenia) based on their observations of the possible causes of schizophrenia. This idea has not been fully tested or proven, making it a hypothesis.

Question 4

Luther is a graduate student in clinical psychology,and his thesis research centers around uncovering the precursors of generalized anxiety disorder in college undergraduates.The main question he is asking is,"Why do college undergraduate students seem more susceptible to the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder than non-students of the same age?" Which goal of psychology is Luther's research exploring?
A) Description
B) Explanation
C) Prediction
D) Control

Accepted Answer

Luther's research is trying to explain why college undergraduate students are more susceptible to the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder than non-students of the same age. Therefore, his research is exploring the goal of explanation in psychology.

Question 5

Luther is a graduate student in clinical psychology,and his thesis research centers around uncovering useful treatments for generalized anxiety disorder in college undergraduates.The main question he is asking is,"What are the most effective treatments for reducing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in college undergraduate students." Which goal of psychology is Luther's research exploring?
A) Description
B) Explanation
C) Prediction
D) Control

Accepted Answer

Luther's research is exploring the goal of control, which seeks to identify effective treatments for reducing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in college undergraduate students.

Question 6

Which of the following is an accurate synonym for the term 'hypothesis'?
A) An educated guess.
B) A conclusion based on gathered data.
C) An answer to a question that is based on logic.
D) An untestable supposition.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about what may happen in a scientific experiment or investigation. It is based on observations and may be supported or contradicted by further data collected during the investigation.

Question 7

Dr.Esterson is studying the effect of caffeine on laboratory rats.He has decided that he will give the rats 100 milligrams of caffeine three times a day,and then run them through mazes at various points to see if there is any change in the time it takes to complete the maze.Based on his review of existing research addressing this topic,Dr.Esterson believes that the rats will complete the maze the fastest immediately after they ingest the caffeine.Dr.Esterson's belief about the results he will find is called a(n):
A) covariate.
B) construct.
C) theory.
D) hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

Dr. Esterson's belief about the effect of caffeine on the rats' maze completion time is a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an informed prediction or statement that can be tested through research.

Question 8

Psychologists use the scientific method for all but which of the following purposes?
A) Explanation
B) Supposition
C) Prediction
D) Control

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is used by psychologists to form hypotheses, collect data, and analyze results to explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes. However, supposition (making an assumption without evidence) is not a purpose of the scientific method.

Question 9

Until very recently,approximately 130 years ago,psychology was considered to be a branch of __________.
A) Biology
B) Physiology
C) Philosophy
D) Religion

Accepted Answer

Psychology was considered to be a branch of philosophy until the late 19th century when it started developing as a distinct scientific discipline.

Question 10

"I wonder why Jim is so mean to Louise," Mary commented to Sheila over coffee."Maybe other people have always been mean to him,and so he is really angry all of the time.Maybe that makes him treat Louise badly,even though they are supposed to be in love," replies Sheila.According to the scientific method,Sheila has just posed a ________.
A) theory
B) problem
C) hypothesis
D) relative truth

Accepted Answer

Sheila has posed a hypothesis, which is a possible explanation for why Jim is mean to Louise. A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction based on observations or previous knowledge, which can be tested through further research or investigation.

Question 11

Once you have established a problem that can be studied empirically the next step is to identify the variables that will be investigated.How many variables that can change throughout an experiment should a researcher investigate?
A) Only one variable should change throughout the experiment.
B) There are exactly three variables that should change throughout the experiment.
C) The number of variables that change can differ based on the particular research question.
D) It is impossible to limit the number of variables that can change throughout an experiment.

Accepted Answer

Only one variable should change throughout the experiment, known as the independent variable, to ensure that any observed effects can be attributed to changes in this variable, while other variables (controlled variables) are kept constant to prevent them from affecting the outcome.

Question 12

Testing a hypothesis is the fourth step in a scientific investigation.This step is derived from which goal of psychology?
A) describing
B) explaining
C) predicting
D) controlling

Accepted Answer

Testing a hypothesis is a critical step in explaining phenomena in psychology. It helps researchers determine the validity of their theories and the accuracy of their predictions. By testing hypotheses, psychologists can gain a better understanding of how and why certain behaviors occur.

Question 13

Why is it optimal for a researcher to ensure that only one variable changes throughout an experiment?
A) Because more than one variable creates a statistical nightmare that is exceedingly difficult to interpret.
B) Because multiple variables will require more research participants, and thus more funding.
C) Because more than one variable changing can influence our results and lead to incorrect conclusions.
D) Because the definition of a true experiment is that only one variable should change at a time; otherwise, it is not an experiment.

Accepted Answer

When multiple variables change, it becomes difficult to distinguish which variable caused a change in the outcome. This could lead to incorrect conclusions and confusion. Therefore, it is important to keep all variables constant except the one being studied in order to have a clear understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 14

Identifying a problem is the first step in a scientific investigation.This step is derived from which goal of psychology?
A) describing
B) explaining
C) predicting
D) controlling

Accepted Answer

Identifying a problem is part of the descriptive goal of psychology, which involves observing and documenting behavior in order to develop a clear understanding of it. The other goals of psychology are explaining the causes of behavior, predicting future behavior, and controlling behavior.

Question 15

The view that knowledge originates through experience is called __________.
A) scientology
B) structuralism
C) empiricism
D) functionalism

Accepted Answer

Empiricism is the philosophical belief that knowledge comes from experience and observation. It emphasizes the role of empirical evidence, rather than innate ideas or traditions, in the development of knowledge. Scientology is a religion, and structuralism and functionalism are psychological theories that do not specifically address the origin of knowledge.

Question 16

Maggie was sent to the school psychologist for an intelligence test.Based on the results of that test,it was decided that she would do well in the gifted child program.This is an example of which goal of psychology?
A) Describing behavior
B) Explaining behavior
C) Predicting behavior
D) Controlling behavior

Accepted Answer

The goal of predicting behavior involves using current knowledge and information to make educated guesses about future behavior. In this case, based on Maggie's intelligence test results, the psychologist predicted that she would do well in the gifted child program.

Question 17

Lizette is having a conversation with her sister,Drew,who happens to be a psychology researcher."You know,I really don't understand how you can claim that psychology is a science," Lizette says."You just ask questions and guess as to what the right answer is!" Drew smiles at Lizette and says "Well,I don't think that you understand much about psychology,sis! We believe in empiricism,which means that
A) "the use of logic is an adequate means with which to draw conclusions to problems."
B) "new knowledge comes from our experiences."
C) "there really is no right or wrong, but rather just individual perspectives."
D) "as long as you cannot disprove a researcher's findings, that research is valid."

Accepted Answer

Empiricism is the belief that knowledge comes from our experiences, particularly from our observations of the world around us. In psychology, this means that researchers conduct experiments and collect data to make conclusions and develop theories about human behavior and mental processes. It is not simply guessing at answers or relying on logic alone.

Question 18

After a researcher has identified a problem that (s)he would like to explore,what is the next step in the scientific method?
A) Report the question to established professional journals so that other researchers can get to work trying to find an answer.
B) Gather data that can be used to generate a hypothesis about the research question.
C) Formulate a hypothesis, or an educated guess, as to what the answer to the research question will be.
D) Conduct background research to see what others have found about the question being explored.

Accepted Answer

After identifying a problem, the next step in the scientific method is to conduct background research to see what others have found about the question being explored. This allows the researcher to build on existing knowledge and formulate a hypothesis based on previous research. Gathering data and formulating a hypothesis come later in the scientific method. Reporting the question to established professional journals is not a necessary step until the research has been conducted and conclusions reached.

Question 19

Forming a hypothesis is the third step in a scientific investigation.This step is derived from which goal of psychology?
A) describing
B) explaining
C) predicting
D) controlling

Accepted Answer

Forming a hypothesis is part of the process of explanation. Hypotheses are used to propose a potential explanation for a phenomenon or behavior, which can then be tested through empirical research.

Question 20

What is the main reason why many people do not believe that psychology is a science?
A) Because much of what psychologists study may be personally experienced.
B) Because much of what psychologists study are abstract concepts that have no bearing on the real world.
C) Because psychology does not use the rigorous research methodologies of the 'hard sciences' like physics and chemistry.
D) Because the uniqueness and individuality of every human being makes it truly impossible to generate any scientifically based theories that apply to larger groups of people.

Accepted Answer

Because much of what psychologists study may be personally experienced.

Quiz 1: Introduction

The __________ method refers to a process for conducting an objective inquiry through data collection and analysis.

Which of the following is found in the definition of the term Psychology?

After reading about the possible causes of schizophrenia,a scientist thinks that a virus is the most likely cause.What term most accurately describes the scientist's idea?

Which of the following is an accurate synonym for the term 'hypothesis'?

Psychologists use the scientific method for all but which of the following purposes?

Until very recently,approximately 130 years ago,psychology was considered to be a branch of __________.

Once you have established a problem that can be studied empirically the next step is to identify the variables that will be investigated.How many variables that can change throughout an experiment should a researcher investigate?

Testing a hypothesis is the fourth step in a scientific investigation.This step is derived from which goal of psychology?

Why is it optimal for a researcher to ensure that only one variable changes throughout an experiment?

Identifying a problem is the first step in a scientific investigation.This step is derived from which goal of psychology?

The view that knowledge originates through experience is called __________.

Maggie was sent to the school psychologist for an intelligence test.Based on the results of that test,it was decided that she would do well in the gifted child program.This is an example of which goal of psychology?

After a researcher has identified a problem that (s) he would like to explore,what is the next step in the scientific method?

Forming a hypothesis is the third step in a scientific investigation.This step is derived from which goal of psychology?

What is the main reason why many people do not believe that psychology is a science?