Question 1

A scientist uses ____ to explain a set of observations.

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-supported explanation for a set of observations. It is based on empirical evidence and can be tested through scientific methods.

Question 2

Helen believes that Taylor has trouble forming long-term relationships because her parents were overly strict during Taylor's toilet training. This type of explanation for Taylor's current behaviour is inconsistent with the view that

Accepted Answer

Behaviour is determined by multiple causes.

Question 3

In the 1920s, there were many fundamental disputes between competing schools of thought in psychology. These disputes illustrate which of the textbook's unifying themes?

Accepted Answer

The fundamental disputes between competing schools of thought in psychology during the 1920s illustrate the theme that psychology is theoretically diverse, as different schools of psychology had their own theories and approaches to understanding human behavior and mental processes.

Question 4

Imagine two scientists from another planet visit earth and are attempting to study our computers. In his studies Poz focuses on how the computer is used for conducting business, accessing research, communicating with others and playing games, while Zog concentrates on the construction of the hard-drive, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Poz's approach is most similar to ____ while Zog's is most similar to ____.

Accepted Answer

Poz's focus on the purposes and uses of computers aligns with functionalism, which emphasizes the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in adapting to the environment. Zog's focus on the physical components of computers aligns with structuralism, which aims to understand the structure or characteristics of the mind through introspection and analysis of its components.

Question 5

Which of the following qualifies as empirically-based knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Empirically-based knowledge is based on direct observation or experience. Out of the given choices, only observed actions qualify as empirically-based knowledge. Intuition and insight are based on personal beliefs or feelings, and logical consistency is simply a measure of the coherence of an argument or idea.

Question 6

Which of the following BEST describes the unifying theme that "psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context"?

Accepted Answer

The statement "psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context" implies that both psychology and society are constantly changing and influencing each other. Therefore, option D, "psychology and society both influence each other," is the best description of the unifying theme. Options A and B are incorrect because they suggest a one-way relationship between psychology and culture/society, whereas the theme suggests a bidirectional relationship. Option C is partially correct, but it does not capture the full idea that psychology also has an impact on society.

Question 7

Psychology is based on systematic observation rather than pure reasoning or common sense. We can say, therefore, that psychology is

Accepted Answer

Psychology is a field that requires the study of behavior and mental processes through empirical research methods. This means, psychologists use systematic observation (or empirical evidence) to understand how the mind works, rather than basing their conclusions purely on speculation or irrational beliefs. Therefore, psychology is an empirical science, and choice C is the best answer.

Question 8

During the last few decades people have become more aware of the sexual abuse of children by adults, and psychologists have devoted more research attention to the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. These observations BEST reflect which unifying theme in psychology?

Accepted Answer

The observation of increased awareness and research attention to childhood sexual abuse reflects how psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context, as societal changes and cultural shifts affect the focus and direction of research in psychology.

Question 9

One psychologist explains a phobia in terms of learning principles whereas another looks to the unconscious for an explanation. Given this scenario, which of the following conclusions is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

The two psychologists are likely using different theoretical perspectives to explain the phobia, with one looking to learning principles and the other looking to unconscious processes. It is possible that both perspectives could have some validity and that the explanation could be influenced by sociohistorical contexts, but the most basic explanation for the difference is that they are using different theoretical approaches.

Question 10

Dr Scarply believes that if all violent programming were banned, aggressive behaviour would almost completely disappear. This type of explanation for the prevalence of aggressive behaviour is inconsistent with the view that

Accepted Answer

The explanation that banning all violent programming would completely eliminate aggressive behavior is too simplistic and ignores the multiple causes and factors that contribute to aggressive behavior, such as genetics, environmental factors, individual differences, and cognitive factors. Therefore, it is inconsistent with the view that behavior is determined by multiple causes.

Question 11

Which of the following do behaviourism and psychoanalytic theory have in common?

Accepted Answer

Both behaviourism and psychoanalytic theory suggest that individuals are not fully in control of their own destinies; behaviourism emphasizes environmental influences, while psychoanalytic theory focuses on unconscious processes.

Question 12

The civil rights movement and the women's movement raised concerns about whether basic psychological principles could be applied to groups other than white males. Consequently, psychologists began to select samples of subjects that were more diverse for research studies. This change in practice illustrates the idea that

Accepted Answer

The change in practice of selecting more diverse samples for research studies reflects the idea that science evolves in a sociohistorical context, where societal concerns and values influence the direction of research. This change was driven by concerns raised by civil rights and women's movements, highlighting the importance of social and cultural factors in psychology research.

Question 13

Roger and Lydia met for a blind date. Roger had been told by his best friend that Lydia was charismatic and vivacious. During their date Lydia was friendly but she was quite shy and didn't initiate much of the conversation. Still, Roger thinks that Lydia is one of the most exciting people that he has met, and he can't wait to see her again. Roger's reaction to his date with Lydia shows that

Accepted Answer

Roger's perception of Lydia as exciting despite her shyness indicates that his experience is subjective, influenced by his expectations and perhaps his feelings towards her, rather than objective observations of her behavior.

Question 14

In criticising the structuralists' reliance on the method of introspection, William James argued that two people could view the same stimulus quite differently. James's argument illustrates which of the textbook's unifying themes?

Accepted Answer

William James's argument highlights the subjective nature of our experiences, which is in line with the unifying theme that Our experience of the world is highly subjective.

Question 15

In the 19th century, Wilhelm Wundt attempted to shape the new discipline of psychology along the lines of physics, because in his era physics was admired as a "model" science. Wundt's attempt to imitate physics illustrates which of the textbook's unifying themes?

Accepted Answer

This is because Wundt's attempt to shape psychology along the lines of physics reflects the fact that psychology is influenced by the sociohistorical context in which it is developed.

Question 16

A multifactorial approach to explaining your performance in a course would MOST likely focus on

Accepted Answer

A multifactorial approach takes into account both personal and situational factors that may affect a student's performance in a course. It recognizes that there can be a variety of factors that contribute to a student's success or struggles, including their own abilities and behaviors as well as outside factors such as the course content, teaching methods, and other environmental factors. So, both personal and situational factors are considered in analyzing the student's performance.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the influence of culture is LEAST accurate?

Accepted Answer

This statement is inaccurate because there is often considerable diversity in behaviour among members of the same culture. Cultural norms and values may be interpreted and enacted differently by individuals within a cultural group, leading to variations in behaviour.

Question 18

The idea that Freud's theory was based, in part, on prevailing values during his lifetime implies that psychology's development is influenced by the

Accepted Answer

Freud's theory being influenced by the values of his time suggests that psychology evolves within a sociohistorical context, meaning it is shaped by both social and historical factors of the era.

Question 19

When Watson proposed that psychology should only study observable behaviours and not consciousness he was emphasising the unifying theme that

Accepted Answer

Watson's proposal to focus solely on observable behaviors was a call for psychology to be empirical, meaning it should rely on observable and measurable evidence, rather than subjective concepts like consciousness. This approach is foundational to behaviorism, which emphasizes the study of behaviors that can be seen and measured.

Question 20

Which of the following BEST characterises people's understanding of reality?

Accepted Answer

People's understanding of reality is heavily influenced by their subjective experiences, perceptions, and interpretations. While objective reality exists, individuals may interpret and understand it differently based on their unique perspectives and experiences.

Quiz 1: The Evolution of Psychology