Question 1

One important difference between science and everyday observations is that science relies on
A) objectivity.
B) introspection.
C) perspective.
D) subjectivity.

Accepted Answer

Science aims to be objective, meaning that it tries to gather evidence and analyze it without personal bias or perspective. Everyday observations, on the other hand, are often influenced by our individual perspectives and experiences, making them more subjective.

Question 2

Steve and Joe are debating about the best places to live after college. Steve states that the Southwest offers a healthier lifestyle than the Northwest and insists that he is basing his conclusion on facts, without any influence of personal emotion or bias. In other words, Steve believes that he is showing
A) subjectivity.
B) neutrality.
C) objectivity.
D) perspective.

Accepted Answer

Steve believes he is showing objectivity because he claims to base his conclusion on facts without the influence of personal emotion or bias. Objectivity refers to the quality of being unbiased and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

Question 3

The ability to think clearly, rationally, and independently is called
A) naturalistic observation.
B) authoritative reasoning.
C) free thinking.
D) critical thinking.

Accepted Answer

The ability to think clearly, rationally, and independently is referred to as critical thinking, which involves evaluating information and arguments in a systematic, logical, and unbiased manner. Critical thinking skills are essential in many aspects of life, including decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.

Question 4

An important difference between science and everyday observations is the use of systematic as opposed to _____ observation.
A) designed
B) manipulated
C) controlled
D) hit-or-miss

Accepted Answer

Science relies on systematic observation, which is structured and planned, as opposed to everyday observations that can be random or "hit-or-miss."

Question 5

Researchers found that "the widespread and highly publicized stereotype about female talkativeness is unfounded." For this conclusion to be considered as science, it would need to rely primarily on
A) strongly held beliefs.
B) subjective evidence.
C) observable, repeatable evidence.
D) laboratory experiments.

Accepted Answer

For a conclusion to be considered scientific, it must be based on observable and repeatable evidence. This ensures that the findings are objective and can be verified by other researchers through replication of the study.

Question 6

The news headline "Recession Spurs Young in U.S. to Forgo or Delay Marriage" describes
A) a study that found a causal link between the U.S. recession and the decisions of young adults to marry.
B) census data that indicated poverty was a primary cause of decreased marriage rates.
C) data that could have been explained by the trend for Americans to marry at later ages.
D) a study of historical data on marriage rates.

Accepted Answer

The news headline indicates a correlation between the recession and young adults delaying marriage or forgoing it altogether. It doesn't necessarily imply a causal relationship. Additionally, there is no mention of poverty being a primary cause. The headline also suggests that this could be part of a trend for Americans to marry at later ages, further supporting choice C. There is no mention of a study of historical data.

Question 7

A set of facts and relationships between facts that can explain and predict related phenomena is called a(n)
A) theory.
B) hypothesis.
C) descriptive method.
D) experiment.

Accepted Answer

A theory is a set of facts and relationships between facts that can explain and predict related phenomena. It is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation. Hypotheses are tentative explanations that can be tested through further investigation, while the descriptive method is a research method that involves observing and describing behavior in a systematic and objective manner. An experiment is a controlled test of a hypothesis or theory, which allows researchers to manipulate one or more factors to observe their effects on behavior.

Question 8

Jadea, a medical school student, is assisting a psychology professor with a research study on the physiological and psychological reactions to violence in blockbuster films. After a participant views a film clip, she administers some basic tests. Which of the following is the most subjective result?
A) The participant's blood pressure is 140/90.
B) The participant describes the level of film violence as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10.
C) The participant's heart rate is 75.
D) The participant has perspiration on her brow and her pupils are dilated.

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure, heart rate, and pupil dilation are all objective measures that can be quantified and measured using standard instruments. However, asking a participant to rate the level of violence in a film clip is a subjective measure because it relies on the individual's perception and interpretation of what constitutes violence. Different people may have different opinions on what qualifies as "violent," so this measure is less standardized and less objective compared to the others.

Question 9

According to your text, if you hold a belief you are likely to notice and remember instances that support your belief more than instances that contradict it. This difference in attention and memory is termed
A) critical thinking.
B) confirmation bias.
C) observational engagement.
D) progressive observation.

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is known as confirmation bias - the tendency to selectively search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs or desires. The other answer options (critical thinking, observational engagement, and progressive observation) do not accurately describe this concept.

Question 10

Blair and Devin support different presidential candidates and frequently debate the claims that each candidate makes against the other on various issues. Devin persists in heatedly arguing that the candidate who wears nice clothes is better because fashion sense equates to political sense. Blair insists that they both look up evidence that supports both candidates' positions using independent sources. Blair's ground rules for the debate show good principles of
A) critical thinking.
B) debate.
C) psychology.
D) social control.

Accepted Answer

Blair's insistence on using evidence from independent sources to support claims reflects critical thinking, which involves analyzing and evaluating information objectively.

Question 11

Critical thinking is
A) a skill people learn.
B) set by one's teenage years.
C) genetically determined.
D) based on cultural norms.

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking is a skill that can be learned and developed through practice and experience. It is not determined by genetics or cultural norms and can be improved at any age.

Question 12

A proposed explanation for a situation, usually taking the form "if A happens then B will be the result" is called a(n)
A) theory.
B) research proposal.
C) experiment.
D) hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

A proposed explanation for a situation is a hypothesis, which is a statement that suggests a relationship between two variables or phenomena. Hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable, meaning that they can be proven wrong through empirical research. The other options, theory, research proposal, and experiment, are all related to the scientific process but do not specifically refer to a proposed explanation for a situation.

Question 13

When a hypothesis is demonstrated to be false using appropriate research methods, what must be done?
A) Another researcher must replicate the research.
B) The hypothesis must be modified or discarded.
C) Different statistical analyses should be conducted to find support for the hypothesis.
D) Research should be repeated with the opposite hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

If a hypothesis is demonstrated to be false using appropriate research methods, it must be modified or discarded. This is because the purpose of research is to test hypotheses and evaluate their validity, and if a hypothesis is proven to be false, there is no scientific basis to continue to support it. However, it is important to consider alternative hypotheses or factors that may have influenced the results and to conduct further research to confirm the findings.

Question 14

What did Sir Isaac Newton mean when he noted that scholars stand on the shoulders of giants?
A) Previous scholars had biased opinions.
B) All scholars tend to find what they are looking for.
C) Scholars build on previous theory and discoveries.
D) Current scholars have narrow points of view.

Accepted Answer

Newton's statement implies that current scholars and scientists are able to achieve what they do because they build upon the knowledge and discoveries of those who came before them.

Question 15

Which of the following questions demonstrates critical thinking?
A) What is your immediate reaction to this information?
B) What political party is expressing this point of view?
C) What evidence supports this position?
D) What did the professor give as the answer?

Accepted Answer

The question that demonstrates critical thinking is the one that asks for evidence to support a position. This shows an analytical approach that seeks to evaluate the statement or information presented, rather than just accepting it at face value.  Options A, B, and D do not necessarily require critical thinking skills, as they do not involve a deep analysis or evaluation of information.

Question 16

The best scientific theories not only explain and organize known facts but also
A) use historical perspectives.
B) generate new predictions.
C) establish new facts.
D) discredit other theories.

Accepted Answer

The best scientific theories are valuable not only for their ability to explain and organize known facts but also for their capacity to generate new predictions. This characteristic allows for the testing and expansion of the theory through empirical research, leading to a deeper understanding of the phenomena under study.

Question 17

When we make conclusions based on observations of our immediate circle of acquaintances, friends, and loved ones, we are engaging in
A) systematic observations.
B) repeated observations.
C) interpreted observations.
D) hit-or-miss observations.

Accepted Answer

This is because making conclusions based on observations of our immediate circle does not follow a systematic, repeated, or rigorously interpreted methodology, but rather a more casual, less structured approach, often leading to conclusions that may not be broadly applicable or scientifically rigorous.

Question 18

Science comes from the Latin scientia , which means "knowledge." According to your text, which of the following best describes "science" today?
A) A study of the physical world through objective and subjective observations
B) A method of assessment that uses all of a researcher's senses
C) A special way of learning about reality through systematic observation and experimentation
D) A process of investigation through thoughtful and personal reflection

Accepted Answer

Science today refers to a special way of learning about reality through systematic observation and experimentation. While some subjective observations may be made, the emphasis is on objective observations and evidence-based conclusions. Science also involves the development and testing of theories and hypotheses through rigorous experimentation and analysis.

Question 19

Scientific hypotheses are best described as
A) educated guesses.
B) the first step to proving a fact is true.
C) theories.
D) research methods.

Accepted Answer

Scientific hypotheses are proposed explanations for phenomena that are based on some initial evidence or observation, but have not been fully tested or verified. They are essentially educated guesses that provide a starting point for further investigation and experimentation. While hypotheses may lead to the development of theories, they are not theories themselves, as theories are well-substantiated explanations that have been rigorously tested and supported by a large body of evidence. Hypotheses are also not research methods, but rather the beginning point for developing research questions and designing experiments to test them.

Question 20

Emily grew up in Boston and is now attending college there. While walking to class, she often notices clusters of people smoking outside of office buildings. Which of the following sources would provide the most reliable information regarding the prevalence of smoking in Boston?
A) A detailed personal study of the history of her extended family
B) Interviews with her classmates and professors
C) A review of her professor's behavioral statistics study drawn from census data
D) Observations of campus fraternity and sorority life

Accepted Answer

A review of a professor's behavioral statistics study that utilizes census data would provide the most reliable and comprehensive information regarding the prevalence of smoking in Boston. Census data is generally extensive and methodologically sound, making studies based on it reliable for understanding population behaviors.

Quiz 2: The Measure of Mind Methods of Psychology

One important difference between science and everyday observations is that science relies on

The ability to think clearly, rationally, and independently is called

An important difference between science and everyday observations is the use of systematic as opposed to _____ observation.

Researchers found that "the widespread and highly publicized stereotype about female talkativeness is unfounded." For this conclusion to be considered as science, it would need to rely primarily on

The news headline "Recession Spurs Young in U.S. to Forgo or Delay Marriage" describes

A set of facts and relationships between facts that can explain and predict related phenomena is called a(n)

According to your text, if you hold a belief you are likely to notice and remember instances that support your belief more than instances that contradict it. This difference in attention and memory is termed

Critical thinking is

A proposed explanation for a situation, usually taking the form "if A happens then B will be the result" is called a(n)

When a hypothesis is demonstrated to be false using appropriate research methods, what must be done?

What did Sir Isaac Newton mean when he noted that scholars stand on the shoulders of giants?

Which of the following questions demonstrates critical thinking?

The best scientific theories not only explain and organize known facts but also

When we make conclusions based on observations of our immediate circle of acquaintances, friends, and loved ones, we are engaging in

Science comes from the Latin scientia , which means "knowledge." According to your text, which of the following best describes "science" today?

Scientific hypotheses are best described as

Emily grew up in Boston and is now attending college there. While walking to class, she often notices clusters of people smoking outside of office buildings. Which of the following sources would provide the most reliable information regarding the prevalence of smoking in Boston?