Question 1

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. Which underlying theme does this change in practice illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This change in practice illustrates the underlying theme that science evolves in a sociohistorical context, as it was prompted by societal changes and increased awareness of the need for diversity in research samples.

Question 2

Freud's theory was based, in part, on prevailing values during his lifetime. Based on this idea, which of the following contexts influences psychology's development?

Accepted Answer

Psychology's development is influenced by the sociohistorical context, which includes both social and historical factors.

Question 3

John Watson argued that psychology should study only observable behaviour. Which of your text's unifying themes is this position most consistent with?

Accepted Answer

John Watson's position is most consistent with the unifying theme of psychology being empirical, as he believed that psychology should only study observable behaviour that can be measured and tested objectively. This approach aligns with the scientific method and the importance of empirical evidence in psychological research.

Question 4

Dr. Kline takes an eclectic approach in treating psychological disorders. She often prescribes medications that influence neurotransmitter levels, but she also works with her clients to change their behaviour and understand the impact of social factors in their problems. Which underlying theme does Dr. Kline's approach to therapy illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Kline's approach is eclectic, meaning she draws from multiple theoretical perspectives in order to treat her clients. This supports the idea that differing perspectives can provide a more complete understanding of behaviour.

Question 5

In trying to understand the psychology of addiction, Dr. Jackson focuses on the neurochemical changes that occur, Dr. Fong focuses on the consequences that people experience for their behaviour, and Dr. Wenkle focuses on the cognitive processes that people use in choosing their actions. Which underlying theme does the different perspectives of these three professionals help to illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The different perspectives of these professionals show that psychology is theoretically diverse, as they each focus on a different aspect of addiction.

Question 6

Liam is reading a magazine article about a new "wonder drug" and finds himself wondering who participated in the study, and what evidence the claims are based on. Which of the following ideas does Liam's thinking illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Liam's thinking illustrates the idea that information needs to be viewed with a certain degree of skepticism. He is questioning the evidence and participants in the study, suggesting that he is not readily accepting the information without further investigation.

Question 7

Which of the following has influenced the development of psychology as a science?

Accepted Answer

Both historical and social factors have had a significant impact on the development of psychology as a science. Historical factors such as the philosophical approaches of early thinkers like Plato and Aristotle, the emergence of scientific methods in the 19th century, and the influence of pioneers like Freud and Skinner have all contributed to the evolution of psychology as a discipline. Social factors like cultural beliefs, political ideologies, and societal norms have also influenced the development of psychology by shaping the research questions, methods, and interpretations of findings. Overall, both historical and social factors continue to shape the way psychology is practiced and studied today.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is consistent with the idea that psychology is empirical?

Accepted Answer

Empirical means relying on or derived from observation or experiment. Therefore, the statement that psychology is empirical suggests that conclusions in psychology should be based on direct observation, making option B the correct choice. The other options do not necessarily contradict the idea of psychology being empirical, but they are not explicitly related to the empirical nature of psychology.

Question 9

Psychologists need to define all their research variables clearly, so that other researchers can objectively evaluate the results of the research. Which underlying theme does this aspect of psychology illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This aspect of psychology illustrates the theme that psychology is empirical, as it emphasizes the importance of objective and clear definitions of research variables, which can be measured and evaluated through empirical research methods.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes what a theory is?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a system of interrelated ideas and concepts that are used to explain and predict some observation or phenomena. It is based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning, and it can be tested and modified accordingly. Theories provide a framework for understanding complex phenomena and can be used to develop practical applications and solutions.

Question 11

In the 1920s, there were many fundamental disputes between competing schools of thought in psychology. Which unifying theme from your text do these disputes illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The fundamental disputes between competing schools of thought in psychology in the 1920s illustrate that psychology is theoretically diverse. At this time, various schools of thought such as behaviorism, psychoanalysis, and humanistic psychology emerged, each with its own unique perspective and theoretical framework. The lack of consensus among these schools of thought highlights the diversity of theories within the field of psychology.

Question 12

In the late 19th century, psychology's rapid growth as a laboratory science was due, in part, to its fascination with which model discipline?

Accepted Answer

Psychology's rapid growth as a laboratory science in the late 19th century was due, in part, to its fascination with the model discipline of physics. This is because physics was making significant strides in empirical research and developing a rigorous method of experimentation, which psychology sought to emulate.

Question 13

Which of the following is least characteristic of empiricism?

Accepted Answer

Empiricism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation in the acquisition of knowledge. Documentation and skepticism are also important elements of empiricism. However, speculation, which involves making claims or drawing conclusions based on logic or reasoning without direct evidence, is least characteristic of empiricism. Empiricists rely on direct experience and observation to develop their understanding of the world, rather than making unfounded assumptions or speculations.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a reason for psychology's theoretical diversity?

Accepted Answer

Psychology has abundant objective data to support theories. Theoretical diversity in psychology stems from the fact that data can be interpreted in several different ways, different theories focus on different aspects of behavior, and there is a need for multiple theories to cover the variety of data available.

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. Which unifying theme from your text does Wundt's attempt to imitate physics illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Wundt's attempt to shape psychology like physics reflects how the development of psychology was influenced by the sociohistorical context of the time, where physics was seen as an exemplary science.

Question 16

What is the term for a system of interrelated ideas used to explain a set of observations?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a system of interrelated ideas that are used to explain a set of observations. It is a well-supported and comprehensive explanation of a phenomenon in science.

Question 17

One psychologist explains a phobia in terms of learning principles, whereas another looks to the unconscious for an explanation. What is most likely happening in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

The two psychologists are likely using different theoretical perspectives to explain the phobia.

Question 18

World War I and World War II stimulated the growth of psychology as a profession. Which unifying theme from your text does this influence illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This influence illustrates the unifying theme that psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context, as the context of the world wars created a need for psychological research and intervention in areas such as military selection, training, and treatment of psychological trauma.

Question 19

In criticizing the structuralists' reliance on the method of introspection, William James argued that two people could view the same stimulus quite differently. Which unifying theme from your text does James's argument illustrate?

Accepted Answer

James's argument illustrates the theme that our experience of the world is highly subjective since he points out that two people can view the same stimulus differently, implying that individual differences in perception and interpretation are subjective experiences that cannot be measured by a single, objective method such as introspection.

Question 20

If your friend asked you whether psychology is connected to issues in "the real world," which of the following would be the most accurate answer?

Accepted Answer

The interconnections between psychology and the real world are complex and multifaceted. Psychology is influenced by social trends and events, but it also influences them through its research and applications. For example, psychological research has shaped public policy and social programs related to mental health, education, and criminal justice. At the same time, social phenomena, such as cultural values, economic conditions, and political movements, have a significant impact on psychological theories, methods, and applications. Therefore, it is accurate to say that psychology is connected to issues in the real world, and the two are inextricably linked.

Quiz 1: A: The Evolution of Psychology