Question 1

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

When we make conclusions based on observations of our immediate circle of acquaintances, friends, and loved ones, we may not have a systematic or repeated method of observation. The observations are also not necessarily interpreted in a scientific or objective manner. Therefore, the best choice is D, hit or miss observations.

Question 2

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 headline suggests that the recession is influencing young adults to delay marriage, which aligns with the trend of Americans marrying at later ages, rather than indicating a direct causal link or specific study findings.

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 called critical thinking. This involves evaluating evidence, analyzing arguments, and assessing conclusions in order to make informed decisions and solve problems. Critical thinking is an important skill in many aspects of life, including academics, career, and personal relationships.

Question 4

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 well-established explanation of a phenomenon that is supported by empirical evidence and can be used to make predictions. Hypotheses are testable predictions that stem from a theory, while descriptive methods and experiments are research techniques that can be used to gather data to support or refute a theory.

Question 5

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 in the form of "if A happens then B will be the result" is a hypothesis.

Question 6

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

This question demonstrates critical thinking because it involves evaluating evidence and analyzing the strength of a position. Option A only asks for a personal reaction, Option B is focused on identifying a political party rather than engaging with the argument itself, and Option D suggests a reliance on authority rather than independent analysis.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The best scientific theories should not only explain and organize known facts but also generate predictions that can be tested and verified through further research. This is essential in the scientific method as it helps to refine and improve the theory over time. Historical perspectives, establishing new facts or discrediting other theories may also be important but are not the key criteria for the best scientific theory.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Science relies on objectivity, which means using measurement, data, and evidence to remove personal biases and emotions from observations. Everyday observations, on the other hand, may be influenced by subjective perspectives or interpretations.

Question 9

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 conclusions 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 is claiming to be basing his conclusions on facts without any influence of personal emotion or bias, which implies objectivity. Option A, subjectivity, would be the opposite of what Steve is claiming. Option B, neutrality, may be a desirable trait but it is not the same as objectivity. Option D, perspective, is relevant to the discussion but not the answer to the question posed.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Barack's ground rules of looking for evidence from independent sources demonstrates critical thinking, which involves evaluating arguments based on evidence and reasoning rather than emotions or biases.

Question 11

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 methodical, whereas everyday observations can be random or "hit or miss."

Question 12

Dr.Livingston is conducting a study on the effectiveness of a new time-release antidepressant medication.Once a week,participants receive a small white pill from Dr.Stanley,which they take immediately without knowing if the pill is the new medicine or a placebo.Dr.Livingston then observes the participants,without knowing which participants received the placebo.This type of study uses the
A)blind procedure.
B)blind procedure with placebo.
C)naturalistic observation approach.
D)double-blind procedure.

Accepted Answer

This study uses the double-blind procedure, where both the participants and the experimenter (Dr. Livingston) are unaware of which participants received the placebo or the new medication. This helps to eliminate any potential biases or expectations that could influence the results.

Question 13

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 developed and honed over time through practice and effort. It is not something that is set by one's teenage years, genetically determined, or based on cultural norms.

Question 14

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 is a special way of learning about reality through systematic observation and experimentation. It involves using objective and empirical methods to understand and explain natural phenomena.

Question 15

Which term describes a research design in which neither the participant nor the experimenter observing the participant knows which participants were given an active substance and which were given a placebo?
A)Clinical trial
B)Open trial
C)Double-blind procedure
D)Prospective cohort study

Accepted Answer

The double-blind procedure involves keeping both the participant and the observer unaware of who received the active substance and who received the placebo. This design helps to eliminate bias in the results and increase the validity of the study. Clinical trials, open trials, and prospective cohort studies may or may not use the double-blind procedure.

Question 16

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

The participant's subjective perception and rating of the level of violence in the film clip is the most subjective result, as it is based solely on their personal interpretation and feelings about the content of the film. Blood pressure, heart rate, and physiological responses such as perspiration and pupil dilation can all be objectively measured and observed.

Question 17

Emily grew up in Boston and is now attending college there.She often notices clusters of people smoking outside of office buildings as she walks to class.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

The review of a behavioral statistics study drawn from census data would provide the most reliable information regarding the prevalence of smoking in Boston as it would be based on a large sample size and data collected using standardized methods. A personal study of her extended family, interviews with classmates and professors, and observations of campus fraternity and sorority life would not provide a representative sample of the population of Boston.

Question 18

An inactive substance or treatment that cannot be distinguished from a real,active substance or treatment is called a ____.
A)false positive
B)placebo
C)remedy
D)sample

Accepted Answer

A placebo is a substance or treatment that has no therapeutic effect, but is given to patients for psychological reasons or to satisfy ethical requirements. It is used as a control in clinical trials to test the efficacy of new drugs or interventions. The term comes from the Latin word "I shall please," reflecting the fact that placebos are often designed to please the patient or alleviate their stress, anxiety, or pain.

Question 19

Researchers found that "the widespread and highly publicized stereotype about female talkativeness is unfounded." This conclusion illustrates that science relies primarily on ____.
A)strongly held beliefs
B)subjective evidence
C)observable,repeatable evidence
D)laboratory experiments

Accepted Answer

Science relies on observable, repeatable evidence to draw conclusions. In this case, researchers observed and analyzed data to determine that the stereotype about female talkativeness is unfounded. The other options, such as strongly held beliefs or subjective evidence, are not reliable foundations for scientific research. While laboratory experiments can be a part of scientific research, it is not the only defining factor.

Question 20

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

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to look for and remember information that supports one's beliefs and ignore or forget information that contradicts them. Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information objectively and make rational judgments. Observational engagement and progressive observation are not commonly used terms in this context.

Quiz 2: The Measure of Mind Methods of Psychology

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

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

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

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

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

Which of the following questions demonstrates critical thinking?

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

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

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

Critical thinking is ____.

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

Which term describes a research design in which neither the participant nor the experimenter observing the participant knows which participants were given an active substance and which were given a placebo?

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?

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

An inactive substance or treatment that cannot be distinguished from a real,active substance or treatment is called a ____.

Researchers found that "the widespread and highly publicized stereotype about female talkativeness is unfounded." This conclusion illustrates that science relies primarily on ____.

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 ______________.