Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Forming a hypothesis is part of the process of explaining phenomena in psychology. The goal of explaining seeks to understand the causes and reasons behind behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

Question 2

The class is playing a game of Jeopardy! and it is your turn."I'll take Specialties in Psychology for $300." The revealed answer is "These psychological professionals work with situations in which environmental conditions may have an impact on mental health." Just before the buzzer sounds,what will you say?

Accepted Answer

The description in the answer best fits a psychiatric social worker, who work with individuals and families to address social, environmental, and economic factors that may affect mental health. Neuropsychologists specialize in how the brain affects behavior and cognition, psychoanalysts focus on exploring unconscious conflicts and motivations, and developmental psychologists study how people change and grow throughout their lives. None of these specialties directly deal with environmental conditions affecting mental health, making c) the best choice.

Question 3

Vido has an MSW and is interested in working on the causes of poverty.What type of professional is Vido?

Accepted Answer

Vido's degree in MSW (Master of Social Work) and interest in working on the causes of poverty suggest that they are a psychiatric social worker, as their focus is on addressing poverty through social interventions and support services rather than mental health treatment.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is an educated guess or possible explanation for a phenomenon, which is based on prior knowledge and observations. In this case, the scientist has generated a hypothesis that suggests that a virus is responsible for causing schizophrenia.

Question 5

Researchers must report their results completely whether the hypothesis was supported or not.Complete reporting is necessary for the purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Complete reporting of results allows other researchers to replicate the study and test the hypothesis further. This helps in verifying the findings and making sure that the evidence is reliable. Incomplete reporting can lead to biased interpretations and hinder scientific progress. Educational knowledge, finding better ways to support the hypothesis, and publication are also important but are secondary to the primary purpose of replication.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The goal of psychology that is most relevant to perceiving the question as the first step in a scientific investigation is describing. Describing involves observing and recording behavior, which includes the act of perceiving a question as the starting point of an investigation.

Question 7

The tendency to look for information that supports one's own belief is called:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias refers to the human tendency of seeking out information that supports our existing beliefs and ideas. We tend to disregard or overlook information that contradicts our beliefs, leading to a biased perception of reality. This bias can affect our decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.

Question 8

On a television talk show an actor describes the symptoms of anxiety he has been experiencing.He reports that the severity of the symptoms has decreased since he has been taking a drug prescribed by his therapist back in Hollywood.You conclude that the actor's therapist is probably a:

Accepted Answer

Since the therapist is prescribing a drug, they must be a medical doctor, which means either a psychiatrist or a general practitioner. Given the severity of the actor's symptoms and the fact that they are being treated with medication, it is more likely that the therapist is a psychiatrist.

Question 9

The first step in any investigation is:

Accepted Answer

Perceiving the question is essential to understanding the problem or issue that needs to be investigated. It is the starting point for developing a hypothesis, collecting data, and reaching a conclusion. Without a clear understanding of the question or problem, the investigation may not be successful. Choosing A or D would be premature without first perceiving the question, and C is the result of the investigation, not the starting point.

Question 10

The majority of psychologists work in:

Accepted Answer

The majority of psychologists work in colleges and universities as professors, researchers, and administrators. Private practice and hospitals also employ a significant number of psychologists, but government agencies employ the smallest percentage of professionals in this field.

Question 11

"Children who watch violent cartoons will become more aggressive." According to the scientific method,this statement is most likely a:

Accepted Answer

The statement is a hypothesis because it suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between watching violent cartoons and becoming more aggressive, but it hasn't been proven yet. The scientific method involves testing hypotheses through experimentation and data collection to support or disprove them.

Question 12

________________ is a system used for reducing bias and error in the measurement of data.

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is a systematic approach used to minimize bias and error in data measurement through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Question 13

What is one of the major reasons that psychologists report results publicly?

Accepted Answer

One of the major reasons that psychologists report results publicly is to allow other researchers to replicate experiments and test the validity of the findings. This helps to ensure the reliability of research within the field.

Question 14

Tamara is a single mother living in a poor section of the city.She has addiction issues and just lost custody of her three children.What type of psychological professional is most likely to get involved in Tamara's situation?

Accepted Answer

A psychiatric social worker is most likely to get involved in Tamara's situation as they specialize in helping individuals and families cope with mental health and addiction issues, as well as navigating the child welfare system. The other options may not have the necessary training or expertise to address Tamara's specific needs.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology, but do not have medical training or prescribe medication. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, have a medical degree and can prescribe medication to treat mental health disorders. Psychiatric social workers may have some training in prescribing medication in certain states, but this is not typically within their scope of practice. An MD and a PhD are not the same thing; an MD is a medical doctor, while a PhD is a doctoral degree in a specific academic field.

Question 16

A person who has suffered a major stroke and is now experiencing severe personality problems because of the damage would BEST be advised to see a:

Accepted Answer

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is specialized in treating mental illness and can prescribe medications if necessary. In the case of a severe personality change after a stroke, a psychiatrist can diagnose and treat any underlying mental health issues that may have arisen as a result of the stroke. They can also work with the patient's other medical providers to ensure that any necessary adjustments to medication are made to support their overall health and well-being.

Question 17

Which of the following is an empirical question?

Accepted Answer

An empirical question is one that can be answered through observation or experimentation. The question "Is there life on other planets?" can be answered through scientific observation and exploration, making it an empirical question. The other options are either subjective or philosophical in nature and cannot be answered through empirical means.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Testing a hypothesis is part of the process of explaining phenomena in psychology. By testing a hypothesis, researchers are attempting to determine if their explanation for a particular phenomenon is supported by empirical evidence.

Question 19

What is one similarity shared by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists?

Accepted Answer

Both clinical psychologists and psychiatrists diagnose and treat individuals with behavioural and emotional problems. While the training experiences between the two may differ, both professions can offer therapy and medication management to their patients. The types and severity of problems that may lead a person to seek treatment from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may also overlap.

Question 20

The term ___________________________ refers to a mental health professional who generally has at least an MSW and who typically treats individual dysfunction and family problems but may also deal with other problems such as addiction or abuse.

Accepted Answer

The term "psychiatric social worker" specifically describes a mental health professional with at least an MSW, who treats individual dysfunction and family problems, and may also deal with other problems such as addiction or abuse. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and typically do not have a master's in social work, while psychoanalysts focus on long-term, in-depth analysis of unconscious thoughts and feelings, and educational psychologists specialize in educational and developmental issues.

Quiz 1: The Science of Psychology