Question 1

The word "theory" is most closely associated with
A)philosophy.
B)science.
C)armchair speculation.
D)taxonomy.

Accepted Answer

The term "theory" is most commonly associated with science, as it refers to a well-substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon that is based on empirical evidence and has undergone rigorous testing and peer review. While philosophy may also deal with theories, it tends to focus more on abstract concepts and ideas rather than concrete observations and experiments. Armchair speculation and taxonomy may involve the development of ideas or categories, but they are not necessarily based on empirical evidence or subject to the same level of scientific rigor as a theory.

Question 2

What is the relationship between theory and each of the following terms:
(a) philosophy, (b) speculation, (c) hypothesis,and (d) taxonomy?

Accepted Answer

A.A theory is a set of related assumptions capable of generating hypotheses.As such,it is narrower than a philosophy and more general than a hypothesis.
B.Philosophy deals with what should be,whereas theories are built on scientific evidence.Theory relates to a branch of philosophy called epistemology,or the nature of knowledge,because theory is an essential tool of science,an important means of gaining knowledge.
C.Although theories are built partially on speculation,they do not stem from baseless speculation.Theorists combine scientifically derived data with thoughtful speculation to construct theories that will lead to further scientific experimentation.
D.A useful theory is capable of generating multiple hypotheses,or educated guesses.Scientists can test hypotheses through scientific experimentation,whereas theories are not directly testable.
E.Theories should include a careful taxonomy,or classification system.A taxonomy is merely part of a useful theory.Unlike a theory,a taxonomy is not dynamic; that is,it is not capable of generating hypotheses.

Question 3

A theory may be set aside when it
A)generates testable hypotheses.
B)explains a set of observations.
C)is proven by experimentation.
D)loses its usefulness.

Accepted Answer

A theory might be set aside when it loses its usefulness, as new evidence or information might suggest an alternative explanation or more refined theory. The other options (generating testable hypotheses, explaining a set of observations, and being proven by experimentation) are important for developing and validating scientific theories but do not necessarily lead to a theory being set aside.

Question 4

The personalities,cognitive processes,developmental histories,and social experiences of personality theorists help shape their theories.The discipline that deals with these factors is called
A)personology.
B)psychology.
C)sociology.
D)the psychology of science.
E)psychobiology.

Accepted Answer

The psychology of science is the discipline that examines how the personal factors such as personalities, cognitive processes, developmental histories, and social experiences of scientists, including personality theorists, influence the development of their theories. This field specifically looks at the psychological aspects that underpin scientific inquiry and theory formation.

Question 5

List and briefly discuss six criteria for a useful theory.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and briefly discuss six criteria for...

Question 6

The basic data of science are
A)observations.
B)facts.
C)theories.
D)hypotheses.

Accepted Answer

Observations are the basic data of science because they are the raw data that scientists collect from the world around them. These observations can be made using any of the five senses, or they can be made using instruments that extend our senses.

Question 7

Statements formed in an if-then framework are most likely
A)taxonomies.
B)philosophies.
C)theories.
D)definitions of personality.

Accepted Answer

Statements formed in an if-then framework are most likely theories, as they propose a causal relationship between two variables. Taxonomies are classifications, philosophies relate to belief systems, and personality definitions are descriptions of a person's traits and characteristics.

Question 8

The ultimate value of any theory depends on its
A)usefulness.
B)truthfulness.
C)reliability.
D)simplicity.

Accepted Answer

The ultimate value of any theory could be measured by two criteria - how useful it is in explaining and predicting phenomena, and how truthful it is based on empirical evidence. While reliability and simplicity are important aspects of a theory, they are not the ultimate measures of its value.

Question 9

Psychologists generally agree that personality
A)refers mostly to surface traits.
B)is largely inherited.
C)can be explained by several different theories.
D)can best be explained by a single theory.

Accepted Answer

Psychologists have proposed several different theories to explain personality, including trait theories, psychoanalytic theories, humanistic theories, and social-cognitive theories. While there is some agreement between psychologists on certain aspects of personality, there is no single theory that can fully explain all the complexities and variations of personality.

Question 10

Which statement best characterizes the relationship between a theory and a hypothesis?
A)A theory is narrower than a hypothesis.
B)A theory is directly verifiable,a hypothesis is not.
C)A theory is logically deduced from a specific hypothesis.
D)A theory may generate one or more hypotheses.

Accepted Answer

A theory is a broad explanation that is supported by extensive evidence, while a hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a specific phenomenon. A theory may generate one or more hypotheses, which can be tested through observation and experimentation. Therefore, D is the best choice as it reflects the relationship between a theory and a hypothesis accurately.

Question 11

The word personality comes from the Latin word "persona",meaning
A)that which one truly is.
B)the evil side of people.
C)theatrical mask.
D)soul.

Accepted Answer

The word personality comes from the Latin word "persona" which means theatrical mask. This refers to the idea that our personality is like a mask we wear in different situations and contexts. It is not necessarily an indication of who we truly are at our core.

Question 12

According to the authors of the text,personality theories
A)are former principles that have been proven true.
B)originate from the historical,social,and psychological world of their originators.
C)are useful tools of science to the extent that they are value free.
D)should not be open to falsification.

Accepted Answer

The text states that personality theories are based on the historical, social, and psychological context of their creators, suggesting that they originate from the world of their originators. This is in contrast to option A which suggests that personality theories are former principles that have been proven true. Option C is incorrect because the text does not say that personality theories need to be value-free to be useful tools of science. Option D is also incorrect because the text suggests that personality theories should be open to falsification in order to be scientifically valid.

Question 13

What is the relationship between theory and observation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the relationship between theory and...

Question 14

A taxonomy is best defined as
A)an educated guess.
B)a set of if-then statements.
C)the study of the nature of reality.
D)a classification system.

Accepted Answer

A taxonomy is a system for classifying and organizing items, often based on their characteristics or relationships. It is not an educated guess, a set of if-then statements, or the study of the nature of reality.

Question 15

Theories are built primarily on
A)scientific observations.
B)philosophical speculation.
C)unique definitions of terms.
D)sociological models.

Accepted Answer

Theories are built primarily on scientific observations, experiments, and data analysis. Scientific observations provide the evidence that allows researchers to develop theories, which are explanations for observed phenomena.

Question 16

An educated guess that can be scientifically tested is a definition of
A)theory.
B)hypothesis.
C)philosophy.
D)taxonomy.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction based on limited evidence that can be tested through scientific investigation. An educated guess is a similar idea, but the term hypothesis is specific to the scientific method. A theory, on the other hand, is a well-established explanation supported by a large body of evidence. Philosophy is a broad field focused on exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values. Taxonomy is the classification of organisms into different groups based on their characteristics.

Question 17

What is the proper place of theory within science?
A)Theories enable scientists to know how they should live their lives.
B)Theories are tools used by scientists to give meaning to observations.
C)Theory building is the ultimate aim of science.
D)Theories play no role in scientific pursuits.

Accepted Answer

Theories are important tools in science because they help scientists make sense of their observations and provide explanations for natural phenomena. However, theories are always subject to revision or even rejection if new evidence contradicts them. Therefore, theories are not the ultimate aim of science, but rather are provisional explanations that are supported by evidence at a particular moment.

Question 18

A set of related assumptions from which,by logical deductive reasoning,testable hypotheses can be drawn is
A)a philosophy.
B)the definition of theory.
C)the definition of taxonomy.
D)an armchair speculation.

Accepted Answer

This best describes a scientific theory, which is a set of related assumptions that can be used to make testable hypotheses through deductive reasoning. A philosophy is a broader set of beliefs and values about the world, while taxonomy is the science of classification. Armchair speculation is not based on logic or empirical evidence.

Question 19

What is the relationship between theory and observation?
A)They are mutually exclusive.
B)Several theories make up an observation.
C)Several observations make up a theory.
D)There is a mutual and dynamic interaction between them.

Accepted Answer

Theory and observation have a mutual and dynamic relationship. Observations can lead to the development of a theory, and in turn, a theory can be tested by making new observations. The relationship between the two is cyclical, with each influencing and informing the other. Theory and observation work together in the scientific method, where a hypothesis (theory) is tested through experimentation (observation). The results of the experiment can either support or refute the theory, leading to the development of new theories or refining existing ones.

Question 20

Descriptive research
A)is designed to test hypotheses.
B)contributes to expanding a theory.
C)is that which uses an experimental design.
D)is expressed by if-then statements.

Accepted Answer

Descriptive research is not designed to test hypotheses but rather to describe and explore phenomena. It contributes to expanding a theory by providing a detailed and comprehensive picture of a particular phenomenon, which can then inform the development or modification of a theory. Descriptive research does not necessarily use an experimental design, and it does not usually involve if-then statements.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Personality Theory

The word "theory" is most closely associated with

What is the relationship between theory and each of the following terms: (a) philosophy, (b) speculation, (c) hypothesis,and (d) taxonomy?

A theory may be set aside when it

The personalities,cognitive processes,developmental histories,and social experiences of personality theorists help shape their theories.The discipline that deals with these factors is called

List and briefly discuss six criteria for a useful theory.

The basic data of science are

Statements formed in an if-then framework are most likely

The ultimate value of any theory depends on its

Psychologists generally agree that personality

Which statement best characterizes the relationship between a theory and a hypothesis?

The word personality comes from the Latin word "persona",meaning

According to the authors of the text,personality theories

What is the relationship between theory and observation?

A taxonomy is best defined as

Theories are built primarily on

An educated guess that can be scientifically tested is a definition of

What is the proper place of theory within science?

A set of related assumptions from which,by logical deductive reasoning,testable hypotheses can be drawn is

What is the relationship between theory and observation?

Descriptive research