Question 1

According to the scientific method after Dr. Haley formulates a hypothesis and designs a study to collect data for her research on childhood obesity, she will next have to

Accepted Answer

After collecting data, Dr. Haley will need to analyze it to arrive at conclusions. This involves statistical analysis and interpretation of the data to determine whether it supports or disproves her hypothesis. Once she has drawn conclusions, she will report the results, but this occurs after data analysis. Obtaining parent permission is important, but it occurs before the research study is conducted. Proving the theory is not the goal of the scientific method, but rather supporting or disproving (rejecting) the hypothesis based on collected data.

Question 2

Devonte is a graduate student in developmental psychology and is preparing to conduct a study on rates of substance abuse among college students. Which step in the scientific method will Devonte need to start with?

Accepted Answer

Devonte will need to start with formulating a specific question that can be tested, which is a crucial step in the scientific method. This question will guide the study design, participant recruitment, data analysis, and conclusion.

Question 3

Kamila is a graduate student who is preparing for a career in which she will examine the relationship between people and work, with the goal of improving employee morale and the efficiency of the companies that she will work for. Kamila is training to become a(n) _____ psychologist.

Accepted Answer

Industrial/organizational psychology focuses on the relationship between employees and their work environment, and aims to improve productivity and morale. This aligns with Kamila's career goals. Clinical psychology involves treating mental health disorders, social psychology focuses on how people interact with each other, and applied psychology can encompass a variety of fields but generally involves using psychological principles to solve real-world problems.

Question 4

Jakel is a psychologist who studies basic topics in psychology, such as learning, memory, sensation, and perception. Dr. Jakel's area of specialization is _____ psychology.

Accepted Answer

Experimental psychology studies basic topics in psychology such as learning, memory, sensation, and perception through empirical research and controlled experiments. Biological psychology focuses more on how biological processes and genetics influence behavior, personality psychology studies the individual differences between people, and clinical psychology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Question 5

_____ psychology focuses on individual differences and the characteristics that make each person unique.

Accepted Answer

Personality psychology is concerned with the study of the unique characteristics of individuals and the differences between people in terms of personality traits, characteristics, and patterns of behavior. This includes understanding how personality develops, how it influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how it can be measured and assessed using various methods and techniques. Educational psychology focuses on understanding how people learn and develop over time, while social psychology focuses on how people interact with others and how social factors influence behavior. Cross-cultural psychology examines the similarities and differences in psychological processes across different cultures and societies.

Question 6

A hypothesis is a(n):

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative statement that describes the relationship between two or more variables. It is an educated guess or prediction about what will happen in a study or experiment. It serves as a starting point for further investigation and can be supported or rejected through data analysis.

Question 7

All psychologists who do research:

Accepted Answer

Psychologists who do research use the scientific method, which involves testing theories through data collection and analysis. Therefore, they are considered scientists.

Question 8

Walter, a student in Grade 5, received counseling and an assessment from a professional who also consulted with his parents, teachers, and other educators. This professional is MOST likely a _____ psychologist.

Accepted Answer

The professional who assessed Walter and consulted with his parents and teachers is most likely a school psychologist. School psychologists work within educational settings to provide counseling and assessments to students, as well as consultation and support to educators and families. Health psychologists focus on the relationship between physical and mental health, forensic psychologists work within legal settings, and rehabilitation psychologists work with individuals who have physical or cognitive disabilities.

Question 9

Professor Anderson is interested in how family relationships change over time. During the last two decades, he has kept track of and repeatedly surveyed the same group of 3,000 participants about changes in their relationship with their parents and siblings. Professor Anderson is MOST likely a _____ psychologist.

Accepted Answer

Professor Anderson's focus on how family relationships change over time and his use of longitudinal research involving the same group of participants over multiple years suggests that he is a developmental psychologist, who studies how people develop and change throughout their lifespan.

Question 10

A researcher sets out to test the following statement: "Adolescents are more likely to start smoking if one or both of their parents smoke." This statement is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The statement is a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through empirical research, which is the definition of a hypothesis.

Question 11

Psychologists are guided by the basic scientific assumption that events are lawful. What does this mean to psychologists?

Accepted Answer

The basic scientific assumption that events are lawful means that psychologists assume that behavior and mental processes follow consistent patterns, which can be studied and understood through scientific methods. This assumption is fundamental to the scientific approach to psychology, as it allows researchers to make predictions and test hypotheses about behavior and mental processes. It does not refer to obedience to the law or the concept of lawful behavior.

Question 12

Psychologists assume that:

Accepted Answer

Psychologists believe that behavior and mental processes have a cause or causes, and that these can be studied scientifically. This assumption is fundamental to the field of psychology and guides research and practice. The other options (B, C, and D) are not accurate assumptions made by psychologists.

Question 13

Empirical evidence refers to evidence that is the result of:

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence is based on objective observation, measurement, and experimentation. It is rooted in the scientific method, which involves systematic observation, measurement, and testing to arrive at conclusions that can be replicated and verified by others. Intuition, philosophy, and opinion are not considered empirical evidence because they cannot be objectively measured or tested. While logic and critical thinking are important tools in interpreting empirical evidence, they are not themselves empirical evidence.

Question 14

Like other scientists, psychologists are guided by the assumption that:

Accepted Answer

Psychologists, like other scientists, operate under the assumption that events are lawful and ultimately explainable. This assumption allows psychologists to search for patterns and regularities in human behavior and mental processes, and to make predictions based on these patterns.

Question 15

When researchers create questions to investigate, generate evidence, and draw conclusions, they are guided by a set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures called:

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is the set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that guide researchers in creating questions, generating evidence, and drawing conclusions. It is a systematic approach to investigation that prioritizes objectivity, empirical evidence, and logical reasoning. Ethical guidelines are also important for research, but they are not the primary set of principles that guide the scientific process. Guesses and hunches and pseudoscientific assumptions are not part of the scientific method, as they are not based on empirical evidence or logical reasoning.

Question 16

Psychologists who counsel students, perform assessments, who help teachers, school administrators, and parents understand how children learn and develop are known as _____ psychologists.

Accepted Answer

School psychologists specialize in understanding and addressing the social, emotional, and academic needs of students in educational settings. They work with teachers, parents, and administrators to help create safe and supportive learning environments for students, and they also perform assessments to diagnose and treat learning and behavior problems. Experimental psychologists focus on conducting research to understand basic psychological processes, personality psychologists study individual differences in behavior and personality, and cognitive psychologists specialize in understanding mental processes such as thinking, perception, and memory.

Question 17

Which of the following titles would MOST likely be found in a research journal for social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Social psychology focuses on how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. The title "How the presence of other people affects helping behavior in public situations" directly relates to this field, as it examines the impact of social context on individual behavior.

Question 18

Dalpiez uses research findings to educate his undergraduate students about diverse areas of psychology, including sports psychology, media psychology, forensic psychology, and rehabilitation psychology. Dr. Dalpiez teaches _____ psychology.

Accepted Answer

Dr. Dalpiez is teaching applied psychology, which involves using psychological principles and theories to solve real-world problems in various areas such as sports, media, forensic, and rehabilitation psychology. Applied psychology is different from clinical, counseling, or social psychology, which have their own focus areas and applications.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

While it is important that scientific findings can be applied to solve human problems, this is not considered a step in the scientific method. The scientific method involves formulating a question, designing a study, collecting data, and analyzing data to draw conclusions.

Question 20

Nelson studies the psychological factors that seem to be associated with the development of heart disease. Dr. Nelson specializes in ______ psychology.

Accepted Answer

The specific focus of Dr. Nelson's studies suggests that he specializes in health psychology, which examines the relationship between psychological factors and physical health, including the development of diseases such as heart disease. The other options are unrelated to this focus.

Quiz 1: Section 2: Introduction and Research Methods