Which of the following goals of psychology is correctly matched with an example?
A) Description - A research assistant records the number of aggressive acts children display during a 15-minute recess period.
B) Prediction - A sports psychologist determines whether increased testosterone produces increased aggression among student athletes.
C) Explanation - A team of educators develops a program to decrease aggression among schoolchildren.
D) Control - A researcher assesses whether adults are more likely to feel depressed when they have experienced recent major losses than when they have not.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The goal of description in psychology is to accurately and objectively describe observable behaviors and mental processes. Recording the number of aggressive acts is an example of describing behavior.

Answer: B
 The goal of prediction in psychology is to identify patterns and make predictions about future behavior or events based on those patterns. Studying the relationship between testosterone and aggression allows for predictions to be made about how changes in testosterone levels might affect aggression in student athletes.

Answer: C
 The goal of explanation in psychology is to understand the causes and underlying mechanisms of behavior and mental processes. Developing a program to decrease aggression involves understanding what factors contribute to aggression and how to counteract them.

Answer: D
 The goal of control in psychology is to manipulate or change behavior or conditions to bring about positive outcomes. Assessing whether major losses lead to depression is a step towards controlling depression by identifying risk factors and triggers. However, this example is not the best match as it focuses on understanding a relationship rather than directly manipulating behavior or conditions.

Which of the Following Goals of Psychology Is Correctly Matched