Question 1

The research showing that people who are in a good mood are more likely to help also:

Accepted Answer

A)  provides strong support for the claim that people are fundamentally altruistic. 
B)  suggests that helping is a positive experience all people want to have. 
C)  implies that helping depends on another variable and is not completely altruistic. 
D)  supports the evolutionary basis of altruism. 
A)  provides strong support for the claim that people are fundamentally altruistic. 
B)  suggests that helping is a positive experience all people want to have. 
C)  implies that helping depends on another variable and is not completely altruistic. 
D)  supports the evolutionary basis of altruism. C

Question 2

The issue of whether a person should help another person is MOST likely to be discussed from a _____ perspective.

Accepted Answer

A)  psychological 
B)  philosophical 
C)  biopsychological 
D)  developmental 
A)  psychological 
B)  philosophical 
C)  biopsychological 
D)  developmental B

Question 3

A researcher who tests whether people are more likely to help if they are alone versus in a group is MOST likely to be a:

Accepted Answer

A)  social psychologist. 
B)  developmental psychologist. 
C)  biopsychologist. 
D)  cognitive psychologist. 
A)  social psychologist. 
B)  developmental psychologist. 
C)  biopsychologist. 
D)  cognitive psychologist. A

Question 4

Which term does not go together with the other three terms?

Accepted Answer

A)  Either-or thinking 
B)  False dichotomy 
C)  Black-and-white thinking 
D)  Circular reasoning 
A)  Either-or thinking 
B)  False dichotomy 
C)  Black-and-white thinking 
D)  Circular reasoning

Question 5

Which is the BEST conclusion to be drawn from the literature review on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish?

Accepted Answer

A)  It cannot be concluded that people are basically altruistic because some high-quality studies have found that people help others out of genuine empathy. 
B)  The bulk of the research shows that people are basically altruistic and suggests that people rarely help others for selfish reasons, such as to avoid guilt or distress from not helping. 
C)  It cannot be concluded that people are basically altruistic because helping often depends on getting a reward, avoiding guilt, learning to be unselfish, and observing others help. 
D)  The bulk of the research shows that people are basically selfish and suggests that people always help others for selfish reasons. 
A)  It cannot be concluded that people are basically altruistic because some high-quality studies have found that people help others out of genuine empathy. 
B)  The bulk of the research shows that people are basically altruistic and suggests that people rarely help others for selfish reasons, such as to avoid guilt or distress from not helping. 
C)  It cannot be concluded that people are basically altruistic because helping often depends on getting a reward, avoiding guilt, learning to be unselfish, and observing others help. 
D)  The bulk of the research shows that people are basically selfish and suggests that people always help others for selfish reasons.

Question 6

The text discusses whether people are basically selfish or unselfish. The psychologist Dennis Krebs objected to this kind of approach in which the question is posed in terms of whether people are either altruistic or egoistic. The objection is that there are other possibilities besides these two and that this approach is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A)  illusory correlation. 
B)  black-and-white thinking. 
C)  confirmation bias. 
D)  circular reasoning. 
A)  illusory correlation. 
B)  black-and-white thinking. 
C)  confirmation bias. 
D)  circular reasoning.

Question 7

Which example from the text offers the MOST clear and consistent support for the claim that people are basically altruistic?

Accepted Answer

A)  Abraham Lincoln stopped a carriage to save pigs in the mud. 
B)  Lenny Skutnik helped air crash victims in the icy Potomac River. 
C)  Kitty Genovese was a victim of assault in New York City. 
D)  Ayn Rand was a philosopher who wrote about altruism. 
A)  Abraham Lincoln stopped a carriage to save pigs in the mud. 
B)  Lenny Skutnik helped air crash victims in the icy Potomac River. 
C)  Kitty Genovese was a victim of assault in New York City. 
D)  Ayn Rand was a philosopher who wrote about altruism.

Question 8

Explain how taking different perspectives on a complex question can lead to a better understanding and critical analysis of a question and reduce the impact of thinking errors. Use examples from the chapter's discussion of the question of whether people are basically selfish or unselfish to illustrate what different perspectives have to offer.

Accepted Answer

Taking different perspectives on a compl

Question 9

The question "Is selfishness beneficial or harmful?" is a:

Accepted Answer

A)  critical question. 
B)  values question. 
C)  rhetorical question. 
D)  descriptive question. 
A)  critical question. 
B)  values question. 
C)  rhetorical question. 
D)  descriptive question.

Question 10

Darley and Latané (1968) conducted a study in which participants were randomly assigned to one group who thought they were the only ones who could provide help and to another group who thought other people had heard a plea for help. The evidence the researchers provided was:

Accepted Answer

A)  rather weak evidence because the study was not done on ordinary people. 
B)  rather strong evidence because the study was a true experiment. 
C)  not especially strong evidence because it was a survey research study. 
D)  weak because the study was inspired by the anecdote of Kitty Genovese. 
A)  rather weak evidence because the study was not done on ordinary people. 
B)  rather strong evidence because the study was a true experiment. 
C)  not especially strong evidence because it was a survey research study. 
D)  weak because the study was inspired by the anecdote of Kitty Genovese.

Question 11

The chapter discussion on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish is divided into different sections. The sections contain evidence on each side of the question. To draw a well-reasoned conclusion from the entire passage, the critical thinker must evaluate

Accepted Answer

A)  the quality and quantity of evidence supporting each side in each section and then generalize from this analysis. 
B)  the arguments versus non-arguments in the overall discussion and then deduce the strongest conclusion. 
C)  how good are the arguments and counterarguments made in the discussion. 
D)  the perspectives that provide different information to decide which perspective leads to the most reasonable conclusion. 
A)  the quality and quantity of evidence supporting each side in each section and then generalize from this analysis. 
B)  the arguments versus non-arguments in the overall discussion and then deduce the strongest conclusion. 
C)  how good are the arguments and counterarguments made in the discussion. 
D)  the perspectives that provide different information to decide which perspective leads to the most reasonable conclusion.

Question 12

Apply your knowledge of research on helping to analyze the behavior and motives of Tim, the individual described below, to determine whether he is behaving altruistically or selfishly. Give reasons to explain Tim's behavior and motivation based on the critical reading discussion and other information in the chapter.
Tim attended a meeting of a campus social group that sponsored charity events to help under-privileged children. The chair of the group described a new event that was intended to help poor children buy school supplies for the school year. When Tim saw pictures of some of the children with tattered clothing who often went to school hungry, he thought, "That is so sad. I have so much and never had to worry about that. I will definitely contribute." When the chair asked for volunteers to help distribute the supplies, Tim thought, "I'm really busy. I don't know if I can spare the time-anyway, other people will volunteer." When Tim looked around the room, no hands were going up. Then he saw Jontel, a cute girl from his psychology class, also looking around the room. Tim raised his hand to volunteer.

Accepted Answer

Tim seems to have an individual differen

Question 13

The research evidence for reciprocal altruism provides support for the claim that:

Accepted Answer

A)  individuals are willing to help if they can ultimately receive something in return. 
B)  altruism has an evolutionary basis such that a person is more likely to help kin. 
C)  altruism is primarily a psychological phenomenon, rather than a biological phenomenon. 
D)  research has no bearing on cross-cultural findings related to the basis to altruism. 
A)  individuals are willing to help if they can ultimately receive something in return. 
B)  altruism has an evolutionary basis such that a person is more likely to help kin. 
C)  altruism is primarily a psychological phenomenon, rather than a biological phenomenon. 
D)  research has no bearing on cross-cultural findings related to the basis to altruism.

Question 14

Hoffman (1981) and others have argued that empathy is an innate or biologically prepared trait in people. This view was supported by research showing that infants will spontaneously begin to cry when another baby is in distress. This is most consistent with the view that people are:

Accepted Answer

A)  altruistic. 
B)  basically selfish. 
C)  helpful when a reward for helping is available. 
D)  antisocial. 
A)  altruistic. 
B)  basically selfish. 
C)  helpful when a reward for helping is available. 
D)  antisocial.

Question 15

Consistent with the research by Romer, Gruder, and Lizardo (1986), which statement is the BEST inductive conclusion that can be drawn from the discussion of whether people are basically selfish?

Accepted Answer

A)  People are almost always altruistic except under unusual circumstances. 
B)  People show individual differences in helping, with some helping only if they get something in return. 
C)  People cannot be classified as selfish or unselfish, and the willingness to help depends only on whether they are promised some kind of reward. 
D)  Selfish people may get an intrinsic reward for helping, but would not help if provided with an external reward. 
A)  People are almost always altruistic except under unusual circumstances. 
B)  People show individual differences in helping, with some helping only if they get something in return. 
C)  People cannot be classified as selfish or unselfish, and the willingness to help depends only on whether they are promised some kind of reward. 
D)  Selfish people may get an intrinsic reward for helping, but would not help if provided with an external reward.

Question 16

The chapter discussion on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish is divided into different sections such as "The Biological Basis of Altruism" and "Social Psychological Research on Empathy and Altruism." This organization of the discussion is MOST closely related to:

Accepted Answer

A)  recognizing the quantity of evidence used in the discussion. 
B)  the arguments versus non-arguments in the discussion. 
C)  evaluating arguments and counterarguments in the discussion. 
D)  the perspectives taken in the discussion. 
A)  recognizing the quantity of evidence used in the discussion. 
B)  the arguments versus non-arguments in the discussion. 
C)  evaluating arguments and counterarguments in the discussion. 
D)  the perspectives taken in the discussion.

Question 17

Suppose someone says, "Everyone knows that there is safety in numbers, so a person is more likely to be helped when there are more people around to help." A person saying this is using a:

Accepted Answer

A)  rumor to support an incorrect conclusion. 
B)  personal experience to support a correct conclusion. 
C)  statement of an authority to support a wrong conclusion. 
D)  commonsense belief to support a psychological misconception. 
A)  rumor to support an incorrect conclusion. 
B)  personal experience to support a correct conclusion. 
C)  statement of an authority to support a wrong conclusion. 
D)  commonsense belief to support a psychological misconception.

Question 18

Darley and Latané conducted research on the bystander effect and the diffusion of responsibility. The real-world implication of the study results is that if a person needs help and there are lots of people around, the person:

Accepted Answer

A)  is more likely to get help than if just one or two people are available to help. 
B)  should expect that at least one person in the group will help, but probably more will help. 
C)  should identify one specific person from the group and ask that individual for help. 
D)  should ask all the people in a large group to help, not directing a plea to anyone in particular. 
A)  is more likely to get help than if just one or two people are available to help. 
B)  should expect that at least one person in the group will help, but probably more will help. 
C)  should identify one specific person from the group and ask that individual for help. 
D)  should ask all the people in a large group to help, not directing a plea to anyone in particular.

Question 19

Charles Darwin developed his creative theory of evolution by combining the:

Accepted Answer

A)  methods of experimental biology with what was known in chemistry. 
B)  viewpoints of three of his main teachers. 
C)  results of laboratory research on natural selection with field studies. 
D)  perspectives offered by economics, geology, and natural history (biology). 
A)  methods of experimental biology with what was known in chemistry. 
B)  viewpoints of three of his main teachers. 
C)  results of laboratory research on natural selection with field studies. 
D)  perspectives offered by economics, geology, and natural history (biology).

Question 20

Philosophers and religious authorities have often argued that people should help others in need. How is this statement reflected in the approach taken by most psychological researchers studying helping?

Accepted Answer

A)  Psychologists usually take a descriptive approach rather than a values-question approach and focus on the study of helping behavior. 
B)  Psychologists agree with the value of helping, study it, and recommend it in their research reports. 
C)  Psychologists usually consider helping behavior in terms of whether it is right for people to help others in a situation. 
D)  Psychologists agree with a values approach, in that helping is always good, and conduct surveys to quantify instances of helping. 
A)  Psychologists usually take a descriptive approach rather than a values-question approach and focus on the study of helping behavior. 
B)  Psychologists agree with the value of helping, study it, and recommend it in their research reports. 
C)  Psychologists usually consider helping behavior in terms of whether it is right for people to help others in a situation. 
D)  Psychologists agree with a values approach, in that helping is always good, and conduct surveys to quantify instances of helping.

The research showing that people who are in a good mood are more likely to help also:

The issue of whether a person should help another person is MOST likely to be discussed from a _____ perspective.

A researcher who tests whether people are more likely to help if they are alone versus in a group is MOST likely to be a:

Which term does not go together with the other three terms?

Which is the BEST conclusion to be drawn from the literature review on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish?

Which example from the text offers the MOST clear and consistent support for the claim that people are basically altruistic?

The question "Is selfishness beneficial or harmful?" is a:

Darley and Latané (1968) conducted a study in which participants were randomly assigned to one group who thought they were the only ones who could provide help and to another group who thought other people had heard a plea for help. The evidence the researchers provided was:

The chapter discussion on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish is divided into different sections. The sections contain evidence on each side of the question. To draw a well-reasoned conclusion from the entire passage, the critical thinker must evaluate

The research evidence for reciprocal altruism provides support for the claim that:

Hoffman (1981) and others have argued that empathy is an innate or biologically prepared trait in people. This view was supported by research showing that infants will spontaneously begin to cry when another baby is in distress. This is most consistent with the view that people are:

Consistent with the research by Romer, Gruder, and Lizardo (1986), which statement is the BEST inductive conclusion that can be drawn from the discussion of whether people are basically selfish?

The chapter discussion on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish is divided into different sections such as "The Biological Basis of Altruism" and "Social Psychological Research on Empathy and Altruism." This organization of the discussion is MOST closely related to:

Suppose someone says, "Everyone knows that there is safety in numbers, so a person is more likely to be helped when there are more people around to help." A person saying this is using a:

Darley and Latané conducted research on the bystander effect and the diffusion of responsibility. The real-world implication of the study results is that if a person needs help and there are lots of people around, the person:

Charles Darwin developed his creative theory of evolution by combining the:

Philosophers and religious authorities have often argued that people should help others in need. How is this statement reflected in the approach taken by most psychological researchers studying helping?

Introduction to Critical Thinking in Psychology and Everyday Life

Deductive Reasoning, Prediction, and Making Assumptions

Inductive Reasoning in Psychology and Everyday Life

Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning

Pseudoscience, Science, and Evidence-Based Practice

Errors in Attention, Perception, and Memory That Affect Thinking

Can the Mind Leave the Body the Mindbrain Problem

Critical Thinking and the Internet

Emotion, Motivated Reasoning, and Critical Thinking

Judgment, Decision Making, and Types of Thinking

Superstition, Magic, Science, and Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking in Clinical Reasoning and Diagnosis

Language, Writing, and Critical Thinking

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Exam 10: Critically Analyzing a Psychological Question: Are People Basically Selfish

The research showing that people who are in a good mood are more likely to help also:

The issue of whether a person should help another person is MOST likely to be discussed from a _____ perspective.

A researcher who tests whether people are more likely to help if they are alone versus in a group is MOST likely to be a:

Which term does not go together with the other three terms?

Which is the BEST conclusion to be drawn from the literature review on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish?

Which example from the text offers the MOST clear and consistent support for the claim that people are basically altruistic?

The question "Is selfishness beneficial or harmful?" is a:

Darley and Latané (1968) conducted a study in which participants were randomly assigned to one group who thought they were the only ones who could provide help and to another group who thought other people had heard a plea for help. The evidence the researchers provided was:

The chapter discussion on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish is divided into different sections. The sections contain evidence on each side of the question. To draw a well-reasoned conclusion from the entire passage, the critical thinker must evaluate

The research evidence for reciprocal altruism provides support for the claim that:

Hoffman (1981) and others have argued that empathy is an innate or biologically prepared trait in people. This view was supported by research showing that infants will spontaneously begin to cry when another baby is in distress. This is most consistent with the view that people are:

Consistent with the research by Romer, Gruder, and Lizardo (1986), which statement is the BEST inductive conclusion that can be drawn from the discussion of whether people are basically selfish?

The chapter discussion on whether people are basically selfish or unselfish is divided into different sections such as "The Biological Basis of Altruism" and "Social Psychological Research on Empathy and Altruism." This organization of the discussion is MOST closely related to:

Suppose someone says, "Everyone knows that there is safety in numbers, so a person is more likely to be helped when there are more people around to help." A person saying this is using a:

Darley and Latané conducted research on the bystander effect and the diffusion of responsibility. The real-world implication of the study results is that if a person needs help and there are lots of people around, the person:

Charles Darwin developed his creative theory of evolution by combining the:

Philosophers and religious authorities have often argued that people should help others in need. How is this statement reflected in the approach taken by most psychological researchers studying helping?

Introduction to Critical Thinking in Psychology and Everyday Life

Deductive Reasoning, Prediction, and Making Assumptions

Inductive Reasoning in Psychology and Everyday Life

Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning

Pseudoscience, Science, and Evidence-Based Practice

Errors in Attention, Perception, and Memory That Affect Thinking

Can the Mind Leave the Body the Mindbrain Problem

Critical Thinking and the Internet

Emotion, Motivated Reasoning, and Critical Thinking

Judgment, Decision Making, and Types of Thinking

Superstition, Magic, Science, and Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking in Clinical Reasoning and Diagnosis

Language, Writing, and Critical Thinking

Filters