Deck 1: The Science of Psychology

Question 1

What makes psychology a scientific discipline?

A) its discounting of tradition and folklore
B) its focus on testing theories
C) its reliance on popular opinion
D) its emphasis on mental, as opposed to behavioral, processes
E) its valuing of scholarly opinions over laboratory tests

Answer 1

its focus on testing theories

Question 2

Regarding functionalism,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) William James contributed to both psychology and philosophy.
B) William James did not use the technique of introspection.
C) Compared to structuralism,functionalism focuses on the 'why' of behavior.
D) The functionalists believed that people develop habits because the habits help them adapt to the demands of living.
E) William James believed that conscious experience could not be parceled into discrete units.

Answer 2

William James did not use the technique of introspection.

Question 3

Psychology is generally defined as:

A) The science of observable behavior and thoughts.
B) The science of behavior.
C) The science of mental processes.
D) The science of behavior and mental processes.
E) The art of behavior and mental processes.

Answer 3

The science of behavior and mental processes.

Question 4

The word 'psychology' comes from two Greek roots that mean

A) knowledge and mind.
B) emotion and mind.
C) emotion and spirit.
D) mind and emotion
E) knowledge and spirit.

Question 5

Who is generally recognized as the founder of American psychology?

A)Hall
B)James
C)Wundt
D)Freud
E)Watson

Question 6

Which of the following is the most complete definition of psychology?

A) The science of observable behavior and thoughts
B) The science of behavior
C) The science of mental processes
D) The science of behavior and mental processes
E) The art of behavior and mental processes

Question 7

Your psychology professor asks a student volunteer to concentrate on eating an apple and then describe the individual elements of that experience.Your professor is demonstrating the technique of _______,which is a technique used by investigators of ________.

A) stream of consciousness; functionalism
B) introspection; structuralism
C) introspection; Gestalt
D) introspection; humanism
E) stream of consciousness; structuralism

Question 8

Psychology made the transition from philosophy to science with which event?

A) William James changed the field's focus from structuralism to functionalism.
B) Plato died and interest in the philosophical aspects of psychology died with him.
C) G.Stanley Hall founded the American Psychological Association.
D) Titchener brought methods of introspection to the U.S.
E) Wundt opened his laboratory in Leipzig.

Question 9

The concept of behavior in the definition of psychology incorporates ALL but which of the following?

A) thinking
B) dreaming
C) quiet reading
D) making yourself a sandwich
E) secretion of insulin by the pancreas

Question 10

Which of the following does NOT belong?

A) Mental structures
B) Structuralism
C) Introspection
D) Functionalism
E) Wundt and Titchener

Question 11

Psychology is best described as a science that studies

A) the role of the mind in explaining behavior.
B) how the mind controls our behavior.
C) observable behavior only.
D) mental processes only.
E) behavior and mental processes.

Question 12

The behaviorist emphasis on observable events as the focus of inquiry can be traced to which philosopher?

A) Socrates
B) Plato
C) Aristotle
D) Rosseau
E) Confucius

Question 13

Wundt is to ______ as James is to ______.

A) structuralism; Gestalt
B) structuralism; functionalism
C) behaviorism; Gestalt
D) behaviorism; functionalism
E) functionalism; psychoanalysis

Question 14

In researching a report on John Watson,which of the following search terms would yield the best results?

A) Mind
B) Feeling
C) Consciousness
D) Thinking
E) Behavior

Question 15

The founder of behaviorism was

A) Watson.
B) Skinner.
C) James.
D) Pavlov.
E) Freud.

Question 16

Which of the following early pioneers of psychology was a poor student and was required to repeat a grade?

A) Fechner
B) von Helmholtz
C) James
D) Wundt
E) Titchener

Question 17

Psychology is a scientific discipline in that it focuses on

A) the pursuit of truth,not simply opinion.
B) testing opinions and assumptions in the light of evidence.
C) systematically building theories to explain phenomena.
D) behavioral,as opposed to mental,processes.
E) accumulated wisdom of scholars.

Question 18

As scientists,psychologists have confidence in theories that

A) have stood the test of time.
B) reveal the true nature of human behavior.
C) are accepted by the majority of leading scholars.
D) are tied to observable evidence.
E) do not rely simply on observation.

Question 19

All but which of the following are cognitive factors that influence behavior?

A) the value placed on different objects in the environment
B) rewards and punishments
C) the value placed on different personal goals
D) expectancies about the rewards of particular behaviors
E) expectancies about the possible punishments associated with particular behaviors

Question 20

Which term best captures the meaning of the word 'gestalt'?

A) Unconscious
B) Introspection
C) Pattern
D) Observation
E) Feeling

Question 21

An emphasis on the unconscious and early childhood experience characterizes which school of psychology?

A) Behaviorism
B) Structuralism
C) Empiricism
D) Psychodynamic
E) Humanism

Question 22

Regarding behaviorism,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) Watson believed that,with control of their environments,he could shape infants to be any kind of adult.
B) B.F.Skinner conducted most of his research with humans.
C) In the early 20ᵗʰ century,behaviorism was the dominant force in psychology.
D) B.F.Skinner presented ideas and techniques for rewarding and punishing behavior.
E) Behaviorists rejected introspection as a research method.

Question 23

Which of the following mental health professionals is most likely a behavior therapist?

A) Dr.Angelo helps clients learn techniques for changing maladaptive thoughts.
B) Dr.Barney uses techniques based on learning principles to help clients alter maladaptive patterns of action.
C) Dr.Childers helps her clients uncover unconscious motives and desires.
D) Dr.Diaz prescribes drugs for his patients that suffer from anxiety disorders.
E) Dr.Evans helps her patients understand how their culture influences their maladaptive behaviors.

Question 24

Which theorists are associated with humanistic psychology?

A) John B.Watson and B.F.Skinner
B) Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener
C) William James and Charles Darwin
D) Max Wertheimer and Sigmund Freud
E) Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

Question 25

In the psychodynamic view,the _____ is an area of the mind that lies beyond the reach of ordinary consciousness.

A) preconscious
B) subconscious
C) conscience
D) personal conscious
E) unconscious

Question 26

The Gestalt school of psychology was founded by_________.

A) Wundt
B) Kafka
C) Kohler
D) Darwin
E) Wertheimer

Question 27

Humanistic psychologists stress all of the following EXCEPT

A) individuals' abilities to make meaning and purpose in their lives.
B) self-awareness and free will.
C) unconscious forces.
D) being true to oneself.
E) becoming an authentic person.

Question 28

An extension of the behavioral perspective that incorporates the study of mental processes is termed ________.

A) social-cognitive theory
B) evolutionary psychology
C) Gestalt psychology
D) humanism
E) neuropsychology

Question 29

All of the following would be exhibited by neo-Freudians EXCEPT

A) reduced emphasis on sexual and aggressive urges.
B) increased emphasis on the unconscious.
C) increased emphasis on self-awareness.
D) increased emphasis on self-direction.
E) increased emphasis on conscious choice.

Question 30

The "third force" in psychology is more formally known as

A) social-cognitive theory.
B) humanistic psychology.
C) the psychodynamic perspective.
D) evolutionary psychology.
E) the physiological perspective.

Question 31

Your dog is demonstrating some unacceptable behavior.You are able to go back in time to talk to one of the pioneers of psychology.Who would be the best choice to help with your problem?

A) Sigmund Freud
B) Wilhelm Wundt
C) Edward Titchener
D) William James
E) B.F.Skinner

Question 32

Which of the following pioneers of psychology was a therapist?

A) Wundt
B) Skinner
C) James
D) Watson
E) Freud

Question 33

A strong belief that the environment molds the behavior of humans and other animals is characteristic of which school of psychology?

A) Psychodynamic
B) Behaviorist
C) Structuralist
D) Gestalt
E) Humanist

Question 34

Animal trainer Bob Jeffers uses rewards to teach his animals to perform circus tricks.Jeffers's techniques are based on principles from which school of psychology?

A) Behaviorism
B) Structuralism
C) Psychodynamic
D) Functionalism
E) Humanism

Question 35

Regarding the psychodynamic perspective,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) This perspective remains a dynamic force in psychology today.
B) Compared to Freud,neo-Freudians place less emphasis on basic drives.
C) Psychodynamic principles and ideas are found in our popular culture.
D) Today,only people formally trained in Freudian psychology endorse the belief that psychological problems may be rooted in childhood.
E) This perspective focuses on the inner life of fantasies,wishes,dreams,and motives.

Question 36

The major proponent of behaviorism for much of the 20ᵗʰ century was

A) Watson.
B) Skinner.
C) James.
D) Wertheimer.
E) Freud.

Question 37

Dr.Spires talks with some students before psychology class begins.Spires says,"I believe that mental experience is best understood as a whole,rather than in terms of its parts." Her students recognize that Spires describes which school of thought?

A) Gestalt
B) Humanism
C) Psychodynamic
D) Structuralism
E) Functionalism

Question 38

The approach that studies the relationships between biological processes and behavior is termed

A) cognitive-behavioral therapy.
B) Gestalt psychology.
C) structuralism.
D) introspection.
E) physiological psychology.

Question 39

A movement with modern psychology that applies principles from Darwin's theories is called

A) humanistic psychology.
B) evolutionary psychology.
C) cognitive psychology.
D) behavioral psychology.
E) sociocultural psychology.

Question 40

Your friend asks if there is any evidence that ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)might be due to abnormal brain structures.You might suggest that she take a course in

A) cognitive psychology.
B) physiological psychology.
C) personality psychology.
D) evolutionary psychology.
E) geropsychology.

Question 41

A researcher adhering to the psychodynamic perspective would likely believe that depression

A) represents anger turned inward.
B) stems from a sense of purposelessness.
C) is influenced by genetic factors.
D) is more common among certain groups because of social stresses more prevalent in those groups.
E) can be treated through changes in reinforcement patterns.

Question 42

Which of the following psychologists is most likely to study how humans process information?

A) Dr.Alvarez,a behaviorist
B) Dr.Benitez,a humanist
C) Dr.Carlson,a cognitive psychologist
D) Dr.Dimitri,a neo-Freudian
E) Dr.Elrod,a physiological psychologist

Question 43

Cognitive psychologists would be interested in all of the following EXCEPT

A) concept formation.
B) language processes.
C) problem solving.
D) decision-making.
E) instincts.

Question 44

Which subspecialty represents the largest group of psychologists?

A) Industrial/organizational
B) Clinical
C) Counseling
D) School
E) Experimental

Question 45

Which of the following is the newest movement in contemporary psychology?

A) Cognitive psychology
B) Positive psychology
C) Sociocultural psychology
D) Humanistic psychology
E) Social-cognitive psychology

Question 46

As a humanist,Dr.Randall is most likely interested in all but which of the following questions?

A) How do people select and pursue goals that are meaningful?
B) Is depression related to threats to one's self-image?
C) Does food provide special meaning to obese people?
D) Can a lack of purpose influence a person's depression?
E) How do aggressive people direct the unconscious impulses?

Question 47

Which perspective in psychology would suggest that depression is related to changes in brain chemistry?

A) Psychodynamic
B) Physiological
C) Cognitive
D) Humanistic
E) Behavioral

Question 48

A humanist would give which explanation for aggression?

A) Brain abnormalities explain violent behavior in some people.
B) Social conditions give rise to drug use that,in turn,causes aggressive behavior.
C) Aggression results from unconscious impulses.
D) Aggression increases when people become frustrated by not being able to meet their goals.
E) Aggression is learned through observing others and through reinforcement.

Question 49

______ is a growing movement in psychology directed toward studies of human experience such as hope,happiness,and altruism.

A) Positive psychology
B) Neo-Behaviorism
C) Eclecticism
D) Evolutionary psychology
E) Sociocultural psychology

Question 50

A(n)______ approach is one that draws on theories and principles representing different perspectives.

A) neo-Freudian
B) sociocultural
C) evolutionary
D) social-cognitive
E) eclectic

Question 51

Which perspective is most responsible for bringing issues relating to diversity to the forefront of psychological research?

A) Cognitive
B) Behaviorism
C) Psychodynamic
D) Sociocultural
E) Humanistic

Question 52

Dr.von Waldner conducts research on depression.His hypothesis is that depression results from maladaptive thought patterns.From which perspective is von Waldner working?

A) Cognitive
B) Humanistic
C) Psychodynamic
D) Sociocultural
E) Physiological

Question 53

Regarding the major contemporary perspectives in psychology,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) The behavioral perspective focuses on observable actions and the influences of learning processes in behavior.
B) The humanistic perspective emphasizes the importance of subjective conscious experience and personal responsibility and freedom.
C) The physiological perspective examines how behavior and mental experience is shaped by biological processes and the workings of the brain and nervous system.
D) The sociocultural perspective focuses on mental processes that allow us to gain knowledge about ourselves and the world.
E) The psychodynamic perspective suggests that our psychology is shaped by unconscious motives and conflicts outside the range of ordinary awareness.

Question 54

Most psychologists

A) teach at colleges and universities.
B) work for business and industry.
C) work for the government.
D) engage in laboratory research.
E) provide psychological services.

Question 55

A researcher adhering to the behavioral perspective would likely believe that

A) unhealthy eating habits might lead to obesity.
B) aggression results when people are blocked from pursuing their goals.
C) depression is related to changes in brain chemistry.
D) depression is linked to social stresses like poverty.
E) aggression is related to unconscious impulses.

Question 56

Dr.Sears gives a lecture on positive psychology.Which psychologist's work will she be most likely to highlight in her lecture?

A) Abraham Maslow
B) William James
C) Martin Seligman
D) John B.Watson
E) Carl Rogers

Question 57

What is the most common doctoral degree awarded in the field of psychology?

A) Ph.D.
B) Psy.D.
C) M.A.
D) Ed.D.
E) B.A.

Question 58

You eavesdrop as a group of psychologists eats lunch together.After reading the first chapter in your psychology textbook,you can correctly identify which psychologist as a behaviorist?

A) Dr.Tsui says,"I'm excited about my new research project.I'll be studying how creativity helps people solve problems."
B) Dr.Lightman says,"I believe that early learning experiences have shaped my actions as an adult."
C) Dr.Melfi says,"I have a client who has a lot of unresolved unconscious conflicts with his mother.I think we'll be working together a long time."
D) Dr.Fraser says,"Looking back at my life at midlife,I recognize how my goals have given me a sense of meaning."
E) Dr.Reeves says,"I'm delivering my favorite lecture today - the role of heredity in language development."

Question 59

Dr.Holder is a psychologist working from the sociocultural perspective. In her research,which variable is Dr.Holder LEAST likely to study?

A) Income level
B) Individual personality differences
C) Gender
D) Disability status
E) Sexual orientation

Question 60

Which of the following statements would be made by a humanist?

A) Unhealthy eating habits lead to obesity.
B) Aggression results when people are blocked from pursuing their goals.
C) Depression is related to changes in brain chemistry.
D) Aggression is related to unconscious impulses.
E) Obesity is best understood in its cultural context.

Question 61

The American Psychological Association was founded in which year?

A) 1875
B) 1923
C) 1909
D) 1971
E) 1892

Question 62

Which type of psychologist would evaluate whether overcrowding in urban areas is associated with increased violent crimes?

A) Evolutionary
B) Consumer
C) Environmental
D) Clinical
E) Personality

Question 63

Dr.Burlington works with Ivy University's basketball team where he helps the athletes handle competitive pressures.He is also conducting a study to determine the most important factors influencing athletic performance anxiety.Burlington is probably a(n)______ psychologist.

A) personality
B) sport
C) clinical
D) educational
E) applied athletic

Question 64

The work of ______ psychologists often overlaps with the work of psychiatrists.

A) experimental
B) clinical
C) developmental
D) educational
E) counseling

Question 65

A developmental psychologist would most likely

A) study the psychological crises people experience at different ages.
B) conduct research to determine if a high school graduation test predicts success in college.
C) study how prejudice develops.
D) design a program to help people avoid risky sexual behaviors.
E) administer tests to children to determine their eligibility for gifted education programs.

Question 66

______ psychologists have worked to identify the cluster of psychological characteristics and behaviors that distinguish people.

A) Educational
B) Personality
C) Experimental
D) School
E) Developmental

Question 67

Dr.Greenberg is an industrial/organizational psychologist.In his job at Acme Corporation,he is likely to work on all but which of the following tasks?

A) Use psychological tests to determine the fit between a job applicant's abilities and available positions in the company
B) Identify leadership qualities that are most effective in increasing worker productivity
C) Examine ways to make computer systems easier to use
D) Conduct a survey to determine employees' job satisfaction
E) Conduct a survey to determine which consumers are most likely to buy Acme's products

Question 68

An industrial/organizational psychologist would typically

A) testify at a trial in which the defendant's sanity was in question.
B) make suggestions to a manager regarding employee morale.
C) administer a cognitive abilities test to a teenager.
D) be interested in the structure and measurement of personality.
E) conduct research to determine how to help people quit smoking.

Question 69

Anna works for Federal Motors Corporation in the Human Factors Division.Her job is to identify ways in which engineers can design the instrumentation of the onboard navigational system to be easiest for their customers to use.Anna is most likely which type of psychologist?

A) Consumer
B) Industrial/organizational
C) Environmental
D) Clinical
E) Geropsychologist

Question 70

_____ psychologists study the relationship between psychological factors and the prevention and treatment of physical illness.

A) Consumer
B) Clinical
C) Educational
D) Developmental
E) Health

Question 71

According to the text,all but which of the following are emerging specialty areas in psychology?

A) sport psychology
B) geropsychology
C) consumer
D) forensic psychology
E) neuropsychology

Question 72

Which type of psychologist might administer an intelligence test to your 12-year-old child to determine if he or she should be in special education classes?

A) school
B) educational
C) counseling
D) clinical
E) personality

Question 73

A school psychologist would be most likely to

A) help teachers develop new instructional techniques.
B) study how groups affect individuals.
C) administer an intelligence test to a twelve-year-old child.
D) make suggestions as to how managers could improve employee morale.
E) investigate the relationship between childhood obesity and self-esteem.

Question 74

Dr.Fiennes,a psychological researcher,studies the biological bases of memory problems in the elderly using animal research subjects.Fiennes is a(n)______ psychologist.

A) comparative
B) biological
C) environmental
D) health
E) physiological

Question 75

Dr.Vickers just took a position as an educational psychologist with the Blackstone School System.Of the following tasks,which is Vickers LEAST likely to do in this position?

A) Develop a test to measure students' academic potential.
B) Train teachers in the use of a new instructional method.
C) Administer intelligence tests to students.
D) Develop a new instructional method for use in the classroom.
E) Conduct research on student motivation.

Question 76

Developmental psychologists study which aspects of development across the lifespan?

A) Physical and cognitive
B) Social and personality
C) Physical,personality,and cognitive
D) Social,cognitive,and physical
E) Physical,social,cognitive,and personality

Question 77

Graduate student Felicity Farraday has just completed her dissertation entitled,"The role of observational learning in the development of prejudice." What is Farraday's likely major in college?

A) Health psychology
B) Environmental psychology
C) Experimental psychology
D) Developmental psychology
E) Social psychology

Question 78

Regarding training to work in the field of psychology,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) The primary difference between the Ph.D.and the Psy.D.is that the Psy.D.focuses more on practitioner skills than on research skills.
B) Those who pursue doctorate level work in schools of education typically earn a Doctorate in Education,or Ed.D.
C) A dissertation requires the completion of an original research project.
D) The Bachelor's degree is recognized as the entry-level degree for professional work in some specialty areas like school psychology and industrial/organizational psychology.
E) The Doctor of Philosophy is the most common doctoral degree.

Question 79

Dr. Jameson’s research question is, “What MSC: of music will put people in the mood to purchase more products?” Dr. Jameson is most likely a(n) ________ psychologist.

A) industrial-organizational
B) physiological
C) environmental
D) consumer
E) business

Question 80

Caroline Sherry is a counseling psychologist.Which of the following is she LEAST likely to see as a client?

A) Mr.Andrew has depression.
B) Mr.and Mrs.Babette have marital problems.
C) Ms.Conchetta,a college student,is confused about choosing a college major.
D) Mr.Drew is a non-traditional student having difficulties adjusting to college after being unemployed.
E) Ms.Evans and her teenage daughter have communication problems.