Deck 1: A: Psychology As Science: Thinking Like a Researcher

Question 1

List and describe three characteristics of a good scientist.

Answer 1

Scientists,whether in the field of psychology or in other disciplines,share certain core characteristics.These include (but are not limited to): skepticism - the tendency to ask questions about claims in an effort to seek the truth;open-mindedness - a willingness to pursue a deeper understanding about the nature of the world regardless of whether a topic or idea is unpopular or controversial;objectivity - basing claims on scientific data rather than on personal beliefs or opinions,even on topics with which one has extensive familiarity or experience;empiricism - the willingness to test ideas using the scientific method (systematic observation,experience,or measurement)to draw conclusions and admit when personal beliefs are unsupported;creativity - the ability to "think outside the box" and design novel approaches to answer scientific questions;and communication - the ability to share findings in writing or oral presentations with other scientists in an effort to extend the collective of knowledge and serve the common good.

Question 2

Mark wonders whether he should pursue a degree in psychology.Help him see the merit in this major by describing three career skills that he will acquire by studying research methods and the discipline of psychology.

Answer 2

Psychologists gain a number of skills,including research methods skills that can facilitate future career success.These include (but are not limited to): project management skills - the ability to plan,organize,and execute complex tasks;problem solving skills - the ability to identify,define,and effectively implement solutions to potential problems;critical thinking skills - the ability to actively evaluate,analyze,and synthesize information;analytical skills - the ability to summarize and make sense of potential findings;interpretation of numerical information - the ability to draw conclusions from numerical data;and communication skills - the ability to present findings through clear,direct,and succinct writing.

Question 3

In talking with her friends,Fabiana realizes that many college-aged students still believe in the existence of Santa Claus.Although few think he is a rosy-cheeked,bearded character who goes down chimneys,many do believe that he exists in spirit,instilling a sense of "Christmas cheer" and goodwill during the holiday season.Use you understanding of belief perseverance to explain why adults may still believe in Santa Claus.

Answer 3

Belief perseverance is the tendency to maintain a belief despite encountering contradictory information.Beliefs remain intact by interpreting information in a way that does not invalidate the original belief.In the case of Santa Claus,this belief is often one associated with important,cherished memories of one's childhood and family.Accordingly,it is not one that is easily dismissed,even in the face of evidence that Santa Claus does not exist.Rather,people alter their perceptions in a way that maintains the belief in Santa Claus,while incorporating enough of the truth that they remain in touch with socially acceptable perceptions (and some semblance of reality).

Question 4

Tavris and Aronson (2007)believe that "science is a form of arrogance control." Use what you learned in this chapter to provide support for their claim.

Question 5

Compare and contrast the availability heuristic and the representativeness heuristic.