Question 1

Dr. Baker designs an experiment for studying lab rats' reaction to energy drinks in relation to problem solving. Dr. Baker is most interested in the goal of

Accepted Answer

A)   description.
B)   explanation.
C)   prediction.
D)   control. A

Question 2

In an experiment, a researcher manipulates one variable to see how it affects a second variable. The manipulated variable is called the __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   dependent variable
B)   control variable
C)   independent variable
D)   hypothetical variable C

Question 3

The school of behaviorism attempted to explain behavior by studying:

Accepted Answer

A)   the reasons people give for their behaviors.
B)   the specific personality traits that lead to behavior.
C)   how a specific stimulus evokes a specific response.
D)   the purposes of people's behavior. C

Question 4

After more than a year in Iranian prisons, 52 American hostages were released by Iran's revolutionary government and allowed to return to the United States. Of the following professionals,___________ psychologists would probably have LEAST professional interest in that event.

Accepted Answer

A)   counseling
B)   clinical
C)   social
D)   experimental

Question 5

The goals of psychology are to _______.

Accepted Answer

A)   explore the conscious and unconscious functions of the human mind
B)   understand, compare, and analyze human behavior
C)   improve psychological well-being in all individuals from birth until death
D)   describe, explain, predict, and control behavior

Question 6

Critical thinking requires making judgments that are well reasoned and well thought out.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

The class is playing a game of Jeopardy! and it is your turn. "I'll take Pioneers in Psychology for $50." The revealed answer is "Focused on unconscious influences on behavior." Just before the buzzer sounds, what will you say?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Who is B. F. Skinner?"
B)   "Who are the humanists?"
C)   "Who is Sigmund Freud?"
D)   "Who are the behaviorists?"

Question 8

The emerging field of brain imagery in cognitive neuroscience has developed methods, such as MRI, to examine ________.

Accepted Answer

A)   images of the living brain
B)   biopsies of the brain of a cadaver
C)   select biopsied portions of a brain
D)   acute time of death in stroke patients

Question 9

Which of the following would indicate the weakest relationship and thus be close to complete randomness?

Accepted Answer

A)   +1.04
B)   −0.89
C)   +0.01
D)   −0.98

Question 10

What is the best analogy for Wundt's and Titchener's mission for psychology?

Accepted Answer

A)   a chart listing the basic chemical elements
B)   a list of the courses required for graduation
C)   a list of the types of clothing sold at a retail outlet
D)   a computer program for word processing a term paper

Question 11

John Watson was a behaviorist who argued that the science of psychology must concern itself only with

Accepted Answer

A)   experiences as whole units.
B)   observable events.
C)   unconscious mental processes.
D)   early childhood experiences.

Question 12

A correlation coefficient represents two things: ________and ________.

Accepted Answer

A)   a representative sample; strength
B)   strength; direction of the relationship
C)   the experimental group; control group
D)   direction of the relationship; expectant functionality

Question 13

Random assignment is when each participant is assigned alphabetically to each condition.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Forming a hypothesis is the second step in a scientific investigation. This step is derived from two goals of psychology-description and ________.

Accepted Answer

A)   control
B)   explanation
C)   predicting
D)   changing

Question 15

In the definition of psychology, the term behavior means

Accepted Answer

A)   internal, covert processes.
B)   outward behavior.
C)   overt actions and reactions.
D)   only animal behavior.

Question 16

In the late 20th century, psychology __________.

Accepted Answer

A)   expanded dramatically
B)   stagnated
C)   contracted slightly
D)   contracted dramatically

Question 17

Compare and contrast two early perspectives of psychology. Be sure to include comparisons of founders, methods, and philosophies.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast two early perspectives of...

Question 18

B. F. Skinner is most closely associated with which school of psychology?

Accepted Answer

A)   cognitive
B)   humanistic
C)   functionalism
D)   behaviorism

Question 19

Freud said phobias were ________whereas Watson said phobias were ________.

Accepted Answer

A)   learned; inherited
B)   repressed conflicts; learned
C)   sexual; unconscious
D)   conditioned; unconditioned

Question 20

"There is no life outside this solar system and nothing you can say will change that fact!" Which criterion of critical thinking does this person lack?

Accepted Answer

A)   Evidence is only necessary if it can be tested.
B)   All evidence is not equal in quality.
C)   Authority or expertise does not make the claims of the authority or expert true.
D)   Critical thinking requires an open mind.

Exam 1: The Science of Psychology