Question 1

Because of the failure of theories of learning, Skinner (1949) suggested that:

Accepted Answer

A)  researchers be more careful when developing theories. 
B)  researchers rely more heavily on analogical theories than on fundamental theories. 
C)  research be guided more by the search for functional relationships than by theory. 
D)  theories are useless.

Question 2

Fundamental theories:

Accepted Answer

A)  do not rely on analogy to explain phenomena. 
B)  propose a new structure that directly relates variables and constants within a system. 
C)  are the highest form of theory. 
D)  All of the answers are correct.

Question 3

Compare and contrast theory, hypothesis, and law. Define each, and mention how they relate to one another.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast theory, hypothesis, and law....

Question 4

A _____ explanation describes an attribute of something in terms of what it does.

Accepted Answer

A)  mechanistic 
B)  functional 
C)  mechanical 
D)  descriptive

Question 5

Fundamental theories are theories that depend on analogy to explain phenomena.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

One of the dangers in using a confirmational strategy is the possibility of affirming the consequence.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Interest in the Hull-Spence theory of learning died because the theory had become too complex.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

Theory A explains a behavior with 10 propositions. Theory B explains the same behavior with 5 propositions. With respect to Theory A, Theory B:

Accepted Answer

A)  has greater explanatory relevance. 
B)  has a narrower scope. 
C)  has greater heuristic value. 
D)  is more parsimonious.

Question 9

Which of the following was listed in your text as a role of theory in science?

Accepted Answer

A)  Increasing publication rates 
B)  Providing a way to predict the behavior of systems 
C)  Validating new dependent variables 
D)  All of the answers are correct.

Question 10

What is the difference between a mechanistic explanation and a functional explanation? Which is better, and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between a mechanistic...

Question 11

A(n) _____ defines the relationships between its variables and constants in a set of mathematical formulas.

Accepted Answer

A)  qualitative theory 
B)  applied general systems theory 
C)  quantitative theory 
D)  associative systems theory

Question 12

Discuss the various roles that theory plays in science. Where applicable, give examples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the various roles that theory plays...

Question 13

With respect to predicting events, a theory:

Accepted Answer

A)  need only predict phenomena within its scope. 
B)  need not predict events within its scope. 
C)  should predict phenomena beyond its original scope as well as those within its scope. 
D)  None of the answers is correct.

Question 14

Strong inference will work only if:

Accepted Answer

A)  a theory is parsimonious. 
B)  alternative explanations give rise to well-defined predictions. 
C)  a theory is capable of being confirmed. 
D)  All of the answers are correct.

Question 15

If you find yourself saying, "Ah, but of course!" with respect to a theory, that theory has explanatory relevance.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Using Darwin's theory to explain the glorious tail plumage of peacocks, which they show off in front of any available peahen during the mating season, is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

A)  sample. 
B)  law. 
C)  model. 
D)  hypothesis.

Question 17

If a theory can account for a phenomenon, no matter what the phenomenon is, then the theory:

Accepted Answer

A)  is probably untestable. 
B)  lacks explanatory relevance. 
C)  has too wide a scope. 
D)  lacks heuristic value.

Question 18

A theory is _____ if it is capable of failing an empirical test.

Accepted Answer

A)  sound 
B)  relevant 
C)  testable 
D)  controvertible

Question 19

Fundamental theories:

Accepted Answer

A)  require and rely heavily on analogy. 
B)  are the lowest form of theory because they do not explain phenomena. 
C)  seek to model an underlying reality that produces the observed relationships among the variables. 
D)  cannot be developed to explain psychological phenomena.

Question 20

A problem with analogical theories is that:

Accepted Answer

A)  analogies are sometimes hard to come by. 
B)  they merely describe phenomena. 
C)  they cannot be adequately tested. 
D)  analogies can be taken only so far before they begin to break down.

Exam 2: Developing and Evaluating Theories of Behavior

Because of the failure of theories of learning, Skinner (1949) suggested that:

Fundamental theories:

Compare and contrast theory, hypothesis, and law. Define each, and mention how they relate to one another.

A _____ explanation describes an attribute of something in terms of what it does.

Fundamental theories are theories that depend on analogy to explain phenomena.

One of the dangers in using a confirmational strategy is the possibility of affirming the consequence.

Interest in the Hull-Spence theory of learning died because the theory had become too complex.

Theory A explains a behavior with 10 propositions. Theory B explains the same behavior with 5 propositions. With respect to Theory A, Theory B:

Which of the following was listed in your text as a role of theory in science?

What is the difference between a mechanistic explanation and a functional explanation? Which is better, and why?

A(n) _____ defines the relationships between its variables and constants in a set of mathematical formulas.

Discuss the various roles that theory plays in science. Where applicable, give examples.

With respect to predicting events, a theory:

Strong inference will work only if:

If you find yourself saying, "Ah, but of course!" with respect to a theory, that theory has explanatory relevance.

Using Darwin's theory to explain the glorious tail plumage of peacocks, which they show off in front of any available peahen during the mating season, is an example of a:

If a theory can account for a phenomenon, no matter what the phenomenon is, then the theory:

A theory is _____ if it is capable of failing an empirical test.

Fundamental theories:

A problem with analogical theories is that: