Question 1

The four goals of scientific research on behavior are to:

Accepted Answer

A) describe, prescribe, eliminate, and undermine behavior. 
B) describe, predict, explain, and determine the causes of behavior. 
C) describe, analyze, eliminate, and determine the effects of behavior. 
D) describe, understand, explain, and modify behavior.

Question 2

Determining the cause of behavior is an important goal of behavioral science because:

Accepted Answer

A) behavior cannot be altered unless the cause is known. 
B) predicting behavior necessitates a need to know the exact cause of the behavior. 
C) without knowing the cause of a specific behavior, there is always the risk of generating an erroneous description. 
D) it adds to the credibility of the scientist involved in behavioral research.

Question 3

Identify the first thing to be asked to a person who claims to be a scientist before accepting what he or she has to say.

Accepted Answer

A) Credentials of the individual 
B) Researcher's funding source 
C) Reputation of the institution represented by the individual 
D) Methods of study used by the researcher

Question 4

Which of the following is an important consideration that people in all organizations too often fail to remember when new ideas are implemented?

Accepted Answer

A) Social scientists should evaluate each program to determine if it is having its intended effect and if it is not, alternative programs should be tried. 
B) Scientists should have strong ethical principles and be committed to treating those who participate in research investigations with respect and dignity. 
C) Legislators who control the budgets of research-granting agencies of the government have demanded that research be directly relevant to specific social issues. 
D) Both basic and applied research are important, and neither can be considered superior to the other.

Question 5

Many people readily accept anything they learn from religious figures or government officials because of their belief in _____.

Accepted Answer

A) skepticism 
B) authority 
C) pseudoscience 
D) empiricism

Question 6

Which characteristic of scientific inquiry emphasizes that if an idea is falsified when it is tested, science is thereby advanced because this result will spur the development of new and better ideas?

Accepted Answer

A) Data play a central role. 
B) Scientists are not alone. 
C) Science is adversarial. 
D) Scientific evidence is peer reviewed.

Question 7

Accepting the information in a professor's lecture without considering the credibility of the information exemplifies a belief in _____.

Accepted Answer

A) intuition 
B) authority 
C) scientific evidence 
D) skepticism

Question 8

Prediction of behavior involves:

Accepted Answer

A) providing an objective set of rules for gathering, evaluating, and reporting information on behavior. 
B) regular observation of a specific behavior to ensure that two events are systematically related to one another. 
C) explaining the events that have been previously described. 
D) understanding the reason behind the occurrence of certain types of behavior.

Question 9

In the context of the goals of behavioral research, the statement "People eat more when they are alone than when they are with friends" exemplifies _____ behavior.

Accepted Answer

A) describing 
B) predicting 
C) explaining 
D) understanding

Question 10

Which of the following is the final goal of behavioral science?

Accepted Answer

A) Determining the causes of behavior 
B) Predicting behavior 
C) Explaining behavior 
D) Describing behavior

Question 11

According to Cook and Campbell, what are the three types of evidence used to identify the cause of a behavior?

Accepted Answer

A) Temporal precedence, covariation of cause and effect, and alternative explanations 
B) Alternative explanations, positive linear relationship, and construct validity 
C) Internal consistency reliability, item-total correlation, and covariation of cause and effect 
D) Facilitated communication, alternate forms reliability, and falsifiability

Question 12

Dr. Roussel conducts research to determine whether or not an after-school program improves school performance in fifth-grade children. Dr. Roussel is most likely engaged in _____.

Accepted Answer

A) basic research 
B) theoretical research 
C) performance appraisal 
D) program evaluation

Question 13

Kenneth knows that when Jeremy drinks alcohol, he becomes very talkative. This identification of a cause of behavior exemplifies:

Accepted Answer

A) temporal precedence. 
B) covariation of cause and effect. 
C) elimination of alternative explanations. 
D) observational analysis.

Question 14

The distinction between basic research and applied research is that basic research:

Accepted Answer

A) relies on the fundamental sciences such as chemistry or biology, whereas applied research relies on the social sciences such as psychology or sociology. 
B) relies on the social sciences such as psychology or sociology, whereas applied research relies on the fundamental sciences such as chemistry or biology. 
C) focuses on fundamental questions, often of a theoretical nature, whereas applied research focuses on identifying and resolving practical problems. 
D) focuses on identifying and resolving practical problems, whereas applied research focuses on fundamental questions, often of a theoretical nature.

Question 15

Administrators at the county's juvenile hall have implemented a reward program to decrease disruptive behavior during meal times. The scientific approach would primarily dictate that the program:

Accepted Answer

A) covers theoretical issues concerning social behavior. 
B) be thoroughly assessed to measure the intended result. 
C) integrates theoretical concepts to eliminate ambiguity. 
D) discusses the immediate practical implications and poses new questions.

Question 16

Which of the following has influenced U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to juvenile crime?

Accepted Answer

A) Behavioral research on human development 
B) Statistical research on judicial decisions 
C) Research undertaken by mental health professionals 
D) Research undertaken by educators in various fields

Question 17

Which of the following goals of science is the most important for changing behavior?

Accepted Answer

A) Description 
B) Prediction 
C) Determination of cause 
D) Explanation

Question 18

Isaac has decided to purchase several copies of a new children's book because he has a feeling that the availability of this book will be scarce in the future. Which of the following best explains Isaac's behavior?

Accepted Answer

A) Authority 
B) Skepticism 
C) Intuition 
D) Empirical evidence

Question 19

Sharon wishes to identify the food items that are purchased most frequently in the student cafeteria, and, for the purpose, she observes the students' purchasing patterns. This scenario exemplifies the goal of science to:

Accepted Answer

A) describe behavior 
B) predict behavior 
C) determine the cause of behavior 
D) explain behavior

Question 20

Of the four goals of behavioral science, description of behavior involves:

Accepted Answer

A) careful observation of things that are observable such as eye gaze and running speed. 
B) regular observation of a specific behavior to ensure that two events are systematically related to one another. 
C) explaining the events that have been previously described. 
D) understanding the reason behind the occurrence of certain types of behavior.

Exam 1: Scientific Understanding of Behavior