Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the principle of 'ruling out rival hypotheses' in scientific thinking?

Accepted Answer

Considering alternative explanations for a research finding before drawing conclusions.

Question 2

A psychologist is studying the effects of a new therapy on anxiety. She ensures that her study can be repeated by other researchers and yield similar results. Which scientific principle is she applying?

Accepted Answer

Replicability

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a metaphysical claim?

Accepted Answer

The existence of an afterlife.

Question 4

A researcher claims that a new herbal supplement improves memory, but refuses to allow independent scientists to review or replicate his findings. Which warning sign of pseudoscience is most evident?

Accepted Answer

Lack of peer review

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference between science and pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Science is open to revision and peer review, while pseudoscience resists change and relies on anecdotal evidence.

Question 6

A person believes that their lucky charm caused them to pass an exam because they had it in their pocket. Which error in thinking does this best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Correlation–causation fallacy

Question 7

Which theoretical framework in psychology is most associated with the use of introspection to identify the basic elements of experience?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Question 8

A psychologist argues that human behaviour is best understood by examining the adaptive purposes of thoughts and feelings. This view is most consistent with which framework?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Question 9

Which of the following is a key danger of pseudoscience, according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

It can lead people to forgo effective treatments, resulting in direct harm.

Question 10

A student claims, 'I know this memory technique works because it worked for me.' Which sign of pseudoscience does this statement best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Overreliance on anecdotes

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'naïve realism'?

Accepted Answer

The belief that we perceive the world exactly as it is.

Question 12

A psychologist is careful to use the simplest explanation that accounts for all the data when interpreting her results. Which principle is she applying?

Accepted Answer

Occam's Razor

Question 13

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'belief perseverance'?

Accepted Answer

Continuing to believe in a claim even after it has been disproven by evidence.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a 'risky prediction' in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis that could easily be proven wrong if the data do not support it.

Question 15

A psychologist is studying the relationship between stress and immune function. She finds that as stress increases, immune function decreases. Which of the following best describes this relationship?

Accepted Answer

Negative correlation: $$ r \u003c 0 $$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the main focus of behaviourism?

Accepted Answer

Uncovering general laws of learning by examining observable behaviour.

Question 17

A researcher claims that a new therapy can cure all mental illnesses, but provides no empirical evidence. According to the principles of scientific thinking, which principle is most relevant when evaluating this claim?

Accepted Answer

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the 'nature-nurture' debate in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Whether behaviour is shaped more by genetic factors or environmental influences.

Question 19

A psychologist is interested in how cultural values influence individual behaviour. Which level of analysis is she primarily using?

Accepted Answer

Social level

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why psychology is considered a more challenging science than some others?

Accepted Answer

Human behaviour is multiply determined and influenced by interrelated factors.

Chapter 1: Psychology and Scientific Thinking – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards