Question 1

Which of the following best describes the scientific approach in psychology?

Accepted Answer

It is a systematic approach to evidence, designed to keep us from fooling ourselves.

Question 2

A psychologist is studying depression by examining the size and functioning of brain structures related to mood. Which level of analysis is being used?

Accepted Answer

Neurological/physical

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of the confirmation bias?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring evidence that contradicts your hypothesis and only seeking supporting evidence.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is an example of the 'bandwagon fallacy'?

Accepted Answer

Believing a claim is true because many people believe it.

Question 5

A company claims, 'Our new program is proven to reduce social anxiety by at least 50%!' Which warning sign of pseudoscience does this statement best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Talk of 'proof' instead of 'evidence'

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Peer review by independent scholars

Question 7

What is naive realism?

Accepted Answer

The belief that we see the world precisely as it actually is.

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates 'patternicity'?

Accepted Answer

Seeing a face in the clouds when there is none.

Question 9

A researcher claims that their new therapy works because 'Sine-wave filtered auditory stimulation is carefully designed to encourage maximal orbitofrontal dendritic development.' Which warning sign of pseudoscience is most evident?

Accepted Answer

Meaningless 'psychobabble'

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of reciprocal determinism?

Accepted Answer

Two friends influence each other's behavior over time.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes empiricism in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge should initially be acquired through observation.

Question 12

A theory in science is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A well-supported explanation for a wide range of observations.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of an ad hoc immunizing hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Claiming that a psychic's powers failed in the lab because the experimenters inhibited them.

Question 14

Which logical fallacy is illustrated by the statement: 'Other people may have those biases, but not me.'?

Accepted Answer

'Not me' fallacy

Question 15

A woman claims that practicing yoga daily for three weeks cured her depression. Which warning sign of pseudoscience does this best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Overreliance on anecdotes

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential danger of pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Opportunity cost, direct harm, and inability to think scientifically

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of belief perseverance?

Accepted Answer

Continuing to believe in a claim even after being shown strong evidence against it.

Question 18

Which of the following is a metaphysical claim?

Accepted Answer

The existence of an afterlife.

Question 19

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'multiply determined' behavior?

Accepted Answer

Human behavior is produced by many factors.

Question 20

A scientist claims that their findings have not been replicated by any other labs, but they are still confident in their results. Which warning sign of pseudoscience does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Lack of review by other scholars or replication by independent labs

Chapter 1: Psychology and Scientific Thinking – A Framework for Everyday Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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