Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It is a method involving observation, testing, and systematic strategies to answer questions.

Question 2

A psychologist claims that a new therapy reduces anxiety, but does not allow for any way to disprove this claim. Which principle of critical thinking is being violated?

Accepted Answer

Falsifiability

Question 3

After learning the results of a psychological study, a student says, 'I knew that all along!' This is an example of which bias?

Accepted Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an illusory correlation?

Accepted Answer

Believing that more crimes occur during a full moon, despite no evidence supporting this.

Question 5

A business manager only tracks the careers of employees they hired, ignoring those they rejected, and concludes they are excellent at hiring. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Question 6

Which of the following statements about psychology is supported by scientific evidence?

Accepted Answer

Sugar does not cause hyperactivity in children.

Question 7

A researcher claims their new memory pill works, but when others fail to replicate the results, they argue the pill only works for certain types of memory not tested. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Ad hoc immunizing hypothesis

Question 8

Which principle of critical thinking is violated when a claim is made without considering alternative explanations?

Accepted Answer

Ruling out rival hypotheses

Question 9

Why is it problematic to explain complex human behaviors, such as aggression, using only one cause (e.g., video games)?

Accepted Answer

Human behaviors are multiply determined and influenced by many factors.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Continuing to believe in astrology despite scientific evidence to the contrary.

Question 11

A study finds no relationship between weather and arthritis pain, but patients still insist their pain is worse on rainy days. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Illusory correlation

Question 12

Which of the following is a warning sign of pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Lack of self-correction in the face of contrary evidence.

Question 13

A claim that 'venting aggression is useful for reducing anger' is widely believed, but research shows it is not effective. This demonstrates the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Insisting on evidence to evaluate claims.

Question 14

Which principle of critical thinking suggests that if two explanations account equally well for an observation, we should select the simpler one?

Accepted Answer

Occam's Razor

Question 15

A psychologist claims to have discovered a 'proven' breakthrough treatment for depression, but the claim is not supported by peer-reviewed research. Which warning sign of pseudoscience is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated claims

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between a theory and a hypothesis in psychology?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a general explanation; a hypothesis is a testable prediction derived from a theory.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of the confirmation bias in a real-world scenario?

Accepted Answer

A person only reads news articles that support their political beliefs.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a principle of critical thinking in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Accepting claims based on anecdotal evidence.

Question 19

A researcher finds a correlation between two variables, $X$ and $Y$, but cannot determine which causes the other. This illustrates the principle that:

Accepted Answer

Correlation does not imply causation.

Question 20

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'patternicity'?

Accepted Answer

Seeing a face in the clouds and believing it has meaning.

Critical Thinking With Psychological Science: Foundations for Introductory Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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