Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of psychology as a scientific discipline?

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of the mind and behavior, relying on empirical observation.

Question 2

According to philosophical materialism, which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The mind is caused by physical processes in the brain.

Question 3

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the concept of 'tabula rasa' (blank slate) in human development?

Accepted Answer

John Locke

Question 4

A structuralist psychologist would be most interested in which of the following research questions?

Accepted Answer

What specific conscious thoughts occur when a person hears a song?

Question 5

Which of the following is a major limitation of introspection as used in structuralism?

Accepted Answer

It cannot be generalized due to the subjective nature of individual experiences.

Question 6

Functionalism, as developed by William James, was heavily influenced by which scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the main question of psychoanalysis?

Accepted Answer

How do unconscious motives and early childhood experiences influence wellbeing and behavior?

Question 8

Gestalt psychology is best summarized by which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Question 9

Which psychologist is credited with establishing behaviorism as a formal field in psychology?

Accepted Answer

John B. Watson

Question 10

A behaviorist would most likely study which of the following phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Observable responses to specific stimuli.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a main focus of developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

How reinforcement shapes immediate behavior.

Question 12

Social psychology primarily investigates:

Accepted Answer

How individual and group behaviors are influenced by social factors.

Question 13

Which pair of psychologists are considered the founders of humanism?

Accepted Answer

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

Question 14

A cognitive psychologist would be most interested in which of the following research questions?

Accepted Answer

What strategies do people use when problem solving?

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the main focus of evolutionary psychology?

Accepted Answer

How human behavior and mental processes have been shaped by natural selection.

Question 16

Cultural psychology is primarily concerned with:

Accepted Answer

How culture influences human behavior and mental processes.

Question 17

Which of the following research questions would you expect a neuroscientist to ask?

Accepted Answer

How do neurotransmitters influence mood and behavior?

Question 18

Which of the following perspectives is considered less prominent today, but its principles are still used?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorism

Question 19

A psychologist is studying how children learn language and the role of innate structures in this process. Which philosophical debate is most relevant to this research?

Accepted Answer

Empiricism vs. nativism

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of biological preparedness, as studied in evolutionary psychology?

Accepted Answer

A rat quickly learns to avoid a food that made it sick, but does not associate illness with a flashing light.

Foundations and Major Perspectives in Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards