Question 1

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the idea that knowledge is innate and preexisting, and that we 'think about thinking'?

Accepted Answer

Plato

Question 2

Which of the following best describes empiricism as it relates to psychology?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge comes from sensory experience and observation.

Question 3

Wilhelm Wundt is considered the 'father of psychology' because he:

Accepted Answer

Established the first psychology laboratory and emphasized measured observations and experiments.

Question 4

Which school of thought in psychology focused on the structure of the mind and used introspection as a primary method?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Question 5

William James is best known for which contribution to psychology?

Accepted Answer

Founding functionalism, which studies how mental and behavioral processes help organisms adapt and survive.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of hindsight bias?

Accepted Answer

Believing you could have predicted the outcome of a football game after it has ended.

Question 7

A researcher wants to test if listening to rock music increases aggression in freshmen. Which of the following is the best operational definition for 'aggression' in this study?

Accepted Answer

Getting referrals for aggressive behavior.

Question 8

In an experiment, the group that receives the treatment is called the:

Accepted Answer

Experimental group

Question 9

Which research method involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 10

What is the main advantage of using a double-blind procedure in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

It separates the treatment's actual effects from the placebo effect.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

An educated guess that can be tested.

Question 12

A psychologist wants to study the effects of video game playing on academic performance. She randomly assigns students to play video games or not, then measures their grades. What is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not students play video games

Question 13

Which of the following is a weakness of using surveys in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Participants may not answer truthfully.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the placebo effect is true?

Accepted Answer

It results from participants' expectations alone.

Question 15

Which of the following best distinguishes psychology from psychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Psychology is a social science, while psychiatry is a medical field focused on treating mental disorders with medicine.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a case study?

Accepted Answer

Observing a single patient with a rare psychological disorder in depth.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between a theory and a law in science?

Accepted Answer

A theory is generally accepted as true, while a law is absolute, universal, and always true.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of using the scientific method in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis, conducting research, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.

Question 19

A psychologist wants to know if flashcards improve test scores. She hypothesizes: 'If students study with flashcards, then their grades will improve.' What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The students' grades

Question 20

Which of the following best describes rationalism?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge is gained through intellectual and deductive reasoning.

Foundations and Methods of Psychological Science: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards