Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of structuralism in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Examining the structure and characteristics of the mind through introspection.

Question 2

William James is most closely associated with which psychological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Question 3

According to B.F. Skinner, which of the following is the primary driver of behavior?

Accepted Answer

Consequences such as reinforcements and punishments

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of confirmation bias?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring evidence that contradicts your hypothesis while only seeking supporting data.

Question 5

A hypothesis must be falsifiable. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It must be possible to show that it could be false with evidence.

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the scientific method as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

1) Identify a question or problem, 2) Formulate an explanation, 3) Carry out research to support or refute.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

It can block critical thinking and lead to opportunity costs.

Question 8

Which fallacy involves using emotions rather than evidence to evaluate a claim?

Accepted Answer

Emotional reasoning fallacy

Question 9

A student claims, 'Lots of people believe in astrology, so it must be true.' This is an example of which logical fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Bandwagon fallacy

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The tendency to detect meaningful patterns in random stimuli.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains a large number of findings, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction.

Question 12

Which of the following best exemplifies belief perseverance?

Accepted Answer

Continuing to believe a claim even after being presented with strong contradictory evidence.

Question 13

According to terror management theory, why do people often seek comfort in their beliefs?

Accepted Answer

To manage anxiety about death by adopting worldviews that provide meaning and purpose.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a sign of pseudoscience as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Frequent replication of results by independent researchers.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the 'Not Me' fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Believing that other people have biases but you do not.

Question 16

A psychologist is careful to consider their own biases when interpreting data. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Bias awareness

Question 17

Which of the following is a key skill involved in critical thinking as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating claims open-mindedly and carefully.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the approach of behaviorism as founded by John B. Watson?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on observable behavior and how to control it.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis about memory, designing an experiment, and collecting data to test the hypothesis.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the main idea behind cognitivism?

Accepted Answer

Mental processes underlying thinking influence behavior.

Foundations of Psychology: Perspectives, Methods, and Critical Thinking

Study Guide - Practice Questions