Question 1

Which of the following best describes the scientific method as used in psychology?

Accepted Answer

A systematic approach involving observation, measurement, and experimentation to understand human behaviour.

Question 2

A psychologist is interested in how childhood experiences influence adult decision-making. Which key goal of psychology does this research most directly address?

Accepted Answer

Explaining how past experiences influence current thoughts and actions.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a falsifiable hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

People become less likely to help a stranger if there are others around.

Question 4

A theory in psychology must be supported by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Repeatedly tested and confirmed scientific observations.

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the biopsychosocial model?

Accepted Answer

A person’s eating behaviour is influenced by hormones, memories of food, and cultural traditions.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of scientific literacy in psychology?

Accepted Answer

To understand, analyze, and apply scientific information critically.

Question 7

A student is preparing for an exam by studying for one long session the night before. According to research on massed vs. distributed learning, what is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

They will retain less information compared to studying over several days.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of critical thinking in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating evidence and considering alternative explanations for a claim.

Question 9

Which principle states that the simplest explanation is preferred when interpreting psychological phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Parsimony Principle

Question 10

A psychologist is testing whether exercise improves memory. Which step of the scientific method is being demonstrated when they predict that 'exercise will lead to better memory performance'?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Question 11

Which of the following best distinguishes a theory from a hypothesis in psychology?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains a broad range of observations; a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction.

Question 12

Which of the following is a key characteristic of scientific measurement in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Question 13

A researcher wants to ensure that their findings can be applied to other situations and populations. Which concept are they most concerned with?

Accepted Answer

Generalization

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a pseudo-scientific principle?

Accepted Answer

Astrology predicts personality traits based on birth date.

Question 15

According to the scientific method, what should happen if the results of an experiment do not support the original hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis should be modified or discarded.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the value of considering multiple explanations in psychology?

Accepted Answer

It allows psychologists to avoid premature conclusions and consider all possible causes.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world application of distributed learning?

Accepted Answer

Students who study material over several days perform better on exams than those who cram in one session.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a key component of the scientific literacy model?

Accepted Answer

Accepting information without questioning its source.

Foundations of Psychology: Science, Methods, and Origins

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards