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

John Locke’s theory of knowledge acquisition is best summarized by which phrase?

Accepted Answer

Tabula rasa – humans are born as blank slates.

Question 4

Which of the following research questions would a structuralist most likely investigate?

Accepted Answer

What specific conscious thoughts occur when a person tastes chocolate?

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Question 6

Which limitation is most associated with the structuralist approach to psychology?

Accepted Answer

It relied on subjective introspection, making results difficult to generalize.

Question 7

Which of the following statements best describes psychoanalytic theory?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the influence of the unconscious on mental processes.

Question 8

Behaviorism became the dominant approach in psychology during which time period?

Accepted Answer

1920 – 1950

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

John B. Watson

Question 10

A developmental psychologist is most likely to study which of the following?

Accepted Answer

How psychological phenomena change over the lifespan.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a main goal of psychology as a field?

Accepted Answer

To precisely predict people’s behavior and reactions.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the main research question of social psychology?

Accepted Answer

How does the social environment influence the thoughts and behavior of individuals?

Question 13

Which pair of psychologists are considered the founders of humanism?

Accepted Answer

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

Question 14

Which of the following research questions would a cognitive psychologist most likely ask?

Accepted Answer

What strategies do people use when problem solving?

Question 15

Which of the following is a criticism a cognitive psychologist might make about behaviorism?

Accepted Answer

By focusing entirely on behavior, we are limiting ourselves because most psychological phenomena happen in the mind.

Question 16

Which field of psychology focuses on how human behavior and mental processes have been shaped by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the main research question of cultural psychology?

Accepted Answer

How does culture influence behavior and psychological processes?

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

How do neurotransmitters influence mood and behavior?

Question 19

Which of the following is a key limitation of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory?

Accepted Answer

It lacks empirical support and is difficult to test scientifically.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Introduction to Psychology: Foundations, Major Perspectives, and Historical Development

Study Guide - Practice Questions