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, what is the relationship between the mind and the body?

Accepted Answer

The mind and human consciousness are caused by physical processes in the brain.

Question 3

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the idea that humans are born as 'blank slates' (tabula rasa)?

Accepted Answer

John Locke

Question 4

Structuralism, as developed by Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener, primarily used which method to study the mind?

Accepted Answer

Introspection: analyzing one’s own conscious experience.

Question 5

Which of the following is a major criticism of structuralism?

Accepted Answer

It relied on subjective reports that could not be generalized.

Question 6

Functionalism, as proposed 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 research questions would a functionalist most likely ask?

Accepted Answer

Why might it be evolutionarily advantageous for humans to feel guilt and shame?

Question 8

Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory emphasizes the influence of which factor on behavior?

Accepted Answer

The unconscious mind and early childhood experiences

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a focus of Freud’s explanation for hysteria-like symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Cultural context

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Question 11

Behaviorism, as established by John B. Watson, focused primarily on which aspect of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Observable behavior and the relationship between stimulus and response

Question 12

Which psychologist is credited with introducing operant conditioning, a learning process where behaviors are shaped by rewards and punishments?

Accepted Answer

B.F. Skinner

Question 13

Developmental psychology is primarily concerned with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

How psychological phenomena change over the lifespan

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT considered a founder of developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

Alfred Adler

Question 15

Social psychology focuses on how individual and group behaviors are influenced by which factors?

Accepted Answer

Social and environmental factors

Question 16

Humanism, as developed by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, emphasizes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Inherent goodness, free will, and the potential for personal growth

Question 17

Cognitive psychology emerged in the 1960s, inspired by advancements in which field?

Accepted Answer

Computer science

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

What strategies do people use when problem solving?

Question 19

Evolutionary psychology focuses on which main question?

Accepted Answer

How and why did common psychological traits and behaviors evolve through natural selection?

Question 20

The biological perspective in psychology is primarily concerned with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The neural mechanisms underlying behavior and mental processes

Introduction to Psychology: Foundations, Perspectives, and Major Schools of Thought

Study Guide - Practice Questions