Question 1

Which of the following best describes the scientific study of psychology?

Accepted Answer

The study of the mind, brain, and behaviour using scientific methods.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of 'naive realism'?

Accepted Answer

Believing the earth is flat because it appears flat to us.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of the five main challenges in psychology?

Accepted Answer

All psychological influences are independent of each other.

Question 4

A student believes that 'opposites attract' because it seems true in their experience. Which psychological bias does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Question 5

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains just one event.

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the principle of 'reciprocal determinism'?

Accepted Answer

A person's behaviour influences their friends, and their friends' behaviour influences them.

Question 7

Which of the following is a key feature of scientific skepticism?

Accepted Answer

Insisting on evidence before accepting a claim.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of belief perseverance?

Accepted Answer

Continuing to believe a myth even after being shown scientific evidence against it.

Question 9

Which of the following best distinguishes psychological pseudoscience from psychological science?

Accepted Answer

Pseudoscience lacks rigorous evidence and does not use scientific methods.

Question 10

A researcher proposes that 'sleep improves memory performance.' In scientific terms, this statement is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of applying the 'levels of analysis' in psychology to understand a behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Explaining anxiety by examining brain chemistry, thought patterns, and social relationships.

Question 12

Which of the following is a reason why people are drawn to pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

It offers simple explanations for complex phenomena.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between a theory and a hypothesis in psychology?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains a wide range of findings; a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of the 'emic' approach in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Studying a culture from the perspective of someone within that culture.

Question 15

A student reads that 'two heads are better than one' and accepts it as true without evidence. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Relying on common sense rather than scientific thinking.

Question 16

Which of the following best illustrates the importance of science as a safeguard against biases?

Accepted Answer

Science requires evidence and systematic testing, reducing the influence of personal biases.

Introduction to Psychology: Scientific Thinking and Foundations

Study Guide - Practice Questions