Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three key elements of the scientific attitude in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Curiosity, skepticism, and humility

Question 2

Wilhelm Wundt is best known for which major contribution to psychology?

Accepted Answer

Establishing the first psychology laboratory and studying the 'atoms of the mind'

Question 3

A psychologist is interested in how childhood experiences and unconscious drives influence adult personality. Which psychological perspective is she most likely using?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic

Question 4

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of critical thinking in psychological science?

Accepted Answer

A researcher questions whether a popular theory is supported by evidence and designs an experiment to test it.

Question 5

Which school of thought in psychology focused on breaking down mental processes into their most basic components?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Question 6

John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner are most closely associated with which psychological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorism

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the biopsychosocial approach?

Accepted Answer

An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis

Question 8

A psychologist studies how people from different cultures express emotions but finds that the underlying processes are similar. This finding supports which idea?

Accepted Answer

There are universal psychological processes across cultures

Question 9

Which of the following is a primary focus of evolutionary psychology?

Accepted Answer

How natural selection has shaped behavior and the mind

Question 10

A psychologist is interested in how genes and environment interact to influence intelligence. Which subfield is she most likely working in?

Accepted Answer

Behavior genetics

Question 11

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of humility in scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

A researcher admits when her hypothesis was not supported and revises her theory.

Question 12

Which psychologist is known for pioneering research on memory and becoming the first female president of the American Psychological Association (APA)?

Accepted Answer

Mary Whiton Calkins

Question 13

Which of the following is a goal of positive psychology?

Accepted Answer

To discover and promote strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities thrive

Question 14

A psychologist is studying how people solve problems, remember information, and communicate. Which perspective is she using?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the main difference between basic and applied research in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Basic research increases scientific knowledge; applied research solves practical problems.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of the behavioral perspective in action?

Accepted Answer

A therapist uses rewards to help a client quit smoking.

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the use of the biopsychosocial approach to understanding depression?

Accepted Answer

Considering genetic predispositions, negative thought patterns, and cultural expectations

Question 18

Which of the following statements about culture and psychology is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Culture shapes behavior, but many psychological processes are universal.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the focus of humanistic psychology?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing human growth potential and the need for love and acceptance

Question 20

A psychologist is interested in how peer pressure and media influence teenagers’ decision-making. Which perspective is she most likely using?

Accepted Answer

Social-cultural

Thinking Critically With Psychological Science: Introduction to Psychology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards