Question 1

An empirical investigation that is structured to answer questions about the world in a systematic and intersubjective fashion is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

Scientific observation is a methodical approach to study the natural world by observing and collecting data in a systematic and objective manner, making it the correct choice for an empirical investigation structured to answer questions about the world.

Question 2

If you are conducting research to determine why people tend to be more aggressive when they are uncomfortable, then you are attempting to meet which goal in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Understanding is the goal of psychology being met in this scenario because the research aims to comprehend the reasons behind a specific behavior (aggressiveness when uncomfortable), rather than merely describing, predicting, or controlling it.

Question 3

Scientific observation is based on the

Accepted Answer

Scientific observation relies on the systematic gathering of empirical evidence, which involves collecting data through observation and experimentation in a structured and objective manner.

Question 4

The goals of psychology are to

Accepted Answer

The primary goals of psychology are to describe, understand, predict, and control behavior, which encompasses a broad range of activities aimed at understanding how and why individuals act in certain ways and applying that knowledge in various contexts.

Question 5

When current knowledge about an individual and his or her environment can be used to accurately forecast behavior at another time or in another setting, which scientific goal has been achieved?

Accepted Answer

Prediction is the scientific goal achieved when current knowledge about an individual and their environment can be used to accurately forecast behavior at another time or in another setting. This involves anticipating future behaviors based on understanding patterns or principles.

Question 6

As scientists, the ultimate goal of psychologists is to

Accepted Answer

Psychologists aim to understand and improve the mental health and well-being of individuals, thereby benefiting humanity. Their work includes research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders, all with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Question 7

John's poor performance in reading was found to be due to visual discrimination problems. This determination of the cause for his poor reading performance illustrates which goal of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Understanding is the goal of psychology that is illustrated by determining the cause of John's poor reading performance as visual discrimination problems. This involves explaining why a behavior occurs.

Question 8

The psychological goal of understanding behavior is achieved when

Accepted Answer

The psychological goal of understanding behavior is achieved when psychologists can explain why a behavioral phenomenon occurs, as this provides insight into the causes and mechanisms behind the behavior.

Question 9

Which goal of psychology involves naming or classifying behaviors and is based on making a detailed record of scientific observations?

Accepted Answer

The goal of describing in psychology involves naming or classifying behaviors based on detailed observations. This foundational step allows psychologists to accumulate knowledge about what behaviors occur.

Question 10

Research on "bystander apathy" reveals that people often fail to help when other possible helpers are nearby due to a "diffusion of responsibility." Explaining this perplexing problem meets which goal of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the reasons behind bystander apathy, such as the diffusion of responsibility, aligns with the goal of understanding why people behave the way they do.

Question 11

When a psychologist uses scientific observation, these observations must

Accepted Answer

Scientific observations must be carefully planned and structured in such a way that they can be confirmed or replicated by other observers, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings.

Question 12

A psychologist who observes a child for a week and writes a report that identifies and classifies the child's behavior is working toward the goal of

Accepted Answer

The psychologist is documenting and categorizing the child's behavior, which aligns with the goal of description. This involves noting what is observed without necessarily explaining why the behavior occurs or influencing it.

Question 13

To find out whether it really is "the thought that counts" when giving a gift, Gino and Flynn asked gift recipients to rate how much they would appreciate getting a gift they requested as opposed to one chosen by the gift giver. According to the empirical evidence gathered, these researchers found that the

Accepted Answer

Recipients were found to be more appreciative of a gift they had requested, according to the empirical evidence gathered by Gino and Flynn.

Question 14

When observations are reliably confirmed by multiple observers, this is referred to as

Accepted Answer

Intersubjective verification means that observations can be reliably confirmed by multiple observers, ensuring that the findings are not subjective to a single individual's perspective but can be universally or broadly agreed upon.

Question 15

As an experimental psychologist, Dr. Gandis utilizes information gained through direct observation and systematic measurement. Dr. Gandis is using

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence is information acquired by observation or experimentation. Dr. Gandis's approach, which involves direct observation and systematic measurement, aligns with the definition of using empirical evidence.

Question 16

When researchers set out to determine why more women attempted suicide but more men succeeded at it, they were attempting to meet which goal in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the reasons behind the gender differences in suicide attempts and successes helps psychologists comprehend the underlying factors and mechanisms, which aligns with the goal of understanding in psychology.

Question 17

Dr. Santel is conducting a study in which she will use five different observers to reliably confirm the observations within her study. Thus, Dr. Santel's scientific observations would be considered

Accepted Answer

Intersubjective verification means that different observers can reliably confirm the same observations, which is what Dr. Santel is aiming for by using five different observers. This ensures that the observations are not subjective to a single observer's perspective but can be consistently verified by others.

Question 18

Information gained from direct observation and measurement defines

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence is information acquired by observation or experimentation. This data is recorded and analyzed by scientists and is a fundamental part of the scientific method.

Question 19

Why questions refer to which of psychology's goals?

Accepted Answer

"Why" questions aim to understand the reasons or causes behind behaviors or phenomena, aligning with psychology's goal of understanding.

Question 20

Gino and Flynn wanted to find out whether people prefer to receive a requested gift, an unrequested gift, or money as a gift. According to the empirical evidence gathered, these researchers found that the gift recipients

Accepted Answer

The answer of Gino and Flynn wanted to find out...

Quiz 1: Psychology, Critical Thinking, and Science