Question 1

In order to test causal hypotheses, the researcher must use ____.
A) case studies
B) experiments
C) naturalistic studies
D) correlational studies

Accepted Answer

Experiments are the best choice for testing causal hypotheses because they allow manipulation of the independent variable and control of extraneous variables to determine if changes in the independent variable cause changes in the dependent variable. Correlational studies can only determine if there is a relationship between variables, but not if one causes the other. Case studies and naturalistic studies are descriptive in nature and cannot provide evidence for causality.

Question 2

Which progression represents the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?
A) Define and describe the issue, form a hypothesis, choose a research strategy, conduct a study, analyze the data
B) Conduct a study, analyze the data, form a hypothesis, publish conclusions, obtain feedback
C) Choose a research strategy, determine desired results, conduct a study, form a hypothesis, analyze data
D) Develop a theory, conduct an experiment to test the theory, analyze data, publish data

Accepted Answer

The correct sequence of steps in the scientific method is to first define and describe the issue, then form a hypothesis, choose a research strategy, conduct a study, and finally analyze the data. This sequence allows for a systematic and logical approach to conducting scientific research. Option B is incorrect as forming a hypothesis before conducting a study can lead to bias in analyzing the data. Option C is incorrect as simply choosing a research strategy and determining desired results does not include the critical step of forming a hypothesis. Option D is incorrect as developing a theory is a separate process that comes before conducting experiments to test the theory.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly lists the four goals of psychology?
A) Observe, interpret, correlate, replicate
B) Monitor, survey, associate, experiment
C) Describe, predict, explain, control
D) Extract, inventory, analyze, change

Accepted Answer

The four goals of psychology are to describe behavior (what is happening), predict behavior (when will it happen), explain behavior (why does it happen), and control or change behavior (how can it be changed). Choice C is the only option that correctly lists these four goals.

Question 4

Psychology is considered a science because it ____.
A) relies on technology to conduct research
B) uses a set of rules to gather and analyze information
C) has generated a series of proven theories
D) conducts laboratory and basic research studies

Accepted Answer

Psychology uses a set of rules, principles, and methodologies to gather and analyze information, which is a key characteristic of scientific inquiry. While technology may be used in psychological research, it is not necessary for the field to be considered a science. Likewise, while psychology has generated a series of theories, this alone does not make it a science. Finally, while laboratory and basic research studies are commonly conducted in psychology, the use of these methods alone is not sufficient for the field to be considered a science.

Question 5

Dr. Lowrey is testing the hypothesis that the more educated a person is, the more money he or she will earn. Dr. Lowrey is testing a ____ hypothesis
A) true
B) causal
C) predictive
D) factual

Accepted Answer

Dr. Lowrey is testing a predictive hypothesis, which means he is trying to determine if there is a relationship between two variables (education level and income) and whether one can predict the other. The hypothesis is not necessarily true or factual, nor is it necessarily suggesting that one variable causes the other.

Question 6

Which goal of psychology underlies a sports psychologist's efforts to help people change their behavior?
A) Description
B) Prediction
C) Explanation
D) Control

Accepted Answer

The goal of control is all about helping people change their behavior, so it is the goal that underlies a sports psychologist's efforts to help athletes improve their performance.

Question 7

Dr. Masood is conducting an experiment in which she is testing the effect of video game playing on the ability to think creatively. One group of children plays video games for two hours a day in a week, another group of similar children plays video games for a total of two hours in a week, and a third group of children do not play video games at all. All three groups of children then take a test measuring their creativity. The hypothesis that Dr. Masood is testing is best described as a ____ hypothesis.
A) predictive
B) control
C) causal
D) behavioral

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis that Dr. Masood is testing is exploring the relationship between video game playing and creativity, with the aim of determining whether playing video games causes a change in creative thinking ability. It is thus a causal hypothesis, as it is seeking to establish whether one variable (video game playing) causes changes in another variable (creative thinking ability). The other answer options, such as predictive or control, do not fully capture the nature of the hypothesis being tested in this experiment.

Question 8

Psychologists usually attempt to determine whether or not data support a hypothesis through the use of ____.
A) intuition
B) statistics
C) reason
D) polygraphs

Accepted Answer

Psychologists rely on statistical analysis to test whether their data provide support for their hypotheses. This involves using mathematical calculations to determine the probability that the results occurred by chance or whether they are likely the result of a real effect. This helps them to make informed decisions about the significance of their findings.

Question 9

Which statement illustrates a causal hypothesis?
A) Students who get more sleep do better on tests.
B) The amount of alcohol consumed will influence the ability to walk a straight line.
C) There is a relationship between the number of hot dogs people eat and their rate of cancer.
D) Shorter men tend to have higher incomes than taller men.

Accepted Answer

A causal hypothesis suggests that one variable directly affects another. In choice B, it is suggested that the amount of alcohol consumed directly influences the ability to walk a straight line, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 10

A hypothesis is ____.
A) a statement describing the actual outcome of an experiment
B) the question that forms the foundation for a particular study
C) a statement describing what the researchers expect to find in a study
D) a type of research method that involves experimentation

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is an educated guess or expected outcome that researchers make before conducting a study. It is not a statement describing the actual outcome of an experiment (A), nor is it the question that forms the foundation for a particular study (B). Hypothesis is not a research method, rather it is a prediction that guides the research process. Thus, option D is incorrect.

Question 11

After forming a testable hypothesis, the next step in the scientific method is to ____.
A) conduct a study
B) analyze the data
C) choose a research method
D) develop a theory

Accepted Answer

After forming a testable hypothesis, the next step in the scientific method is to choose a research method. This involves deciding on the specific procedures that will be used to collect data in order to test the hypothesis. Once the research method has been chosen, a study can be conducted and data can be analyzed in order to determine whether the hypothesis is supported or not. Developing a theory is a later stage in the scientific method, which usually involves synthesizing the results of multiple studies in order to generate a more general understanding of a particular phenomenon.

Question 12

The scientific method is used by ____.
A) all scientists, including psychologists
B) the physical but not behavioral or social sciences
C) experimental psychologists and scientists only
D) medical scientists only

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is a general approach used across all scientific fields, including psychology. Psychologists use the scientific method to test hypotheses, conduct experiments, and gather data to understand behavior and mental processes.

Question 13

Dr. Haupt has discovered that abusive parents themselves often had parents who used harsh physical punishment on them. Such a discovery relates most closely to which goal of psychology?
A) Predicting behavior
B) Describing behavior
C) Controlling behavior
D) Changing behavior

Accepted Answer

The discovery relates to predicting behavior, as it suggests a pattern or trend that can be used to anticipate future behaviors based on past experiences.

Question 14

One of the four goals of psychology is to ____.
A) replicate
B) observe
C) interpret
D) predict

Accepted Answer

One of the four goals of psychology is to predict behavior and mental processes. This involves using research and theories to make accurate predictions about future behavior or mental processes based on past behavior or mental processes. Replication, observation, and interpretation are important components of psychological research, but they are not the primary goal of the field.

Question 15

The two goals of psychology addressed in predictive hypotheses are ________.
A) understanding and predicting
B) testing and controlling
C) describing and predicting
D) manipulating and controlling

Accepted Answer

Predictive hypotheses focus on predicting future behavior or outcomes based on current observations or data, with the goal of ultimately understanding human behavior. Therefore, the two goals of psychology addressed in predictive hypotheses are describing and predicting.

Question 16

The first step of the scientific method is to ____.
A) conduct a study
B) analyze the data
C) choose a research method
D) make predictions about behavior

Accepted Answer

The first step of the scientific method involves making observations and formulating a hypothesis or prediction about behavior, phenomena, or patterns, which can then be tested through further research and experimentation.

Question 17

Dr. O'Neill is interviewing parents about how they discipline their children in an attempt to outline the difference between normal levels of punishment and abuse. Dr. O'Neill is attempting to satisfy which goal of psychology?
A) Describing behavior
B) Predicting behavior
C) Explaining behavior
D) Controlling behavior

Accepted Answer

Dr. O'Neill is engaged in descriptive research by attempting to outline the difference between normal levels of punishment and abuse. This type of research aims to describe behavior as it is, without necessarily explaining or predicting it.

Question 18

Which statement is TRUE regarding psychiatrists?
A) Psychiatrists typically obtain a Ph.D. degree.
B) Psychiatrist and clinical psychologist are two names for the same profession.
C) Psychiatrists do not counsel their clients.
D) Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to their clients.

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in mental health. They are able to prescribe medications to their clients, which is a key difference between psychiatrists and other mental health professionals such as clinical psychologists who cannot prescribe medication. A is incorrect as Psychiatrists typically obtain a Medical degree, not a Ph.D. B is incorrect as Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are distinct professions with different training and qualifications. C is incorrect as psychiatrists do counsel their clients, but they may also provide other forms of treatment such as medication management.

Question 19

Hypotheses can be classified into two categories such as
A) analytical and anecdotal.
B) accidental and purposeful.
C) controllable and uncontrollable.
D) predictive and causal.

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses are classified into two categories: predictive and causal. Predictive hypotheses predict a relationship between two or more variables, while causal hypotheses predict a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables. Analytical, anecdotal, accidental, purposeful, controllable, and uncontrollable are not valid categories for classifying hypotheses.

Question 20

Dr. Abaee wants to use the scientific method. What is his first task?
A) Develop a hypothesis.
B) Propose a theory.
C) Design an experiment.
D) Define and describe an issue.

Accepted Answer

The first task of using the scientific method is to define and describe an issue or problem that needs to be investigated. Only then can a hypothesis be developed, an experiment designed, and a theory proposed.

Quiz 1: The Science of Psychology

In order to test causal hypotheses, the researcher must use ____.

Which progression represents the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?

Which of the following correctly lists the four goals of psychology?

Psychology is considered a science because it ____.

Dr. Lowrey is testing the hypothesis that the more educated a person is, the more money he or she will earn. Dr. Lowrey is testing a ____ hypothesis

Which goal of psychology underlies a sports psychologist's efforts to help people change their behavior?

Psychologists usually attempt to determine whether or not data support a hypothesis through the use of ____.

Which statement illustrates a causal hypothesis?

A hypothesis is ____.

After forming a testable hypothesis, the next step in the scientific method is to ____.

The scientific method is used by ____.

Dr. Haupt has discovered that abusive parents themselves often had parents who used harsh physical punishment on them. Such a discovery relates most closely to which goal of psychology?

One of the four goals of psychology is to ____.

The two goals of psychology addressed in predictive hypotheses are ________.

The first step of the scientific method is to ____.

Dr. O'Neill is interviewing parents about how they discipline their children in an attempt to outline the difference between normal levels of punishment and abuse. Dr. O'Neill is attempting to satisfy which goal of psychology?

Which statement is TRUE regarding psychiatrists?

Hypotheses can be classified into two categories such as

Dr. Abaee wants to use the scientific method. What is his first task?