Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of behaviorism as proposed by John B. Watson?

Accepted Answer

The observation and measurement of overt, observable behavior.

Question 2

A psychologist wants to study the relationship between hours of sleep and exam scores. She calculates a correlation coefficient $$r = -0.85. $$What does this value indicate?

Accepted Answer

A strong negative correlation; as sleep increases, exam scores decrease.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key ethical guideline for psychological research with human participants?

Accepted Answer

Participants must be allowed to withdraw from the study at any time.

Question 4

Which modern perspective in psychology emphasizes the biological bases of universal mental characteristics and adaptive value of behavior?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary Perspective

Question 5

In an experiment, the variable that is deliberately manipulated by the researcher is called the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 6

A researcher conducts a study in which participants are randomly assigned to either watch a violent cartoon or a nonviolent cartoon. Afterwards, their aggressive play is measured. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive play

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'observer bias' in naturalistic observation?

Accepted Answer

The observer records only behaviors that fit their expectations.

Question 8

Which of the following is a disadvantage of case studies in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Their findings cannot be generalized to others.

Question 9

A psychologist is interested in studying covert behaviors such as thoughts and feelings. Which research method is most appropriate for collecting data on these behaviors from a large population?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Question 10

Which of the following statements about correlation is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A correlation coefficient closer to $$+1.00 or$$ $$-1.00$$ indicates a stronger relationship.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of the placebo effect in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

A participant improves because they believe they received a treatment, even though they did not.

Question 12

Which research design best controls for both the placebo effect and experimenter effect?

Accepted Answer

Double-blind study

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT one of the four basic criteria for critical thinking?

Accepted Answer

All evidence is equal in quality.

Question 14

Which step in the scientific approach involves forming a tentative explanation based on observations?

Accepted Answer

Form a hypothesis

Question 15

A psychologist is interested in how cultural norms influence social behavior. Which modern perspective is most relevant to this research?

Accepted Answer

Sociocultural Perspective

Question 16

Which of the following professionals is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrist

Question 17

Which of the following is a major advantage of laboratory observation over naturalistic observation?

Accepted Answer

It allows control over the environment and use of specialized equipment.

Question 18

Which of the following is a reason why psychologists sometimes use nonhuman animals in research?

Accepted Answer

To answer questions that cannot be investigated with humans.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the humanistic perspective in psychology?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes free will and the potential for self-actualization.

Question 20

A researcher wants to ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to either the experimental or control group. Which procedure should she use?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology – Foundations, Perspectives, and Research Methods

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