Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of psychology as a scientific discipline?

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Question 2

According to philosophical materialism, what is the relationship between the mind and the body?

Accepted Answer

The mind and human consciousness are caused by physical processes in the brain.

Question 3

Which philosopher argued that humans are born as 'blank slates' (tabula rasa) and all knowledge is acquired through experience?

Accepted Answer

John Locke

Question 4

Wilhelm Wundt is considered the 'Father of Psychology' because he:

Accepted Answer

Opened the first psychology laboratory and studied conscious experience.

Question 5

Structuralism, as an early school of thought in psychology, primarily used which method to analyze conscious experience?

Accepted Answer

Introspection

Question 6

Functionalism was heavily influenced by which scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection

Question 7

Which of the following research questions would a functionalist most likely ask?

Accepted Answer

Why might it be evolutionarily advantageous for humans to feel emotions like guilt and shame?

Question 8

Which limitation is associated with structuralism?

Accepted Answer

Each person’s experience is subjective; results cannot be generalized.

Question 9

Freud’s psychoanalytic theory emphasizes the influence of which aspect on thoughts and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

The unconscious

Question 10

Gestalt psychology is best summarized by which statement?

Accepted Answer

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Question 11

Behaviorism focuses on which aspect of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Observable behavior (stimulus → response)

Question 12

Which psychologist is credited with establishing behaviorism as a formal field?

Accepted Answer

John B. Watson

Question 13

Developmental psychology primarily investigates:

Accepted Answer

How psychological phenomena change over the lifespan.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT commonly studied in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Sensation and perception

Question 15

Humanism emphasizes which of the following concepts?

Accepted Answer

Personal growth, free will, and the potential for self-improvement.

Question 16

Cognitive psychology focuses on which processes?

Accepted Answer

Information processing, memory, perception, language, and problem solving.

Question 17

Which criticism might a cognitive psychologist make about behaviorism?

Accepted Answer

By focusing entirely on behavior, we are limiting ourselves because most psychological phenomena happen in the mind.

Question 18

Evolutionary psychology investigates how human behavior and mental processes have been shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 19

Which field of psychology focuses on how culture influences human behavior and mental processes?

Accepted Answer

Cultural psychology

Question 20

The biological perspective in psychology studies the relationship between:

Accepted Answer

The brain/nervous system and behavior or mental processes.

Foundations and Major Perspectives in Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions