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Chapter 1 Multiple Choice Questions 1. Psychology is formally defined as: A. the study of the human mind. B. the subjective study of human behavior. C. the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. D. the exclusive study of abnormal behavior. Answer: C 2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of psychology as a science? A. It uses systematic methods to observe the natural world. B. It draws conclusions from data. C. It tests assumptions. D. It uses speculation to form opinions about behavior. Answer: D 3. Which of the following is NOT a goal of psychological science? A. To describe B. To explain C. To predict D. To speculate Answer: D 4. Professor Scott is a psychologist conducting research on the behavior of children. He observes them in an amusement park as they take turns on the new carousel. He records how many times a child complains to his or her parent about not getting a turn. In this scenario, which goal of psychological science is Professor Scott utilizing in his research? A. To describe B. To explain C. To predict D. To control Answer: A 5. According to the science of psychology, a behavior is a(n): A. feeling that is acknowledged. B. attitude that can be changed. C. action that can be directly observed. D. goal for life. Answer: C 6. In psychology, which of the following is NOT considered to be a behavior? A. Smiling at a newborn baby B. Watching children play in a group C. Sleeping through a lecture D. Thinking about a conversation with a friend Answer: D 7. According to the science of psychology, which of the following is a mental process? A. Swimming B. Feeling proud C. Crying D. Reading out loud Answer: B 8. Psychologists rely on _____, which is the process of thinking reflectively and actively and evaluating evidence. A. subjectivity B. creative thinking C. critical thinking D. selective wisdom Answer: C 9. Which of the following statements best defines critical thinking in psychology? A. It is the process of accepting observed facts as true. B. It is the process of reflecting deeply, asking questions, and evaluating evidence. C. It is a form of thinking intended to create something new and different. D. It is a form of thinking that has been rejected by contemporary psychologists. Answer: B 10. Rena’s boss, a criminal lawyer, informs her that after studying all the material on their prospective client, he has realized that the client has committed the crime; therefore, they cannot represent him. Rena is not convinced. She wants to take another look at the data and make sure that he has come to the right conclusion. In this scenario, Rena is exhibiting an attitude of: A. secrecy. B. ignorance. C. problem solving. D. critical thinking. Answer: D 11. Which of the following scenarios demonstrates the attitude of skepticism in psychology? A. Martina asks her pharmacist to repeat the instructions for taking her medication. B. Doug tells a customer at his clothing boutique that she can buy clothes that are cheaper at another store. C. Lindsey wonders if the sleeping pill she has been prescribed can really help her sleep. D. Alex buys the newest exercise ball in the market to help him lose weight in just five days. Answer: C 12. In psychology, being skeptical means: A. using personal opinions to predict behavior. B. arriving at conclusions through conjecture. C. questioning what everybody knows. D. accepting viewpoints without evidence. Answer: C 13. In psychological studies, being open to the evidence means thinking _____. A. skeptically B. objectively C. critically D. curiously Answer: B 14. Psychology has advanced as a field because: A. psychologists always agree with one another about why the mind and behavior work as they do. B. it does not foster controversies. C. psychologists think deeply and reflectively and examine the evidence on all sides. D. it is not based on an empirical method. Answer: C 15. Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that emphasizes: A. all sides of human experience. B. human strengths. C. the unconscious experiences of people. D. psychological problems. Answer: B 16. The small town of Adasia experienced its first horrific crime when a family of six was murdered in broad daylight. The perpetrator committed the crime and then killed himself. Instead of hating the murderer, the people of Adasia focused on forgiving him for his sins. They set up a fund for his family. Which of the following approaches to psychology would be best able to rationalize the people’s behavior? A. Positive psychology B. Psychoanalysis C. Biopsychology D. Psychopathology Answer: A 17. Psychology emerged as a science from the field of: A. philosophy. B. physics. C. chemistry D. spirituality. Answer: A 18. The method of study used by Wilhelm Wundt and his collaborators to discover the basic elements, or “structures,” of mental processes was _____. A. psychonautics B. natural selection C. introspection D. psychoanalysis Answer: C 19. Introspection as the method of study used by Wilhelm Wundt involved: A. studying the physiology of the human brain. B. evaluating the thoughts of other people. C. interpreting the results of experimental data. D. looking inside one’s own mind. Answer: D 20. Which school of psychology is Wilhelm Wundt associated with? A. Functionalism B. Structuralism C. Humanism D. Behaviorism Answer: B 21. The historical perspective known as _____ concentrates on discovering the basic elements of mental processes in psychology. A. functionalism B. structuralism C. humanism D. behaviorism Answer: B 22. Mark, a psychologist, is researching how mothers feel when their babies cry. He asks his first subject to reflect upon her thoughts and feelings while her baby is crying. In this scenario, which of the following psychological approaches is Mark most likely using for his research? A. Functionalism B. Structuralism C. Humanism D. Behaviorism Answer: B 23. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the method of introspection used by Wilhelm Wundt? A. A researcher documents his subject’s description of an experience. B. A scientist asks her subject to remember and recall a list of words. C. A scientist observes rats in a maze to see how fast they learn to find their way out. D. A researcher attributes a species’ characteristics to natural selection. Answer: A 24. In the context of structuralism as a perspective of psychology, the primary research method used was _____. A. hypnosis B. pscyhoanalysis C. natural selection D. introspection Answer: D 25. Will and Megan are student researchers in the field of psychology. In trying to understand mental processes, they attempt to analyze the mind in terms of its basic elements. In the context of psychological approaches, their research represents: A. functionalism. B. structuralism. C. behavioral psychology. D. insight psychology. Answer: B 26. In which early school of thought in psychology did researchers ask participants to think about what was going on mentally as various events took place? A. Behaviorism B. Functionalism C. Structuralism D. Humanism Answer: C 27. In a psychological study, Danny is asked to report the sensations he experiences when he is subjected to the persistent sound of an ambulance siren. In this scenario, Danny is most likely being studied through the method of: A. introspection. B. pseudoscience. C. functionalism. D. psychoanalysis. Answer: A 28. Which of the following is true about Wilhelm Wundt’s early work in psychology? A. He was the first person to think about the mind as a separate entity from the body. B. He was the first person to connect the soul to the body. C. He was the first person to connect the brain to the mind. D. He was the first person to introduce the idea that mental processes could be measured. Answer: D 29. William James, a prominent American psychologist and philosopher, focused on human interactions with the outside world and the purpose of thoughts. His view is known as: A. psychoanalysis. B. behaviorism. C. functionalism. D. structuralism. Answer: C 30. Which of the following concepts would a student be most familiar with if he or she was a proponent of functionalism? A. Defense mechanisms B. Introspection C. Free will D. Stream of consciousness Answer: D 31. In the field of psychology, individuals who advocate _____ are most likely to consider the mind as flexible and fluid, characterized by constant change in response to a continuous flow of information from the world. A. structuralism B. functionalism C. the humanistic approach D. the behavioral approach Answer: B 32. William James called the natural flow of thought _____. A. free recall B. a stream of consciousness C. an association of ideas D. natural selection Answer: B 33. In psychology, William James was highly influential in developing the school of thought known as: A. psychodynamics. B. behaviorism. C. structuralism. D. functionalism. Answer: D 34. Which of the following psychologists is most often known as the founding father of modern psychology? A. William James B. Sigmund Freud C. Charles Darwin D. Wilhelm Wundt Answer: D 35. Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between structuralism and functionalism in early psychology? A. Functionalism focused on the elements of the mind; structuralism focused on the purpose of thoughts. B. Functionalism focused on the functions of the mind; structuralism focused on the functions of behavior. C. Functionalism relied on introspection; structuralism relied on a stream of consciousness. D. Functionalism was about the “why” of the mind; structuralism was about the “what” of the mind. Answer: D 36. Wendy, a psychology student, is keen to learn why human beings cry when they are sad and laugh when they are happy. She wants to know how these emotions help human beings adapt to changes in the environment. Which historical perspective of psychology are Wendy’s interests most reflective of? A. Functionalism B. Behaviorism C. Socialism D. Structuralism Answer: A 37. Which of the following theorists proposed that organisms that are best adapted to their environment will survive? A. Plato B. Aristotle C. Wilhelm Wundt D. Charles Darwin Answer: D 38. Charles Darwin argued that _____ determines which species wins the competition for scarce resources. A. cognition B. natural selection C. unconscious motivation D. introspection Answer: B 39. When describing the process of natural selection, Charles Darwin claimed that: A. genes only carry physical traits and not the traits associated with survival and reproduction. B. environments that do not favor certain organisms will help these organisms propagate their species. C. organisms that are best adapted to their environment will survive and produce offspring. D. genetic mutations are initiated by human beings and are not responsible for evolution. Answer: C 40. Which of the following is NOT true of the principle of natural selection proposed by Darwin? A. Some members of a species are born with specific genetic mutations that help them adapt to a particular change in the environment. B. When there is a change in the environment, the species with a characteristic that helps it to adapt to the change will survive. C. A characteristic can be passed from one generation to the next without being recorded in the genes. D. A species that produces many offspring will survive. Answer: C 41. Psychologists use the perspective of _____ to study the role of the brain in psychological processes. A. neuroscience B. psychoanalysis C. humanism D. behaviorism Answer: A 42. Dr. Stanley, a psychologist, conducts a study on the effect of the color red on babies. Although there is no visible change in the babies when they see the color red, he studies their neural patterns and notes that specific sections of their brains are being stimulated by the color. In this scenario, which of the following approaches has Dr. Stanley used for his research? A. The psychodynamic approach B. The cognitive approach C. The biological approach D. The behavioral approach Answer: C 43. The emergence of _____ has perhaps contributed the most to physiological psychology. A. psychoanalysis B. behaviorism C. neuroscience D. biofeedback Answer: C 44. Which of the following is true of neuroscience as a contemporary approach to psychology? A. It focuses on natural selection as the method of evolution for any species. B. It focuses on the unconscious elements of behavior, thought, and emotion. C. It emphasizes that behavior can only be understood through direct observation. D. It emphasizes that the brain is central to understanding behavior, thought, and emotion. Answer: D 45. Jake, a researcher, measures the levels of testosterone in adult males when they perform aggressive acts. He is of the opinion that hormone levels are the single-most prominent cause of male aggression. In this scenario, Jake is most likely using the _____ approach in his study. A. evolutionary B. humanistic C. sociocultural D. biological Answer: D 46. Professor Alan is studying the regions of the brain that are activated when his subjects view disturbing images from horror movies In the context of perspectives in psychology, the professor is using the _____ approach in his study. A. cognitive B. psychodynamic C. sociocultural D. biological Answer: D 47. Which of the following best describes B. F. Skinner’s beliefs about studying human behavior? A. Adult behaviors are best understood by examining childhood experiences. B. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. C. What people do is most important. D. The structure of the mind can be understood through the use of introspection. Answer: C 48. Which of the following psychologists was a leading proponent of behaviorism? A. Carl Rogers B. B. F. Skinner C. Ivan Pavlov D. Sigmund Freud Answer: B 49. The _____ approach to psychology emphasizes the scientific study of observable responses and their environmental determinants. A. humanistic B. behavioral C. psychodynamic D. evolutionary Answer: B 50. Annette is an adolescent with extreme social anxiety. Dr. Benson’s treatment plan for Annette focuses on rewarding her whenever she takes a step toward conquering her fears. In this scenario, Dr. Benson adheres most closely to the _____ approach to psychology. A. cognitive B. behavioral C. psychodynamic D. sociocultural Answer: B 51. Which of the following is most likely to be the focus of study for a behavioral psychologist? A. The feelings of rejection a person experiences during childhood B. The sensations a person reports when he or she is tapped on the knee C. The effect of rewards and punishments on a child’s behavior D. The mental images a person conjures up when reflecting on a pleasant vacation Answer: C 52. Timothy is a behavioral psychologist. Which of the following techniques is he most likely to use to motivate a little girl to clean her room? A. Stimulating certain parts of the little girl’s brain B. Suggesting the idea to the little girl while she is hypnotized C. Letting the little girl feel a sense of intrinsic achievement D. Offering the little girl ten dollars for cleaning her room Answer: D 53. A psychologist who is more interested in what a person does than how a person feels, has most likely adopted the _____ approach to psychology. A. behavioral B. cognitive C. humanistic D. psychodynamic Answer: A 54. In psychology, John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner believed that: A. consciousness should be investigated through the process of introspection. B. psychology focuses on interactions with the environment that can be seen and measured. C. psychology is the study of both outwardly observed behaviors and inborn mental processes. D. behavior is completely controlled by unconscious thoughts and desires. Answer: B 55. Which perspective of psychology most clearly focuses on observable responses? A. Functionalism B. Behaviorism C. Psychoanalysis D. Structuralism Answer: B 56. Katherine, a socially inhibited teenager, has always been withdrawn and isolated at her rehabilitation center. However, one day she voluntarily initiates and maintains a conversation with another teenager. Which of the following explanations is most applicable to her behavior in the context of the behavioral approach? A. She has finally recognized her need for affiliation. B. She is using a defense mechanism. C. She has been promised a reward if she initiates contact with another person. D. She has been prescribed a drug that makes her less socially awkward. Answer: C 57. A family therapist tells Mr. and Mrs. Johnson that they will have to take away some of their son’s privileges if they want him to stop bullying his younger brother. In the context of psychological perspectives, the family therapist most likely follows the _____ approach to psychology. A. evolutionary B. cognitive C. behavioral D. psychodynamic Answer: C 58. Individuals who believe that rewards and punishments determine our actions are following the _____ approach to psychology. A. psychodynamic B. biological C. behavioral D. evolutionary Answer: C 59. Eva is a five-year-old girl who has been brought to Dr. Frost for therapy because she has suddenly stopped speaking; she answers no questions and communicates with no one. Dr. Frost uses techniques intended to uncover Eva’s unconscious thoughts or experiences. He believes that the answer lies within her mind. In this scenario, Dr. Frost is following the _____ approach to psychology. A. psychodynamic B. biological C. behavioral D. humanistic Answer: A 60. Jason, a nineteen-year-old, has been depressed for a few years. Even after talking to various therapists, he is unable to get to the cause of his depression. He worries that his symptoms may be the result of experiences in his childhood that he has no memory of. In this scenario, the causes of Jason’s depression may be best uncovered by a _____. A. neuroscientist B. psychoanalyst C. cognitive psychologist D. behavioral psychologist Answer: B 61. In his psychotherapeutic practice, Dr. Wagner stresses on his clients’ unconscious processes as well as their unresolved conflicts. Dr. Wagner most likely adheres to the _____ approach to psychology. A. behavioral B. cognitive C. psychodynamic D. sociocultural Answer: C 62. During a therapy session, Mrs. Brown’s therapist, Donald, asks Mrs. Brown about her dreams because he believes that they are a key to her unconscious mind. In this scenario, Donald is most likely using the _____ approach to psychology. A. behavioral B. cognitive C. sociocultural D. psychodynamic Answer: D 63. Dr. White, a therapist, tells her clients that she is less interested in their day-to-day lives and more interested in their childhood experiences. Which approach to psychology is Dr. White most likely a proponent of? A. The psychodynamic approach B. The behavioral approach C. The evolutionary approach D. The humanistic approach Answer: A 64. After a few months of therapy, Michelle’s therapist, Allen, reveals to her that her symptoms of anxiety are most likely a result of her troubled childhood, which was spent in fear of a very strict father. Which of the following approaches to psychology is Allen most likely using to understand and explain Michelle’s symptoms? A. The evolutionary approach B. The behavioral approach C. The psychodynamic approach D. The sociocultural approach Answer: C 65. The _____ approach to psychology emphasizes unconscious thought, the conflict between biological drives and society’s demands, and early childhood family experiences. A. evolutionary B. behavioral C. psychodynamic D. cognitive Answer: C 66. Nineteen-year-old Steve is extremely antisocial. He often gets into trouble with the law and is unable to hold on to any of his part-time jobs for long. His best friend is determined to find out about his childhood because she believes that his experiences as a child will help explain his adjustment problems as an adult. In this scenario, his best friend’s approach is most similar to the _____ approach to psychology. A. evolutionary B. psychodynamic C. behavioral D. humanistic Answer: B 67. With which of the following psychological approaches is Sigmund Freud associated? A. The psychodynamic approach B. The humanistic approach C. The cognitive approach D. The sociocultural approach Answer: A 68. Dr. Brian, a therapist, explains to fifteen-year-old Darcy’s parents that Darcy fears his stepmother because most of the fairy tales he heard in his childhood portrayed stepmothers as evil people. Which of the following approaches is Dr. Brian using to explain Darcy’s behavior? A. The psychodynamic approach B. The humanistic approach C. The cognitive approach D. The sociocultural approach Answer: A 69. How do today’s psychodynamic theories differ from Freud’s original psychodynamic approach to psychology? A. Freud’s original psychodynamic approach did not pay any attention to unconscious motivation. B. Freud’s original psychodynamic approach was focused primarily on observable behaviors. C. Today’s theories place less emphasis on sexual drives as determinants of behavior. D. Today’s theories place less emphasis on social and cultural experiences as determinants of behavior. Answer: C 70. Anna and Diane are psychologists. Anna follows a psychodynamic perspective, while Diane embraces a humanistic perspective. Although they disagree in a number of ways, their approaches are similar in that both: A. emphasize the importance of biological and genetic factors. B. acknowledge the importance of internal mental processes. C. owe their philosophical roots to British empiricism. D. focus exclusively on the impact of culture and society on an individual. Answer: B 71. According to the _____ approach to psychology, a person is in control of his or her life and has the capacity for positive growth. A. humanistic B. psychodynamic C. evolutionary D. biological Answer: A 72. Abe and Carl are psychologists who believe that people have free will and can make choices based on higher human values. Abe and Carl’s views reflect the _____ approach to psychology. A. sociocultural B. behavioral C. humanistic D. psychodynamic Answer: C 73. The humanistic approach to psychology emphasizes the role of _____ as a determinant of behavior. A. introspection B. unconscious thoughts C. free will D. natural selection Answer: C 74. Dennis, a psychologist, conducts a survey on why most people tend to help a crying child. After the survey, he explains that most people help a crying child because they choose to live by higher human values such as altruism. In this scenario, Dennis’s explanation is reflective of the _____ approach to psychology. A. biological B. behavioral C. humanistic D. psychodynamic Answer: C 75. A psychologist following the humanistic approach to psychology would be most interested in how: A. children learn about relationships by observing their parents’ interactions. B. people make choices that lead to positive growth. C. drugs affect one’s capability to accurately judge one’s abilities. D. people interpret behavior according to the cultures they belong to. Answer: B 76. Which of the following contemporary approaches to psychology emphasizes a person’s positive qualities? A. The psychodynamic approach B. The behavioral approach C. The humanistic approach D. The biological approach Answer: C 77. Henry, the seven-year-old subject of an experiment, has been acting out by hitting his little brother often. Observing psychologists attempt to explain Henry’s violent behavior. Which of the following is the explanation most likely to be provided by a humanistic psychologist? A. Henry’s aggression is caused by a chemical imbalance in his brain. B. Henry’s aggression is facilitated by the feelings of abandonment he experienced as a toddler. C. Henry’s aggression is facilitated by the attention he receives when he hits his brother. D. Henry’s aggression is caused by Henry’s use of his free will. Answer: D 78. Which of the following psychological approaches focuses on the mental processes involved in knowing? A. The psychodynamic approach B. The behavioral approach C. The humanistic approach D. The cognitive approach Answer: D 79. Which of the following psychologists would be most likely to conduct research on how a child processes information and solves problems? A. A psychoanalyst B. A cognitive psychologist C. A psychotherapist D. A behavioral psychologist Answer: B 80. Cognitive psychology is best described as: A. a study of the mental processes involved in knowing. B. the therapeutic applications of critical thinking. C. an area of psychology that attempts to reduce the focus on internal processes. D. a subspecialty of psychology based exclusively on observable behavior. Answer: A 81. Which of the following psychological perspectives endorses a view of the mind as an active and aware problem-solving system? A. The psychodynamic perspective B. The biological perspective C. The behavioral perspective D. The cognitive perspective Answer: D 82. In the _____ view of psychology, an individual’s mental processes are in control of behavior through memories, perceptions, images, and thinking. A. sociocultural B. cognitive C. behavioral D. biological Answer: B 83. Peter, a psychology student, is working on identifying the ways in which adults interpret information and then use the information to solve problems and make decisions. In this scenario, Peter’s research most likely reflects the _____ approach to psychology. A. behavioral B. cognitive C. biological D. sociocultural Answer: B 84. Dr. Jackson has spent a lifetime studying how adults solve problems. It is likely that Dr. Jackson specializes in the _____ approach to psychology. A. behavioral B. cognitive C. sociocultural D. evolutionary Answer: B 85. Dr. Vance, a scientist in the field of psychology, tests individuals’ intellectual abilities. Dr. Vance is most likely a: A. psychoanalyst. B. behaviorist. C. cognitive psychologist. D. humanistic psychologist. Answer: C 86. Which of the following is NOT an idea used or propagated by evolutionary psychologists? A. Introspection B. Reproduction C. Adaptation D. Natural selection Answer: A 87. Which of the following approaches to psychology best explains adaptation, reproduction, and natural selection as the basis for specific human behaviors? A. The evolutionary approach B. The psychoanalytic approach C. The cognitive approach D. The behavioral approach Answer: A 88. Which perspective of psychology would best explain the fact that polar bears are found predominantly in the arctic regions? A. The evolutionary approach B. The psychodynamic approach C. The cognitive approach D. The structuralism approach Answer: A 89. Professor McDonald believes that most women prefer tall and physically strong partners because this preference has been known to enhance the survival of their species. This opinion best illustrates the _____ approach to psychology. A. industrial B. cognitive C. evolutionary D. psychodynamic Answer: C 90. Which of the following accurately describes what evolutionary psychologists believe? A. The traits of the living members of a species are a result of the survival of the fittest. B. The traits that one looks for in a potential spouse are based on characteristics that have allowed humans to survive. C. Some behaviors are ingrained into a species as they assist in maintaining the reproductive ability of the species. D. All of these. Answer: D 91. _____ psychologists believe that their approach provides an umbrella that unifies the diverse fields of psychology. A. Evolutionary B. Psychodynamic C. Industrial D. Cognitive Answer: A 92. Which of the following statements is true about the sociocultural approach to psychology? A. It claims that human behavior cannot be understood without understanding the physiology of the brain. B. It faces the danger of being replaced by the psychoanalytic approach to behavior. C. It becomes less important as the nations of the world become increasingly economically interdependent. D. It argues that understanding a person’s behavior requires knowing about the ethnic context in which the behavior occurs. Answer: D 93. The College of Architecture in the city of Exodia has a student population comprised largely of foreign students. The dean of the college has hired a psychologist to help the faculty understand and manage the needs of these foreign students. In this scenario, the psychologist hired by the dean is mostly like a _____. A. psychotherapist B. neuroscientist C. socioculturalist D. psychoanalyst Answer: C 94. If a psychologist studies about the behavioral differences between people from two religions, he or she is most likely following the _____ approach to psychology. A. psychodynamic B. cognitive C. humanistic D. sociocultural Answer: D 95. Elixir Inc. has a recruitment policy that favors hiring people from minority groups. To ensure that its diverse workforce helps rather than hinders business development, Elixir is seeking the guidance of a psychologist. Keeping its needs in mind, Elixir will most likely hire a(n) _____. A. psychotherapist B. neuroscientist C. socioculturalist D. psychoanalyst Answer: C 96. Dr. Smith is conducting research on the levels of achievement motivation in the country of Spadia. He is studying the behaviors of different religious groups to determine the correlation between religious upbringing and the need to achieve. In this scenario, Dr. Smith is most likely using the _____ approach in his research. A. sociocultural B. biological C. cognitive D. psychodynamic Answer: A 97. In the context of careers in psychology, research has shown that more psychologists work in _____ than in any other setting. A. corporate environments B. psychiatric hospitals C. academic environments D. rehabilitation centers Answer: C 98. Psychologists who primarily provide therapy engage in evidence-based practice, which is best defined as the process of: A. using rewards and punishments to determine behavior. B. using speculation to establish explanations for human behavior. C. using therapeutic tools whose effectiveness is supported by empirical research. D. using the trial-and-error method for the purpose of objectivity in research. Answer: C 99. In psychology, individuals who are primarily engaged in helping others are often called _____ of psychology. A. practitioners B. scientists C. propagandists D. clinicians Answer: A 100. In the context of careers in psychology, a specialist with a medical degree is known as a(n): A. behaviorist. B. organizational psychologist. C. developmental psychologist. D. psychiatrist. Answer: D 101. If a person goes to medical school and specializes in psychological disorders, he or she will most likely practice: A. health psychology. B. counseling psychology. C. psychiatry. D. pathology. Answer: C 102. Which of the following statements is true of psychiatrists? A. They have not specialized in psychotherapy. B. They do not have degrees in medicine. C. They are genetic psychologists. D. They can prescribe medication. Answer: D 103. Which of the following statements accurately differentiates between psychiatrists and clinical psychologists? A. Psychiatrists have doctoral degrees in psychology; clinical psychologists do not. B. Psychiatrists have medical degrees; clinical psychologists do not. C. Psychiatrists are not licensed to practice therapy; clinical psychologists are. D. Psychiatrists do not prescribe medicines; clinical psychologists do. Answer: B 104. Which of the following statements is true of psychologists? A. Psychologists primarily concerned with clinical practice are not involved in scientific research. B. Psychologists who primarily provide therapy engage in evidence-based practice. C. Psychologists who have medical degrees are not licensed to practice therapy. D. Psychologists concerned with clinical practice are legally required to prescribe drugs. Answer: B 105. Marlena, diagnosed with clinical depression, is frustrated with her therapist because he has not helped her overcome her illness. Marlena has lost faith in self-reflection and analysis and believes that the only way her symptoms will reduce is through medication. In this scenario, which psychological professional should Marlena consult for her needs? A. A clinical psychologist B. A professional counselor C. A psychiatrist D. A pathologist Answer: C 106. Richard, a psychologist, is specifically interested in the brain’s role in behavior. Which of the following is most likely his area of specialization in psychology? A. Evolutionary psychology B. Behavior modification C. Behavioral neuroscience D. Cognitive psychology Answer: C 107. Simon, a psychologist, is interested in studying the regions of the brain that are stimulated when a person feels anxious. Simon’s study fits best into the area of specialization known as _____. A. evolutionary psychology B. behavior modification C. behavioral neuroscience D. cognitive psychology Answer: C 108. George, a scientist, is studying how the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain create the condition of depression. George’s study fits best into the area of specialization known as _____. A. evolutionary psychology B. social psychology C. behavioral neuroscience D. behavior modification Answer: C 109. Dr. Lane is monitoring the levels of specific chemicals in the human brain to see their effect on the development of psychosis in individuals. Dr. Lane’s study fits best into the area of: A. behavioral neuroscience. B. social psychology. C. evolutionary psychology. D. behavior modification. Answer: A 110. Mathew, a psychologist, is studying the different physical systems and psychological processes that are activated in his subject, Patrick, every time Patrick listens to a song he likes. In this scenario, Mathew is most likely working in the specialized area of _____. A. industrial psychology B. sensation and perception C. motivation and emotion D. clinical psychology Answer: B 111. A psychologist who studies the psychological processes that allow a person to listen to a musical tune is most likely specializing in the area of: A. sensation and perception. B. behavioral psychology. C. environmental psychology. D. intelligence and consciousness. Answer: A 112. Which of the following areas of specialization in psychology focuses on the physical systems and psychological processes that allow humans to experience the world? A. Motivation and emotion B. Sensation and perception C. Clinical psychology D. Behavioral psychology Answer: B 113. _____ is the intricate process by which behavior changes in response to changing circumstances. A. Sensation B. Learning C. Cognition D. Perception Answer: B 114. _____ is the broad name given to the field of psychology that specifically examines attention, consciousness, information processing, and memory. A. Psychopathology B. Cognitive psychology C. Behavioral psychology D. Psychoanalysis Answer: B 115. Norman, a psychologist, is conducting a study about why memory decreases with age and how the skills of problem solving and decision making change as a person grows older. In this scenario, Norman’s study fits best into the area of specialization known as _____ psychology. A. behavioral B. forensic C. clinical D. cognitive Answer: D 116. Which of the following is NOT a skill or ability that forms the focus of interest for a cognitive psychologist? A. Problem solving B. Decision making C. Repression D. Intelligence Answer: C 117. In the context of areas of specialization in psychology, _____ psychology is concerned with how people become who they are, from conception to death. A. developmental B. forensic C. industrial D. health Answer: A 118. Michael, a psychologist, is studying how biological and environmental factors contribute to a person’s growth from birth to death. Michael’s topic of study fits best into the area of specialization known as _____ psychology. A. developmental B. forensic C. health D. environmental Answer: A 119. A psychologist’s research focuses on how ecological changes affect a child’s growth. The psychologist’s focus fits best into the area of specialization known as _____ psychology. A. clinical B. developmental C. cognitive D. humanistic Answer: B 120. Diane, a psychologist, is examining the intrinsic factors that make Stella ambitious and passionate about accomplishing her goals but make Cameron indifferent to the goals assigned to him. In this scenario, Diane’s research fits best into the area of specialization known as _____. A. behavioral psychology B. forensic psychology C. motivation and emotion D. sensation and perception Answer: C 121. In psychology, personality is defined as _____. A. a single distinguishing feature of a person’s character B. the relatively enduring characteristics of an individual C. the ability to internalize learning D. the continuous flow of changing sensations, images, thoughts, and feelings Answer: B 122. If a psychologist deals with the unique problems and characteristics of an individual, he or she is most likely specialized in _____ psychology. A. physiological B. social C. community D. personality Answer: D 123. Which of the following scenarios correctly illustrates the work of a social psychologist? A. Derek studies how groups of people start to think alike when they spend time together. B. Christian studies why Jenna is more achievement-oriented than her sister. C. Tiara examines the human resource practices in an organization. D. Jemima examines the areas of the brain involved in emotional hyperactivity. Answer: A 124. Which of the following areas of specialization in psychology deals specifically with people’s interpersonal relationships, group perceptions, and attitudes? A. Social psychology B. Personality psychology C. Psychodynamic psychology D. Developmental psychology Answer: A 125. Dr. Ames is a scientist whose focus of research is on the way groups influence the decisions that individuals make. In the context of areas of specialization in psychology, Dr. Ames is most likely a _____ psychologist. A. health B. personality C. developmental D. social Answer: D 126. The research questions that concern _____ include understanding and working to reduce racial prejudice and determining whether two heads really are better than one. A. social psychologists B. personality psychologists C. psychoanalysts D. developmental psychologists Answer: A 127. Which of the following types of psychologists is likely to be most interested in noting the reactions of the audience in a theater when a fire alarm goes off? A. A developmental psychologist B. A social psychologist C. An industrial psychologist D. An evolutionary psychologist Answer: B 128. In the context of areas of specialization in psychology, personnel matters and human resource management are among the main concerns of _____ psychology. A. industrial B. organizational C. social D. personality Answer: A 129. Which of the following statements is true of industrial and organizational psychology? A. Both are centered on the workers in organizations and not on the organizations that employ the workers. B. Both are independently referred to as personnel psychology. C. Industrial psychology focuses on industries; organizational psychology focuses on small organizations only. D. Industrial psychology focuses on personnel matters; organizational psychology focuses on organizational leadership. Answer: D 130. Bianco Inc. is struggling with the low productivity and high turnover of its employees. Management at Bianco consults Edward, a psychologist, who suggests that the lack of recreational opportunities at Bianco is a probable reason for the dissatisfaction among its employees. In this scenario, Edward’s area of specialization is most likely _____ psychology. A. cognitive B. clinical C. industrial D. personality Answer: C 131. The most widely practiced specialization in psychology is _____ psychology. A. experimental B. clinical and counseling C. evolutionary D. industrial and organizational Answer: B 132. In the context of areas of specialization in psychology, _____ are interested in psychopathology. A. pathologists B. clinical psychologists C. social psychologists D. social workers Answer: B 133. The scientific study of psychological disorders and the development of diagnostic categories and treatments for those disorders is known as: A. psychoanalysis. B. psychopathology. C. experimental psychology. D. applied psychology. Answer: B 134. Samantha has been diagnosed with a personality disorder. She has various symptoms that make it difficult for her to function in the real world. Dr. Powell examines Samantha’s symptoms and considers all the external factors that may have played a role in Samantha’s illness. In this scenario, Dr. Powell is most likely a professional in the field of: A. clinical psychology. B. neuropsychology. C. cognitive psychology. D. evolutionary psychology. Answer: A 135. Which of the following is true about health psychology? A. Health psychologists study the roles of stress and coping in people’s lives. B. Health psychologists work in the area of mental health only. C. Health psychology is a one-dimensional approach to human health. D. Health psychology focuses primarily on psychological disorders. Answer: A 136. _____ is a multidimensional approach to human well-being that emphasizes psychological factors and lifestyle. A. Psychoanalysis B. Environmental psychology C. Health psychology D. Pathology Answer: C 137. Eric, a psychologist, opens a center for the caregivers of people with mental illness. His intention is to provide the caregivers with the support they need to live with a mentally ill person and to prevent the development of illnesses in the caregivers. In this scenario, Eric’s work fits best into the area of specialization known as _____ psychology. A. cognitive B. sport C. community D. environmental Answer: C 138. One of the concerns of community psychologists is _____. A. prevention B. hospitalization C. psychopathology D. defense mechanisms Answer: A 139. Teresa, a fifteen-year-old, has problems with adjustment. She is distracted and restless in class and very resistant to authority. A consultant psychologist administers an intelligence test to Teresa and discovers that Teresa’s adjustment problems are because she has an extremely high IQ. In this scenario, Teresa has been most likely tested by a(n) _____ psychologist. A. evolutionary B. environmental C. school D. educational Answer: C 140. Which of the following statements is true of school and educational psychologists? A. Educational psychologists study the development of individuals from birth till death. B. School psychologists cannot administer tests to children. C. School psychologists cannot make recommendations about educational placement. D. Educational psychologists work at colleges and universities. Answer: D 141. Which type of psychologist is most likely to assess a student’s intelligence level? A. Clinical psychologist B. School psychologist C. Behavioral psychologist D. Environmental psychologist Answer: B 142. Based on the various studies she has conducted, Olivia, a psychologist, suggests that people tend to sleep well in rooms with green walls because the walls make them feel like they are surrounded by nature. In this scenario, Olivia’s studies fit best into the area of specialization known as _____ psychology. A. industrial B. clinical C. environmental D. personality Answer: C 143. A(n) _____ psychologist might be employed to work with architects to determine the best working arrangement, color, and lighting for a work place, hospital, or research laboratory. A. clinical B. counseling C. evolutionary D. environmental Answer: D 144. The managers at a gym have approved the renovation of the gym. They want to make sure that the physical changes do not have a negative impact on the performance of the players during games. Which of the following psychologists would most likely study the behavior of the athletes in response to the changes? A. Environmental psychologists B. Industrial psychologists C. Cognitive psychologists D. Psychodynamic psychologists Answer: A 145. _____ psychology is the field of psychology that applies psychological concepts to the legal system. A. Educational B. Forensic C. Psychodynamic D. Physiological Answer: B 146. Jim, a lawyer, is considering hiring a psychologist to help with jury selection. Jim will most likely hire a(n) _____ psychologist. A. social B. forensic C. educational D. physiological Answer: B 147. Which of the following psychologists would most likely be interested in studying the personalities of athletes and what makes them different from non-athletes? A. Cognitive psychologist B. Psychoanalyst C. Sport psychologist D. Psychopathologist Answer: C 148. Which of the following psychologists is an athlete most likely to consult if he or she was suddenly unable to perform in a game and wanted to understand why? A. Educational psychologist B. Humanistic psychologist C. Sport psychologist D. Community psychologist Answer: C 149. Kara was surprised to learn that certain hand signals which indicate a job well done in the United States are socially unacceptable in other countries. This finding is most likely the result of research conducted by a _____ psychologist. A. psychodynamic B. cross-cultural C. personality D. cognitive Answer: B 150. Which of the following is true about the nature-nurture controversy in psychology? A. Nature refers to the social experiences that affect a person’s psychological characteristics. B. The controversy is indicative of how the mind impacts the body. C. Both nature and nurture play significant roles in the psychology of a person. D. Nurture refers to the genetic heritage of a person. Answer: C Short Answer Questions 151. List the fundamental goals of psychological research. Explain, with an example, how each of these goals is accomplished in a research study. Answer: Student answers will vary. The fundamental goals of psychological science are to describe, predict, and explain behavior. Researchers might be interested in knowing whether individuals will help a stranger who has fallen down. The investigators could devise a study in which they observe people walking past a person who needs help. • Through many observations, the researchers could come to describe helping behavior by counting how many times it occurs in particular circumstances. • They may also try to predict who will help, and when, by examining characteristics of the individuals studied. Are happy people more likely to help? Are women or men more likely to help? • After psychologists have analyzed their data, they also will want to explain why helping behavior occurred when it did. • Finally, these investigators might be interested in improving helping behavior by devising strategies. 152. Define the terms “behavior” and “mental processes.” Provide two examples of each. Answer: Student answers will vary. Behavior is everything people do that can be directly observed. Mental processes are the thoughts, feelings, and motives that each person experiences privately but that cannot be observed directly. Examples of behavior are a baby crying and a college student riding a motorcycle to campus. Examples of mental processes are a baby’s feelings when its mother leaves the room and a student’s memory of a motorcycle trip. 153. Describe why the branch of positive psychology is important to the study of human beings. Answer: Positive psychology is important to the study of human beings because it brings a greater balance to the field by moving beyond focusing on how and why things go wrong in life to understanding how and why things go right. To be a truly general science of human behavior, psychology must address all sides of human experience. 154. Describe the term pseudoscience. Provide one example. Answer: Student answers will vary. Related to critical thinking and skepticism is the distinction between science and pseudoscience. Pseudo means “fake,” and pseudoscience refers to information that is couched in scientific terminology but is not supported by sound scientific research. Astrology is an example of a pseudoscience. Although astrologers may present detailed information about an individual, supposedly based on when that person was born, no scientific evidence supports these assumptions and predictions. One way to tell that an explanation is pseudoscientific rather than scientific is to look at how readily proponents of the explanation will accept evidence to the contrary. 155. Describe the method of introspection used by the proponents of structuralism. Provide an example. Answer: Student answers will vary. Wundt and his collaborators concentrated on discovering the basic elements, or “structures,” of mental processes. Their approach was thus called structuralism because of its focus on identifying the structures of the human mind, and their method of study was introspection. Introspection means looking inside one’s own mind, by focusing on one’s own thoughts (literally, “looking inside”). For this type of research, a person in Wundt’s lab would be asked to think (introspect) about what was going on mentally as various events took place. For example, the individual might be subjected to a sharp, repetitive clicking sound and then might have to report whatever conscious thoughts and feelings the clicking produced. Introspection relies entirely on the person’s conscious reflection. What made this method scientific was the systematic, detailed self-report required of the person in the controlled laboratory setting. 156. Describe the concept of functionalism. Who was most closely associated with this approach? Answer: William James’s view of psychology was referred to as functionalism. Functionalism probed the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in the individual’s adaptation to the environment. Functionalists focused on human interactions with the outside world and the purpose of thoughts. 157. Discuss Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and the process of natural selection. Answer: According to evolutionary theory, species change through random genetic mutation. That means that, essentially by accident, some members of a species are born with genetic characteristics that make them different from other members. If these changes are adaptive (if they help those members compete for food, survive, and reproduce), they become more common in the species. If environmental conditions were to change, however, other characteristics might become favored by natural selection, moving the process in a different direction. Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which organisms that are best adapted to their environment will survive and, importantly, produce off spring. 158. Describe the biological approach to psychology and include a discussion on neuroscience. Answer: The biological approach examines behavior and mental processes by focusing on the body, especially the brain and nervous system. Neuroscience is the scientific study of the structure, function, development, genetics, and biochemistry of the nervous system. Neuroscientists emphasize that the brain and nervous system are central to understanding behavior, thought, and emotion. 159. Explain the behavioral approach to psychology. Answer: The behavioral approach emphasizes the scientific study of observable behavioral responses and their environmental determinants. It focuses on an organism’s visible interactions with the environment—that is, behaviors, not thoughts or feelings. The principles of the behavioral approach have been widely applied to help people change their behavior for the better. 160. Explain the psychodynamic approach to psychology. Answer: The psychodynamic approach emphasizes unconscious thought, the conflict between biological drives (such as the drive for sex) and society’s demands, and early childhood family experiences. Practitioners of this approach believe that sexual and aggressive impulses buried deep within the unconscious mind influence the way people think, feel, and behave. 161. Explain the cognitive approach to psychology. Answer: According to cognitive psychologists, the human brain houses a “mind” whose mental processes allow us to remember, make decisions, plan, set goals, and be creative. The cognitive approach, then, emphasizes the mental processes involved in knowing how individuals direct their attention, perceive, remember, think, and solve problems. 162. Explain the sociocultural approach to psychology. Answer: The sociocultural approach examines the ways in which social and cultural environments influence behavior. Socioculturalists argue that understanding a person’s behavior requires knowing about the cultural context in which the behavior occurs. The sociocultural view focuses not only on comparisons of behavior across countries but also on the behavior of individuals from different ethnic and cultural groups within a country. 163. Explain the fundamental differences between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist. Answer: A clinical psychologist typically has a doctoral degree in psychology, which requires approximately four to five years of graduate work and one year of internship in a mental health facility. In contrast, a psychiatrist is a physician with a medical degree who subsequently specializes in abnormal behavior and psychotherapy. Another difference between a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist is that a psychiatrist can prescribe drugs, whereas a clinical psychologist generally cannot. 164. What is psychopathology? Answer: Clinical psychologists are interested in psychopathology, which is the scientific study of psychological disorders and the development of diagnostic categories and treatments for those disorders. 165. In psychology, what question arises from the relationship between the body and the mind? Answer: The relationship between the body and mind is illustrated in a major question that psychologists regularly encounter: What is the impact of nature (genetic heritage) versus nurture (social experience) on a person’s psychological characteristics? True/False Questions 166. Pseudoscience refers to information that is couched in scientific terminology but is not supported by sound scientific research. Answer: True 167. Objective scientists challenge whether a supposed fact is really true, even though evidence says it is. Answer: False 168. An objective thinker will have sound evidence before answering a question pertaining to psychology. Answer: True 169. Psychology emerged from the disciplines of philosophy, biology, and physiology. Answer: True 170. Structuralists concentrated on identifying the basic elements of the human mind. Answer: True 171. William James believed that introspection was the key to understanding the basic elements of consciousness. Answer: False 172. John B. Watson referred to the natural flow of thought as a “stream of consciousness.” Answer: False 173. John B. Watson is associated with the school of structuralism. Answer: False 174. According to Darwin’s principle of natural selection, some species voluntarily develop specific genetic mutations to adapt to a changing environment. Answer: False 175. The behavioral approach to psychology is rooted in the work of Wilhelm Wundt. Answer: False 176. The behavioral approach to psychology focuses on the thoughts or feelings that influence the way people behave. Answer: False 177. The psychodynamic approach contends that there are many unconscious determinants of behavior. Answer: True 178. Sigmund Freud believed that early family relationships shape an individual’s personality. Answer: True 179. The humanistic approach to psychology involves analyst’s unlocking a person’s unconscious conflicts by exploring the person’s childhood memories. Answer: False 180. In the context of approaches to psychology, humanists believe that people can change their own fates through conscious decisions. Answer: True 181. The sociocultural approach to psychology states that the phenomenon of natural selection is responsible for human development. Answer: False 182. Dr. Sam is a clinical psychologist and his father is a psychiatrist. One difference between them is that Dr. Sam’s father can prescribe drugs, whereas Dr. Sam cannot. Answer: True 183. If a person consults a clinical psychologist with the expectation that he or she will be prescribed medication for an illness, he or she is mistaken. Answer: True 184. Alan is a psychologist who studies how individuals’ thinking and behavior are influenced by groups. His area of specialization is personality psychology. Answer: False 185. In psychology, nature refers to the genetic heritage of a person. Answer: True Test Bank for The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View Laura A. King 9780078035401, 9781260500523, 9780073532066, 9781259255533
