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Chapter 12 Functionalism 1. Functionalism is more consistent with philosophies of _________ whereas structuralism is more consistent with philosophies of ___________. a. being . . . becoming b. becoming . . . being c. content . . . process d. being . . . process Answer: b. becoming . . . being Rationale: Functionalism, as advocated by William James, focuses on the adaptive functions of consciousness and behavior, emphasizing the dynamic nature of mental processes and their role in adapting to the environment. This emphasis on adaptation and change aligns with the philosophical concept of "becoming," which emphasizes the process of change and development over time. Structuralism, on the other hand, focuses on the analysis of the structure of consciousness and mental processes into basic elements. This approach aligns more closely with the philosophical concept of "being," which emphasizes static, immutable entities or structures. 2. According to the text, James's metaphysical ultimate is a. God. b. Reason. c. Behavior. d. Experience. Answer: d. Experience. Rationale: William James considered experience to be the ultimate metaphysical reality. He believed that all knowledge and understanding ultimately stem from our direct experiences of the world, making experience the foundation of his philosophical worldview. 3. According to James, the greatest issue in philosophy is the a. free will and determinism issue. b. monism-pluralism issue. c. mind-body issue. d. materialism-idealism issue. Answer: b. monism-pluralism issue. Rationale: William James believed that the greatest issue in philosophy is the question of whether the universe is fundamentally one (monism) or many (pluralism). This issue relates to broader questions about the nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between the individual and the universe. 4. Which of the following quotations is NOT attributed to William James? a. “If American psychology is to persevere, it must embrace the science of behavior.” b. “My first act of free will shall be to believe in free will.” c. “We feel sorry because we cry, angry because we strike, afraid because we tremble.” d. “Nothing includes everything.” Answer: a. “If American psychology is to persevere, it must embrace the science of behavior.” Rationale: This quotation is not attributed to William James. It reflects the behaviorist perspective advocated by John B. Watson rather than James's views. 5. James's position on free will and determinism is characterized most accurately by which of the following statements? a. “God does not play dice with the universe.” b. “My first act of free will shall be to believe in free will.” c. “The ego is not master in its own house.” d. “God is clever, but not malicious.” Answer: b. “My first act of free will shall be to believe in free will.” Rationale: This statement reflects William James's belief in the reality of free will and his emphasis on the individual's capacity to choose and act autonomously. 6. Which of the following kinds of determinism would James postulate? a. metaphysical determinism b. methodological determinism c. strict biological determinism d. theological predeterminism or predestination Answer: b. methodological determinism Rationale: William James would likely postulate methodological determinism, which acknowledges the existence of lawful regularities and causal relationships in the natural world without denying the possibility of human agency and free will. 7. According to James, human beliefs should be evaluated primarily in terms a. of their consistency. b. of how they square with sacred traditions. c. the real work they accomplish in the world. d. their general social acceptance. Answer: c. the real work they accomplish in the world. Rationale: William James believed that the value of human beliefs should be assessed based on their practical consequences and their effectiveness in guiding behavior and achieving desired outcomes in the real world. 8. Each of the following are general characteristics of James’ philosophy EXCEPT a. Individualism b. Moralism c. Reductionism d. Pluralism Answer: c. Reductionism Rationale: William James's philosophy is characterized by individualism, moralism, and pluralism. He emphasized the importance of individual experience and agency, moral values and ethical behavior, and the acceptance of diverse perspectives and viewpoints (pluralism). However, he did not advocate reductionism, which seeks to explain complex phenomena by reducing them to simpler, more fundamental components. 9. Which of the following best characterizes James's view on the roles that definitions should play in our lives? a. Definitions are unavoidable and practical, therefore they should be absolutely prescriptive for every person. b. A word or definition does not close our quest; a definition is only a program for more work. c. Definitions are answers to the enigmas of life. d. Definitions should always be derived logically and rationally from the larger belief system. Answer: b. A word or definition does not close our quest; a definition is only a program for more work. Rationale: William James believed that definitions should not be viewed as final or absolute truths but rather as tools for further exploration and inquiry. He emphasized the dynamic and evolving nature of language and concepts, advocating for an open-minded and pragmatic approach to defining and understanding the world. 10. Which of the following definitions of psychology would James advocate? a. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior b. Psychology is the scientific study of the elements of mental life c. Psychology is the science of mental life, both of its phenomena and of their conditions d. Psychology is the study of human action Answer: c. Psychology is the science of mental life, both of its phenomena and of their conditions Rationale: William James advocated for a broad and inclusive definition of psychology that encompasses both the observable phenomena of mental life and the underlying conditions or processes that give rise to them. This definition reflects his holistic approach to psychology, which considers the interplay between subjective experience and its environmental, physiological, and psychological determinants. 11. In his discussion of thought or thinking, James employed an analogy. He viewed thought as somewhat comparable to a. chemical elements. b. telephone switchboards. c. the flywheel of an engine. d. a stream. Answer: d. a stream. Rationale: William James likened thought to a stream, emphasizing its continuous flow and dynamic nature. This analogy suggests that thoughts are constantly changing and interconnected, much like the flow of water in a stream. 12. According to James, each of the following are characteristics of the stream of thought EXCEPT a. they continually change b. they maintain continuity c. they are personal d. they remain constant Answer: d. they remain constant Rationale: William James described the stream of thought as continually changing, maintaining continuity, and reflecting personal experiences and perspectives. However, he did not suggest that thoughts remain constant; instead, he emphasized their fluid and evolving nature. 13. Each of the following is included by James as a component of the self EXCEPT a. the social selves b. the material self c. the spiritual self d. the malevolent self Answer: d. the malevolent self Rationale: William James identified various components of the self, including the social selves, material self, and spiritual self. However, he did not include a concept of the "malevolent self" in his analysis of selfhood. 14. Which of the following best characterizes James's view on emotion? a. the experience of emotion is purely mental b. bodily changes are indispensable to the experience of emotion c. bodily arousal is not a necessary condition for the experience of emotion d. the experience of emotion is dictated exclusively by the cerebral hemispheres Answer: b. bodily changes are indispensable to the experience of emotion Rationale: William James proposed that bodily changes, such as changes in heart rate, breathing, and muscular tension, are essential components of emotional experience. He emphasized the close connection between bodily sensations and emotional feelings. 15. The James-Lange theory of emotion postulates that physiological changes ______ the experience of an emotion. a. occur before b. occur concurrently with c. occur after d. are unrelated to Answer: a. occur before Rationale: According to the James-Lange theory of emotion, physiological changes in the body precede the experience of emotion. In other words, the bodily responses to a stimulus lead to the subjective experience of an emotion. 16. James's concept of primary memory is somewhat comparable to contemporary notions of ___________ memory, whereas his concept of secondary memory is somewhat comparable to contemporary notions of __________ memory. a. short-term . . . long-term b. long-term . . . short term c. long-term . . . sensory d. sensory . . . short-term Answer: a. short-term . . . long-term Rationale: William James's concept of primary memory corresponds to contemporary notions of short-term memory, which involves the temporary storage and processing of information. His concept of secondary memory aligns with contemporary notions of long-term memory, which involves the more permanent storage of information. 17. The first experimental laboratory in psychology in the United States was founded by a. Hugo Münsterberg. b. William James. c. Edward Bradford Titchener. d. James McKeen Cattell. Answer: b. William James. Rationale: William James founded the first experimental psychology laboratory in the United States at Harvard University in the 1870s. 18. The book On the Witness Stand is the standard classic in forensic psychology. This book marks _____________ as one of the most important pioneers in the study of the relationships between psychology and the law. a. William James b. G. Stanley Hall c. Hugo Münsterberg d. James McKeen Cattell Answer: c. Hugo Münsterberg Rationale: Hugo Münsterberg's book "On the Witness Stand" is considered a classic in forensic psychology and highlights his significant contributions to the field, particularly in the study of psychology and the law. 19. Hugo Münsterberg, is remembered, among other things, for his pioneering books on ________ and _________. a. psychotherapy . . . industrial psychology b. intelligence . . . instinct c. infancy . . . aging d. sensation . . . motivation Answer: a. psychotherapy . . . industrial psychology Rationale: Hugo Münsterberg made significant contributions to the fields of psychotherapy and industrial psychology through his pioneering books and research. 20. His book The Psychology of Industrial Efficiency marks him as one of the pioneers of industrial psychology. a. William James b. G. Stanley Hall c. Hugo Münsterberg d. James McKeen Cattell Answer: c. Hugo Münsterberg Rationale: Hugo Münsterberg's book "The Psychology of Industrial Efficiency" is considered a foundational work in the field of industrial psychology, establishing him as one of its pioneers. 21. _____ earned the first Ph.D. in psychology. a. William James b. G. Stanley Hall c. Hugo Münsterberg d. James McKeen Cattell Answer: b. G. Stanley Hall Rationale: G. Stanley Hall was the first person to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, which he obtained from Harvard University in 1878 under the supervision of William James. 22. ________ founded the American Psychological Association and served as its first president in 1892. a. Hugo Münsterberg b. William James c. G. Stanley Hall d. Walter Dill Scott Answer: c. G. Stanley Hall Rationale: G. Stanley Hall played a pivotal role in the establishment of the American Psychological Association (APA) and served as its first president in 1892, contributing significantly to the organization and development of psychology as a discipline in the United States. 23. _____ brought Freud and Jung to America and helped introduce psychoanalysis to the United States a. Hugo Münsterberg b. William James c. G. Stanley Hall d. Walter Dill Scott Answer: c. G. Stanley Hall Rationale: G. Stanley Hall played a key role in introducing psychoanalysis to the United States by inviting prominent figures such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung to lecture and visit American universities. 24. A radical developmental-evolutionary approach to psychology is more evident in the work of _______ than in the work of any other pioneer psychologist. a. Robert Sessions Woodworth b. Walter Dill Scott c. G. Stanley Hall d. James McKeen Cattell Answer: c. G. Stanley Hall Rationale: G. Stanley Hall advocated for a radical developmental-evolutionary approach to psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding human behavior and mental processes in the context of evolutionary development and individual growth. 25. _____ was one of the first to argue for a children's institute dedicated to extensive research on children. a. William James b. G. Stanley Hall c. Hugo Münsterberg d. James McKeen Cattell Answer: b. G. Stanley Hall Rationale: G. Stanley Hall was a proponent of child study and argued for the establishment of a children's institute devoted to comprehensive research on child development and psychology. 26. “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.” This statement is most consistent with the ideas of a. William James. b. Leta Stetter Hollingworth. c. G. Stanley Hall. d. James McKeen Cattell. Answer: c. G. Stanley Hall. Rationale: The concept of "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny" is associated with G. Stanley Hall, reflecting his belief that the development of an individual (ontogeny) mirrors the evolutionary history of the species (phylogeny). 27. In his classic article, “The Reflex Arc Concept in Psychology,” John Dewey argued that a. the reflex should be foundational for all of psychology. b. American psychologists should pay more attention to the work of the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov. c. we should not dissect experience or reflexes into artificial piecemeal units. d. the goals of structuralism and functionalism can be reconciled through the concept of the reflex. Answer: c. we should not dissect experience or reflexes into artificial piecemeal units. Rationale: John Dewey argued against reducing psychological phenomena to isolated reflex arcs, emphasizing the holistic and integrated nature of human experience and behavior. 28. _______ extended many of the concepts of functionalism into the field of education. He argued that the concept of democracy is learned and that democratic ideals cannot be fostered in schools that emphasize rote learning and strict regimentation. a. John Dewey b. James Rowland Angell c. Harvey A. Carr d. James McKeen Cattell Answer: a. John Dewey Rationale: John Dewey applied functionalist principles to education and advocated for progressive educational practices that prioritize experiential learning, critical thinking, and the development of democratic values. 29. The major classic exposition of functionalism was set forth in an article entitled “The Province of Functional Psychology” by a. John Dewey. b. Harvey A. Carr. c. James Rowland Angell. d. Robert Sessions Woodworth. Answer: c. James Rowland Angell. Rationale: James Rowland Angell's article "The Province of Functional Psychology" is considered a major classic exposition of functionalism, outlining its key principles and perspectives. 30. _____ argued that functionalism had been in existence since Aristotle began to investigate the operations rather than the mere stuff of mental experience. a. John Dewey b. Harvey A. Carr c. James Rowland Angell d. Robert Sessions Woodworth Answer: c. James Rowland Angell Rationale: James Rowland Angell argued that functionalism has roots dating back to Aristotle's exploration of the functions and operations of the mind, suggesting that functionalist principles have long been present in the history of psychology. 31. _____ was primarily concerned with mental activity, defined as “the acquisition, fixation, retention, organization, and evaluation of experiences and their subsequent utilization in the guidance of conduct.” a. John Dewey b. Harvey A. Carr c. James Rowland Angell d. Robert Sessions Woodworth Answer: b. Harvey A. Carr Rationale: Harvey A. Carr focused on mental activity and its various aspects, considering how experiences are acquired, retained, organized, and utilized to guide behavior. 32. The term mental tests was coined by a. William James. b. John Dewey. c. James McKeen Cattell. d. Leta Stetter Hollingworth. Answer: c. James McKeen Cattell. Rationale: James McKeen Cattell is credited with coining the term "mental tests," reflecting his pioneering work in the development and application of psychological testing. 33. Although highly motivated by Sir Francis Galton to study measurement and to acquire a variety of measurements from many people, the data were not correlated with any meaningful measure and as a result the research career of _____ was destroyed. a. William James b. John Dewey c. James McKeen Cattell d. Leta Stetter Hollingworth Answer: c. James McKeen Cattell Rationale: James McKeen Cattell's research career suffered setbacks when the data he collected, under the influence of Francis Galton, did not yield meaningful correlations, leading to challenges to his scientific credibility. 34. Science, a periodical very important to disciplines such as physics, biology, and chemistry was edited for almost 50 years by one of the pioneers in psychology. He was a. James McKeen Cattell. b. Robert Sessions Woodworth. c. Walter Dill Scott. d. G. Stanley Hall. Answer: a. James McKeen Cattell. Rationale: James McKeen Cattell served as the editor of the journal Science for nearly 50 years, contributing significantly to the advancement of psychology and other scientific disciplines. 35. _____ influenced psychology through strong leadership and a series of important textbooks including Experimental Psychology, which served as the standard reference in the field for over two decades. a. James McKeen Cattell b. Robert Sessions Woodworth c. Mary Calkins d. William James Answer: b. Robert Sessions Woodworth Rationale: Robert Sessions Woodworth's influential leadership and authoritative textbooks, such as "Experimental Psychology," had a lasting impact on the field of psychology, establishing standards and guiding research for decades. 36. Functional autonomy refers to a. one of the major characteristics of biological drives. b. a neurosis of adolescence. c. the idea that the means of satisfying a motive may acquire drive properties. d. an overwhelming need to join organizations and to be part of a group. Answer: c. the idea that the means of satisfying a motive may acquire drive properties. Rationale: Functional autonomy refers to the concept that behaviors or actions may become independent of their original motives, acquiring their own drive properties over time. 37. The importance of motivation had been neglected in many early systems of psychology. Which of the following did most to elevate the importance of motivation? a. G. Stanley Hall b. James McKeen Cattell c. Robert Sessions Woodworth d. Leta Stetter Hollingworth Answer: c. Robert Sessions Woodworth Rationale: Robert Sessions Woodworth played a significant role in elevating the importance of motivation in psychology, emphasizing its role in driving behavior and its influence on various psychological processes. 38. Although Harvard University refused to grant her a Ph.D. _________ served as the first female president of the American Psychological Association, and she argued that the concept of the self should be a major focus in the work of psychologists. a. Leta Stetter Hollingworth b. Dorthea Lynde Dix c. Margaret Floy Washburn d. Mary Whiton Calkins Answer: d. Mary Whiton Calkins Rationale: Mary Whiton Calkins, despite facing obstacles in her academic career, became the first female president of the American Psychological Association and advocated for the study of the self as a central focus in psychology. 39. _____ developed the paired-associate method for studying memory. a. James McKeen Cattell b. Leta Stetter Hollingworth c. Mary Calkins d. William James Answer: c. Mary Calkins Rationale: Mary Calkins developed the paired-associate method, a significant contribution to the study of memory and learning in psychology. 40. Briefly stated, the so-called variability hypothesis held that in all things a. men are more variable than women. b. women are more variable than men. c. humans are more variable among themselves than any other animal species. d. younger people are more variable than older people. Answer: a. men are more variable than women. Rationale: The variability hypothesis posits that men exhibit greater variability than women across various traits and characteristics, a notion that has been debated in psychological research. 41. The person who did the most to dismantle the variability hypothesis was a. James McKeen Cattell. b. Leta Stetter Hollingworth. c. Mary Calkins. d. William James. Answer: b. Leta Stetter Hollingworth. Rationale: Leta Stetter Hollingworth's research challenged the variability hypothesis by demonstrating that women's intellectual abilities were as varied as men's, contradicting the notion of inherent gender-based differences in variability. 42. Which of the following is associated with the work of Leta Stetter Hollingworth? a. She is considered a pioneer in the psychology of women and made important contributions to the reduction of prejudices that prevented equal educational opportunities for women. b. She wrote the first article to formally attack behaviorism. c. She studied “mentally defective” children as well as gifted children with IQs above 180. d. both a. and c. are correct. Answer: d. both a. and c. are correct. Rationale: Leta Stetter Hollingworth made significant contributions to the psychology of women, advocating for equal educational opportunities, and also conducted important research on both intellectually gifted children and those considered "mentally defective." 43. _______ explored gender differences and the consequences of dropping out of school. a. James McKeen Cattell. b. Leta Stetter Hollingworth. c. Mary Calkins. d. Helen Wooley. Answer: d. Helen Wooley. Rationale: Helen Wooley conducted research on gender differences and investigated the effects of dropping out of school, contributing to our understanding of educational and developmental psychology. 44. Whereas Cattell attempted to measure intelligence by exploring differences in elementary processes such as reaction times, Alfred Binet looked for differences in a. sensory acuity. b. complex superior processes such as memories for designs and ability to solve spatial problems. c. compound reaction times. d. ability to discriminate within all sensory modalities. Answer: b. complex superior processes such as memories for designs and ability to solve spatial problems. Rationale: Alfred Binet focused on assessing intelligence through tasks that required complex cognitive processes, such as problem-solving and spatial reasoning, rather than simple sensory or reaction time measures. 45. This pioneer in testing began to gather normative data on the problem-solving abilities of children and to intelligence test items directly related to daily life. a. James McKeen Cattell b. Leta Stetter Hollingworth c. G. Stanley Hall d. Alfred Binet Answer: d. Alfred Binet Rationale: Alfred Binet pioneered intelligence testing by collecting normative data on children's problem-solving abilities and developing test items that assessed practical intelligence relevant to daily life situations. Test Bank for A History of Psychology: Ideas and Context Brett D. King, Wayne Viney, William Douglas Woody 9780205987184
