Psychology 1st 9 Weeks Test #1

What is the primary focus of the field of psychology?

• The study of human behavior and mental processes

• The study of physical health

• The study of historical events

• The study of technological advancements

Answer explanation

The primary focus of psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes, which encompasses understanding thoughts, emotions, and actions, unlike the other options that pertain to different fields.

Which research method involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships?

• Correlational research

• Observational study

• Experimental method

• Survey method

Answer explanation

The experimental method involves manipulating independent variables to observe their effect on dependent variables, establishing cause-and-effect relationships, unlike correlational or observational methods.

Who is most closely associated with the development of cognitive psychology?

• B.F. Skinner

• Carl Rogers

• Jean Piaget

• Sigmund Freud

Answer explanation

Jean Piaget is most closely associated with cognitive psychology due to his pioneering work on cognitive development in children, emphasizing how they think and learn, which laid the foundation for the field.

A hypothesis is best defined as:

• A proven fact

• A general principle

• A testable prediction

• An untestable theory

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. It is not a proven fact or an untestable theory, making 'A testable prediction' the correct definition.

Which of the following is an example of applied science?

• Studying the effects of sleep on memory

• Developing new teaching methods based on psychological research

• Researching the structure of the brain

• Conducting experiments on animal behavior

Answer explanation

Applied science involves using scientific knowledge to develop practical solutions. Developing new teaching methods based on psychological research applies psychological principles to improve education, making it an example of applied science.

Empirical research is characterized by:

• Reliance on opinions

• Use of experimental methods and observation

• Theoretical speculation

• Non-scientific approaches

Answer explanation

Empirical research relies on systematic methods, including experimental methods and observation, to gather data. This distinguishes it from opinions, theoretical speculation, and non-scientific approaches.

The psychological approach that emphasizes the importance of unconscious processes is known as:

• Cognitive

• Humanistic

• Psychoanalytic

• Behavioral

Answer explanation

The psychoanalytic approach, founded by Freud, focuses on the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior, making it the correct choice. Cognitive, humanistic, and behavioral approaches emphasize different aspects of psychology.

Which of the following terms refers to the study of the mind and behavior from a biological perspective?

• Psychology

• Psychobiology

• Structuralism

• Behaviorism

Answer explanation

Psychobiology is the study of the mind and behavior from a biological perspective, focusing on how biological processes influence mental states and behaviors. This distinguishes it from general psychology, which encompasses broader aspects.

A structuralist is most likely to focus on:

• The unconscious mind

• The components of conscious experience

• The behavior of individuals

• The social influences on behavior

Answer explanation

A structuralist focuses on breaking down conscious experience into its basic components, such as sensations and perceptions, rather than exploring the unconscious mind, behavior, or social influences.

What is the main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

• Psychologists can prescribe medication, while psychiatrists cannot

• Psychiatrists focus on therapy, while psychologists focus on medication

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors, while psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology

• There is no difference; both terms refer to the same profession

Answer explanation

The main difference is that psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology and focus on therapy and counseling.