Psychology - Topic 6 studies

What psychological concept did Skinner (1948) investigate through experiments on animals?

• Classical conditioning

• Operant conditioning

• Social learning

• Cognitive dissonance

Answer explanation

Skinner (1948) investigated operant conditioning, which focuses on how behavior is influenced by consequences. His experiments with animals demonstrated how rewards and punishments shape behavior, distinguishing it from classical conditioning.

Which theory did Bandura (1977) propose?

• Theory of cognitive development

• Social learning theory

• Theory of moral development

• Humanistic theory

Answer explanation

Bandura (1977) proposed the Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes learning through observation and imitation of others, contrasting with theories focused solely on cognitive or moral development.

Eysenck (1964) developed a theory categorising individuals based on which dimensions?

• Introversion, stability, and psychoticism

• Extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism

• Openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness

• Extraversion, agreeableness, and openness

Answer explanation

Eysenck's (1964) theory categorizes individuals based on three dimensions: extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. This choice distinguishes his model from others that focus on different traits.

In the study by Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1961), what behaviour were children more likely to imitate?

• Cooperative behaviour

• Aggressive behaviour

• Altruistic behaviour

• Passive behaviour

Answer explanation

In the study by Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1961), children observed aggressive models and were more likely to imitate aggressive behaviour, demonstrating the influence of observational learning.

What was the focus of Charlton et al. (2000) study in St. Helena?

• The impact of diet on children's health

• The effect of television on children's behaviour

• The influence of peer pressure on academic performance

• The role of parental involvement in education

Answer explanation

Charlton et al. (2000) focused on the effect of television on children's behaviour in St. Helena, examining how media exposure influences their actions and social interactions.

Which of the following is a key component of operant conditioning as demonstrated by Skinner?

• Observation

• Reinforcement

• Insight

• Memory

Answer explanation

Reinforcement is a key component of operant conditioning, as demonstrated by Skinner. It involves strengthening a behavior by providing a consequence that is rewarding, thereby increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

According to Bandura's social learning theory, what plays a crucial role in learning behaviours?

• Genetic predisposition

• Observing and imitating models

• Innate reflexes

• Logical reasoning

Answer explanation

According to Bandura's social learning theory, learning behaviors primarily occurs through observing and imitating models. This emphasizes the importance of social context in shaping behavior, making it the correct choice.

Eysenck's theory of personality includes which of the following traits?

• Openness

• Conscientiousness

• Neuroticism

• Agreeableness

Answer explanation

Eysenck's theory of personality identifies three major traits: extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. Among the options, neuroticism is the only trait included in his model, making it the correct answer.

What was a significant finding of the Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1961) study?

• Children are naturally aggressive

• Children imitate aggressive models

• Children prefer non-aggressive models

• Children do not learn from adults

Answer explanation

The Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1961) study found that children imitate aggressive models, demonstrating that exposure to aggressive behavior can lead to similar actions in children.

What method did Charlton et al. (2000) use to study children's behaviour?

• Laboratory experiment

• Naturalistic observation

• Survey

• Case study

Answer explanation

Charlton et al. (2000) used naturalistic observation to study children's behavior, allowing them to observe children in their natural environment without interference, which provides more authentic insights into their behavior.