Expressive Writing and Health

Which of the following statements is true about the relationship between phenomena and theories in psychology?

Phenomena are the explanations or interpretations, while theories are the systematic observations.
Phenomena and theories are used interchangeably in psychology.
Phenomena are the systematic observations, while theories are the explanations or interpretations of those observations. (correct)
Phenomena and theories are not distinguished in psychology.

What does the example of expressive writing illustrate in the context of the relationship between phenomena and theories?

It illustrates that theories are not needed to explain phenomena in psychology.
It illustrates that researchers in psychology do not distinguish between phenomena and theories.
It illustrates that, like all scientists, researchers in psychology distinguish between their systematic observations (phenomena) and their explanations or interpretations (theories) of those observations. (correct)
It illustrates that expressive writing does not lead to improvements in mental and physical health.

What does the term 'phenomena' refer to in the context of psychological research?

The explanations or interpretations of observations.
The hypotheses tested by researchers.
The systematic observations made by researchers. (correct)
The theories proposed by researchers.

Which of the following is true about the role of theories in psychological research, according to the text?

Theories are used to explain or interpret the systematic observations (phenomena). (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the focus of the book up to this point?

The focus has been on phenomena. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of this chapter?

The focus is on the role of theories. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key feature that distinguishes a theory from a perspective in psychology?

Theories are more specific and testable, while perspectives are broader and more general. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT considered one of the 'broadest perspectives in psychology'?

Computational (D) Signup and view all the answers

The passage states that the 'germ theory' of disease is considered a theory because:

It is an explanation of the origin of various diseases. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the BEST definition of a 'theory' according to the passage?

An explanation of a specific phenomenon, often expressed in the form of mathematical equations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of a 'perspective' in psychology?

Based on philosophical assumptions rather than empirical evidence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of replicating a study?

To verify the accuracy and reliability of the initial findings (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the BEST example of a 'theory' as described in the passage?

The theory of evolution by natural selection. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are phenomena typically established in empirical research?

By replicating a study multiple times and observing consistent results (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers do if a replication study produces contradictory results?

Conduct additional replications to resolve the discrepancy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about replication studies is true?

They may involve minor modifications to the original study design (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common practice among researchers when publishing empirical research?

Including an initial study and one or more follow-up replication studies (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of phenomena that have been extensively replicated?

Both a and b (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does drive theory explain in the context of social facilitation and social inhibition?

The effect of being watched on making correct or incorrect responses based on task familiarity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does science differ in its use of the term 'theory' compared to non-scientific contexts?

In science, a theory is a tested explanation of phenomena, while in non-scientific contexts, it is often an untested idea. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the theory of evolution by natural selection considered a theory in science?

It provides an explanation supported by extensive scientific evidence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which term does drive theory introduce to explain social facilitation and social inhibition?

Arousal (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a theory in science from a theory in non-scientific contexts?

In science, a theory is based on empirical evidence, while in non-scientific contexts, it is based on speculation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What concept from drive theory accounts for the impact of arousal on responses during tasks?

Dominant response (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Zajonc's theory propose about the effect of being watched by others on task performance?

Being watched increases physiological arousal, which increases the likelihood of the dominant response. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what was the key difference Zajonc identified between the early and later replication studies on the effect of being watched on task performance?

The early studies used practiced tasks, while the later studies used unpracticed tasks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a theory provided in the passage?

A theory is a coherent explanation or interpretation of one or more phenomena. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the passage?

The passage contrasts the findings of early and later studies on the effects of being watched on task performance. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is a key characteristic of theories?

Theories include variables, structures, processes, functions, or organizing principles that have not been observed directly. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between social facilitation and social inhibition according to the passage?

Social facilitation and social inhibition are two sides of the same phenomenon, as identified by Zajonc's theory. (B) Signup and view all the answers