History of Experimental Psychology and Behaviorism Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of psychological science?

To establish laws that apply to all situations

To describe and analyze human behavior using science (correct)

To conduct experiments on animals

To solely focus on cognitive processes

Why are laws seldom used in psychology?

Because laws cannot be applied to human behavior and mental processes (correct)

Because psychologists prefer theoretical assumptions to facts

Because laws are unstable and constantly changing

Because laws lack specificity in the field of psychology

What makes a theory useful in psychology?

Having interrelated assumptions that are facts

Being solely focused on personality traits

Allowing researchers to formulate testable hypotheses (correct)

Being based on laws applicable to all situations

How are theories defined in psychology?

As formal and organized observations of a scientist regarding any subject Signup and view all the answers

Which goal of psychological science involves having an understanding of what causes a behavior to occur?

Explanation Signup and view all the answers

What is the capacity in psychological science to know in advance when certain behaviors are expected to occur called?

Prediction Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a psychological construct that is understood and explored through subjective methods like interviews?

Phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

In psychology, what is the term used for a construct that is theoretically assumed to have an effect on a dependent variable?

Independent Variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a pseudoscientific practice mentioned in the text?

Astrology Signup and view all the answers

What is the belief behind 'Mesmerism' (animal magnetism)?

Fluids in our body are influenced by magnetic and gravitational forces in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which early pioneer is associated with the experimental method in studying human perception?

Gustav Fechner Signup and view all the answers

What practice involves determining one's personality through handwriting?

Graphology Signup and view all the answers

In a quasi-experiment, how are participants assigned to different levels of the independent variable?

Based on availability of intact groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the main emphasis of correlational design in research?

Examining associations between two or more variables Signup and view all the answers

Which design focuses on examining differences in the levels of a particular variable between naturally occurring categories of people?

Causal-comparative design Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of meta-analysis in research?

To combine results from past research to analyze variable influence Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of causal-comparative design in quantitative research?

It involves observing and measuring variables as they naturally occur Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following designs in quantitative research focuses on examining the relationship between two or more variables?

Correlational design Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of conducting a meta-analysis in research?

To compare and combine results from multiple studies on the same topic Signup and view all the answers

In the context of quantitative research, what does test development and validation primarily involve?

Developing and assessing the reliability and validity of measurement tools Signup and view all the answers

What type of research involves the study of cause-and-effect relationships between variables?

Quantitative Design Signup and view all the answers

Which research approach is characterized by studying laws, theories, or principles that can be applied universally?

Nomothetic Approach Signup and view all the answers

In which research design are researchers likely to mention limitations and recommendations for future studies?

Pre-Test/Post-Test Design Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research typically connects variables to examine cause-and-effect relationships?

Correlational Design Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary Goals of Psychological Science

The main aim is to understand behavior and mental processes, exploring causes and effects.
Comprehension of behavior is linked to predicting future behaviors.

Use of Laws in Psychology

Laws are rarely applicable due to the complexity and variability of human behavior, making predictability difficult.

Key Characteristics of Theories in Psychology

A useful theory must be testable, predictive, and able to guide research by providing a framework for hypotheses.
Theories are defined as systematic explanations of phenomena that help understand the relationships between different constructs.

Understanding Behavior

The goal of psychological science to grasp the reasons behind the occurrence of behavior is known as "understanding."

Predictive Capacity

The ability to anticipate when specific behaviors will happen is termed "predictive validity."

Subjective Methods in Psychology

Constructs examined through subjective methods, like interviews, are referred to as "qualitative constructs."

Theoretical Constructs

Constructs that are assumed to influence a dependent variable in experiments are called "independent variables."

Pseudoscientific Practices

An example of pseudoscientific practices includes practices like astrology or graphology (handwriting analysis).

Mesmerism

The belief behind Mesmerism (animal magnetism) centers on a mysterious force affecting the human body, purportedly influencing behavior and health.

Experimental Method Pioneer

Wilhelm Wundt is recognized as a pioneer associated with the experimental method in studying human perception.

Handwriting Analysis

Graphology is the practice that attempts to discern personality traits through the analysis of handwriting.

Quasi-Experiment Participant Assignment

In quasi-experiments, participants are not randomly assigned but are placed into groups based on pre-existing criteria.

Correlational Design Emphasis

The main focus of correlational design is to examine the relationships between variables rather than establishing causation.

Differences in Variable Levels

Designs assessing differences in variable levels among naturally occurring categories are termed "cross-sectional studies."

Purpose of Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis aims to synthesize findings from multiple studies to arrive at more reliable conclusions about a particular question or effect.

Causal-Comparative Design Characteristics

Causal-comparative research compares two or more groups to understand how an independent variable influences dependent variables.

Quantitative Research Designs

Research focusing on the relationship between multiple variables is categorized as "multivariate analysis."

Meta-Analysis Purpose

Conducting meta-analysis seeks to identify overall trends, confirming or refuting hypotheses based on aggregated data.

Test Development and Validation

This process involves creating reliable and valid measures that accurately assess the constructs being studied.

Cause-and-Effect Research

Experimental research investigates cause-and-effect relationships among variables.

Universal Application Research Approach

The scientific approach characterized by generalizable laws and principles is known as "nomothetic research."

Limitations in Research Design

Research designs that report limitations and recommendations are typically "qualitative studies."

Connecting Variables Research Type

Research connecting variables to elucidate cause-and-effect relationships falls under "causal-comparative research."

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Description

Test your knowledge of the history of experimental psychology, from Titchener's structuralism to Watson's behaviorism, Skinner's experiments, and the cognitive revolution. Explore key concepts like introspection, the Little Albert experiment, and the cognitive psychology movement.