Introduction to Psychology
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Questions and Answers

Why is it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of human behaviors like depression?

  • Because the negative social responses are easier to investigate, drawing focus away from other factors.
  • Because there is often an overlap of multiple interconnected causes, making it difficult to isolate individual effects. (correct)
  • Because these behaviors are caused by both inborn and acquired characteristics which are impossible to separate.
  • Because biological factors are the only cause, leading to a chain of negative social consequences.

What is a core idea of scientific psychology, that began in the late 19th century?

  • That all causes of behaviour are interconnected and cannot be separated
  • That the mind and behavior can be studied through scientific methods and analysis. (correct)
  • That human capabilities are entirely determined through experience.
  • That only observable behaviors, not the mind, are appropriate subjects for analysis.

What is the primary significance of Wilhelm Wundt in the field of psychology?

  • He established the first school of thought by focusing on inborn capabilities.
  • He proposed the theory that human behavior is determined by social responses.
  • He opened the first experimental laboratory, marking a milestone for the field of psychology. (correct)
  • He debated the importance of acquired experiances rather than inborn human capabilites

What is the term used to describe the tendency to believe that an event was predictable after it has already occurred?

<p>Hindsight bias (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental question did the early debates in human psychology focus on?

<p>Whether human capabilities are primarily inborn or acquired through experience. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of empirical research in scientific study?

<p>It involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to reach conclusions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the perspective to maintain when exploring human behavior?

<p>Be wary of explanations that attribute behaviors solely to one cause. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the reason why scientific facts can be modified?

<p>Because new evidence is found. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a critical element of the scientific method used by psychologists?

<p>A set of rules and procedures for conducting empirical research. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might psychologists need to regularly update their research?

<p>Because human behavior and societal norms evolve. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A statement such as “It is important to prioritize mental health care” would most accurately be categorized as:

<p>An opinion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major goal of psychology?

<p>To predict behavior by understanding its causes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered an objective fact, according to the information?

<p>People who experience long-term stress tend to develop more health problems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'individual differences' in psychology?

<p>The variations among people on physical or psychological dimensions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to make accurate predictions about individual behavior?

<p>Because individual differences and multiple levels of explanation exist. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are values, beliefs, or opinions not used in scientific research?

<p>They can't be definitively ascertained as true or false using empirical methods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is NOT listed as influencing depression?

<p>Economic Factors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can research that is based on facts influence personal values?

<p>By providing factual information that may help people develop and adjust their values. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of psychology as a field of study?

<p>The scientific study of behavior and mental processes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the nature of predictions made by psychologists?

<p>They are probabilities rather than guarantees. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do values play in research?

<p>They can be used to decide what research is appropriate to conduct. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From what origins does the term 'psychology' derive?

<p>Greek, meaning 'explanation of life' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the content provided, what is one way that technology is affecting psychological research?

<p>It is necessary to include technologies like online dating when researching relationships. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element that distinguishes psychology as a scientific discipline?

<p>Its usage of scientific research methods and data analysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the scope of topics that psychologists study?

<p>Both directly observable actions and mental processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a psychologist study the concept of aggression?

<p>By examining brain activity during aggressive behavior, observing children's behavior, and evaluating a person's home environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes basic research from applied research, in psychology?

<p>Basic research aims to increase the knowledge base of psychology, applied research aims to solve practical problems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mental process a psychologist might study?

<p>The experience of dreaming a night. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do some people witnessing aggressive behavior offer help while others do not?

<p>Psychologists study this phenomenon to understand why people respond in different ways. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a simple experimental design, what is the purpose of a control group?

<p>To serve as a baseline, with the hypothesized cause absent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a correlation coefficient, r, of 0 indicate?

<p>The absence of any relationship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is best suited when experiments are not practical or possible?

<p>Correlational method. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the observational method in psychological research?

<p>Directly observing the phenomenon of interest. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In psychological research, what does 'minimal risk' refer to?

<p>The degree of harm the experiment may cause to participants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of informed consent in psychological research?

<p>To ensure participants know the risks and benefits so they can decide whether to participate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue researchers must consider when using animals in psychological studies?

<p>Ensuring that any harm to animals is thoroughly justified by the study's potential benefits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of manipulating the independent variable in an experiment?

<p>To control the variable and see its influences on other factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of intuitive thinking, as described in the text?

<p>It is more experiential, automatic, and unconscious. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem with eyewitness identification?

<p>Eyewitnesses may be just as confident when they are wrong as when they are right. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue with relying on people you know for information rather than doing your own research, as mentioned in the text?

<p>People tend to relay information that they have heard, even if not accurate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is hindsight bias, as described in the text?

<p>The tendency to believe that one would have predicted an outcome before it happened. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes research findings seem believable when they are read?

<p>The cases that support the finding come to mind when we read them, so it seems believable (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conclusion drawn from the discussion about accepting explanations for events, without thoroughly testing them?

<p>We may think that we understand why things happen, when we actually do not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of a flawed belief people may hold without adequate evidence, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Belief in extrasensory perception (ESP) or astrology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect can biases have on our conclusions?

<p>Biases may cause us to make erroneous conclusions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Psychology?

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Scientific Research Methods

Psychologists use these to uncover answers to questions like "Why do some people help while others don't?"

Behavior

Observable actions or reactions, like smiling or yelling.

Mental Processes

Thoughts, feelings, dreams, and other internal experiences.

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Basic Research

Research done to increase the general knowledge base of psychology.

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Applied Research

Research conducted to solve real-world problems.

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Descriptive Research

Research focused on understanding a specific phenomenon.

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Correlational Research

Research focused on understanding the relationship between variables.

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Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe that we could have predicted an event after it has already happened, even if we wouldn't have been able to predict it beforehand.

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Scientific Method

The set of assumptions, rules, and procedures that scientists use to conduct research.

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Empirical Research

Research that relies on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to reach conclusions.

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Facts

Statements that can be objectively measured and determined to be true or false.

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Values

Personal statements or beliefs that cannot be objectively proven true or false.

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Religious Beliefs

Statements about faith or religious beliefs that cannot be scientifically proven or disproven.

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Opinions

Individual opinions or thoughts that cannot be objectively proven true or false.

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Research and Values

Research can provide objective information that helps individuals form their own values on certain issues.

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Intuition

Thinking that is more experiential, emotional, automatic, and unconscious. It often leads to less careful analysis compared to scientific reasoning.

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The Problem of Intuition

The problem that arises when we rely on intuition without considering other possible explanations or examining evidence carefully.

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Confirmation Bias

A bias that leads us to believe that our own beliefs and experiences are more accurate and valuable than others.

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Overconfidence Bias

The tendency to overestimate the accuracy of our judgments and predictions, especially when we are confident about them.

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Trusting Familiar Sources

The idea that we tend to be more influenced by information from people we know and trust, rather than seeking objective scientific evidence.

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Individual differences

The tendency of people to vary in their physical and psychological characteristics, leading to differing responses and outcomes.

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Empirical methods in psychology

The scientific process of observing, measuring, and testing predictions about human behavior in a systematic way.

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Anchoring Bias

The tendency to make judgments or decisions based on the first piece of information we encounter, without considering other relevant information.

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Confirmation Bias

The tendency to focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs while ignoring or downplaying information that contradicts them.

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Psychological experiences

Complex experiences shaped by genetics, personal history, and broader cultural influences.

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Predicting behavior

The ability to predict how a person will behave based on their characteristics and the situation they're in.

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Challenges of predicting behavior

Challenges in predicting human behavior stem from variations in individual characteristics and responses.

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Multiple levels of explanation

The idea that human behavior is influenced by multiple factors operating simultaneously at different levels, like genetic, personal, and cultural.

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Psychology

The scientific field that studies human behavior and mental processes.

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Probabilistic predictions

The understanding that predictions in psychology are probabilistic, meaning they reflect the likelihood of an outcome, not a guarantee.

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Nature View

The idea that human capabilities are determined by our genes and biology.

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Nurture View

The idea that human capabilities are shaped by our experiences and environment.

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Multiple Causation

A complex interplay of factors that contribute to a single event or behavior.

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Nature vs Nurture Debate

The ongoing debate about the relative influence of nature and nurture on human development.

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Experimental group

In psychology, this refers to the group in an experiment that receives the treatment or manipulation being studied. It helps determine if the experimental condition has a direct impact.

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Control Group

In psychology, this refers to the group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or manipulation being studied. It serves as a baseline to compare with the experimental group.

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Correlational method

A statistical method in research that examines the relationship between two or more variables. It doesn't prove causation, but shows if changes in one variable are associated with changes in another.

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Correlation coefficient (r)

A numerical value representing the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

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Observational method

A research method that involves observing and recording behavior in a natural setting. It can be used to study a variety of phenomena, but may be prone to bias.

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Survey method

A research approach that involves gathering information through surveys, interviews, or questionnaires. It helps researchers understand people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

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Case history

A research method that involves collecting and analyzing information about a person's past experiences, relationships, and developmental history.

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Ethical principles in research

Ethical guidelines in research that ensure the well-being of participants. They include principles like minimizing risks, obtaining informed consent, and protecting privacy.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology

  • Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
  • The word "psychology" comes from Greek words "psyche" (meaning life) and "logos" (meaning explanation)
  • Psychologists use scientific research methods to understand behavior.
  • Psychologists systematically collect and analyze data.
  • Psychological behavior can be affected by several variables.

Psychology as a Science

  • Psychology is a scientific discipline.
  • Psychologists use the scientific method to investigate questions about behaviour.
  • "Everyday scientists" conduct research projects to understand behaviour, such as when we experience failure in a test or important life events.
  • Scientific research can help discover principles about human behavior.

The Problem of Intuition

  • Intuition, while helpful, is not always scientific.
  • Intuitions can be faulty, as people can wrongly attribute causes to events without sufficient testing.
  • Other explanations for events may be more accurate than intuition.
  • Eyewitness accounts can be wrong, but often perceived as confident.
  • The assumption that certain experiences are true and not falsifiable, like ESP (extrasensory perception) or astrological predictions.
  • Accepting explanations without rigorous testing can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

Hindsight Bias

  • Hindsight bias is the tendency to believe you could have predicted an event after learning the outcome.
  • The outcome is sometimes already believable due to similar prior cases (e.g, attraction between people, such as “opposites attract” vs "birds of a feather").
  • Psychological research has identified that certain outcomes are more often true than others.
  • Research findings are sometimes wrongly perceived as predictable.

Why Psychologists Rely on Empirical Methods

  • All scientists use empirical research.
  • Empirical research methods involve collecting, analysing, and interpreting data.
  • Scientific procedures don't automatically prevent bias, but the sharing of knowledge helps challenge it.
  • Scientific research continually updates findings and knowledge.
  • Norms for behavior change over time (e.g., technology).

The Challenges of Studying Psychology

  • Psychological experiences are extremely complex.
  • Predicting behaviour is difficult due to individual differences and different situations.
  • Individual differences (like intelligence, self-esteem, anxiety, and aggression) influence behaviour.
  • Individual differences in behaviour make prediction probabilistic.
  • Human behavior is complex because multiple factors influence it.
  • Multiple causes interact when one cause is present.
  • Predicting behaviour is influenced by interacting factors like genetics, personality, and culture.
  • It is important to be skeptical of oversimplifications when attempting to explain behaviour.

Modern Psychology's Roots

  • Psychology has roots in ancient Greece and the thinking of philosophers (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle).
  • Early debates in psychology included nature vs nurture.
  • Psychology emerged as a scientific discipline in the late 19th century.
  • The first experimental psychology lab was founded by Wilhelm Wundt.
  • Important schools of thought like Structuralism and Functionalism shaped the field.
  • Other influential figures include Freud, Pavlov, Piaget and several others.

The Study of Psychology

  • Psychology has multiple perspectives (e.g., biological, behavioural, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and subjective).
  • Views on behaviour may vary based on these perspectives.
  • Topics may be analyzed from more than one perspective simultaneously.

What do Psychologists Do?

  • Psychologists conduct research, teach, and provide mental health services.
  • Work can be in academic or non-academic settings.

Specialties in Psychology

  • Psychology has a wide variety of specialties.
  • Diverse perspectives broaden understanding of psychology and create diverse career paths.
  • The categories of specialties in psychology include Experimental, Educational, Clinical, Counseling, Developmental, Cognitive, Gender/cultural, Industrial-organizational, and Social.
  • Specialties focus on specific areas of human behaviour or mental processes.

Psychological Research

  • Psychological research employs the scientific method.
  • A hypothesis is tested using various methods and techniques (e.g., experimental, correlational, observational methods).
  • Ethical considerations in research are crucial (e.g., minimal risks, informed consent, and privacy).

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Introduction to Psychology Lecture 2 PDF

Description

Explore the foundations of psychology as a scientific discipline. This quiz covers key concepts such as the scientific method, the role of intuition, and the variables affecting psychological behavior. Test your understanding of how psychologists systematically study and interpret human behavior.

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