Levels of Explanation in Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What are the lower levels of explanation in psychology primarily associated with?

  • Social influences and group dynamics
  • Cognitive processes and perception
  • Biological influences such as genes and neurotransmitters (correct)
  • Cultural norms and values
  • Which of the following best describes the middle levels of explanation in psychology?

  • Understanding the prevalence of disorders across countries
  • Focus on societal structures and cultural practices
  • Directly related to the abilities and characteristics of individuals (correct)
  • Examining neurotransmitters and hormones
  • What is a primary benefit of studying psychological disorders at multiple levels of explanation?

  • To produce simpler solutions to complex problems
  • To focus solely on social factors affecting disorders
  • To eliminate the need for biological explanations
  • To gain a comprehensive understanding of behavior (correct)
  • How has research on depression contributed to psychological practices?

    <p>It has resulted in the development of drugs like Prozac.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about gender differences in depression is accurate?

    <p>Women have higher rates of depression than men.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is indicated to contribute to differences in depression across cultures?

    <p>Life experiences and societal support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach helps to alleviate depression at the lowest level of explanation?

    <p>Investigating the chemicals in the brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to consider all levels of explanation when studying behavior?

    <p>To fully understand the complexity of human behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary focus of clinical and counselling psychology?

    <p>The assessment, diagnosis, causes, and treatment of mental disorders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what settings do cognitive psychologists primarily work?

    <p>Research settings and consulting for businesses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a task that forensic psychologists may engage in?

    <p>Testifying in court about eyewitness testimony</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What methodology is likely used in cognitive psychology research?

    <p>Reaction time and brain imaging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common setting for developmental psychologists?

    <p>Schools and community agencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is entry to academic programs in psychology highly competitive?

    <p>The high demand for psychologists in various fields</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of psychology do forensic psychologists primarily apply?

    <p>Psychological principles in the criminal justice system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which intervention program might a developmental psychologist evaluate?

    <p>Head Start</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the method of loci involve?

    <p>Linking information to familiar places</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the spacing effect?

    <p>Improved recall with shorter, spread out study sessions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when people have overconfident metacognition?

    <p>They may believe they've learned material that they haven't</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant influence on the development of cognitive psychology during the 1960s?

    <p>The development of computers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of goals are suggested to improve learning?

    <p>Goals that are difficult yet realistic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is recommended for effective studying?

    <p>Testing oneself after a few minutes and again after longer periods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which psychologist created short stories to study the influence of prior knowledge on memory?

    <p>Sir Frederic Bartlett</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were participants unable to do with the story 'The War of the Ghosts' after multiple readings?

    <p>Recall it exactly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What approach to learning is emphasized in the content?

    <p>Regular, small study sessions spread out over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle was central to Bartlett's findings regarding memory?

    <p>Memory is shaped by prior knowledge and expectations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who were the first psychologists, according to the content?

    <p>Philosophers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key takeaway about learning mentioned in the content?

    <p>Learning strategies can be learned and improved over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who among the following psychologists is known for studying the ability to remember lists of words?

    <p>Hermann Ebbinghaus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Jean Piaget contribute to cognitive psychology?

    <p>The cognitive-developmental stage model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes cognitive psychology?

    <p>The examination of mental processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following psychologists is NOT mentioned as a contributor to cognitive psychology?

    <p>Sigmund Freud</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary belief of behaviourists regarding free will?

    <p>Behaviour is shaped by environmental influences and past experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Skinner's view, how are humans likened to performers in a show?

    <p>They are unaware of external influences on their behaviour.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the brain showed activation that could predict decisions in the research by Soon et al.?

    <p>Prefrontal cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the research findings suggest about our perception of free will?

    <p>We are often unaware of the factors influencing our decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Skinner's behaviourist approach emphasize regarding the nature-nurture debate?

    <p>Nurture is the sole determining factor in behavioural development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did recent research reveal about the intention to act as reported by participants?

    <p>Brain activity can predict choices before participants are aware of them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the findings from the fMRI study conducted by Soon et al.?

    <p>It provided evidence that decisions are made subconsciously before awareness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception about free will is discussed in relation to Skinner's theories?

    <p>People overestimate their control over their behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Levels of Explanation in Psychology

    • Psychology is studied at different levels, each with its own focus:
      • Lower levels: Biological factors such as genes, neurons, and hormones.
      • Middle levels: Focus on individual abilities and characteristics.
      • Higher levels: Social groups, organizations, and cultures.

    ### Depression and Levels of Explanation

    • Depression is influenced by biological, social, and cultural factors.
    • Lower level: Investigating brain chemicals and developing medication like Prozac.
    • Middle level: Therapy addressing negative life experiences.
    • Higher level: Examining differences in depression prevalence across genders and cultures.

    ### Free Will

    • Behaviourists believed environment shapes behavior and denies free will.
    • Recent research suggests we might overestimate our own free will.
    • Brain activity predicting actions before conscious decision-making supports this view.

    Cognitive Psychology

    • The computer analogy contributed to the rise of cognitive psychology.
    • Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like perception, thinking, memory, and judgment.
    • Influential figures: Hermann Ebbinghaus, Sir Frederic Bartlett, and Jean Piaget.

    ### The War of the Ghosts

    • A story used by Bartlett to demonstrate the influence of prior knowledge on memory.
    • Participants struggled to recall the story accurately because it didn't fit their expectations.

    ### Method of Loci

    • A memory technique involving linking information to familiar locations.

    ### Spacing Effect

    • Learning is enhanced by studying material in shorter sessions over time.
    • Cramming is ineffective.

    ### Setting Goals

    • Setting challenging yet realistic goals improves performance.

    ### Metacognition

    • Assessing our own knowledge, which can lead to overconfidence.
    • To improve learning, actively test oneself by retrieving information rather than simply reviewing notes.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the different levels of explanation in psychology, including biological, individual, and social factors that influence behaviors and conditions like depression. It delves into the impact of external environments and the concept of free will in behavior. Test your understanding of these complex interactions in psychology.

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