Principles of Scientific Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of adopting a scientific approach in social psychology?

To ignore the influence of cultural context

To evaluate information in a biased manner

To rely on personal experiences and intuition

To provide a solid foundation for answering general questions (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences social thought and behavior according to social psychologists?

Historical events (correct)

Cognitive processes

Biological factors

Actions and characteristics of others

What is the term for a commitment to accept findings as accurate only to the extent they have been verified over and over again?

Accuracy

Skepticism (correct)

Open-Mindedness

Objectivity

In the context of attraction, what might influence an individual's behavior at a party?

Actions and characteristics of others, such as an attractive person smiling Signup and view all the answers

Which core value is essential in considering alternative explanations for a phenomenon?

Open-Mindedness Signup and view all the answers

Why might personal experiences not provide a solid foundation for answering general questions in social psychology?

Because they are unique and might not be representative Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is related to the biological basis of human behavior?

Biological factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of social psychologists?

Understanding the factors that influence social thought and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the component of 'selection' in the process of evolution?

To provide an 'edge' in terms of reproduction to certain individuals Signup and view all the answers

Why do people find individuals with symmetrical facial features attractive?

Because it indicates good health and good genes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cognitive factors in influencing our behavior?

They can override our genetic tendencies, but not always Signup and view all the answers

According to evolutionary psychology, what is the primary motivation behind human attraction?

Passing on genes to the next generation Signup and view all the answers

How do cultures differ in terms of social behavior?

They have greatly varying social norms and values Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of inheritance in the process of evolution?

It enables the passing of traits from one generation to the next Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of environmental factors on our behavior?

They can influence our behavior, and our genetic tendencies can also be overridden Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between biological factors and social behavior?

Biological factors can influence social behavior, but are not the sole determinants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of social psychology?

The scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others Signup and view all the answers

According to Lewis Thomas, what sets humans apart from other species?

Our excessive and obsessive social nature Signup and view all the answers

What is a key area of investigation for social psychologists?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not belonging to any groups, according to Putnam?

An increased risk of dying over the next year Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of being digitally disconnected from others?

Increased feelings of loneliness and isolation Signup and view all the answers

What is a quote that highlights the importance of social connections?

If you belong to no groups but decide to join one, you cut your risk of dying over the next year in half. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of social psychologists in terms of group influence?

How groups influence individual behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a central theme in social psychology?

The impact of social connections on our lives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The scientific approach in social psychology involves four core values: accuracy, objectivity, skepticism, and open-mindedness.

Importance of Scientific Approach

Our own experiences are unique and might not provide a solid foundation for answering general questions.
The scientific approach helps to overcome the limitations of personal experiences and intuition.

Social psychologists are interested in understanding the factors that influence and shape social thought and behavior of individuals.
Five factors that influence social thought and behavior: actions and characteristics of others, cognitive processes, environmental variables, cultural context, and biological factors.

Examples of questions social psychologists might ask: what shapes our attitude, how do others affect our perception, how to persuade others, and how does prejudice develop.

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people.

Social connections are crucial for our well-being, happiness, and survival.
Research shows that people who belong to groups have a lower risk of dying over the next year.

Process of Evolution

The process of evolution involves three basic components: variation, inheritance, and selection.

Attraction and Mate Selection

We find people attractive due to characteristics associated with "good genes," such as symmetrical facial features and clear skin.
Our genetic inheritance influences our tendencies, but these can be overridden by cognitive factors and experience.

Cultural Context

Cultures differ greatly, and our social world is constantly changing due to factors like social media and digital technology.
Cultural context influences how we interact with each other, and these interactions can change over time.

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Description

This quiz covers the core values that make research scientific in nature, including accuracy, objectivity, skepticism, and open-mindedness.