Psychology and the Scientific Method

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Questions and Answers

What is one significant danger of pseudoscience?

It encourages rigorous testing.

It may cause harm to individuals. (correct)

It provides definitive proof of its claims.

It helps build trust in science.

Which principle ensures that alternative explanations for observations are considered?

Rule out rival hypotheses (correct)

Replicability

Falsifiability/Testability

Extraordinary evidence for big claims

What limitation of Structuralism is related to individual perception differences?

Parsimony

Imageless thought

Subjectivity (correct)

Lack of replication

What is the main focus of Functionalism in psychology?

Explaining why behaviors occur Signup and view all the answers

Which concept suggests that simpler explanations are preferable when more than one explanation exists?

Occam’s Razor Signup and view all the answers

What technique did Wilhelm Wundt primarily use in his research of Structuralism?

Introspection Signup and view all the answers

What was Sigmund Freud’s primary focus in psychoanalysis?

Unconscious impulses and memories Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the principle of replicability emphasize in scientific research?

Results should be repeatable for validation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary aims of psychology?

To describe behavior, understand causes, and predict future behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the scientific method?

Observing phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains the tendency to seek only evidence that supports existing beliefs?

Confirmation bias Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception can lead individuals to believe in pseudoscience?

Sunk cost fallacy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of pseudoscience?

Inconsistent data Signup and view all the answers

What influences can affect behaviors according to the scientific approach in psychology?

Individual differences and social/cultural contexts Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of relying on anecdotes in psychology?

They can lead to misinterpretation due to bias Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of theories in psychology?

To provide established explanations based on comprehensive research Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the study of psychology?

To describe, predict, and limit harm related to behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Conclude without further testing Signup and view all the answers

What does confirmation bias lead researchers to do?

Look for evidence that supports their beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of pseudoscience?

Promotes exaggerated claims Signup and view all the answers

How does the Dunning-Kruger effect manifest in individuals?

They overestimate their own expertise in a subject. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to belief perseverance in individuals?

Ignoring contradictory evidence to maintain beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when theories are described as established explanations?

They are based on completed research and help in making hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of structuralism in psychology?

Understanding the building blocks of thought and consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of parsimony, or Occam’s Razor, suggest in scientific investigation?

The simplest explanation is often the correct one Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a danger associated with pseudoscience?

Enhanced scientific knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of Wundt’s technique of introspection in psychological research?

It relies on individuals’ subjective perceptions Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological approach is most closely associated with studying unconscious impulses?

Psychoanalysis Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the principle of falsifiability in scientific principles?

Scientific claims should be able to be tested and proven wrong Signup and view all the answers

What was a major focus of William James's functionalism in psychology?

The purpose of mental processes and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the dangers of pseudoscience is accurate?

It can mislead individuals and cause potential harm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychology's Progress to Becoming a Science

Psychology studies the mind, brain, and behavior, aiming to describe, predict, and limit harm.
Analysis levels range from biological (molecular/neurochemical) to social/cultural (social/behavioral).

The Scientific Method

The scientific method involves observing, forming hypotheses, predicting, testing, and modifying (iterative process).
Confirmation bias and belief perseverance are inherent in the method, highlighting the need to seek out contradicting evidence as well.
Behaviour is multiply determined, affected by individual differences and social/cultural contexts.

Theories and Hypotheses

Theories are established explanations based on research, leading to hypotheses.
Hypotheses are predictions formed before research.

Pseudoscience

Pseudoscience mimics science but lacks scientific evidence.
Believability can be impacted by sunk cost fallacy, confirmation bias, and the Dunning-Kruger effect.
Warning signs include exaggerated claims and psychobabble.

Dangers of Pseudoscience

Includes opportunity costs, eroding trust in science, and potential harm to individuals without rigorous testing.

Scientific Principles

Scientific principles guard against pseudoscience by requiring rival hypothesis testing, avoiding confusion of correlation and causation, and prioritizing falsifiability.
Extraordinarily strong evidence is required to support big claims.
Studies require replicability to ensure the stability or reproducibility of results.
Simplicity, or Occam's Razor, should be favored.

History of Psychology

Structuralism (1879): Wilhelm Wundt, focused on the basic components of consciousness and mental experience (like a periodic table), using introspection (experiencing something/a feeling and describing it accurately). Limited by subjectivity and difficulty determining objective data about consciousness.
Functionalism: William James, focused on the functions of consciousness; why we think and act in specific ways (evolutionary pressures, etc.). Influenced by evolutionary theory.
Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud (late 1800s-early 1900s), focused on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.
Behaviorism (1910s): John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, focused on observable behaviors and environmental influences rather than mental processes.
Cognitivism (1950s): Ulric Neisser, focuses on mental processes like thinking, remembering, decision-making.

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Description

This quiz explores the evolution of psychology into a scientific discipline and the role of the scientific method in this process. You'll learn about the differences between theories and hypotheses, as well as the challenges posed by pseudoscience. Test your understanding of key concepts that shape psychological research and its applications.