Psychology Chapter 1: Scientific Method and Biases

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason we rely on the scientific method to understand behavior?

Commonsense psychology leads to biased and unreliable conclusions about behavior. (correct)
The scientific method is better at examining the complexities of human behavior.
The scientific method is more reliable than personal experience.
The scientific method provides us with explanations and predictions based only on scientific evidence.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the text's perspective on "commonsense psychology"?

Commonsense psychology is a reliable way to gather psychological data.
Commonsense psychology can be influenced by unreliable sources and flawed reasoning. (correct)
Commonsense psychology is a useful supplement to the scientific method.
Commonsense psychology is a necessary foundation for scientific understanding.

What two factors does the text identify as limiting our ability to gather psychological data systematically and impartially?

The influence of personal biases and the lack of scientific rigor.
The availability of research data and the difficulty of conducting ethical experiments.
The limitations of our cognitive abilities and the complexity of human behavior.
The reliability of information sources and the quality of our inferential strategies. (correct)

What does the text suggest about the reliability of commonsense beliefs about behavior?

Commonsense beliefs can be inconsistent and lead to inaccurate predictions about behavior. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates a common misconception that can arise from relying on commonsense psychology?

Opposites attract. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue with using traits to predict behaviour?

Traits can lead to overestimating the consistency of behaviour across situations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of Carol the librarian illustrate the problem of non-scientific inference?

It highlights the tendency to assume specific traits based on a person's profession. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for inferential biases in human information processing?

Cognitive limitations that lead to oversimplification of information. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the 'gambler's fallacy' as an example of overconfidence bias?

The belief that past outcomes influence future probabilities in random events. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are inferential biases considered 'shortcuts' in human information processing?

They provide a simplified approach to dealing with large amounts of information. (C), They enable us to make quick decisions even in complex situations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to research and understanding behavior using evidence.

Commonsense Psychology

Understanding behavior based on informal observations rather than scientific evidence.