Psychology Perspectives: Rationality and Behaviorism

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following perspectives emphasizes the role of internal structures and thoughts?

Cognitive Psychology (correct)

Evolutionary Psychology

Social & Cultural Psychology

Developmental Psychology

What does the psychodynamic perspective primarily investigate?

Biological determinants of behavior

Evolved psychological mechanisms

Observable behavior and responses

The role of the unconscious mind (correct)

Which perspective of psychology focuses solely on observable behavior?

Psychodynamic Psychology

Biological Psychology

Cognitive Psychology

Behavioural Psychology (correct)

In which perspective are biological events considered key to understanding behavior?

Biological Psychology Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of evolutionary psychology?

Evolved psychological mechanisms and their advantages Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective of psychology considers the influence of culture on an individual's perspective?

Social & Cultural Psychology Signup and view all the answers

Which major challenge did psychology face as it emerged as a science?

Debates on its legitimacy as a science Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, who was a significant critic of scientific psychology in the 18th century?

Immanuel Kant Signup and view all the answers

What did Neil Weinstein's study reveal about college students' perceptions of risk?

They were unrealistically optimistic about their own risks. Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive bias involves overestimating the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind?

Availability Bias Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential effect of framing information?

It can heighten the perception of risk or reward. Signup and view all the answers

Hindsight bias is more likely to occur under which condition?

When the outcome is negative. Signup and view all the answers

How does the placebo effect work?

It leads to improvements based on belief rather than active treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of availability heuristic?

People prioritize information that is more recent or easier to recall. Signup and view all the answers

What does negativity bias refer to?

The inclination to focus on negative outcomes more than positive ones. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how salience affects our understanding of information?

It influences which information we pay most attention to. Signup and view all the answers

How does personal experience contribute to bias?

It introduces subjective perspectives that may influence judgment. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can a bias potentially lead to a correct conclusion?

Through consistent application of that bias in specific contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What is optimism bias commonly associated with?

Encouraging risky behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does motivated reasoning involve?

Aligning conclusions with desired beliefs rather than evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the sunk cost fallacy?

Continuing an endeavor due to previously invested resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of optimism bias?

Making consistently poor decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What common phenomenon may cause a person to justify a poor decision?

Emotional attachment to their past choices. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation exemplifies the effects of the sunk cost fallacy?

Continuing a relationship despite unhappiness because of prior time spent together. Signup and view all the answers

What does the endowment effect demonstrate about people's valuation of owned items?

Ownership leads to a greater emotional attachment to items. Signup and view all the answers

How does loss aversion influence people's reaction to change?

People become more resistant to change due to fear of loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is the slippery scale fallacy primarily concerned with?

Assuming a cause-and-effect relationship without evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes actively open-minded thinking?

Accepting evidence that challenges one's prior assumptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes upside-down thinking?

It encourages flipping standard assumptions to gain new insights. Signup and view all the answers

What does loss aversion imply about emotional responses to gains and losses?

Losses elicit stronger emotional reactions than gains of equal value. Signup and view all the answers

What type of argument concludes with an extreme, illogical result?

Fallacious argument Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a non-fallacious argument?

It extrapolates possible outcomes logically. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is considered the father of modern philosophy?

René Descartes Signup and view all the answers

What belief did ancient Greek philosophers begin to question?

Human thoughts and emotions are conveyed by gods. Signup and view all the answers

What viewpoint is John Locke associated with?

Empiricism Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did René Descartes advocate regarding knowledge?

Knowledge is innate and activated through reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor did John Locke use to describe the mind?

A white paper Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the year 1879 in psychology?

The first psychology laboratory was established. Signup and view all the answers

How do psychologists view disagreement and conflict in their discipline?

As essential for progress. Signup and view all the answers

What time period is considered the beginning of systematic thinking about human behavior?

600 BC Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Decision-Making: Rational vs. Irrational

Examines whether humans primarily make logical decisions or are influenced by emotions and biases leading to irrational choices.
Behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and responses to stimuli, avoiding speculation on internal mental states.
Prominent figures: John Watson and B.F. Skinner, who believed psychology should focus solely on measurable phenomena.

Major Perspectives of Psychology

Behavioral: Focuses on observable behavior and learned responses.
Cognitive: Investigates internal mental structures, thoughts, and beliefs.
Biological: Explores biological processes and events linked to behavior.
Evolutionary: Considers the role of evolved mechanisms in human psychology.
Developmental: Evaluates changes in behavior and cognitive abilities across the lifespan.
Psychodynamic: Investigates unconscious influences and internal mental states.
Social & Cultural: Analyzes the effects of cultural and societal contexts on individual perspectives and behaviors.

The Importance of Science in Psychology

Psychology had to prove its scientific validity upon emergence as a legitimate discipline.
Philosophers like Immanuel Kant questioned the potential for a scientific basis in psychology, suggesting it may not meet the standards of other scientific disciplines.
Many early scholars in psychology had a robust scientific background, indicating a blend of philosophy and empirical study.

Biases and Errors in Reasoning

Bias: Allows for potential correct conclusions in specific situations; tied to personal backgrounds and experiences.
Mistakes: Defined as always incorrect, leading to erroneous conclusions if biases persist over time.

Common Cognitive Biases

Optimism Bias: Motivates goal pursuit but can lead to poor decision-making.
Sunk Cost Fallacy: Continuing with decisions based on prior investments regardless of current relevance or outcomes.
Availability Bias: Overestimation of event likelihood based on memorable or easily recalled examples.
Hindsight Bias: The tendency to believe one "knew it all along" after the fact, particularly evident with negative outcomes.
Placebo Effect: Positive responses based on belief in treatment effectiveness, even with inert substances.
Loss Aversion: Emphasizes fear of loss over potential gains, impacting decision-making.

Fallacies in Reasoning

Sliding Scale Fallacy: Assumes one event will inevitably lead to an extreme outcome without evidence.
Active Open-Minded Thinking: Willingness to change beliefs when presented with new evidence, promoting flexibility in thinking.
Upside-Down Thinking: Innovative problem-solving approach that challenges existing assumptions.

Historical Context of Psychology

Psychology's definition and study date back over 600 years, though it became more formalized with Wilhelm Wundt’s lab in 1879.
René Descartes championed rationalism, suggesting that knowledge is innate and arises from nature.
John Locke's empiricism posited that knowledge derives from experience, likening the mind to a blank slate shaped by nurture.

Tension and Conflict in Psychology

Disagreement among psychologists can drive progress within the discipline, highlighting the necessity for ongoing discussion and inquiry.
Philosophers have historically debated the influence of emotions versus rational thought on human decision-making.

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Description

This quiz explores the major perspectives of psychology, focusing on human decision-making and the debate between rational and irrational choices. It includes insights from behaviorism, cognitive, biological, evolutionary, developmental, psychodynamic, and social perspectives. Test your understanding of how these theories shape our view of human behavior.