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Questions and Answers
What distinguishes a phenomenon from a theory in psychology?
What distinguishes a phenomenon from a theory in psychology?
- A phenomenon is an established result observed reliably, while a theory offers coherent explanations. (correct)
- A phenomenon is always linked to psychological disorders, while a theory applies to general behavior.
- A phenomenon provides systematic explanations, while a theory is merely an observed result.
- A phenomenon requires direct observation, whereas a theory is based solely on assumptions.
What best exemplifies the Placebo Effect?
What best exemplifies the Placebo Effect?
- Experiencing benefits from treatment despite receiving no active ingredient. (correct)
- Feeling unwell because of expecting side effects from a drug.
- Gaining insights from therapy without the therapist's guidance.
- A significant improvement in symptoms due to actual medication.
How does Zajonc’s Drive Theory explain task performance?
How does Zajonc’s Drive Theory explain task performance?
- High arousal enhances performance on all types of tasks.
- Low arousal improves performance on hard tasks, while high arousal aids easy tasks. (correct)
- Task difficulty is irrelevant to performance outcomes.
- Individuals perform equally on all tasks regardless of arousal levels.
What is the primary purpose of a theory in psychology?
What is the primary purpose of a theory in psychology?
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What is a key characteristic of a model in psychology?
What is a key characteristic of a model in psychology?
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What is an example of a formal psychological theory?
What is an example of a formal psychological theory?
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Which type of theory explains a wide range of behaviors?
Which type of theory explains a wide range of behaviors?
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Which of the following is a function of a functional theory?
Which of the following is a function of a functional theory?
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Which theory is typically more precise and uses concrete equations?
Which theory is typically more precise and uses concrete equations?
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What is an example of stage theory?
What is an example of stage theory?
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What limitation is inherent in theories considering complex phenomena such as human behavior?
What limitation is inherent in theories considering complex phenomena such as human behavior?
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In which dimension do theories vary by how detailed their components are expressed?
In which dimension do theories vary by how detailed their components are expressed?
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What type of theory organizes psychological phenomena into distinct categories?
What type of theory organizes psychological phenomena into distinct categories?
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Study Notes
Phenomena and Theories
- Phenomena is a reliably observed and replicated finding in systematic empirical research.
- Examples include the McGurk Effect and Placebo Effect.
- Theories are explanations or interpretations of phenomena using unobserved variables, structures, processes, functions, and principles.
- Example: Zajonc's Drive Theory explains how arousal affects performance on tasks.
- Perspectives are broader approaches than theories, such as explaining depression from a biological perspective.
- Models provide precise explanations using components like equations and biological structures.
- Example: Baddeley & Hitch Model of Working Memory.
Purpose of a Theory
- Organization: Theories provide structure and clarity for interpreting phenomena, with Occam's razor emphasizing parsimony.
- Predictions: Theories generate hypotheses, which are predictions about new phenomena.
- Example: Linnaeus's classification led to Darwin's natural selection, Mendel's mutations, and Watson & Crick's DNA discovery.
- New Research: Theories are tested and refined through research, leading to either support, revision, or refutation.
- Example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) constantly evolves through research.
Using Multiple Theories
- Human behavior is complex, requiring multiple theories to explain fully.
- Example: Parent-child attachment requires considering psychodynamic, evolutionary, and behavioral theories.
- No single theory can explain everything.
Dimensions in which Theories Vary
- Formality: Refers to the level of detail in theory components.
- Formal Theories: Precise variables and equations, prevalent in fields like mathematics and physics.
- Example: Kahneman & Tversky's theory in behavioral economics is one of psychology's few formal theories.
- Informal Theories: Simpler descriptions of relationships and concepts.
- Scope: Represents the range of phenomena a theory can explain.
- Broad Theories: Can explain a wide range of behaviors and phenomena.
- Example: Psychodynamic Theory.
- Narrow Theories: Explain a limited range of closely related concepts.
- Example: Intersensory-Redundancy Theory.
- Theoretical Approach: The types of concepts a theory aims to explain.
- Functional Theories: Explain the purpose or function of a phenomenon.
- Example: Theory of Evolution explains survival and reproduction.
- Mechanistic Theories: Explain processes and interactions of variables.
- Example: A theory of depression explaining serotonin interactions.
- Stage Theories: Explain phenomena by tracing its progression through stages.
- Example: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
- Typology Theories: Organize phenomena into distinct categories.
- Example: Ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph theories; Intelligence theories; Personality theories.
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