Psychology's Misconceptions

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes psychology from mystical practices like astrology?

It relies on superstitions and beliefs.

It does not rely on evidence.

It is based on scientific principles. (correct)

It uses common sense as its main method.

Which philosopher is known for contributing to the concept of dualism in psychology?

Socrates

Francis Bacon

Rene Descartes (correct)

Gustav Fechner

What major shift occurred during the Renaissance that influenced the development of psychology?

The introduction of supernatural explanations.

A focus on emotional responses.

The denial of rational thought.

An emphasis on data and sensory experience. (correct)

How did animistic orientation influence early human understanding of behavior?

By attributing behavior to spirits and supernatural forces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of psychophysics in the field of psychology?

The examination of mind-body interaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following figures is credited as the Father of Social Psychology?

Francis Bacon Signup and view all the answers

What did realism assert about the functions determining conscious experiences?

Brain functions are crucial in determining consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

What was emphasized during the early philosophical explorations of human action by figures like Socrates and Aristotle?

Rational thought and systematic study. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to behaviors that are directly observable?

Overt behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What type of behaviors are classified as unconscious?

Behaviors outside the level of awareness Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of psychology primarily involves understanding and changing behavior?

Behavioral psychology Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of behavior involves higher brain functions and analytical thinking?

Complex behavior Signup and view all the answers

The etymology of psychology comes from which Greek words?

Psyche and logos Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'control or change behavior' aspect of psychology involve?

Changing conditions to prevent unwanted behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts differentiates rational behaviors from irrational behaviors?

Behavior that is sane or normal Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main objectives of psychology concerning behavior?

To understand and explain relationships among behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What significant contribution did Herman Ludwig Von Helmholtz make to psychology?

Studied the speed of nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which year marked the establishment of psychology as a separate science?

1879 Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred in psychology education in the Philippines in 1926?

Psychology was taught as a separate subject Signup and view all the answers

Which institution first offered advanced degrees in psychology in the Philippines?

University of Sto. Tomas Signup and view all the answers

What was the Pambansang Samahan ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino (PSSP) established to promote?

Filipino psychology Signup and view all the answers

What does the Philippine Psychology Act of 2009 (RA 10029) aim to do?

Regulate the practice of psychology Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does developmental psychology focus on?

Growth and development across the lifespan Signup and view all the answers

What primary factors does dynamic psychology emphasize as causes of behavior?

Internal drives and motives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following key figures is associated with the Humanistic perspective in psychology?

Carl Rogers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Cognitive perspective in psychology?

Mental processes such as perception and memory Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research aims to answer fundamental questions about behavior?

Basic Research Signup and view all the answers

Which key figure is known for their work in Behavioral psychology?

B.F. Skinner Signup and view all the answers

In the context of psychology, what is primarily studied in the Evolutionary perspective?

Natural selection and its influence on behavior Signup and view all the answers

What defines Descriptive Research in psychology?

Creating a snapshot of the current state of affairs Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human experience is examined through the Psychodynamic perspective?

Unconscious thoughts and feelings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Biological perspective of psychology?

It analyzes elements of human sensation and experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of correlational research design?

It cannot determine causal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of experimental research design?

To assess the causal impact of manipulations on a dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT typically fall under the remit of an Ethical Review Board (ERB)?

Assessing the methodological rigor of a study. Signup and view all the answers

What is informed consent primarily meant to ensure in research?

Participants are aware of the nature and risks of the research. Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes a potential ethical issue in observational research?

Participants being unaware that they are being observed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step in the ethical treatment of research participants?

Conducting a thorough debriefing after participation. Signup and view all the answers

According to research ethics involving animals, under what condition should animals be used?

When research will increase understanding of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of conducting experimental research in addition to expense?

Inability to manipulate essential variables. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature of Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes in both animals and humans.
It aims to understand, measure, explain, and modify behaviors.
Derived from Greek terms "LOGOS" (science) and "PSYCHE" (mind or soul).

Characteristics of Behavior

Overt vs. Covert: Overt behaviors are directly observable; covert behaviors involve internal processes like thoughts and feelings.
Conscious vs. Unconscious: Conscious behaviors are within our awareness; unconscious behaviors occur without awareness.
Simple vs. Complex: Simple behaviors are basic reflexes; complex behaviors involve higher-level thinking.
Rational vs. Irrational: Rational behaviors are considered normal; irrational behaviors deviate from expected norms.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary: Voluntary behaviors are consciously controlled; involuntary behaviors are regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System.
Human vs. Animal: Human behaviors are often rational; animal behaviors typically follow instinct or reflex.

What Psychology Is and Isn't

Psychology seeks to describe, predict, understand, and modify behavior through scientific means.
It is not a mystical practice, common sense, or pseudo-science but relies on empirical evidence and systematic studies.

Ancient History of Psychology

Early beliefs involved animistic explanations attributed to spirits and supernatural forces.
Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid foundations for the understanding of human thoughts and behaviors.
The Renaissance ushered in scientific methods and empirical evidence, leading to the establishment of modern psychology.

Modern History of Psychology

Experimental psychology emerged, focusing on the physiological and biological bases of behavior.
Psychophysics studied how physical stimuli translate into psychological experiences.
Wilhelm Wundt established the first experimental psychology lab in 1879, marking psychology’s official rise as a distinct scientific field.

History of Psychology in the Philippines

Initially taught at universities integrated with Philosophy until separated in 1926 at the University of the Philippines.
UST was the first to offer formal psychology degree programs.
The PSSP formed in 1975 to promote Filipino psychology, leading to the enactment of the Philippine Psychology Act of 2009.

Fields of Psychology

General Psychology: Principles that explain human behavior.
Developmental Psychology: Focuses on growth and development throughout the lifespan.
Abnormal Psychology: Studies mental disorders and their causes.
Dynamic Psychology: Looks at internal drives as causes of behavior.
Social-Cultural Psychology: Examines the impact of social and cultural contexts on behavior.

Contemporary Views in Psychology

Biological: Investigates the physiological basis of behavior.
Psychodynamic: Analyzes unconscious factors influencing thoughts and behaviors.
Behavioristic: Focuses on observable behaviors and their relationship to stimuli.
Humanistic: Emphasizes self-actualization and positive human potential.
Cognitive: Examines mental processes like perception and memory.
Evolutionary: Explores how evolutionary traits affect behavior and psychology.

Research Methods in Psychology

Basic Research: Seeks to answer fundamental behavioral questions.
Applied Research: Addresses practical issues and finds real-world solutions.
Descriptive Research: Provides a snapshot of current behavior but lacks relational insight.
Correlational Research: Assesses relationships between variables but doesn’t imply causation.
Experimental Research: Investigates cause-and-effect relationships among manipulated variables.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluates whether the benefits of research outweigh potential risks.
Ethical Review Board (ERB): Reviews research proposals to ensure ethical compliance.
Informed Consent: Requires participants to be fully informed about the research and any risks involved.
Debriefing: Participants are informed about the research after their involvement to mitigate harmful effects.

Research with Animals

Research involving animals is only justified if it contributes to understanding behavior or benefits health.
Ethical guidelines ensure humane treatment and a balanced cost-benefit analysis regarding animal welfare.

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Description

Explore common misconceptions about psychology in this quiz. Understand why psychology is not just common sense, not a pseudo-science, and how it differs from mystical practices. Test your knowledge on the scientific foundations that define the field of psychology.