Psychology Quiz: The Science Of Psychology

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Psychology Quiz: The Science Of Psychology - Quiz

Do you under the psychology of science? Take this psychology quiz to test your knowledge about the science of psychology. It is basically the branch studies of social science, also known as the study of scientific thought or behavior. If you know about the psychology of science concepts, it will be an easy quiz for you. Go for it, and see if you can get a perfect score on this quiz. All the best! If you like the quiz, share it with others who are interested in psychology.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    In the definition of psychology, the term mental processes mean.

    • A.

      Internal, covert processes

    • B.

      Outward behavior

    • C.

      Overt actions and reactions

    • D.

      Only animal behavior

    Correct Answer
    A. Internal, covert processes
    Explanation
    The term "mental processes" in the definition of psychology refers to internal, covert processes. This means that it includes the processes that occur within an individual's mind, such as thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and memory. These processes are not directly observable but can be inferred through the individual's behavior and verbal reports. This definition highlights the importance of studying and understanding the internal workings of the mind in psychology.

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  • 2. 

    A psychologist is interested in finding out why identical twins have different personalities. This psychologist is most interested in the goal of

    • A.

      Description

    • B.

      Explanation

    • C.

      Prediction

    • D.

      Control

    Correct Answer
    B. Explanation
    Explanation
    The psychologist's interest in finding out why identical twins have different personalities suggests that their goal is to provide an explanation for this phenomenon. By studying and understanding the factors that contribute to the development of different personalities in identical twins, the psychologist aims to explain the variations observed. This aligns with the goal of explanation, which involves understanding the causes and reasons behind a particular phenomenon.

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  • 3. 

    Psychologists who give potential employees tests that determine what kind of job those employees might best fit are interested in the goal of

    • A.

      Description

    • B.

      Explanation

    • C.

      Prediction

    • D.

      Control

    Correct Answer
    C. Prediction
    Explanation
    Psychologists who give potential employees tests to determine what kind of job they might best fit are interested in the goal of prediction. This is because they are using the test results to predict which job the employees would be most suitable for based on their skills, abilities, and personality traits. By predicting the best job fit, psychologists can help employers make informed decisions about hiring and placement, increasing the likelihood of job satisfaction and success for the employees.

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  • 4. 

    Which early theorist developed his perspective on psychology on Darwin's "survival of the fittest" doctrine?

    • A.

      Wilhelm Wundt

    • B.

      William James

    • C.

      John Watson

    • D.

      Sigmund Freud

    Correct Answer
    B. William James
    Explanation
    William James developed his perspective on psychology based on Darwin's "survival of the fittest" doctrine. James was one of the early pioneers of functionalism, a psychological approach that focused on understanding the purpose and function of mental processes. He believed that mental processes evolved over time to help individuals adapt to their environment and survive. This perspective was heavily influenced by Darwin's theory of natural selection, which emphasized the importance of adaptation and survival in shaping behavior and mental processes.

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  • 5. 

    "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts" is a statement associated with the perspective of

    • A.

      Introspection

    • B.

      Functionalism

    • C.

      Psychoanalysis

    • D.

      Gestalt psychology

    Correct Answer
    D. Gestalt psychology
    Explanation
    The statement "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts" aligns with the perspective of Gestalt psychology. This perspective emphasizes the idea that the mind perceives and understands the world as organized wholes, rather than a collection of individual elements. Gestalt psychologists believe that our perception is influenced by the relationships and interactions between elements, and that the whole is more than just the sum of its parts. This perspective is in contrast to introspection, functionalism, and psychoanalysis, which focus on the individual elements or processes of the mind.

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  • 6. 

    _________ was (were) the focus of Watson's behaviorism

    • A.

      Conscious experiences

    • B.

      Gestalt perceptions

    • C.

      The unconscious mind

    • D.

      Observable experiences

    Correct Answer
    D. Observable experiences
    Explanation
    Watson's behaviorism focused on observable experiences because he believed that only observable behaviors could be studied scientifically. He rejected the study of consciousness and the unconscious mind as they were not directly measurable or observable. Instead, Watson emphasized the importance of studying behaviors that could be objectively observed and measured in order to understand and predict human behavior.

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  • 7. 

    Who is most associated with the technique of introspection?

    • A.

      Wundt

    • B.

      Watson

    • C.

      James

    • D.

      Wertheimer

    Correct Answer
    A. Wundt
    Explanation
    Wundt is most associated with the technique of introspection. Introspection is a method used in psychology to study the internal experiences and mental processes of individuals. Wundt, a German psychologist, is often referred to as the founder of experimental psychology and is known for establishing the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany. He developed the technique of introspection, which involved individuals reflecting on and reporting their own thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This method aimed to gain insight into the structure of conscious experience and was a significant contribution to the field of psychology.

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  • 8. 

    Who was denied a Ph.D. despite completing all the requirements for earning the degree?

    • A.

      Mary Whiton Calkins

    • B.

      Mary Cover Jones

    • C.

      Margaret Washburn

    • D.

      Eleanor Gibson

    Correct Answer
    A. Mary Whiton Calkins
    Explanation
    Mary Whiton Calkins was denied a Ph.D. despite completing all the requirements for earning the degree. This suggests that there were external factors or biases that prevented her from receiving the degree she had earned. It could be speculated that gender discrimination played a role in this denial, as women during that time period often faced barriers in academia. Calkins' denial highlights the challenges faced by women in pursuing higher education and the need for equal opportunities.

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  • 9. 

    Which perspective focuses on free will and self-actualization?

    • A.

      Psychoanalysis

    • B.

      Behaviorism

    • C.

      Cognitive psychology

    • D.

      Humanism

    Correct Answer
    D. Humanism
    Explanation
    Humanism is the correct answer because it is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of free will, personal growth, and self-actualization. It focuses on the individual's potential for growth and self-improvement, and believes that people have the ability to make conscious choices and control their own behavior. Humanistic psychologists believe that individuals have an inherent desire to achieve their full potential and strive for personal fulfillment and happiness. This perspective contrasts with other perspectives such as psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and cognitive psychology, which may focus on unconscious processes, external influences, or cognitive processes respectively.

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  • 10. 

    Jenna suffers from a nervous tic from washing her hands repeatedly and being unable to resist washing them again and again. Which perspective would explain Jenna's hand-washing behavior as a result of repressed conflicts?

    • A.

      Psychodynamic perspective

    • B.

      Cognitive psychology

    • C.

      Behaviorism

    • D.

      Biopsychology

    Correct Answer
    A. Psychodynamic perspective
    Explanation
    The psychodynamic perspective would explain Jenna's hand-washing behavior as a result of repressed conflicts. This perspective focuses on the unconscious mind and how unresolved conflicts from childhood can manifest in abnormal behaviors. In this case, Jenna's repeated hand-washing could be seen as a manifestation of her unconscious conflicts or anxieties, which she is trying to alleviate through this compulsive behavior.

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  • 11. 

    Which perspective looks at perception, learning, and memory?

    • A.

      Psychoanalysis

    • B.

      Behaviorism

    • C.

      Cognitive psychology

    • D.

      Evolutionary perspective

    Correct Answer
    C. Cognitive psychology
    Explanation
    Cognitive psychology focuses on the study of perception, learning, and memory. It explores how individuals process information, make decisions, and solve problems. This perspective examines mental processes such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. It emphasizes the role of internal mental processes in shaping behavior and understanding human cognition.

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  • 12. 

    Which perspective assumes that human behavior may have developed in certain directions because it served a useful function in preserving the species?

    • A.

      Psychoanalysis

    • B.

      Behaviorism

    • C.

      Cognitive psychology

    • D.

      Evolutionary perspective

    Correct Answer
    D. Evolutionary perspective
    Explanation
    The evolutionary perspective assumes that human behavior may have developed in certain directions because it served a useful function in preserving the species. This perspective emphasizes the influence of natural selection and adaptation in shaping human behavior. It suggests that certain behaviors and traits have evolved over time because they provided advantages for survival and reproduction. This perspective takes into account the role of genetics and evolutionary history in understanding human behavior.

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  • 13. 

    Which of the following professionals in psychology has the broadest area of interest and functions?

    • A.

      Psychiatrist

    • B.

      Psychoanalyst

    • C.

      Psychiatric social worker

    • D.

      Psychologist

    Correct Answer
    D. Psychologist
    Explanation
    A psychologist has the broadest area of interest and functions among the given options. Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes, and they work in various settings such as schools, hospitals, businesses, and research institutions. They assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with psychological disorders, conduct research, and provide therapy. Unlike psychiatrists who are medical doctors specializing in mental health, psychologists do not prescribe medication. Psychoanalysts focus on understanding unconscious processes, while psychiatric social workers provide support and resources to individuals with mental health issues. Therefore, a psychologist has the broadest scope of practice and interest in the field of psychology.

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  • 14. 

    A person who has suffered a major stroke and is now experiencing severe personality problems because of the damage would best be advised to see a

    • A.

      Psychiatrist

    • B.

      Psychoanalyst

    • C.

      Psychiatric social worker

    • D.

      Psychologist

    Correct Answer
    A. Psychiatrist
    Explanation
    A person who has suffered a major stroke and is now experiencing severe personality problems because of the damage would best be advised to see a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders. Given the severity of the personality problems resulting from the stroke, it is important for a medical professional to assess and treat the individual's condition. A psychiatrist is trained to provide both medication and therapy, making them the most suitable option in this scenario.

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  • 15. 

    Which of the following specialties in psychology provides diagnosis and treatment for less serious mental problems such as adjustment disorders?

    • A.

      Developmental

    • B.

      Counseling

    • C.

      Personality

    • D.

      Experimental

    Correct Answer
    B. Counseling
    Explanation
    Counseling is the correct answer because it is a specialty in psychology that focuses on providing diagnosis and treatment for less serious mental problems such as adjustment disorders. Counseling psychologists work with individuals to help them navigate through various life challenges, improve their mental well-being, and develop coping strategies. They often provide therapy and guidance to individuals dealing with issues such as stress, relationship difficulties, career concerns, and other adjustment-related problems.

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  • 16. 

    In the scientific method, forming an educated guess is called.

    • A.

      Reporting your results

    • B.

      Perceiving a question

    • C.

      Drawing conclusions

    • D.

      Forming a hypothesis

    Correct Answer
    D. Forming a hypothesis
    Explanation
    Forming a hypothesis is the correct answer because in the scientific method, a hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation. It is an educated guess based on prior knowledge and observations. This step occurs after perceiving a question and before conducting experiments and drawing conclusions. Hypotheses help scientists to formulate specific research questions and design experiments to gather data and evidence to either support or reject the hypothesis.

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  • 17. 

    The main advantage of laboratory observation is

    • A.

      The degree of control it allows the observer

    • B.

      The degree of participation it allows the observer

    • C.

      The observer effect

    • D.

      The opportunity for representative sampling

    Correct Answer
    A. The degree of control it allows the observer
    Explanation
    Laboratory observation provides the main advantage of allowing the observer to have a high degree of control over the experiment. In a laboratory setting, variables can be manipulated and controlled more easily compared to other observation methods. This control allows for precise measurements and the ability to isolate specific factors to study their effects. It also helps in minimizing external influences and increasing the reliability of the observations.

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  • 18. 

    Harlan wanted to write realistically about street gangs, so he pretended to be a teenager and joined a real gang. This is most similar to the method of

    • A.

      Labritiry observation

    • B.

      The observer effect

    • C.

      The case study

    • D.

      Participant observation

    Correct Answer
    D. Participant observation
    Explanation
    Participant observation is the most similar method to Harlan's approach of joining a real gang to write realistically about street gangs. In participant observation, the researcher immerses themselves in the social setting they are studying, actively participating and observing the behaviors and interactions of the group. Harlan's actions align with this method as he pretended to be a teenager and joined a real gang to gain firsthand experience and insights into their lives and dynamics.

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  • 19. 

    The main advantage of a case study is

    • A.

      The ease of generalizing the results to others

    • B.

      Being able to determine cause and effect

    • C.

      The amount of detail it provides about an individual

    • D.

      The large number of people that can be studied at one time

    Correct Answer
    C. The amount of detail it provides about an individual
    Explanation
    A case study provides a detailed analysis of an individual, allowing researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, behaviors, and outcomes. This level of detail enables researchers to explore complex phenomena in depth and generate rich qualitative data. By examining a single case in great detail, researchers can identify unique patterns, factors, and influences that may not be apparent in larger-scale studies. This level of detail also allows for a more nuanced understanding of the individual's context, contributing to the development of theories and the formulation of hypotheses.

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  • 20. 

    The entire group that a researcher is interested in is called a

    • A.

      Sample

    • B.

      Population

    • C.

      Subject pool

    • D.

      Survey

    Correct Answer
    B. Population
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "population". In research, the population refers to the entire group of individuals that the researcher is interested in studying. It includes all the individuals who possess the characteristics or qualities that the researcher wants to investigate. The population is the target group from which the researcher selects a smaller subset, known as a sample, to study and draw conclusions about the larger population.

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  • 21. 

    Professor Jones surveyed her six classes and found that students who slept less than five hours the night before the exam received lower exam scores than those students who slept seven hours or more. What kind of correlation is this relationship between hours of sleep and scores?

    • A.

      Positive

    • B.

      Negative

    • C.

      Zero

    • D.

      Casual

    Correct Answer
    A. Positive
    Explanation
    The relationship between hours of sleep and exam scores in this scenario is positive. This means that as the number of hours of sleep increases, the exam scores also tend to increase. In other words, there is a positive correlation between the two variables, indicating that more sleep is associated with higher exam scores.

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  • 22. 

    Drinking orange juice is negatively correlated with the risk of cancer. Based on this information, which of the following statements is TRUE?

    • A.

      The more orange juice you drink, the higher your risk of cancer.

    • B.

      The more orange juice you drink, the lower your risk of cancer.

    • C.

      The less orange juice you drink, the lower your risk of cancer.

    • D.

      Drinking orange juice causes people to be cancer free.

    Correct Answer
    B. The more orange juice you drink, the lower your risk of cancer.
    Explanation
    The given information states that drinking orange juice is negatively correlated with the risk of cancer. This means that as the consumption of orange juice increases, the risk of cancer decreases. Therefore, the statement "The more orange juice you drink, the lower your risk of cancer" is true.

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  • 23. 

    A researcher designs an experiment to test the effects of playing video games on memory. What would be the dependent variable?

    • A.

      Scores on a memory test

    • B.

      Playing video games

    • C.

      Number of hours spent playing video games

    • D.

      The type of video game played

    Correct Answer
    A. Scores on a memory test
    Explanation
    The dependent variable in this experiment would be the scores on a memory test. The researcher is testing the effects of playing video games on memory, so the scores on the memory test would be the variable that is being measured and influenced by the independent variable (playing video games). By comparing the scores of individuals who played video games with those who did not, the researcher can determine the impact of video games on memory.

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  • 24. 

    In that same experiment (where a researcher designs an experiment to test the effects of playing video games on memory), the experimental group would

    • A.

      Not play the video games

    • B.

      Take the memory test while the control group would not

    • C.

      Not take the memory test while the control group would

    • D.

      Play the video games

    Correct Answer
    D. Play the video games
    Explanation
    In the given experiment, the researcher is testing the effects of playing video games on memory. Therefore, the experimental group, which is the group being tested, would play the video games. This is because the researcher wants to observe how playing video games affects their memory. The control group, on the other hand, would not play the video games, as they serve as a baseline for comparison to determine the impact of playing video games on memory.

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  • 25. 

    In Dr. Amabile's experiment, the experiment on creativity and reward, what was the independent variable?

    • A.

      The creativity scores for the collages

    • B.

      The judgments of the art experts

    • C.

      The raffles held at the end of the parties

    • D.

      The special instructions to each group

    Correct Answer
    D. The special instructions to each group
    Explanation
    In Dr. Amabile's experiment on creativity and reward, the independent variable refers to the factor that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher. In this case, the special instructions given to each group would be the independent variable. By providing different instructions to different groups, Dr. Amabile could examine the effect of these instructions on creativity scores for the collages. The other options mentioned in the question, such as the creativity scores, judgments of art experts, and raffles, are not being manipulated by the researcher and therefore cannot be the independent variable.

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  • 26. 

    In a _______ study, only the experimenter knows who is in the control group and who is in the experimental group.

    • A.

      Placebo

    • B.

      Single-blind

    • C.

      Double-blind

    • D.

      Triple-blind

    Correct Answer
    B. Single-blind
    Explanation
    In a single-blind study, only the experimenter knows who is in the control group and who is in the experimental group. This means that the participants are unaware of which group they are assigned to. This is done to minimize bias and ensure that the results of the study are not influenced by the participants' knowledge of their group assignment.

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  • 27. 

    Double-blind studies control for

    • A.

      The placebo effect

    • B.

      The experimenter effect

    • C.

      The placebo effect and the experimenter effect

    • D.

      Extrinsic motivation

    Correct Answer
    C. The placebo effect and the experimenter effect
    Explanation
    Double-blind studies control for the placebo effect and the experimenter effect. The placebo effect refers to the phenomenon where participants in a study may experience a perceived improvement in their condition simply because they believe they are receiving a treatment, even if the treatment is actually inactive. The experimenter effect, on the other hand, refers to the potential bias or influence that the experimenter may have on the study's results. By conducting a double-blind study, where neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving the active treatment or the placebo, these potential biases and influences are minimized, ensuring more accurate and reliable results.

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  • 28. 

    Dr. Silverberg conducted a study in which she tested infants for memory ability. Before she can begin her study, she must obtain

    • A.

      Permission from the infants

    • B.

      Permission from the parents

    • C.

      Informed consent from the parents

    • D.

      Confidential information from the parents

    Correct Answer
    C. Informed consent from the parents
    Explanation
    In order to conduct a study involving infants, Dr. Silverberg needs to obtain informed consent from the parents. This is because infants are not capable of providing consent themselves, so it is necessary for the parents to give permission on their behalf. Informed consent means that the parents must be fully informed about the study, including its purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits, and they must voluntarily agree to allow their child to participate. This ensures that the parents are aware of what their child will be involved in and can make an informed decision about whether or not to give their consent.

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  • 29. 

    Seven years ago, two scientists announced that they had achieved "cold fusion" in the laboratory, but further studies failed to replicate their findings, and years later, other scientists found that the original two scientists had used sloppy methods. This highlights which of the following critical thinking principles?

    • A.

      Few "truths" do not need to be tested

    • B.

      All evidence is not equal in quality

    • C.

      Authority or expertise does not make the claims of the authority or expert true

    • D.

      Critical thinking requires an open mind

    Correct Answer
    B. All evidence is not equal in quality
    Explanation
    The given correct answer, "all evidence is not equal in quality," is highlighted by the scenario where the original two scientists claimed to have achieved "cold fusion" but their findings could not be replicated by other scientists. This demonstrates that not all evidence carries the same weight and that it is important to critically evaluate the quality and reliability of the evidence before accepting it as truth.

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  • 30. 

    Which pseudo-psychology claims to understand personality through a study of the positions of heavenly bodies?

    • A.

      Phrenology

    • B.

      Plamistry

    • C.

      Astrology

    • D.

      Graphology

    Correct Answer
    C. Astrology
    Explanation
    Astrology is the correct answer because it is a pseudo-psychology that claims to understand personality traits and predict future events by studying the positions of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets. It suggests that the alignment of these heavenly bodies at the time of a person's birth can influence their character and destiny. Phrenology, palmistry, and graphology are not related to the study of heavenly bodies and do not claim to understand personality through them.

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  • Aug 26, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 19, 2011
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