1.1 - The Science of Psychology

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

the scientific study of behaviour, thought, and experience, and how they can be affected by physical, mental, social, and environmental factors

• uses scientific method
• examines individuals as products of multiple influences including biological, psychological, and social factors

Question 2

Scientific Method

Answer 2

is a way of learning about the world through collecting observations, developing theories to explain them, and using the theories to make predictions

*science revolves around concepts of a hypothesis and a theory

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

testable prediction about processes that can be observed and measured

• can be supported or rejected
• must be testable!
• specific predictions that can test the theory or specific parts of that theory
• leads back to theory from which it was based

(ex. cigarette smoking causes cancer)

Hypothesis supported = more support for theory = theory becomes accepted explanations of behaviour or other phenomena

Hypothesis not supported = theory needs to be rethought

Question 4

Pseudoscience

Answer 4

an idea that is presented as a science but does not utilize basic principles of scientific thinking or procedure

Question 5

Theory

Answer 5

an explanation for a broad range of observations that also generate new hypotheses and integrates numerous findings into a coherent whole

• built from hypotheses that are repeatedly tested and confirmed
• general principles or explanations

Question 6

Common Issues with Theory

Answer 6

1) Theories =/= opinions or beliefs
2) All theories are NOT equally plausible (there are good and bad theories)
3) A measure of a good theory is not the # of people who believe it to be true

Question 7

Biopsychosocial Model

Answer 7

a means of explaining behaviour as a product of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors

Question 8

Biological Influences on our Behaviour

Answer 8

brain structures & chemicals, hormones, external substances (ex. drugs)

Question 9

Psychological Influences on our Behaviour

Answer 9

memories, emotions, and personalities, and how these factors shape the way we think about and respond to different people and situations

Question 10

Social Factors that influence our Behaviour

Answer 10

family, peers, ethnicity, and culture

Question 11

Influences are connected

Answer 11

ex. brain cells influence how we think and remember info = affects how we interact w/ family or respond to situations
ex. social situations affect how we think = triggers release of chemicals and hormones in our brains

Question 12

A testable prediction about processes that can be observed and measure is referred to as a(n) ______.

A) theory
B) hypothesis
C) opinion
D) hunch

Answer 12

hypothesis

Question 13

A theory or prediction is falsifiable if?

A) it has been proven false
B) it is impossible to test
C) there can be evidence for it or against it
D) if and only if it comes from pseudoscience

Answer 13

there can be evidence for it or against it

Question 14

How would you apply the biopsychosocial model to a news report claiming that anxiety is caused by being around other people who are anxious?

A) recognize that the news report considers all portions of the biopsychosocial model
B) recognize that psychologists do not regard biological factors when it comes to anxiety
C) recognize that the only effective treatment of anxiety must be drug based
D) recognize that the news report only considers one portion of the biopsychosocial model

Answer 14

recognize that the news report only considers on portion of the biopsychosocial model

Question 15

The hypothesis that “exercise improves memory ability” is a scientific one because?

A) it cannot be confirmed
B) it cannot be rejected
C) it makes a specific, testable prediction
D) it can be proven

Answer 15

it makes a specific, testable prediction

Question 16

Scientific Literacy

Answer 16

the ability to understand, analyze, and apply scientific info

Question 17

Critical Thinking

Answer 17

involves exercising curiosity and skepticism when evaluating the claims of others, and with our own assumptions and beliefs

• critical thinking =/= philosophy, belief, faith
• search for and evaluate evidence

Question 18

The Steps of the Scientific Method (Summary)

Answer 18

Scientific theories generate hypotheses (specific and testable predictions)

If hypothesis is confirmed = new hypothesis may stem from it = original theory receives added support

If hypothesis is rejected = original hypothesis may be modified and retested or original theory may be modified or rejected

Question 19

The Concept of Scientific Literacy (Summary)

Answer 19

Process of how we think about and understand scientific info

Gathering knowledge, explaining phenomena in scientific terms

Engaging in critical thinking

Knowing how to apply and use your knowledge

Question 20

The Biopsychosocial Model to Behaviour (Summary)

Answer 20

Three interacting factors that influence our behaviour :

Biological (ex. brain, genetics)

Psychological (ex. thinking, learning, emotion, memory)

Social and Cultural (ex. family, culture, peers)

Question 21

The Steps in Critical Thinking (Summary)

Answer 21

1) Be curious
2) Examine the nature and course of the evidence; not all research is of equal quality
3) Examine assumptions and biases
4) Avoid overly emotional thinking
5) Tolerate ambiguity
6) Consider alternative viewpoints and alternative interpretations of the evidence

Question 22

The use of the term Scientific Theory (Summary)

Answer 22

Explanation for a broad range of observations, integrating numerous findings into a coherent whole

Theories are falsifiable

• scientific theories can be proven false with new evidence
• any scientific theory MUST be falsifiable

Theories are self-correcting
- theories can be updated w/ new evidence