Ch. 1 - Introducing Psychological Science

Question 1

psychology (2)

Answer 1

• study of behaviour, thoughts, and experience (perception and memories)
• scientific method

Question 2

scientific method (3)

Answer 2

• way of learning about the world through observations
• starting predictions about how to best explain the observations
• developing theories to explain the observations

Question 3

hypothesis

Answer 3

a testable prediction about processes that can be observed and measured

Question 4

points of hypothesis (4)

Answer 4

• do NOT prove hypothesis
• must be falsifiable
• must be stated in precise and relevant terms
• leads back to theory upon which it’s based

Question 5

theory (4)

Answer 5

• explanation for a broad range of observations that also generates new hypotheses and integrates numerous findings into coherent whole
• built from hypothesis
• must be falsifiable
• can be updated with new info (more accurate)

Question 6

points of theory (3)

Answer 6

• NOT the same as opinions
• all theories are not equally plausible
• validity NOT determined by number of people who believe it to be true

Question 7

critical thinking

Answer 7

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

Question 8

critical thinking for psychologists (4)

Answer 8

• applying scientific method
• examining assumptions and biases, both of others and our own
• tolerating ambiguity when evidence is inconclusive
• considering alternative viewpoints

Question 9

principle of parsimony (3)

Answer 9

• the simplest of all competing explanations of a phenomenon should be the one we accept
• ex) abductions, ghost sightings, and other paranormal activities
• alien movies, fantasies and false memories, sleep paralysis and hallucinations

Question 10

empiricism

Answer 10

philosophical tenet that knowledge comes through experience

Question 11

determinism

Answer 11

the belief that all events are governed by lawful, and cause-and-effect relationships

Question 12

zeitgeist (2)

Answer 12

• refers to a general set of beliefs of a particular culture at a specific time in history
• delayed the science of psych

Question 13

materialism

Answer 13

belief that humans, and other living beings, are composed exclusively of physical matter