Chapter 1

Question 1

What is pseudoscience? Provide an example

Answer 1

Pseudoscience is a theory, assumption, or belief that is widely accepted by a group of people without there being any empirical evidence. An example would be astrology

Question 2

What are the 5 general steps to thinking critically?

Answer 2

Asking “why?”
Clearly defining your question
Analyzing assumptions and biases
Basing conclusions on evidence
Accepting uncertainty in conclusions

Question 3

What is a zeitgeist?

Answer 3

A belief held by a certain culture at a specific point in time

Question 4

What are 2 fundamental beliefs of scientific thought?

Answer 4

Empiricism: knowledge comes through experience
Determinism: all events are governed by lawful cause/effect relationships

Question 5

What were Wilhelm Wundt’s contributions?

Answer 5

Set up the first lab for human behaviour

Used INTROSPECTION to describe psychological sensations (this was too inconsistent and subjective)

Question 6

What were William James’ contributions?

Answer 6

Wrote “The Principles of Society”

Proposed FUNCTIONALISM, which studied the purpose and function of behaviour and conscious experience

Question 7

What were Sigmund Freud’s contributions?

Answer 7

Theorized PSYCHOANALYSIS, emphasizing unconscious causes of problems

Theorized Ego, Superego, and ID

Question 8

What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Answer 8

Classical: involuntary response to stimulus
Operant: voluntary behaviour with consequence

Question 9

What are the 5 pillars of modern psychology?

Answer 9

Biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, health

Question 10

What falls under the cognitive pillar in general terms?

Answer 10

Reasoning, remembering, problem solving, acquiring moral standards