Chapter 1_The Science of Psychology

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes, including how individuals think, feel, and act.

Question 2

Science

Answer 2

A systematic approach to acquiring knowledge through observation and experimentation to understand natural phenomena.

Question 3

Intuition

Answer 3

Relying on instincts, emotions, or a gut feeling to make judgments without relying on facts or rational thought.

Question 4

Authority

Answer 4

Accepting information as true because it comes from a respected source or figure, such as a teacher, parent, or expert.

Question 5

Rationalism

Answer 5

Using logic and reasoning to arrive at conclusions based on premises; it involves structured thinking rather than observation.

Question 6

Empiricism

Answer 6

Acquiring knowledge through observation and experience; it emphasizes the importance of evidence obtained from the senses.

Question 7

The Scientific Method

Answer 7

A structured process of collecting and evaluating evidence to test ideas and answer questions systematically.

Question 8

Pseudoscience

Answer 8

Beliefs or practices that claim to be scientific but lack empirical evidence, systematic methods, or the ability to be tested and falsified.

Question 9

Falsifiable

Answer 9

A characteristic of a scientific theory or hypothesis, indicating that it can be disproven through evidence.

Question 10

The Three Goals of Science

Answer 10

To describe, predict, and explain phenomena, providing a comprehensive understanding of how things work.

Question 11

Basic Research

Answer 11

Research conducted to enhance general knowledge without a specific practical application in mind.

Question 12

Applied Research

Answer 12

Research aimed at solving practical problems and improving quality of life by applying scientific findings.

Question 13

Folk Psychology

Answer 13

Common-sense beliefs about human behavior, often intuitive but not necessarily accurate or scientifically validated.

Question 14

Heuristics

Answer 14

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that simplify decision-making but can lead to biases and errors.

Question 15

Confirmation Bias

Answer 15

The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms existing beliefs, often overlooking contradictory evidence.

Question 16

Skepticism

Answer 16

A critical thinking approach that involves questioning the validity of claims and seeking evidence before accepting them.

Question 17

Tolerance for Uncertainty

Answer 17

The ability to accept that some questions cannot be fully answered and that evidence may be inconclusive.

Question 18

Experimental Psychologists

Answer 18

Researchers who study behavior and mental processes using various research methods, including both experimental and nonexperimental approaches, to understand and explore psychological phenomena.

Question 19

Clinical Psychologists

Answer 19

Professionals who diagnose and treat psychological disorders using evidence-based methods grounded in scientific research.