Doing Psychology 1.1

Question 1

What is the method of induction? (1 sentence)

Answer 1

Using observed facts to build general theories

Question 2

What is the Verifiability of Observation:? (3 things)

Answer 2

1. Observation of facts (discovery of new ideas)
2. Inference of general theories
3. Verification through ongoing empirical inquiry (justification)

Question 3

What is the problem with the Verifiability of Observation? (2 points)

Answer 3

• Fundamental aspects of scientific knowledge are not directly observable
• Any theory that might be verified by observation is verifiable e.g. astrology

Question 4

What did the philosopher Karl Popper propose in the ‘problem of demarcation’? (1 sentence)

Answer 4

The criterion of the scientific status of a theory is its falsifiability

Question 5

What idea did Thomas Kuhn propose? (1 sentence)

Answer 5

Observed factors of sciences are inseparable from the methods of observation and theories for which they provide evidence

Question 6

What are monism, idealism, and materialism? (1 sentence each)

Answer 6

Monism believes there is only one reality: mind or matter.
Idealism believes there is only the mind.
Materialism believes there is only matter.

Question 7

What are dualism, parallelism, and epiphenomenalism? (1 sentence each)

Answer 7

Dualism believes the mind and brain are two distinct realities that interact
Parallelism believes the mind and brain are independent but are merely in sync with each other
Epiphenomenalism believes the mind and brain interact, but only in one direction.

Question 8

What is the difference between property and predicate dualism? (1 sentence)

Answer 8

Property means there is one substance (the brain) that has physical and mental properties, while predicate means there is one substance but we need distinct descriptions for mind and brain.

Question 9

What does behaviorism mean in terms of the brain and mind? (1 sentence)

Answer 9

Mental concepts regarded as no more than dispositions to behave

Question 10

What are identity theory, type identity theory, and token identity theory? (1 sentence each)

Answer 10

Identity theory suggests the mind is identical to the brain
Type identity theory suggests each type of mental state is identical to a specific brain state
Token identity theory suggests each instance of a mental state is identical to a specific brain state (countless states with no general laws to connect mental and physical)

Question 11

What is functionalism? (1 sentence)

Answer 11

Defining things in terms of function rather than structure and content

Question 12

What is the computer metaphor for the brain? (1 sentence)

Answer 12

The brain is viewed as hardware and the mind is viewed as software