Introduction to Psychology

Question 1

Define Psychology

Answer 1

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes and how they are affected by an organism’s physical state, mental state and external environment.

Question 2

What points are considered to be a scientific study

Answer 2

. Empirical evidence
. Objectivity
. Reliability
. Control over variables
. Testable Hypothesis

Empirical evidence - கருத்துகளின் அடிப்படையில் அல்லாது, சோதனைகளையும் நடைமுறை அனுபவத்தையும் அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்ட.

Objectivity - means a lack of bias, judgment, or prejudice

Reliability - the quality of being trustworthy

Testable Hypothesis - a prediction or educated guess that can be proven or disproved through experimentation.

Question 3

Types of Hypothesis

Answer 3

Null Hypothesis and Alternate Hypothesis

Question 4

Symbol of Null Hypothesis and Alternate Hypothesis

Answer 4

Symbol of Null Hypothesis = H0 or Hn

Symbol of Alternate Hypothesis = H1 or Ha

Question 5

Formula of Null Hypothesis (H0 or Hn)

Answer 5

H0 : μ = ̅x

μ = Population mean

̅x = Sample mean

Explanation:

If there is a difference in population mean and sample mean then it is a right hypothesis / testable hypothesis / alternative hypothesis

But If there is no difference in population mean and sample mean then it is a null hypothesis
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Question 6

Which branch of psychology is the most important for exam among all other branches

Answer 6

Cognitive psychology

Question 7

What are the best psychology books suggested by Dr. Arvind Otta?

Answer 7

1. Introduction to Psychology by Atkinson and Hilgard
2. Cognitive Psychology by Sternberg

Question 8

Which are the top 4 branches of psychology that cover 50% of the questions in the UGC NET exam?

Answer 8

1. Cognitive Psychology: Covers around 30 questions. It is the most important branch in the UGC NET exam.
2. Research Methodology: Covers around 10 questions.
3. Developmental Psychology (Lifespan Psychology): Covers around 7 questions.
4. Biopsychology: Covers around 4 questions.

This gives a quick overview of the most important areas to focus on.

Question 9

Who criticized McDougall’s list of instincts, and when?

Answer 9

In 1993, Fitzgerald criticized McDougall’s list of instincts, claiming that most of the instincts listed by McDougall were unsuitable for humans and more appropriate for animals. Fitzgerald argued that McDougall’s instincts were largely animalistic and ineffective in explaining human motivation.

Actual words of fitsgerald’s criticism on McDaugall’s list of instincts:
“Instincts proved useless in explaining human motivation. They proved useful in explaining animal behaviors because animal researchers redefined instincts as fixed action patterns.”
(— Fitzgerald, 1993)