Prologue

Question 1

Why is psychology a science?

Answer 1

It is a scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

It utilizes the scientific method of hypothesizing, predicting and observing.

Question 2

What is the scientific attitude?

Answer 2

Being skeptical but not cynical about data/discoveries and open minded but not gullible

Curiosity= how does it work?
Skepticism= what do you mean/how do you know?
Humility: that was unexpected!let’s explore more!; vulnerability to error and openness to new pov

Question 3

What are the three main levels of analysis in psychology?

Answer 3

Biological = influences that occur on a cellular level for example, genetic predispositions, genetic mutations, natural selection for physiology and behaviors

Psychological = learned fears/ expectations, emotional responses, etc

Socio-cultural influences = presence of others, expectations, peer and group influences, and compelling models

Question 4

What are the 3 common flaws I. Common sense tat can lead to error?

Answer 4

Hindsight bias = tendency to exaggerate after learning of an outcome

Overconfidence = tendency to be more confident than correct in order to make up for one’s incompetence, usually

Finding patterns in random events = tendency to find patterns in random!unrelated events
- human nature to try and seek for understanding in order to live