Test 1: Introduction to Psychology

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

A science that studies behaviour and mental processes of human beings.

Question 2

Empiricism

Answer 2

The collection of information (data) through direct observation or experience, tends to also be systematic.

Question 3

Collection of data

Answer 3

Can be used to describe any method of collecting information, such as experiments, surveys, tests and observations.

Question 4

Construction of theories

Answer 4

Psychological theories are constructed when observing behaviour or processes in an attempt to understand the underlying reasons.

Question 5

Hypothesis

Answer 5

An estimated ‘guess’ or statement predicting the results of a study, or relationship between two variables. Hypotheses are tested through research.

Question 6

Correlated

Answer 6

Variables are described as being correlated if a change in one variable appears to occur at the same time as another.

Question 7

Variable

Answer 7

A factor in research that may be manipulated or controlled by the experimenter.

Question 8

Hippocampus

Answer 8

A brain structure that has a mirror image half in each hemisphere of the brain, and is involved in memory formation.

Question 9

Neurogenesis

Answer 9

The growing of new neurons.

Question 10

Psychomythology

Answer 10

Misinformation or misconceptions about psychology that lay people (general population) believe.

Question 11

Replicated

Answer 11

The process of duplicating research to see if the results can be repeated, and are therefore reliable.

Question 12

Science

Answer 12

It follows a scientific method and relies on facts and evidence.

Question 13

Pseudoscience

Answer 13

It does not follow a scientific method, it appeals to people’s beliefs or faiths. It may have religious or magical overtones. It is a fake science.

Question 14

Scientific method

Answer 14

It relies on evidence and information to make a method.

Question 15

Psychiatry

Answer 15

A field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders.

Question 16

Ethics

Answer 16

Rules or standards governing how people live their lives and make decisions.

Question 17

Expectancy effect

Answer 17

When a participant has personal expectations of the study which influences how they respond. Researches can also suffer from expectance effects.

Question 18

Confidentiality

Answer 18

All personal information and responses of the participants in an experiment must not be revealed without their permission.

Question 19

Voluntary participation

Answer 19

In any psychological study, participants must be involved on a voluntary basis; that is, they are given the freedom to decline participation.

Question 20

Withdrawal rights

Answer 20

Participants should be told that they are free to withdraw at any stage of the study so that their welfare is not compromised.

Question 21

Informed consent procedure

Answer 21

Before any investigation begins, potential participants need to decide whether to participate in an experiment after being informed of the nature and purpose of the research.

Question 22

Deception in research

Answer 22

Sometimes it is necessary to hide the true nature of an experiment and not to discuss it openly with the participants before data is collected.

Question 23

Debriefing

Answer 23

This is where the researcher, in post-experimental sessions, explain the true nature of the research to the participants. Participants are given the opportunity to ask questions about the research and to comment freely on any part of the experiment.

Question 24

Professional conduct

Answer 24

The researcher of any study should follow the ethical principles outlines about and maintain a rigorous standard in each stage of the research.

Question 25

What is the difference between a mental process and a behaviour? Provide an example of each.

Answer 25

Mental Process: A mental process focuses on what we think, specifically the way links are made to the brain. For example, perception, memory and imagination.
Behaviour: the way in which one acts and conducts oneself. For example, expressions,

Question 26

3. What qualifications are needed to become a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Answer 26

Psychologist: You need a 6 year full time sequence of psychology at university or a 4 year full time sequence with a 2 year ‘apprenticeship’ under supervision of an experienced psychologist.
Psychiatrist: Six-year university degree in medicine followed by a minimum 2 years’ full-time employment (internship and residency) at a recognised teaching hospital. This is then followed by a supervised 5-year postgraduate training program in psychiatry.

Question 27

4. What is the difference in workplaces between psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Answer 27

Psychologist: Psychologists can specialise in a number of areas and may work in a range of employment settings. E.g. clinics, hospitals, schools, companies, courts, prisons, laboratories etc.
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists tend to work in a clinical setting. They may have their own private practice, but most work in hospitals. Some psychiatrists also work in universities or prisons.

Question 28

5. What is the difference in the therapy used by a psychologist and psychiatrist?

Answer 28

Psychologist: Psychologists cannot perform medical procedures as they are not qualified doctors. They instead use other forms of therapy, such as counselling.
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists can perform medical procedure and prescribe medication.

Question 29

6. What is the difference between professional practise with a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Answer 29

Psychologist: To practice, psychologists must be registered with their state or territory Psychologists Registration Board. In Victoria, psychologists must register with the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria (PRBV)
Psychiatrist: To practise, psychiatrists must be a Fellow of the Royal Austrailan and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Question 30

7. What are the average weekly earnings for a psychologist?

Answer 30

The average weekly earnings for a psychologist is $1300.

Question 31

8. How many people in Australia are working as a psychologist?

Answer 31

There are 20,000 people in Australia that are working as a psychologist.

Question 32

10. What is the role of a psychologist?

Answer 32

Psychologists have many diverse roles there are:
o Assessing and treating people with mental disorders
o Conducting research
o Giving evidence in court
o Helping athletes improve their performance
o Teaching or lecturing

Question 33

11. Why are ethics important? What occurs if ethics are broken?

Answer 33

Ethics are rules or standards governing how people live their lives and make decisions. They are important because they help us to identify what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. If ethics are broken, psychologists are penalised or deregistered and unable to practice as psychologists for any longer.