Research Methods in Psychology 10th Edition By Shaughnessy-Test Bank

Chapter 01
Introduction

Brief Answer Queries

1. (p. 6-7) Elaborate on the reason behind psychologists in the early 20th century adopting a hands-on approach to progress in the comprehension of human conduct.
At the onset of the 20th century, society expressed fascination with topics like clairvoyance and telepathy which were pseudoscientific. To establish psychology as a science field, early psychologists concentrated on behaviors and mental processes that were directly observable. By embracing a practical approach, emphasizing direct observation and experimental methods for addressing questions, early psychologists detached psychology from pseudoscience.
Level: Theoretical

2. (p. 11-12) Define cultural bias and cite an illustration from the domain of psychology.
Cultural bias occurs when we try to interpret the actions of individuals from a different culture based on the perspectives of our own culture. An instance of cultural bias transpired when researchers explored the notion of agency, the capacity to control one’s environment and influence others, following Hurricane Katrina. Individuals of higher social status prioritize control and agency, while those of lower status value flexibility and resilience. People who chose to stay during Hurricane Katrina instead of evacuating were considered to have made poor decisions. However, from their cultural outlook, they valued interdependence, strength, and faith as their reasons for staying, rather than control and independence.
Level: Factual

3. (p. 13-14) Recognize two ways in which psychological studies take place within an ethical framework, and the guide that psychologists use to regulate the ethical conduct of their research.
The first manner in which psychological studies operate in an ethical setting pertains to the integrity of researchers. They must uphold a high ethical standard, steering clear of scientific misconduct such as data distortion, plagiarism, selective revelation of findings, failing to acknowledge others’ contributions, misusing funds, and unethical treatment of research participants. The second way in which psychological studies occur in an ethical milieu concerns ethical dilemmas linked to the research process. For instance, researchers face quandaries regarding the use of deception in research and the utilization of animals for experimentation. The ethical principles of the APA guide the ethical conduct of researchers and help in resolving ethical conflicts.
Level: Factual

4. (p. 17) Specify two rationales for the importance of referring back to the primary source, i.e., a research article, when assessing a media portrayal of psychological discoveries.
Assessing research quality solely based on a media account is challenging. Another issue is that media depictions are abstracts of original research, potentially omitting crucial elements of the methodology, results, or interpretation. Additionally, what the media presents may not reflect any research at all, which occasionally happens with self-help literature.
Level: Theoretical

Multiple Selection Queries

5. (p. 3) One means through which psychologists strive to enhance people’s lives is by
A. formulating theories and undertaking research.
B. leaning on the medical model to decipher human behavior.
C. relying on intuition and common sense to address behavioral inquiries.
D. transitioning from behaviorism to a cognitive stance in psychology.
Level: Factual

6. (p. 4) The term “scientific method” alludes to
A. historical, socio-cultural, and ethical atmospheres in which scientific activities transpire.
B. the particular protocols, measurements, and tools that psychologists employ for research.
C. an abstract concept encapsulating the logic and techniques used to resolve queries.
D. the formulation of psychophysical methodologies for gauging cognitive processes.
Level: Factual

7. (p. 4-5) The paramount feature of the scientific method is the
A. computer technology revolution.
B. practical approach.
C. common-sense tactic.
D. cognitive angle.
Level: Factual

8. (p. 6) Three methods through which we can characterize the milieu in which science unfolds encompass
A. behavioral, cognitive, and neurological.
B. philosophical, hypothetical, and cultural.
C. laboratory, field, and clinical.
D. historical, sociocultural, and ethical.
Level: Factual

9. (p. 6) At the conclusion of the 19th century, the budding realm of psychology was a subset of
A. medicine.
B. neurology.
C. philosophy.
D. theology.
Level: Factual

10. (p. 6) The utilization of psychophysical approaches and reaction-time experiments in the late 19th century was significant for the burgeoning domain of psychology due to the fact that these approaches
A. were instrumental in shaping behaviorism in the 20th century.
B. aided in positioning psychology as a quantifiable, lab-oriented discipline.
C. established a groundwork for Sigmund Freud’s work.
D. enabled researchers to disseminate information to the public regarding mental telepathy and clairvoyance.
Level: Theoretical

11. (p. 7) When implementing an empirical approach, psychologists concentrate on
A. behaviors and encounters that can be observed directly.
B. queries pertaining to sensation and perception.
C. leveraging computers and other technologies to comprehend individuals.
D. constructing a global “empire” of psychological researchers through the Internet.
Level: Factual

12. (p. 7) Presently, the prevailing psychological viewpoint for grasping human behavior and cognitive processes is
A. computer and Internet psychology.
B. cognitive psychology.
C. clinical psychology.
D. behaviorism.
Level: Factual

13. (p. 7) A pivotal factor in the evolution of cognitive psychology in the 20th century was the
A. evolvement of brain imaging technologies.
B. affirmation of the Nobel Prize to several prominent psychologists.
C. shift from spiritualism to behaviorism.
D. computer revolution.
Level: Factual

14. (p. 7) The overarching trend delineating the historical progression of scientific psychology can be depicted as
A. static; contemporary scientific psychology mirrors its initial state.
B. focused on a limited array of behaviors to legitimize the science’s standing.
C. swaying between theoretical standpoints from behaviorism to cognitive perspectives to neuroscientific emphases.
D. contentious, with extensive disagreement regarding the part of spiritualism in psychology.
Level: Theoretical

15. (p. 7) Which of the following affirmations concerning the historical background of psychology is accurate?
A. Throughout time, psychologists have unraveled the intricacy of human behavior by exploring a broad spectrum of topics.
B. The behavioral approach’s theoretical perspective has governed psychology’s scientific landscape since its inception.
C. Themes and theoretical outlooks have remained relatively unaltered in over a century of psychological exploration.
D. Only a limited number of notable researchers have contributed crucial insights to the science of psychology.
Level: Factual