Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology

Multiple-Choice What Is Psychology? Learning Objectives ● Define psychology and describe the major subfields within psychology. ● Describe the five enduring issues that cut across the subfields of psychology. ● Explain what psychology has in common with other sciences, how psychologists use the scientific method, and the difference between theories and hypotheses. ● Apply critical thinking to an article in a magazine or newspaper. 1. Psychology is the scientific study of . a. how personality can be determined by the size and shape of one's head b. behavior and mental processes c. the physiological functions of the brain d. how cultures and societies develop and interact with each other Answer: b Difficulty: 1 Page Reference: 3 Topic: What Is Psychology? Skill: F 2. Psychologists are interested in . a. every aspect of human thought and behavior Correct: The different perspectives of psychology encompass every aspect of human thoughts, feelings, and actions. b. aspects of human behavior, but not human thought Incorrect: Behavior is absolutely crucial to the study of psychology, but so too is the concept of human thought. c. aspects of human thought, but not human behavior d. only major aspects of human thought and behavior Answer: a Difficulty: 1 Page Reference: 3 Topic: What Is Psychology? Skill: C 3. Psychology . a. rarely redefines itself, and when it does, it does so more narrowly b. virtually never redefines itself Incorrect: The field of psychology is very introspective, making sure to redefine itself as often as is necessary. c. continually redefines itself more narrowly d. continually redefines itself more broadly Correct: New research methods, areas of inquiry, and collaborations with other sciences allows psychology to continually redefine itself. Answer: d Difficulty: 2 Page Reference: 3 Topic: What Is Psychology? Skill: F 4. Psychology is . a. is a single, unified field of study Incorrect: There is no single, unifying definition of psychology; rather, it is a combination of many different areas of academic pursuit. b. is an "umbrella" for a loose amalgamation of different subfields Correct: The fact that there is no single unifying definition of psychology suggests that it is a combination of many sub-disciplines. c. is comprised of two distinct subfields d. not a field of study at all Answer: b Difficulty: 1 Page Reference: 3 Topic: What Is Psychology