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Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Its roots can be traced to both philosophy and biology. Which of the following best defines psychology and explores its roots?

• The study of behavior and mental processes with roots in philosophy and biology.

• The study of physical health with roots in chemistry and physics.

• The study of ancient civilizations with roots in history and archaeology.

• The study of language development with roots in linguistics and literature.

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines psychology accurately as the study of behavior and mental processes, highlighting its philosophical and biological roots, which aligns with the foundational aspects of the discipline.

Contemporary approaches to psychology include which of the following?

• Biological, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural approaches

• Astrology, alchemy, phrenology, and numerology

• Only Freudian psychoanalysis and behaviorism

• Ancient Greek philosophy and medieval theology

Answer explanation

Contemporary psychology encompasses various approaches, including biological, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural. These frameworks help understand human behavior and mental processes.

Psychology’s scientific method can be described as:

• a systematic process involving observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis

• a random collection of opinions and beliefs

• a method based solely on intuition and guesswork

• a process that ignores evidence and data

Answer explanation

Psychology employs a systematic method that includes observation, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. This structured approach distinguishes it from random opinions or guesswork.

Types of psychological research include which of the following?

• Experimental, correlational, descriptive, and case study

• Experimental, historical, fictional, and survey

• Descriptive, mathematical, fictional, and correlational

• Case study, fictional, experimental, and survey

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes types of psychological research: experimental, correlational, descriptive, and case study. These methods are fundamental in studying behavior and mental processes.

Research samples and settings in psychological research refer to:

• the participants and environments used in a study

• the results and conclusions of a study

• the equipment and materials used in a study

• the funding and resources for a study

Answer explanation

Research samples and settings in psychological research specifically refer to the participants involved in the study and the environments in which the research takes place, making the first choice the correct answer.

Ethical research in psychology is conducted by:

• Obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality

• Ignoring participant rights

• Deceiving participants without debriefing

• Forcing participation without consent

Answer explanation

Ethical research in psychology prioritizes participant rights by obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. This approach respects individuals and promotes trust, unlike the other options which violate ethical standards.

Learning about psychology means learning about yourself because:

• it helps you understand your own thoughts and behaviors.

• it only focuses on other people's experiences.

• it is unrelated to personal development.

• it is mainly about physical health.

Answer explanation

Learning about psychology helps you understand your own thoughts and behaviors, making it a valuable tool for self-awareness and personal growth.

Select the option that best describes how many of you have an acquaintance who is a psychologist.

• None

• A few

• Most

• All

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'A few' because it suggests that a small number of people in the group know a psychologist, which is a realistic scenario. 'None', 'Most', and 'All' are less likely in a general context.

The idea of psychology came from which source?

• Ancient philosophy

• Modern technology

• Medieval literature

• Industrial revolution

Answer explanation

The idea of psychology originated from ancient philosophy, where thinkers like Socrates and Plato explored the nature of the mind and behavior, laying the groundwork for modern psychological thought.

Fill in the blank: Psychology is the scientific study of _______ and mental processes.

• behavior

• cells

• planets

• machines

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'behavior' because psychology focuses on understanding human behavior and mental processes, while the other options (cells, planets, machines) are unrelated to the field of psychology.