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What is Psychological Science?

by Jeffry Ricker, Ph.D.


Section 1
Psychological Science & Theory Development


Quiz 1-4 Questions: What is a theory?

1. Which of the following is not a difference between everyday theories and scientific theories?

A. Everyday theories try to describe, whereas scientific theories try to explain.
B. Everyday theories tend to be simple, whereas scientific theories tend to be complex.
C. Everyday theories tend not to be tested, whereas scientific theories must be tested.
D. Everyday theories tend to be based on superficial thinking, whereas scientific theories tend to be based on careful reasoning.

2. Which of the following words is the best synonym[] for the textbook's definition of theory?

A. explanation
B. opinion
C. speculation
D. hypothesis

3. Why were theories likened to maps in Section 1-4?

A. Because maps merely illustrate limited areas of an entire region, just as theories merely illustrate limited aspects of complex concepts.
B. Because maps focus only on the most important aspects of a region, just as theories focus only on the most important causes of a phenomenon.
C. Because maps tell us how to get from one location to another, just as theories tell us how to derive one general principle from another.
D. all the above

4. Which of the following is a theory rather than a description of a psychological concept ?

A. Memory is the set of mental processes that allow us to retain information for a period of time.
B. Schizophrenia is caused by abnormal development of the brain during early life, which results in abnormal brain activity in adulthood.
C. A cognitive process is any mental process involved in knowing the world, such as those involved in memory and perception.
D. A sensation is a set of biological processes involving the activity of sensory receptors and parts of the nervous system stimulated by those receptors.

5. Which of the following is an example of a general principle in a theory?

A. The human brain and spinal cord are both encased in bone.
B. When the brain becomes inactive, a person is said to be "brain dead."
C. A circadian rhythm is a biological rhythm that occurs every 24 hours.
D. Electrical activity in the brain is caused by chemical activity in its cells.

6. Given the analogy discussed in the textbook between criminal trials and scientific research, when would one conclude that a scientific theory is likely to be true?

A. When the evidence supports the theory beyond a reasonable doubt.
B. When the evidence supports the theory beyond any doubt.
C. We can't conclude that a theory is true because theories are only opinions.
D. We can't conclude that a theory is true because theories are only guesses.

7. Which of the following is an example of a theory rather than an observation (or set of observations)?

A. People tend to yawn when they see someone else yawning.
B. People tend to yawn even when they just read about yawning.
C. Yawning involves the activation of particular facial muscles.
D. Yawning involves the brain's attempt to increase its state of arousal.

Go to Quiz 1-4 answers

Go Back to Readings Section 1-4


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