PSYC 375 Fall 2024 Exam 1 Practice Questions and Correct Answers

What are the different "ways of knowing" and how is science unique? The ways of knowing are knowledge via superstition; via intuition; via authority; via tenacity; via rationalism; via empiricism; via science. Science is unique because it merges rationalism and empiricism to craft hypotheisis and theories. How is science defined? The knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in order to discover facts and formulate principles that can be verified What are three cornerstones of science? SYSTEMATIC EMPIRICISM, PUBLICLY VERIFIABLE KNOWLEDGE, EMPIRICALLY SOLVABLE PROBLEMS What are the goals of the scientific method? Description, Prediction, Control, Explanation Why do psychologists use the scientific method, instead of some other method? Psychologists use the scientific method because it provides the best way to gain new knowledge about behavior. What are the goals of psychological science? To find useful knowledge on psychological phenomena; To help people lead happier, healthier, fuller lives; To create evidence-based recommendations for individuals, social systems/institutions, and intervention/prevention/treatment strategies that incorporate understanding of psychological processes What is the difference between basic and applied research? Basic research: Seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge, Seek initial evidence for unexplored questions, Often lab studies & experiments, Typically university setting Applied research: Seek knowledge that has practical significance, Apply initial evidence from basic research to solve "real world" problems What are some of the limits of the scientific method? Scientists are only human; Not everything can be measured or tested; Consumers of science often untrained; Psychology: experimenter & participant effects, ethical constrains; Practical & funding constrains What are the steps in the research process and what does each entail? 1.Identify research topic of interest & define constructs (What is interestingand relevant to investigate?)