PSY2012 UF CH.1 (100% correct answers)

Psychology correct answers The scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior Levels of Analysis correct answers Psychology spans numerous levels of analysis. Similar to rungs on a ladder, the lower correspond to biological factors/influences while the higher relate to social influences. Multiply Determined correct answers Produced by many factors. This relates to human behavior because are actions are determined by not just one factor, but many. Numerous reasons. Individual Differences correct answers How people differ from each other in thinking, emotion, personality, and behavior. These differences help to explain why each person responds differently in the same situation. (such as a rude/insulting comment from a boss) Reciprocal Determinism correct answers The fact that we mutually influence each other's behavior (eg. an extrovert makes other people around them extroverted, and an introvert makes other people around them an introvert) Naive Realism correct answers The belief that we see the world precisely as/how it is. But is seeing really believing? Scientific Theory correct answers An explanation for a large number of findings int he natural world. It offers an account that ties multiple findings together in one pretty package. Hypothesis correct answers A testable prediction...specific predictions derived from general explanations Misconceptions of Theories correct answers 1) A theory explains one specific event...wrong a theory attempts to explain a variety of diverse observations. 2)A theory is just an educated guess...wrong a theory is a tested or revised explanation of how the world works Confirmation Bias correct answers The tendency to seek out evidence that supports our beliefs and deny, dismiss, or distort evidence that contradicts them. Summarized as: seek and ye shall find...(the scientific method is used as a safeguard to prevent such bias) Belief Perseverance correct answers Caused by confirmation bias...refers to the tendency to stick to our initial beliefs even when evidence contradicts them. AKA: don't confuse me with the facts. Metaphysical Claims correct answers Assertions of the world that we can't test (eg. existence of god, the soul, and afterlife) Prescription Humility correct answers never claiming to "prove" a theory and trying to avoid committing to definitive conclusions unless the evidence supports them is overwhelming.