PSYC 1F90 Chapter 1 and 2 Exam Questions with Verified Solutions Latest Update 2026/2027
Structuralism - Answers The early psychological approach that sought to analyze the structure
of conscious experience using trained introspection.
Introspection - Answers The method of examining one's own conscious thoughts and feelings;
relied on trained observers describing mental experiences.
Functionalism - Answers An approach focused on how mental processes help individuals adapt
to their environment and survive.
Gestalt Psychology - Answers The perspective that the mind organizes sensations into
meaningful wholes, emphasizing "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Psychoanalytic Theory - Answers Freud's theory emphasizing unconscious conflicts, desires,
and early childhood experiences as drivers of behaviour.
Humanistic Psychology - Answers An approach emphasizing free will, personal growth, and the
inherent goodness of individuals.
Biopsychosocial Model - Answers A model explaining behaviour through the interaction of
biological, psychological, and social influences.
Eclectic Approach - Answers Using concepts from multiple psychological perspectives rather
than relying on a single school of thought.
Observer Bias - Answers When a researcher's expectations influence how they record or
interpret behaviour.
Researcher Effect - Answers When the presence or behaviour of a researcher unintentionally
influences participant responses.
Operational Definition - Answers A precise, measurable definition of a psychological variable
allowing it to be studied scientifically.
Representative Sample - Answers A sample that accurately reflects the larger population being
studied.
Population vs. Sample - Answers Population = the whole group of interest; Sample = the smaller
group actually tested.
Random Sampling - Answers A method where every member of the population has an equal
chance of being selected.
Behavioral Neuroscience - Answers The field studying how biological processes (brain,
hormones, genetics) influence behaviour.
Structuralism - Answers The early psychological approach that sought to analyze the structure
of conscious experience using trained introspection.
Introspection - Answers The method of examining one's own conscious thoughts and feelings;
relied on trained observers describing mental experiences.
Functionalism - Answers An approach focused on how mental processes help individuals adapt
to their environment and survive.
Gestalt Psychology - Answers The perspective that the mind organizes sensations into
meaningful wholes, emphasizing "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Psychoanalytic Theory - Answers Freud's theory emphasizing unconscious conflicts, desires,
and early childhood experiences as drivers of behaviour.
Humanistic Psychology - Answers An approach emphasizing free will, personal growth, and the
inherent goodness of individuals.
Biopsychosocial Model - Answers A model explaining behaviour through the interaction of
biological, psychological, and social influences.
Eclectic Approach - Answers Using concepts from multiple psychological perspectives rather
than relying on a single school of thought.
Observer Bias - Answers When a researcher's expectations influence how they record or
interpret behaviour.
Researcher Effect - Answers When the presence or behaviour of a researcher unintentionally
influences participant responses.
Operational Definition - Answers A precise, measurable definition of a psychological variable
allowing it to be studied scientifically.
Representative Sample - Answers A sample that accurately reflects the larger population being
studied.
Population vs. Sample - Answers Population = the whole group of interest; Sample = the smaller
group actually tested.
Random Sampling - Answers A method where every member of the population has an equal
chance of being selected.
Behavioral Neuroscience - Answers The field studying how biological processes (brain,
hormones, genetics) influence behaviour.
