Introduction to Psychology (C180)

Correct Answer:

B. Structuralism

Explanation

Edward Titchener founded structuralism, an approach that aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic components. Structuralists focused on understanding the structure of the mind by analyzing its individual elements, such as sensations, feelings, and images. The primary method of studying this was introspection, where participants were asked to describe their conscious experiences in detail.

Why other options are wrong

A. Functionalism

Functionalism, developed by William James, focuses on the functions of the mind and how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Unlike structuralism, which breaks down mental processes into parts, functionalism is concerned with their purpose and practical application.

C. Behaviorism

Behaviorism, associated with psychologists like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, focuses on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes. It does not break down mental processes but rather studies how behavior is shaped by the environment.

D. Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology, influenced by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and the individual's potential. It does not involve breaking down mental processes but emphasizes human experience and motivation.

Correct Answer:

D. Gestalt

Explanation:

Gestalt psychology emphasizes that individuals perceive entire patterns and configurations, not just isolated pieces. This idea is captured by the phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts," which means that our perception of a whole object or experience cannot be fully understood by merely analyzing the individual components. The Gestalt perspective emphasizes holistic processing and how the mind integrates elements into a meaningful whole.

Why other options are wrong:

A. Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious desires and internal conflicts, rather than the holistic processing of perceptions. It does not emphasize the integration of parts into a whole experience.

B. Structuralism

Structuralism, associated with Edward Titchener, seeks to break down mental experiences into their most basic components. It focuses on analyzing the structure of the mind rather than perceiving it as a whole.

C. Behaviorism

Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and external stimuli rather than the internal mental processes of perception and experience. It does not align with the idea of seeing a whole as greater than the sum of its parts.

Correct Answer

A. classical conditioning

Explanation

Classical conditioning, discovered by Ivan Pavlov, occurs when a neutral stimulus (such as a bell) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (such as food) that naturally elicits a response (such as salivation). Over time, the neutral stimulus alone can evoke the same response, making it a conditioned stimulus. This type of learning is central to understanding how associations are formed between stimuli and responses.

Why other options are wrong

B. observational learning

Observational learning involves learning by observing others and imitating their behavior. This is distinct from classical conditioning, which is about forming associations between stimuli.

C. operant conditioning

Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, involves learning through consequences, such as rewards and punishments. It differs from classical conditioning because it focuses on voluntary behavior rather than automatic responses to stimuli.

D. modeling

Modeling refers to a specific type of observational learning where individuals replicate behaviors they have observed. It is not the same as classical conditioning, which is about associations between stimuli.

Correct Answer:

B. Phrenology

Explanation:

Phrenology, developed by Franz Gall, proposed that mental functions and characteristics are localized in specific areas of the brain, and that these could be observed by examining the shape and size of the skull. Phrenologists believed that bumps and indentations on the skull correlated with certain personality traits and intellectual abilities.

Why other options are wrong:

A. Behaviorism

Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and their conditioning, not the localization of mental functions in the brain. It emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping behavior rather than brain structures.

C. Cognitive Psychology

While cognitive psychology studies mental processes, including memory, perception, and problem-solving, it does not specifically focus on the localization of functions within the brain. Cognitive psychology deals more with how the mind processes information than with mapping functions to brain regions.

D. Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology, developed by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes individual growth and self-actualization. It is not concerned with the localization of mental functions in the brain but focuses on human potential and personal development.

Correct Answer

B. he established the first experimental psychology laboratory.

Explanation

Wilhelm Wundt is widely recognized as the founder of psychology as a scientific discipline because he founded the first laboratory specifically dedicated to the study of psychology in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879. This marked the beginning of psychology as an experimental and empirical science, focusing on the study of conscious experience using methods such as introspection. While he did not win a Nobel Prize and did not focus primarily on the unconscious mind, his establishment of the experimental laboratory made him a key figure in the development of psychology as a formal discipline.

Why other options are wrong

A. of his important research on the unconscious mind.

Although Wundt made significant contributions to the study of consciousness, his work focused primarily on introspection and the study of conscious experience, rather than the unconscious mind, which was a central theme of Freud's psychoanalysis later on.

C. it was decided that clinical psychology should become a medical field.

This statement is unrelated to Wundt. The separation of clinical psychology and its alignment with the medical field came later, particularly through figures like Lightner Witmer. Wundt's focus was on experimental psychology, not clinical psychology.

D. Wundt won the Nobel Prize for science.

Wundt did not win a Nobel Prize. While he was a significant figure in the field, he was not awarded the prestigious prize, which was established later in his career and often given for groundbreaking research in fields like medicine or physics

Correct Answer:

D. Cartesian dualism contributes to the mind-body problem that psychologists debate to this day

Explanation:

René Descartes' concept of mind-body interactionism, or Cartesian dualism, introduced the idea that the mind and body are separate entities that interact. Today, psychologists continue to debate the mind-body problem, which explores how these two distinct substances (the mental and the physical) influence one another. Descartes' theory laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions regarding the relationship between mental processes and physical states, particularly in fields like neuropsychology and cognitive science.

Why other options are wrong:

A. The interactions of neurons and soul are exactly as Descartes described them, occurring in the pineal gland

Descartes proposed that the pineal gland was the seat of the soul's interaction with the body, but modern neuroscience has shown that neuron activity and consciousness are not confined to the pineal gland. This explanation is outdated and oversimplifies the complex relationship between mind and body.

B. Interactions between humans are only meaningful because we have a mind and a body

While Descartes' mind-body dualism emphasizes the importance of both mind and body in human existence, this statement doesn't directly address the impact of his theory on modern psychology. It oversimplifies the philosophical underpinnings and ignores the ongoing debate regarding how these two aspects interact.

C. Cartesian dualism has helped psychologists come to an agreement that all people have an immortal soul

While Descartes' dualism separated the mind (or soul) from the body, it did not lead psychologists to a universal agreement about the immortality of the soul. Psychology, as a scientific field, generally avoids metaphysical claims about the soul, focusing instead on the interaction between mental and physical processes.

Correct Answer:

D. cortisol

Explanation:

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands during stress. It plays a crucial role in the "fight or flight" response by helping the body manage stress. It increases glucose in the bloodstream and enhances brain function, while also suppressing non-essential bodily functions like digestion and reproduction.

Why other options are wrong:

A. estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone primarily involved in female reproductive functions, such as regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. It is not released during stress in significant amounts.

B. testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone mainly associated with male reproductive functions and muscle growth. While it can influence behavior and stress responses, it is not the primary hormone released during stress.

C. androgen

Androgens are a group of hormones that include testosterone. While they play roles in development and maintenance of male traits, they are not the primary hormones released during stress.

Correct Answer:

B. Cultural values shape individuals' attitudes and behaviors.

Explanation:

Cultural values play a significant role in shaping how individuals think, behave, and interact with others. These values influence a wide range of psychological processes, including cognition, perception, social interactions, and emotional responses. Cultural norms and beliefs often dictate what is considered appropriate or desirable behavior, which can vary from society to society.

Why other options are wrong:

A. Cultural values have no impact on behavior.

This is incorrect because cultural values have a profound impact on behavior. They guide individuals' choices, moral beliefs, and social interactions. Ignoring cultural values would neglect a major factor in psychological and behavioral studies.

C. Cultural values are irrelevant in cross-cultural research.

This is incorrect. In cross-cultural research, understanding cultural values is essential for comparing how different societies approach common human issues, such as parenting, education, and social roles. Cultural values help researchers interpret and analyze findings accurately.

D. Cultural values are fixed and unchanging across societies.

This is false. Cultural values can evolve over time within a society and can differ significantly between cultures. What is considered acceptable in one culture may not be the same in another, and these values can shift with historical, economic, and social changes.

Correct Answer:

D. Cell body

Explanation

The cell body of the neuron, also known as the soma, contains the nucleus and other organelles necessary for the neuron's functioning. The cell body is responsible for maintaining the health of the neuron and coordinating the cell's activities. The nucleus within the cell body contains the genetic material and is crucial for the neuron's metabolic functions.

Why other options are wrong

A. Dendrite

Dendrites are the branching structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. They do not house the nucleus.

B. Terminal button

The terminal button, also known as the axon terminal, is where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons. It does not contain the nucleus.

C. Axon

The axon is the long, slender projection that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles. It does not contain the nucleus.