PSYCH 115 EXAM 1 & 2 PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
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Course
PSYC 115
Institution
PSYC 115
Describe hindsight bias and overconfidence, and give examples of how they can affect people. Explain why psychology is not "just common sense". Hindsight bias and overconfidence are 2 of the 3 reasons that illustrate why we cannot rely solely on intuition and common sense. Perceive patterns in rand...
PSYCH 115 EXAM 1 & 2 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Describe hindsight bias and overconfidence, and give examples of how they can affect
people. Explain why psychology is not "just common sense". ✅Hindsight bias and
overconfidence are 2 of the 3 reasons that illustrate why we cannot rely solely on
intuition and common sense. Perceive patterns in random events is the third. In that, it
is known that a human's naked intellect is an incredibly inaccurate measurement that
can't be described as merely common sense.
Hindsight Bias - the tendency to believe after learning an outcome, that one would have
foreseen it (the I-knew-it-all-along-phenomenon). This is like concluding the obvious
already determined outcome. The coach made a great gutsy call said the reporter after
the win. It seems obvious but in the same way in a loss the call cost the team the game.
Hindsight bias can be wrong and this is where problems arise. Ex #2 - Separation
weakens romantic attraction vs Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Overconfidence - Drawing a conclusion based on what we think we know in confidence.
Ex: Solving the anagrams in 10 seconds when it actually takes 3 minutes. Ex #2:
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons," "Couldn't shoot an
elephant from that distance."
Drawing upon both text and lecture, list and explain the facets of the scientific attitude
and critical thinking. Describe tips given in lecture (if we had time!) for how to think
critically and minimize your own bias when reading about research findings.
Curiosity - The reason for exploration in all sciences
Skepticism - To believe with certainty, we must begin by doubting and asking what and
how?
Humility - An awareness of our own vulnerability to error and an openness to surprises
and new perspectives. Open Mindedness.
Critical Thinkers bypass biases and ask for evidence and come to a conclusion from
evidence.
Define theory, hypothesis, operational definition, and replication. ✅Theory - Explains
behaviors or events by offering ideas that organize what we have observed.
Hypothesis - A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
Operational Definition - A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures used in a
research study. Often allow the hypothesis to be replicable.
Replication - Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different
participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other
participants and circumstances.
Define and compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of the different kinds of
research designs (case studies, naturalistic observations, correlational studies,
experiments).
Explain the importance of random sampling and wording effects. ✅Wording often
changes the meaning of a question and how a person may respond to the question.
, "Aid for the needy" is liked more than "welfare." Random sampling is important because
otherwise the data collected is biased and no true conclusion can be drawn.
Describe correlations (positive and negative, strong and weak), and explain what we
can and cannot conclude from a correlation. Be able to generate the various possible
explanations for a correlation. ✅Correlations explain relationships of one variable to
another. A positive correlation coefficient says that when one increases the other
variable increases as well. A negative coefficient depicts inversely corresponding
variables. Strength is based on slope.
Explain regression toward the mean. ✅Regression towards the Mean - the tendency
for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back towards the average. Ex: a bad test
taker scores extremely well on a test. The next test they are more likely to fall back to
their average. Often times people attempt to give credit to the extreme by something
they did different like throwing the dice harder.
Explain how experiments help researchers isolate cause and effect. Define and explain
the roles of random assignment, independent and dependent variables, blind and
double-blind procedures, and placebos. Given a research question, be able to design
an experiment that would test it. Be prepared to specify your experimental hypothesis
and identify your dependent and independent variables, as well as your experimental
and control conditions. Be prepared to identify experimental procedures that would help
to ensure the reliability of your research. ✅Double Blind Procedure - Controls the
placebo effect; neither researchers nor participants know who receives the real
treatment.
Placebo Effect - A fake control that can produce an actual response. The purpose of
doing this is to determine whether or not the treatment has an actual effect. The
Placebo effect is a real and powerful psychological response.
Random Assignment - assigning participants to experimental and control groups by
chance, thus decreasing the chance of preexisting differences. Experiments isolate the
effects of various variables in a given event.
Be able to correctly identify what research design a study is using. Be able to correctly
state whether that study, because of its design, permits us to make causal inferences.
Understand the difference between "causal" and "casual". Understand the difference
between providing supporting evidence for something and proving it. ✅Causal -
Relating to cause and effect
Correlation - Happening by chance or not serious
Explain the value of simplified laboratory conditions in discovering general principles of
behavior. ✅Psychologists focus more so on studying the general principles rather than
trying to emulate the exact outside world. Often times psychologists can observe
behavior sitting in a park or mall rather than million dollar research facilities.
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