Feldman Test Bank 1 Module 1

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The Prologue features which of the following events?A. the rising interpersonal violence in countries like IraqB. the response of airplane Captain “Sully” to a near tragedy C. the efforts to rescue airline crash survivors in TorontoD. the attack on the World Trade Center and PentagonAnswer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: Knowledge Difficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 4Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

2. In the text description of Captain Sullenberger’s response to a threatening situation, psychologists would be interested in exploringA. the increased rates of anxiety among people who travel by air.B. how the media coverage affects people who consider traveling by air.C. factors related to Captain Sullenberger’s response.D. and improving methods for better airport screening.Answer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 4Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

3. Although their interests are diverse, psychologists share a commonA. interest in mental processes and behavior.B. concern for applying their knowledge to social situations.C. interest in the study of animal behavior.D. respect for the ideas of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

4. The definition of psychology is generally considered to beA. the scientific study of people’s behavior in groups.B. the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.C. the treatment of people with mental disorders.D. the control of people’s thought processes and behavior.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

5. The scientific study of _____ is the primary focus of psychology.

A. behavior and mental processesB. how people live and workC. paranormal experiencesD. people with psychological disordersAnswer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

6. In explaining human behavior and mental processes, psychologists try to achieve all the following goals EXCEPTA. description.B. prediction.C. explanation.D. manipulation.Answer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: AnalysisDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

7. In defining psychology, the phrase behavior and mental processes must be understood asA. being narrowly and clearly stated.B. reflecting multiple viewpoints and queries.C. a science that is fixed and unchanging.D. a discipline that is transient and timely.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: AnalysisDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

8. Hassan wants to better understand his aging grandmother who is affected by Alzheimer’s disease by learning about the underlying biological structures and processes. Hassan’s desire to explore her behavior in terms of the brain and nervous system share the same goal as the psychological subfield of A. behavioral neuroscience.B. social.C. psychopharmacology.D. clinical neuropsychology.Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

9. Dr. Hausmann is a psychologist in the field of behavioral neuroscience. She most likely investigatesA. how our bodies, particularly our nervous system, shape our behaviors. B. how people interact with their families and close friends.C. the processes people use to remember important information.D. how patterns of personality change as a person develops over time.

Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

10. Which branch of psychology studies the processes of sensing, perceiving, thinking, and learning?A. communityB. organizationalC. experimentalD. personalityAnswer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

11. If you are curious as to why you feel pain when you place your hand near an open flame, you would likely find answers in the research of _____ psychologists.A. clinical B. behavioralC. environmental D. experimentalAnswer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

12. You have just read an article by psychologist Bartlett Machmer showing that students remember best the information they learn at the beginning and end of a study session. Dr. Machmer’s area of research falls into which subspecialty of psychology?A. cognitiveB. personalityC. clinicalD. socialAnswer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: LowFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

13. Susan considers herself a cognitive psychologist. She is probably most interested inA. cultural variations in behavior.B. how people process and retain information.C. increasing the productivity of employees.D. the causes of psychological disorders.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7

Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

14. Dr. Clark is interested in the ways girls and boys differ in their understanding of moral behavior as they age. Clark’s research focuses on the _____ perspective.A. socialB. developmentalC. neuroscienceD. healthAnswer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

15. As a developmental psychologist, Dr. Velma Kelly would most likely do research on which topic?A. how the brain is affected by drug addictionsB. whether people learn better alone or in groupsC. cultural variations in birth and death rituals D. changes in self-concepts during adulthoodAnswer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

16. The relationship of the developmental perspective to the personality perspective is the same as the relationship of _____ to _____.A. conscious; unconsciousB. unconscious; consciousC. change; stabilityD. stability; changeAnswer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: SynthesisDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

17. Dr. Ophelia Payne is interested in discovering the causes of trait differences in people’s behavior and what makes them behave consistently over time. Dr. Payne is most likely a _____ psychologist.A. neuroscientificB. personalityC. cognitiveD. healthAnswer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: LowFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

18. If you believe that people’s behaviors and traits are consistent over time, then you would find the _____ subfield appealing.A. behavioralB. personalityC. cognitiveD. developmentalAnswer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: AnalysisDifficulty Level: LowFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

19. Perez notices that his sister is outgoing and talkative in many situations, whereas his brother is more reserved and prefers solitary activities. Perez’s observation best reflects the _____ subfield.A. personalityB. cognitiveC. behavioralD. developmentalAnswer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

20. Looking for the best ways to help people monitor and control their blood pressure through behavioral changes would be the concern of psychologists within which subfield?A. clinicalB. socialC. personalityD. healthAnswer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: AnalysisDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7-8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

21. The connection between stress and well-being is a focus of _____ psychology.A. clinicalB. socialC. personalityD. healthAnswer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7-8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

22. The study of the effects of worry or anxiety on bodily symptoms is likely a focus of _____ psychology.A. clinical B. healthC. personality

D. sport and exercise Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: LowFeedback: refer to page 7-8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

23. How are the areas of clinical and health psychology similar?A. both focus on problems that involve difficulties in everyday life as well as more serious mental or

physical disordersB. both reflect an interest in how people change, grow, and develop over time in their personality

and other characteristicsC. both are concerned with the biological basis of behavior and its effects on psychological

functioningD. both attempt to understand the role of genetics and other biological factors in influencing

disordersAnswer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: EvaluationDifficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

24. The main focus of clinical psychology is on which aspect of human behavior?A. understanding and treating psychological disordersB. gaining insight into how people think and learnC. describing and explaining developmentD. applying psychology to physical ailments or diseaseAnswer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

25. Compared with the work of a clinical psychologist, the work of a counseling psychologist is:A. more focused on physical health and well-being.B. more focused on the effects of the brain on behavior.C. more specific in the kinds of problems he or she addresses.D. more focused on people that have chronic, disabling problems.Answer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: AnalysisDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

26. Tavon wants to better resolve conflicts with his college roommate. The psychologist best able to help him would be aA. cognitive psychologist.B. clinical psychologist.C. counseling psychologist.D. developmental psychologist.Answer: C

Bloom’s Taxonomy: AnalysisDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

27. The study of the characteristics that enable people to persuade each other to specific ways of thinking is a topic in _____ psychology.A. consumer B. social C. personality D. clinicalAnswer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4 28. One focus of social psychology would beA. determining how members of the same fraternity influence each other’s behaviors.B. understanding the underlying causes of psychological and physical disturbances.C. improving the parenting skills of adults to enhance toddler growth.D. identifying behavioral consistencies throughout life.Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

29. Studies of the differences in marriage rituals across different societies fall in the area of which type of psychology?A. clinicalB. socialC. developmentalD. cross-culturalAnswer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

30. A person who anticipates attending college in a foreign country on a student exchange program will benefit especially from familiarity with the principles of ____ psychology.A. cross-culturalB. evolutionary C. counselingD. environmentalAnswer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at Work

APA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

31. Which of the following is one of the newest areas of psychology, focusing on how our genetic inheritance from earlier species influences us now?A. behavioral neuroscienceB. developmental psychologyC. clinical physiologyD. evolutionary psychologyAnswer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

32. Evolutionary psychology is largely based on the classic works ofA. Sigmund FreudB. Carl JungC. Charles DarwinD. Wilhelm WundtAnswer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

33. Marla notices that when she talks to men, her boyfriend becomes jealous. When the boyfriend talks to other women, Marla does not become jealous. Marla wonders if the difference is genetic. Her question would interest a(n) _____ psychologist.A. clinicalB. evolutionaryC. behavioralD. developmentalAnswer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to page 9Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

34. Critics of evolutionary psychology have argued that the subfield does NOTA. pay enough attention to environmental and social forces.B. pay enough attention to genetic and biological forces.C. explain many behaviors that interest most psychologists.D. explain very well behaviors among potential dating partners.Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 9Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

35. Dr. Kirk is interested in examining the relationship between genetic and environmental influences. Kirk probably does research on

A. clinical neuroscience.B. personality psychology.C. behavioral genetics.D. psychophysics.Answer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 9Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

36. What type of psychologist would explain a person’s violent behavior by the tumor discovered in his brain?A. clinical neuropsychologistB. social psychologistC. health psychologistD. behavioral psychologist Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 9Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

37. Most psychologists work in which type of settings?A. private practiceB. business and industryC. colleges and universitiesD. mental health clinicsAnswer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 9Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

38. Which of the following is NOT a major role that psychologists play?A. teaching studentsB. conducting researchC. treating disordersD. marketing IQ testsAnswer: DBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: Basic Feedback: refer to page: 10Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

39. Which of the following statements about psychologists is TRUE?A. By 2015, male psychologists will outnumber female psychologists.B. The majority of new psychology PhD degrees are earned by women.C. There is much ethnic diversity among PhD psychologists.D. Most psychologists do not have a PhD degree.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: Comprehension

Difficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

40. According to recent data, which of the following statements about psychologists from minority groups is TRUE?A. The number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology has remained unchanged for

the past 10 years.B. The number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology has declined over the last 10

years.C. The number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology has increased over the last 10

years.D. The number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology is now greater than majority

individuals.Answer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

41. According to recent data, which of the following statements about psychologists from minority groups is TRUE?A. The change in the number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology is less than the

growth of the minority population.B. The change in the number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology is greater than

the growth of the minority population.C. The change in the number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology is about the

same as the growth of the minority population.D. The change in the number of minority individuals entering the field of psychology relative to the

growth of the minority population is unknown.Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

42. Which of the following statements is TRUE?A. Psychologists from minority groups have little to offer by way of unique perspectives on human

behavior.B. Minority individuals often prefer to receive treatment from psychologists of the same race or

ethnic group.C. The lack of minority individuals in psychology is typically not a deterrent for other minority

individuals to pursue a career in psychology.D. Minority students tend to prefer the natural sciences (e.g., chemistry) to the social sciences (e.g.,

psychology).Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

43. The primary difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is thatA. psychologists have more formal education than do psychiatrists.B. psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in psychological disorders.C. psychologists are more likely than psychiatrists to have a PsyD degree.D. psychologists are unlikely to have education beyond the bachelor’s degree.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

44. The primary difference between a PhD and a PsyD psychologist is thatA. only PhD psychologists can practice therapy.B. a PhD is a research degree and requires original research.C. only PhD psychologists can prescribe medication.D. PhD psychologists are better trained to treat people with psychological disorders.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

45. The key difference between a PhD and PsyD psychologist is that a PhD psychologist is trained inA. different methods of therapy.B. research.C. psychoanalysis.D. assessment and diagnosis.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: AnalysisDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

46. A psychologist who pursues a PsyD degree is most likely to be interested inA. working with children in schools.B. treating psychological disorders.C. conducting experimental studies.D. improving employee productivity.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

47. Dr. Zoe Loft is a clinical psychologist who treats people with psychological disorders. She is most likely to have which of the following degrees?A. MSB. BAC. PhDD. MDAnswer: C

Bloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

48. When psychology majors graduate from college, most enterA. graduate programs in psychology.B. graduate programs unrelated to psychology.C. jobs that relate to psychology.D. jobs that do not relate to psychology.Answer: CBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

49. The majority of psychology majors with a bachelor’s degree work inA. social services.B. government.C. private industry.D. private practice.Answer: ABloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 12Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

50. Undergraduates majoring in psychology are well prepared to think analytically, critically, andA. intuitively understand people and their problems.B. evaluate and synthesize information.C. conduct independent assessment and research.D. diagnose and treat people with psychological disorders.Answer: BBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 12Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

51. Psychology is defined as the scientific study of _____ and _____.Answer: behavior; mental processesBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

52. Basic study of visual perception is in the _____ branch of psychology; by contrast, the study of changes in visual perception from infancy to old age falls in the _____ branch of psychology.Answer: experimental; developmental

Bloom’s Taxonomy: SynthesisDifficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

53. _____ psychologists study how we think, remember, reason, solve problems, make decisions, and use language.Answer: CognitiveBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: LowFeedback: refer to page 6Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

54. A mother who wants to understand why her daughter is attracted to a particular person may want to read research in the _____ subfield.Answer: social psychologyBloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

55. Comparison of conversational styles of Native Americans versus white Americans would be a topic in the area of _____ psychology.Answer: cross-culturalBloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

56. Understanding how jealousy operates in reproductive relationships is one goal of some _____ psychologists.Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAnswer: evolutionaryBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

57. Psychologists who work in _____ find it relatively easy to fulfill their goals of teaching, research, and practice.Answer: academic settingsBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 10Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

58. About _____ of new master’s degrees in psychology are earned by minority individuals.Answer: 20%Bloom’s Taxonomy: Knowledge

Difficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

True/False Questions

59. Psychology is defined as a scientific study of human behavior.Answer: FalseBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

60. Behavioral neuroscientists focus primarily on the brain’s connection with behavior.Answer: TrueBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: LowFeedback: refer to page 6Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

61. Only experimental psychologists use experimental techniques to answer questions about human behavior and mental processes.Answer: FalseBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 7Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

62. Counseling psychologists are primarily interested in educational, social, and career adjustment problems.Answer: TrueBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 8Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

63. Most evolutionary psychologists have now rejected Charles Darwin’s ideas on the role of evolution and biology.Answer: FalseBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 9Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

64. Despite its popularity, psychologists from the clinical neuropsychology subfield have been unable to develop new treatments for psychological disorders.Answer: FalseBloom’s Taxonomy: Knowledge

Difficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 9Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

65. Currently in the United States, about half of all psychologists are men and half are women.Answer: TrueBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

66. About 1/3 of people working in the field of psychology have a master’s degree as their highest degree.Answer: TrueBloom’s Taxonomy: KnowledgeDifficulty Level: BasicFeedback: refer to page 11Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.2

Essay Questions

67. Imagine that your best friend knows you are taking a psychology course and wonders what psychology is all about. How would you define psychology for your friend?

Answer: Psychology is a scientific study of a variety of behavior and mental processes in humans and other animals. This means, for example, that psychologists try to answer questions about the way people behave, how they think and make decisions, how they perceive and understand their world, how they experience emotions, and so on. Importantly, psychologists try to answer these questions in systematic and objective ways, using the scientific method, so that they can describe, predict, and explain behavior and mental processes. The scientific method is an ideal way for psychologists to answer important questions because the answers that are uncovered by careful, scientific studies are typically more valid and legitimate than those derived from intuition and speculation.

Bloom’s Taxonomy: ApplicationDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1

68. Many people believe that psychologists only treat psychological disorders. Explain why this is an incomplete view of what psychologists do.

Answer: The belief that psychologists only treat psychological disorders limits the scope of psychology solely to the subfield of clinical practice. But psychologists do much more than just work with people who are having problems, and not all psychologists treat disorders. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes in terms of both theory and application. Areas of application and research in cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, for example, are ignored by this viewpoint. Psychologists teach and conduct research in many areas, and so they can be found in many more settings than just in clinics or private practices.

Bloom’s Taxonomy: EvaluationDifficulty Level: Difficult

Feedback: refer to page 5Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.4

69. In what ways is the discipline of psychology becoming increasingly diverse?

Answer: The types of questions psychologists try to answer and the perspectives they use to understand those questions are quite diverse. For example, some psychologists may try to understand a behavior like jealousy from a behavioral point of view, whereas others would take the evolutionary point of view. There is other diversity as well. The number of women who work to become psychologists has been steadily increasing, and in the next five years women will outnumber men in this discipline. Unfortunately, there is not much racial diversity among psychologists. Most psychologists are Caucasian, and the number of minority individuals entering psychology is lagging behind the growth of the minority population. This can limit the number of perspectives and solutions that psychologists consider when studying behavior and mental processes.

Bloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: DifficultFeedback: refer to pages 10-11Learning Goals: Psychologists at Work & Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 4.1

70. Imagine that you decide to major in psychology and your parents want to know what you will do with that major when you graduate. Based on research studies, how would you respond to your parents’ question?

Answer: When most psychology majors graduate from their undergraduate institution, they enter the workforce in a job that relates to their background in psychology. For example, most psychology majors pursue work in social services, where they can serve as administrators, counselors, or direct care providers. Other psychology majors pursue graduate school for additional education and training. This additional education would allow them to earn a master’s degree, a PhD, or a PsyD. These degrees would allow psychologists to teach, provide therapy, conduct research, and work in specialized treatment programs.

Bloom’s Taxonomy: ComprehensionDifficulty Level: ModerateFeedback: refer to pages 11-12Learning Goals: Psychologists at WorkAPA Learning Outcomes: 1.1