Question 1

Discuss the question of whether the mind was discovered, invented or constructed. Why is this question important for psychology?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

Discuss two possible outcomes when two theories clash over their ability to explain the same phenomena. Why are these two outcomes important for psychology?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

In terms of two scientific theories clashing with each other to explain phenomena, which of the following is an example of reduction:

Accepted Answer

A)  Mendelian genetics to molecular genetics. 
B)  Ptolemaic view of the solar system to the Copernican system. 
C)  Copernican system to Mendelian theory. 
D)  Whig theory to epistemology.

Question 4

According to the textbook, western conceptions of mind began in _________ before moving first to _________ and then to __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  history, philosophy, neuro-science 
B)  religion, philosophy, science 
C)  religion, history, medicine (psychiatry) 
D)  philosophy, medicine, the humanities.

Question 5

Which of the following explanations most clearly does NOT violate the Iron Law of Explanation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Sally's shyness is caused by her introversion. 
B)  Depression is caused by a neurochemical imbalance in the brain 
C)  Bob made the right decision because he's a good decision-maker 
D)  Congressman X takes bribes because he's greedy.

Question 6

Joe argues that the concept of self and the mind are conventional terms and are not real things. Joe views the mind as a harmful illusion that one should strive to free oneself from. In contrast, Sally argues that the mind is a core concept for personhood, consciousness and individuality, allowing humans to transcend animal status. It appears Joe supports a _____ perspective, while Sally represents _________.

Accepted Answer

A)  Western perspective, Buddhist philosophy. 
B)  Buddhist philosophy, a Western perspective. 
C)  Nomological perspective, humanistic view. 
D)  Humanistic, Nomological approach.

Question 7

Match model of explanation to description.
-pragmatic

Accepted Answer

A)  analysis of explanation as question-answering 
B)  search for hidden truth 
C)  emphasis on laws of nature

Question 8

Which of the following is most clearly a reason-as opposed to a cause-for Bill murdering Sam?

Accepted Answer

A)  Bill was high on PCP (Phencyclidine) at the time. 
B)  Bill wanted to marry Sam's wife. 
C)  Bill had a brain tumor. 
D)  Bill had schizophrenia and thought Sam was a dangerous Martian invader.

Question 9

Contrast the "Old" and "New" approaches to the history of science.

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Question 10

According to Thomas Kuhn, most eras in science are dominated by a single Weltanschauung called a(n):

Accepted Answer

A)  Gestalt 
B)  research plan 
C)  paradigm 
D)  axiom set

Question 11

Contrast realist and anti-realist views of science. Discuss why the realism vs. anti-realism debate is at the heart of the nomological versus causal debate?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

According to the semantic approach to theories, scientific theory is not directly about the real world. It is really about:

Accepted Answer

A)  ideals of natural order 
B)  a paradigm 
C)  experimental situations 
D)  an idealized model of the world

Question 13

The author of the text points out that there is often tension between reasons and causes in explaining human action. Furthermore, the author argues that this tension also exists in the field of:

Accepted Answer

A)  politics 
B)  economics 
C)  history 
D)  sociology

Question 14

Which of the following is true of the "Old History" as opposed to the "New History"?

Accepted Answer

A)  internalist oriented 
B)  Zeitgeist oriented 
C)  narrative in form 
D)  borrows from social science

Question 15

Positivism and Popper's philosophy of science share a common flaw:

Accepted Answer

A)  Neither is true to the way science is actually practiced. 
B)  Both pay too much attention to the content of theories. 
C)  Both pay too much attention to the truth or falsity of theories. 
D)  Both are too concerned with the social impact of science.

Question 16

Summarize Hempel and Oppenheim's covering-law model of scientific explanation and its key features. What is the Iron Law of Explanation? Briefly describe some criticisms of the Hempel and Oppenheim covering-law model of scientific explanation.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

In a Kuhn's view of science, __________ provides scientists with a blueprint and foundation for scientific enterprises.

Accepted Answer

A)  the covering law 
B)  the falsification test 
C)  anomalies 
D)  a paradigm

Question 18

Which of the following is not a primary function of science according to the positivists (e.g. Auguste Comte)?

Accepted Answer

A)  description 
B)  control 
C)  prediction 
D)  explanation

Exam 1: Introduction