PSYC 1001 FINAL EXAM PREP INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ANSWERED 2026/2027 (16pages)

1. What is psychology and what are its main goals? (2 marks) Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Its main goals are to describe, explain, predict and influence behavior and mental phenomena. 2. What are the differences between structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis and humanism? (5 marks) Structuralism was an early school of psychology that focused on analyzing the basic elements of consciousness using introspection. Functionalism was a school of psychology that emphasized the adaptive functions of behavior and mental processes in relation to the environment. Behaviorism was a school of psychology that rejected introspection and focused on observable behavior and its consequences. Psychoanalysis was a school of psychology that explored the unconscious motives and conflicts that influence behavior and mental disorders. Humanism was a school of psychology that emphasized the uniqueness, potential and growth of human beings. 3. What are the main types of research methods in psychology and what are their advantages and disadvantages? (6 marks) The main types of research methods in psychology are experiments, correlational studies, surveys, naturalistic observations and case studies. Experiments involve manipulating an independent variable and measuring its effect on a dependent variable while controlling other variables. Experiments can establish cause-and-effect relationships but may lack ecological validity. Correlational studies involve measuring the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. Correlational studies can reveal patterns and associations but cannot establish causality. Surveys involve asking a sample of people questions about their attitudes, opinions or behaviors. Surveys can collect large amounts of data quickly and cheaply but may suffer from sampling bias, social desirability bias or low response rates. Naturalistic observations involve observing and recording behavior in its natural setting without interfering with it. Naturalistic observations can provide rich and realistic data but may be affected by observer bias, reactivity or ethical issues. Case studies involve studying an individual or a small group in depth over a period of time. Case studies can provide detailed and unique insights but may not be generalizable or representative.