Psychology

  1. Discussion: People sometimes suggest that psychology cannot be a science because either (a) human behavior cannot be predicted with perfect accuracy or (b) much of its subject matter (e.g., thoughts and feelings) cannot be observed directly. Do you agree or disagree with each of these ideas? Why?
  2. Practice: List three empirical questions about human behavior. List three nonempirical questions about human behavior.
  3. Discussion: Consider the following psychological claim. “People’s choice of spouse is strongly influenced by their perception of their own parents. Some choose a spouse who is similar in some way to one of their parents. Others choose a spouse who is different from one of their parents.” Is this claim falsifiable? Why or why not?
  4. Explain the limitations of common sense when it comes to achieving a detailed and accurate understanding of human behavior.
  5. Give several examples of common sense or folk psychology that are incorrect.
  6. Define skepticism and its role in scientific psychology.