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
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