Chapter 1 Psychology: A Scientific Discipline Solutions

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 Psychology Solutions Chapter 1 Psychology: A Scientific Discipline

1. Choose the correct option and complete the following statements.

2. Match the pair

Answer:

3. State whether the following statements are true or false.

4. Answer the following in one sentence each.

5. Define / Explain the concepts in 25 – 30 words each.

6. Write short notes on the following in 50 – 60 words each.

The disadvantages of observation are:

The disadvantages of survey method are:

7. Define / Explain the concepts in 25 – 30 words each.

8. Answer the following questions in detail.

(ii) Negative correlation – An increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other and vice-versa. The value of the correlation is between 0.00 to -1.00, for e.g., bunking of lectures (↑) and score in exams (↓).

(iii) Zero correlation – A change in one variable leads to no significant change in the other variable, for e.g., height and intelligence.

(ii) Issues related to objectivity and validity – Methods used in psychology such as introspection, surveys and questionnaires are subjective. Due to this, psychology lacks two criteria of science, i.e., objectivity and validity.

(iii) Issues related to predictability and replicability – In psychology it is difficult to make exact predictions as people respond differently in different situations. Test result are more varied and hence difficult to replicate.

(iv) Objectifying humans – According to some psychologists, subjecting human behaviour to experimentation amounts to objectifying individuals.

The key terms of experimental method with examples are:

The two variables in an experiment are:

The features of the method are:

The limitations of the method are:

According to Ellis, rational people possess characteristics such as:

The concept of rationality can be explained as:

How Rational Am I?

The strongest characteristic in me is self-direction. The weakest characteristic in me is flexibility.

(A) Identify the Independent Variable and Dependent Variable.

Answer:

(B) Identify the type of correlation.

Answer:

Class 12 Psychology Chapter 1 Psychology: A Scientific Discipline Intext Questions and Answers

ACTIVITIES (Textbook Page. No. 1)

Activity 1

Read the following statements. Think and discuss whether the given statements are facts or myths and misconceptions about psychology:
(i) Psychology is just common sense and not a real science.
(ii) Psychology is simply a pseudoscience.
(iii) Psychologists are simply mind readers or the face readers.
(iv) Psychology is related only to the study of crazy people who are in need of therapy.
(v) Psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors have the same professional qualifications and their jobs are almost of the same nature.
(vi) Anyone with a degree in psychology can provide counselling to a need person. Answer:
Answer:
All the statements are misconceptions.
Statement 1, 2 are misconceptions because Psychology is a social science that fulfils the criteria of a science, e.g., it employs the scientific method.

Statement 3 is a misconception. Psychologists are trained professionals in some field of psychology, e.g., counselling psychology. They employ tools like observation, case study, experiments, etc.

Statement 4 is a misconception. There are numerous branches of psychology such as Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Environmental Psychology, etc.

Statement 5 is a misconception. Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors and focus on medication management. Psychologists employ psychotherapy such as CBT, REBT, etc.

Statement 6 is a misconception. A counsellor is a person who has academic qualifications as well as professional training in counselling techniques.

Activity 2 (Textbook Page. No. 3)

Read the following statements and discuss about the same in the classroom:
(i) Psychology is a science because it fulfils many conditions of science.
(ii) Psychology is not an exact science like physics or chemistry.
(iii) Psychology is a social science that studies human (and animal) behaviour and mental processes.
(iv) Psychology uses some objective research methods, it examines cause-and-effect relationships to produce laws governing human behaviour and its findings can be verified.
(v) Psychology can be distinguished from pseudoscience and folk wisdom as psychology has evidence against its theories.
(vi) The subject matter of psychology is complex as human behaviour is dynamic and the mental processes are abstract. Therefore, the theories of psychology are not as universal, exact and precise as those in physics and chemistry.
Answer:

Activity 3 (Textbook Page. No. 4)

Visit the website given below and collect information about various schools of thought of psychology:verywellmind.com/psychology-schools-of-thought-2795247
Answer:

In recent times, Behavioural school, Cognitive school and Humanistic school remain influential. Most psychologists adopt an eclectic approach drawing upon different perspectives.

Activity 5 (Textbook Page. No. 5)

Find out the Independent Variable and Dependent Variable from the experiment ideas given below:
(i) To study the effect of practice on memory.
(ii) To study the effect of mental set on problem solving.
(iii) To study the effect of noise pollution on the speed of writing.
(iv) To study the effect of colour on perception.
(v) To study the effect of feedback on decision making.
Answer:

Activity 6 (Textbook Page. No. 8)

Discuss about the following topics that can be studied using correlation study method:
(i) Bunking lectures and score in exams
(ii) Weight and intelligence
(iii) Amount of salary and level of job satisfaction
(iv) Rehearsal and forgetting
(v) Height and aptitude in music
(vi) Urbanization and pollution
(vii) Speed of vehicles and road accidents
Answer:
(a) Positive correlation

(b) Negative correlation

(c) Zero correlation