4 Goals of Science: Describe, Explain, Predict, Control

A therapist wants to know as much about a client as possible in order to help the client resolve troublesome issues. This is related to which goal of science? a. control b. description c. explanation d. prediction

a. control

After gaining an understanding of why behaviors occur as they do, a scientist interesting in applying this knowledge would be interested in what goal of science? a. control b. description c. explanation d. prediction

a. control

Researchers with different theoretical beliefs are likely to differ greatly with respect to their statements regarding the _______ of behavior. a. explanation b. testability c. falsifiability d. description

a. explanation

Researchers recently documented that after a terrorist attack, people who refused to think about the horrible events and isolated themselves were at greater risk than others of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. This finding relates to which goal of science? a. control b. description c. explanation d. prediction

b. description

Behaviorally oriented therapists have speculated that the principles of reinforcement and punishment in behavioral theory could help them understand how and why successful treatment occurs. The goal of science that is most important in this understanding is a. control b. description c. explanation d. prediction

c. explanation

When colleges use high school grades and SAT/ACT scores in determining to admit a student, they are using the scores as a measure of the likelihood of student success in college. This is related to which goal of science? a. control b. description c. explanation d. prediction

d. prediction

The statement "Punishment will be harsher for drunk drivers who cause serious injuries than for drivers who cause mild injuries" is an example of a ________.

prediction