Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

Answers to Evaluate Questions
K E Y T E R M S
free will p. 24
determinism p. 24
1.
determinism; 
2.
environment; 
3.
true
28 Chapter 
1 
Introduction to Psychology
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29
Looking
Back
Psychology on the Web

1. Practice using several search strategies to fi nd information on the web about one of 
the key issues in psychology (for example, free will versus determinism, nature versus 
nurture, or conscious versus unconscious determinants of behavior), using (a) a 
general-purpose search engine (such as Google at www.google.com) and (b) a more 
specialized search engine (such as Yahoo’s Psychology section, under the “Social 
Science” heading, at www.yahoo.com). Summarize and then compare the kinds of 
information you have found through each strategy.
2. Search the web for discussions of youth violence and try to fi nd (a) an article in the 
general news media, (b) information from a psychological point of view (for instance, 
experimental information or recommendations for parents from a professional 
organization), and (c) political opinion or debate about how to address the issue of 
youth violence.
The fi eld of psychology, as we have seen, is broad and 
diverse. It encompasses many diff erent subfi elds and 
specialties practiced in a variety of settings, with new 
subfi elds continually arising. We have also seen that even within the various subfi elds of 
the fi eld, it is possible to adopt several diff erent approaches, including the neuroscience, 
psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic perspectives. 
For all its diversity, though, psychology focuses on certain key issues that serve to 
unify the fi eld along common lines and shared fi ndings. These issues reappear as themes 
throughout this book as we discuss the work and accomplishments of psychologists in 
the many subfi elds of the discipline. 
In light of what you’ve already learned about the fi eld of psychology, reconsider the 
questions raised regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and answer the following 
questions: