Theories of Human Factors Psychology

Description: This quiz covers the various theories that attempt to explain human behavior and cognition in the context of human factors psychology.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: human factors psychology theories of human behavior cognitive psychology
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which theory emphasizes the role of mental models in human cognition and behavior?

  1. Information Processing Theory

  2. Activity Theory

  3. Ecological Psychology

  4. Gestalt Psychology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Information Processing Theory proposes that the human mind processes information in a step-by-step manner, similar to a computer. Mental models are internal representations of the external world that help us understand and interact with it.

According to Activity Theory, what is the primary unit of analysis for understanding human behavior?

  1. The individual

  2. The environment

  3. The task

  4. The activity system


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Activity Theory views human behavior as a purposeful and goal-directed activity that takes place within a social and cultural context. The activity system includes the individual, the environment, the task, and the tools and artifacts used to perform the task.

Ecological Psychology emphasizes the importance of what in shaping human behavior?

  1. Mental representations

  2. Internal cognitive processes

  3. The physical environment

  4. Social interactions


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Ecological Psychology argues that the physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior. It proposes that humans perceive and interact with the environment in a meaningful way, and that our behavior is influenced by the affordances and constraints of the environment.

Gestalt Psychology is known for its focus on:

  1. The role of mental representations

  2. The importance of context

  3. The holistic perception of objects

  4. The influence of social factors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Gestalt Psychology emphasizes the importance of perceiving objects as wholes rather than as collections of individual parts. It proposes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that our perception of objects is influenced by their overall form and organization.

Which theory views human behavior as a series of learned responses to environmental stimuli?

  1. Behaviorism

  2. Cognitive Psychology

  3. Humanistic Psychology

  4. Transpersonal Psychology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Behaviorism is a school of psychology that emphasizes the role of observable behavior in understanding human psychology. It proposes that behavior is learned through conditioning and that it can be modified through reinforcement and punishment.

According to Humanistic Psychology, what is the primary motivator of human behavior?

  1. The desire for pleasure

  2. The avoidance of pain

  3. The need for self-actualization

  4. The influence of social norms


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Humanistic Psychology emphasizes the importance of free will, personal growth, and self-actualization. It proposes that humans have an innate tendency to strive for self-actualization, which is the realization of one's full potential.

Transpersonal Psychology explores:

  1. The role of mental representations

  2. The influence of social factors

  3. The spiritual and transcendent aspects of human experience

  4. The impact of the physical environment


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Transpersonal Psychology is a branch of psychology that explores the spiritual and transcendent aspects of human experience. It seeks to understand the nature of consciousness, the relationship between mind and body, and the potential for human transformation.

Which theory emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping human behavior?

  1. Social Cognitive Theory

  2. Cognitive Psychology

  3. Behaviorism

  4. Humanistic Psychology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping human behavior. It proposes that individuals learn and adopt behaviors through observation and imitation of others, and that their behavior is influenced by their beliefs, attitudes, and expectations.

According to Cognitive Psychology, what is the primary focus of study?

  1. The role of mental representations

  2. The influence of social factors

  3. The impact of the physical environment

  4. The spiritual and transcendent aspects of human experience


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cognitive Psychology focuses on the study of mental processes, such as perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. It seeks to understand how these processes influence human behavior and cognition.

Which theory proposes that human behavior is influenced by unconscious drives and desires?

  1. Psychoanalytic Theory

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Humanistic Psychology

  4. Transpersonal Psychology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Psychoanalytic Theory proposes that human behavior is influenced by unconscious drives and desires that originate in childhood experiences. It emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind in shaping personality and behavior.

According to the theory of Multiple Intelligences, what is the primary focus of study?

  1. The role of mental representations

  2. The influence of social factors

  3. The impact of the physical environment

  4. The existence of multiple types of intelligence


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The theory of Multiple Intelligences proposes that there are multiple types of intelligence, rather than a single general intelligence factor. It suggests that individuals have different strengths and weaknesses in different areas, such as linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, musical intelligence, and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.

Which theory emphasizes the importance of personal agency and free will in human behavior?

  1. Existential Psychology

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Humanistic Psychology

  4. Transpersonal Psychology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Existential Psychology emphasizes the importance of personal agency and free will in human behavior. It explores the existential concerns of individuals, such as the meaning of life, the nature of existence, and the responsibility for one's own choices.

According to Positive Psychology, what is the primary focus of study?

  1. The role of mental representations

  2. The influence of social factors

  3. The impact of the physical environment

  4. The study of human strengths and well-being


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Positive Psychology focuses on the study of human strengths and well-being. It seeks to understand what makes people happy, resilient, and successful, and how these factors can be cultivated and enhanced.

Which theory emphasizes the importance of culture and social context in shaping human behavior?

  1. Cultural Psychology

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Humanistic Psychology

  4. Transpersonal Psychology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cultural Psychology emphasizes the importance of culture and social context in shaping human behavior. It explores how cultural values, beliefs, and practices influence individuals' thoughts, feelings, and actions.

According to the theory of Evolutionary Psychology, what is the primary focus of study?

  1. The role of mental representations

  2. The influence of social factors

  3. The impact of the physical environment

  4. The evolutionary origins of human behavior


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Evolutionary Psychology seeks to understand the evolutionary origins of human behavior. It proposes that many human behaviors and traits have evolved over time to enhance our survival and reproductive success.

- Hide questions