Introductory Psychology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of research is most applicable in understanding how people think and behave?

1. Naturalistic observation

2. Self-report

3. Psychometric tests

4. Correlational research

The correct answer is: Naturalistic observation

Naturalistic observation is the most applicable type of research in understanding how people think and behave because it involves observing people in their natural environment without any manipulation or interference. This allows for a more accurate understanding of their thoughts and behaviors compared to other methods that may involve introspection or artificial laboratory settings. Self-report may be subject to bias or social desirability, and psychometric tests may only provide a limited understanding of an individual's thoughts and behaviors. Correlational research may indicate a relationship between variables, but does not provide a deep understanding of the underlying factors influencing behavior. Therefore, naturalistic observation is the most suitable method for studying how people think and behave.