Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What type of tool is easy to observe because it exists in the external world?

1. Cultural

2. Mediator

3. Material

4. Symbolic

The correct answer is: Material

The correct answer is material because material tools are tangible objects that can be directly observed in the physical world. They include items like books, computers, and other resources that individuals can manipulate or use in various settings. In the context of psychological studies and learning environments, material tools are essential as they provide concrete representations of concepts and can enhance understanding through practical engagement. Their accessibility and visibility make them particularly valuable for observational studies or experimental setups, where the focus is on interaction with the environment. Cultural tools relate more to the beliefs, practices, and norms shared among groups, which, while influential, are less directly observable than material tools. Mediator tools refer to elements that facilitate processes or interactions, but they do not necessarily exist as physical entities. Symbolic tools, such as language and symbols, are abstract representations or systems of meaning that require interpretation, making them less straightforward to observe in the same way as material tools are.