Question 1

A psychologist observes children in a playground and records how often they share toys, without attempting to explain the reasons for sharing. Which primary goal of psychology is being addressed in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Describe

Question 2

Before conditioning, food naturally causes a dog to salivate. According to classical conditioning terminology, which pairing correctly identifies the unconditioned stimulus and unconditioned response?

Accepted Answer

Food $$\rightarrow$$ Salivation

Question 3

Why was the school of structuralism eventually criticized by psychologists?

Accepted Answer

It relied heavily on introspection, which was often subjective and unreliable.

Question 4

A psychologist finds that students who experience higher levels of stress are more likely to have difficulty concentrating. The psychologist investigates whether elevated stress causes changes in attention. Which goal of psychology is being addressed?

Accepted Answer

Explanation

Question 5

A psychologist observes how teenagers interact during group projects and records both their conversations and problem-solving strategies. Which statement best describes the focus of psychology?

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes.

Question 6

A psychologist asks participants to describe the individual sensations, feelings, and images they experience while eating a piece of chocolate. Which school of psychology does this best represent?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Question 7

Researchers find that students who spend more time studying tend to earn higher exam grades. Is it appropriate to conclude that studying more causes higher grades based on this evidence?

Accepted Answer

No, because the study only demonstrates a relationship, not causation.

Question 8

Which question would a functionalist psychologist most likely ask?

Accepted Answer

How does fear help an organism survive dangerous situations?

Question 9

Based on the recommendations from the Bennett article, which classroom practice is most consistent with effective use of AI in education?

Accepted Answer

Designing lessons where students first learn core concepts and then use AI to analyze or expand upon their work.

Question 10

A teacher gives students a reward after every correct answer while teaching a brand-new math skill. Which reinforcement schedule is being used?

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement

Question 11

A company claims that its bracelet dramatically reduces chronic pain. Its website contains 500 customer testimonials describing improvement, but no controlled studies have been conducted. Which conclusion is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The testimonials may be interesting, but they do not provide strong scientific evidence of effectiveness.

Question 12

Researchers find that students who sleep more tend to earn higher grades. A news article concludes, "Sleeping longer causes better academic performance." Which critical thinking principle is being ignored?

Accepted Answer

Consider alternative interpretations of the evidence.

Question 13

Which statement best describes the refractory period in neural firing?

Accepted Answer

The neuron is less responsive and cannot immediately fire another action potential.

Question 14

A psychologist wants to determine whether a new mindfulness program reduces stress. They randomly assign participants to either a mindfulness group or a control group and compare stress levels after eight weeks. What type of evidence is the psychologist collecting?

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence

Question 15

A psychologist claims that an invisible force determines people's personalities, but argues that the force cannot be measured, observed, or tested in any way. Why would scientists criticize this claim?

Accepted Answer

It is not falsifiable because no evidence could potentially disprove it.

Question 16

A researcher applies increasingly stronger electrical stimuli to a neuron. The first few stimuli do not produce an action potential, but a later stimulus does. Which explanation best accounts for this observation?

Accepted Answer

The stronger stimulus depolarized the membrane enough to reach the threshold of approximately $$-55\ \mathrm{mV}$$, triggering the all-or-none response.

Question 17

A coffee shop gives customers a free drink after every 10 purchases. Which reinforcement schedule does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Fixed ratio

Question 18

A study finds that people who sleep longer tend to earn higher GPAs. Which finding best illustrates why correlation does not imply causation?

Accepted Answer

Better study habits may contribute to both longer sleep and higher academic performance.

Question 19

A friend says, "I only studied the night before my exam and got an A, so cramming must be the best way to study." Why is this considered anecdotal rather than empirical evidence?

Accepted Answer

It is based on one person's experience rather than systematic scientific investigation.

Question 20

A dog is trained to salivate only when it hears a high-pitched bell. It does not salivate when it hears a whistle or a low-pitched bell. This best illustrates which concept?

Accepted Answer

Stimulus discrimination

Step-by-Step Guidance for Introduction to Psychology Exam Questions

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard