Question 1

Which of the following best defines psychology?

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of psychology’s four primary goals?

Accepted Answer

To manipulate behavior

Question 3

A psychologist wants to determine if a new teaching method improves student performance. She randomly assigns students to two groups: one uses the new method, the other uses the traditional method. Which research method is she using?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a case study?

Accepted Answer

An in-depth analysis of a single individual or small group.

Question 5

What is the main difference between basic and applied research in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Basic research seeks to increase knowledge, while applied research aims to solve practical problems.

Question 6

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Accepted Answer

A teacher expects a student to excel, so she gives him more attention, and he performs better.

Question 7

In classical conditioning, what is the unconditioned stimulus (US)?

Accepted Answer

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference threshold?

Accepted Answer

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time.

Question 9

A researcher observes children on a playground without interfering. Which research method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Turning off a loud alarm when you get out of bed.

Question 11

According to Bandura’s social learning theory, which process is most important for learning new behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the concept of self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

A person’s belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about internal and external locus of control is correct?

Accepted Answer

People with an internal locus of control believe they control their own fate.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key feature of humanistic psychology?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on personal growth and self-actualization.

Question 15

A psychologist uses a survey to collect data from 1,000 people about their sleep habits. What is a major advantage of this method?

Accepted Answer

It allows data collection from a large, diverse sample.

Question 16

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of the absolute threshold?

Accepted Answer

The faintest sound a person can hear 50% of the time.

Question 17

In Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment, what was the conditioned response (CR)?

Accepted Answer

Salivation in response to the bell.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of applying the theory of reciprocal determinism?

Accepted Answer

A student’s behavior in class is influenced by her thoughts and the classroom environment.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the main focus of developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

The study of how people change physically, cognitively, and socially throughout the lifespan.

Question 20

A researcher finds a positive correlation between hours studied and exam scores. Which of the following is a correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

As hours studied increase, exam scores tend to increase.

Core Concepts in Psychology: Introduction, Sensation & Perception, Social Psychology, and Personality

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards