Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between Plato’s and Aristotle’s views on the origins of knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Plato believed knowledge is innate and comes from reasoning, while Aristotle believed knowledge is acquired through sensory experience.

Question 2

A psychologist is interested in whether a new teaching method causes improved test scores. She randomly assigns students to two groups: one uses the new method, the other uses the traditional method. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The type of teaching method used

Question 3

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of an operational definition?

Accepted Answer

Defining happiness as a score above 7 on a 10-point self-report scale.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the correlation coefficient $r$ is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A correlation coefficient $r = 0$ means there is no linear relationship between variables.

Question 5

Which of the following is a criticism of structuralism?

Accepted Answer

It relied heavily on introspection, which is subjective and unreliable.

Question 6

A researcher observes children playing in a park without interfering. Which research method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

It insulates axons and speeds up neural transmission.

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with mood regulation, and is affected by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 9

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 10

A person is startled by a loud noise, causing their heart rate to increase and pupils to dilate. Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 11

Which of the following best distinguishes between the endocrine system and the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The nervous system transmits signals rapidly, while the endocrine system communicates more slowly using hormones.

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE about the psychoanalytic perspective?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on unconscious motives and conflicts as drivers of behavior.

Question 13

Which of the following is a key principle of the Belmont Report for ethical research?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Question 14

Which sleep stage is most closely associated with vivid dreaming?

Accepted Answer

REM sleep

Question 15

A person who cannot fall asleep at night but feels sleepy during the day is most likely experiencing which sleep disorder?

Accepted Answer

Insomnia

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the main idea of the activation synthesis model of dreaming?

Accepted Answer

Dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of selective attention?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on a friend's voice at a noisy party while ignoring other conversations.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about hypnosis is supported by scientific evidence?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis can help reduce pain in some individuals.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between an agonist and an antagonist in neurotransmitter function?

Accepted Answer

An agonist mimics or enhances the action of a neurotransmitter, while an antagonist blocks it.

Question 20

A psychologist wants to determine if there is a causal relationship between sleep deprivation and memory performance. Which research design should she use?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Exam 1 Study Guide: Psychology Chapters 1-4 (Introduction, Research, Biopsychology, Consciousness)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards