Q: Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump during a neuron's action potential?

It restores the resting potential by moving $$3\text{Na}^+$$ out and $$2\text{K}^+$$ into the neuron.

Q: Which of the following statements about the all-or-none law of neural firing is correct?

A neuron fires only if the threshold of $$-55\text{mV} is $$reached.

Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the principle of parsimony (Occam's razor) in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Preferring the simplest explanation that accounts for all observed data.

Question 2

A researcher finds a strong positive correlation ($$r = 0.85) $$between hours spent playing video games and aggressive behavior in teenagers. Which critical thinking principle is most relevant when interpreting this result?

Accepted Answer

Correlation does not imply causation.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between structuralism and functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism emphasized the 'why' of consciousness, while structuralism emphasized the 'what'.

Question 4

A psychologist wants to study the effect of a new teaching method on student performance. She randomly assigns students to either the new method or the traditional method and measures their test scores. Which research design is she using?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the brain's reward pathway and decision making?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 6

A patient suffers a stroke that damages Broca's area in the left frontal lobe. Which symptom is most likely to result?

Accepted Answer

Impaired speech production but intact comprehension

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump during a neuron's action potential?

Accepted Answer

It restores the resting potential by moving $$3	ext{Na}^+$$ out and $$2	ext{K}^+$$ into the neuron.

Question 8

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, balance, and posture, and is notably affected by alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 9

A researcher conducts a study where neither the participants nor the research assistants know who is in the experimental or control group. What is this procedure called?

Accepted Answer

Double-blind design

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Calming the body and resupplying energy after stress

Question 11

A psychologist is interested in how cultural background influences problem-solving strategies. Which level of analysis is most relevant to this research?

Accepted Answer

Group (social/cultural) level

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the all-or-none law of neural firing is correct?

Accepted Answer

A neuron fires only if the threshold of $$-55	ext{mV} is $$reached.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of belief perseverance?

Accepted Answer

Holding onto a belief even after it has been disproven by evidence.

Question 14

A drug that blocks dopamine receptors, preventing dopamine from binding, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An antagonist

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

Relaying sensory information (except smell) to the cortex

Question 16

A psychologist uses a survey to measure the prevalence of anxiety in a large university population. Which limitation is most relevant to this method?

Accepted Answer

Potential for response set bias

Question 17

Which of the following is a primary criticism of Freud's psychoanalytic theory from a scientific perspective?

Accepted Answer

It lacks testability and falsifiability.

Question 18

Which of the following best illustrates reciprocal determinism?

Accepted Answer

A person's actions influence their environment, which in turn influences their future actions.

Question 19

Which of the following is a key advantage of within-subjects experimental design?

Accepted Answer

It allows each participant to serve as their own baseline, reducing individual differences.

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter is most associated with inhibitory effects in the brain and plays a role in anxiety and sleep?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Foundations of Psychology: Scientific Thinking, Research Methods, and Biological Bases

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