Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the difference between structuralism and functionalism in early psychology?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism examined the basic components of conscious experience, while functionalism emphasized the purpose and adaptive function of behavior.

Question 2

A psychologist is conducting a study to determine whether a new teaching method improves test scores. She randomly assigns students to either the new method or the traditional method. What is the primary purpose of random assignment in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate potential differences among participants across experimental conditions.

Question 3

Which specialty area in psychology would most likely study the effects of workplace stress on employee productivity?

Accepted Answer

Industrial/organizational psychology

Question 4

A researcher finds that as hours spent studying increase, exam scores also increase. The correlation coefficient is $$r = 0.85. $$What does this value indicate?

Accepted Answer

A strong positive correlation between studying and exam scores.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about correlation and causation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Correlation can suggest a relationship, but only experiments can demonstrate causation.

Question 6

Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with movement, reward, and pleasure, and whose imbalance is linked to both Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 7

A patient with damage to the hippocampus is most likely to experience difficulties with which function?

Accepted Answer

Forming new memories

Question 8

Which brain imaging technique is best suited for measuring electrical activity in the brain with excellent temporal resolution, but has poor spatial resolution?

Accepted Answer

EEG

Question 9

A psychologist wants to study the effects of a naturally occurring flood on stress levels in a community. Which research method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic experiment

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

Processing touch, pain, temperature, and body position

Question 11

Alcohol is a GABA agonist. Given that the cerebellum has many GABA receptor sites, what effect does alcohol have on cerebellar function?

Accepted Answer

It impairs motor coordination, balance, and reaction time.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition?

Accepted Answer

Measuring intelligence as the score obtained on a standardized IQ test.

Question 13

A split-brain patient is shown an image to the left visual field. Which hemisphere processes the image, and can the patient verbally name the object?

Accepted Answer

Right hemisphere processes it; patient cannot verbally name the object.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

It links the nervous system and endocrine system by controlling the pituitary gland.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key advantage of using a representative sample in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that the results can be generalized to the larger population.

Question 16

Which neurotransmitter is most directly involved in muscle movement and whose degeneration is linked to Alzheimer’s disease?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 17

A psychologist observes children playing in a park without interfering. Which research method is being used, and what is a major advantage of this method?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation; allows for detection of behavior patterns in real-world settings.

Question 18

Which equation correctly represents the range of possible values for a correlation coefficient?

Accepted Answer

$$-1.00 \leq r \leq +1.00$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of glial cells?

Accepted Answer

They provide structural and functional support for neurons, including energy supply and immune defense.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of an extraneous variable in an experiment studying the effect of sleep on memory?

Accepted Answer

Participants' caffeine intake, which is not controlled and may affect memory.

General Psychology: Introduction, Research Methods, and Neuroscience

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