Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning as studied in behaviorism?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves learning through association between stimuli, while operant conditioning involves learning through consequences of behavior.

Question 2

A student is asked to analyze a character from a movie and label their behaviors as driven by the id, ego, or superego. According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which behavior would most likely be attributed to the id?

Accepted Answer

The character impulsively eats an entire cake despite being on a diet.

Question 3

Which research method would be most appropriate for studying rare psychological phenomena, such as a unique brain injury, and why?

Accepted Answer

A case study, because it allows for an in-depth analysis of a single individual or event.

Question 4

A psychologist wants to determine if there is a relationship between hours spent on social media and levels of reported anxiety among college students. Which research method should they use, and what statistical measure would best represent this relationship?

Accepted Answer

Correlational method; $$r ($$correlation coefficient)

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the use of a defense mechanism known as displacement?

Accepted Answer

A student who is angry at their professor yells at their roommate instead.

Question 6

In a group exercise, students are asked to design a classical conditioning experiment. If a bell (neutral stimulus) is paired with food (unconditioned stimulus) to produce salivation (unconditioned response), what will the bell become after repeated pairings?

Accepted Answer

A conditioned stimulus

Question 7

Which of the following best demonstrates the concept of positive reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A child is given extra playtime for completing their homework.

Question 8

A student memorizes a list of words for a memory experiment. Later, they recall more words from the beginning and end of the list than from the middle. Which cognitive phenomenon does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Serial position effect

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of the availability heuristic in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Believing that airplane crashes are more common than they are because of recent news coverage.

Question 10

During a simulated conformity experiment, students are asked to match line lengths. If a student gives an obviously incorrect answer to match the group, which classic study are they replicating and what concept does this demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Solomon Asch's study; conformity

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the humanistic perspective in psychology?

Accepted Answer

It highlights individual potential, self-actualization, and personal growth.

Question 12

A researcher wants to test whether a new therapy reduces symptoms of depression. They randomly assign participants to a therapy group or a control group and measure symptoms before and after treatment. Which research design is being used?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Question 13

Which of the following statements best reflects the cognitive perspective in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving are central to understanding behavior.

Question 14

A student is asked to compare the evolutionary and social-societal perspectives in psychology. Which statement accurately distinguishes these two perspectives?

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary perspective focuses on how behavior and mental processes have adapted for survival, while the social-societal perspective examines how social contexts and cultural factors influence behavior.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Feeling uncomfortable after realizing your actions contradict your beliefs, and then changing your attitude to reduce the discomfort.

Question 16

A psychologist observes children on a playground without interfering and records their interactions. Which research method is being used?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of social identity as discussed in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

A person feels proud to be part of their university's sports team and behaves differently when with teammates.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key ethical principle in psychological research, as reflected in the course's honor code and group work policies?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring all group members participate and using respectful, inclusive language.

Question 19

A student is analyzing the impact of cognitive biases on decision-making. Which scenario best demonstrates confirmation bias?

Accepted Answer

A person only seeks out news sources that support their existing political beliefs.

Introduction to Psychology: Course Overview and Foundational Concepts

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards