Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable in an experimental study?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured as the outcome.

Question 2

A psychologist is interested in whether there is a relationship between hours of sleep and exam performance. She calculates a correlation coefficient $$r = -0.75. $$What does this value indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative correlation between hours of sleep and exam performance.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition for 'anxiety' in a research study?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety is measured by the number of times a participant fidgets during a 10-minute interview.

Question 4

A researcher wants to study aggressive behavior in children without interfering with their natural environment. Which research method should she use?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the Fundamental Attribution Error?

Accepted Answer

Assuming a student is late to class because they are lazy, rather than considering they might have had car trouble.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT one of the Big Five personality traits (OCEAN)?

Accepted Answer

Resilience

Question 7

A person who believes that their success is primarily due to their own hard work and abilities is demonstrating which type of locus of control?

Accepted Answer

Internal locus of control

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the Dark Triad is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It includes narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, all of which involve manipulative or callous interpersonal styles.

Question 9

In a double-blind experiment, who is unaware of the experimental conditions?

Accepted Answer

Both the participants and the researchers

Question 10

Which of the following best describes cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

The mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

Question 11

A student scores high on extraversion and agreeableness but low on neuroticism. According to the Big Five model, which of the following is most likely TRUE about this student?

Accepted Answer

They are likely to be outgoing, cooperative, and emotionally stable.

Question 12

Which scenario best demonstrates the concept of a 'state' rather than a 'trait'?

Accepted Answer

Feeling nervous before giving a speech, even though you are usually calm.

Question 13

A researcher finds $$r = 0.05$$ between two variables in a study. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

There is little to no correlation between the variables.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of reducing cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Changing your attitude to match your behavior after realizing they are inconsistent.

Question 15

Which subfield of psychology would most likely study how brain chemistry influences behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological psychology

Question 16

A person who manipulates others for personal gain, often disregarding morality, is most likely high in which Dark Triad trait?

Accepted Answer

Machiavellianism

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates an external attribution?

Accepted Answer

Assuming someone failed a test because the test was unfair.

Question 18

Which bias leads people to perceive individuals with rounder faces as more naive or trustworthy?

Accepted Answer

Baby-face bias

Question 19

Which of the following is a key difference between single-blind and double-blind experiments?

Accepted Answer

In single-blind experiments, only the participants are unaware of the group they are in; in double-blind experiments, both participants and researchers are unaware.

Question 20

Which subfield of psychology would most likely investigate how people change over the lifespan?

Accepted Answer

Developmental psychology

Introduction to Psychology: Key Concepts and Study Guide

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