Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Structuralism aimed to break down mental processes into basic elements, while functionalism focused on the purpose of those processes.

Question 2

A psychologist is interested in studying the relationship between sleep and academic performance. She collects data on hours of sleep and GPA from 100 students and calculates a correlation coefficient. Which research method is she using, and what is a key limitation?

Accepted Answer

She is using correlational research; a key limitation is that it cannot determine causality.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a violation of research ethics in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Failing to protect participants from psychological harm during an experiment.

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with mood regulation, and imbalances of which are linked to depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 5

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the occipital lobe. Which of the following deficits is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Impaired vision

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the Gestalt principle of closure?

Accepted Answer

Perceiving a complete circle even when part of it is missing

Question 7

In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated by the researcher is called the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 8

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving incoming signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 9

A split-brain patient is shown an object in their left visual field. Which hemisphere processes this information, and what is a likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Right hemisphere; the patient can draw the object but cannot verbally name it.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between sensation and perception?

Accepted Answer

Sensation involves detecting physical energy from the environment, while perception involves interpreting and organizing that information.

Question 11

Which of the following is a monocular cue for depth perception?

Accepted Answer

Linear perspective

Question 12

A researcher wants to study the effect of caffeine on reaction time. She randomly assigns participants to receive either caffeine or a placebo, then measures their reaction times. Which research method is being used, and what is the main advantage?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research; it allows for causal conclusions.

Question 13

Which of the following is a common pitfall in psychological research that can threaten the validity of an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Confounding variables

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

It speeds up the transmission of neural impulses.

Question 15

Which theory of color vision explains the phenomenon of afterimages, such as seeing green after staring at a red image?

Accepted Answer

Opponent-process theory

Question 16

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Medulla

Question 17

A psychologist is interested in the hereditary basis of intelligence. Which research method would best help her detect hereditary influence?

Accepted Answer

Twin studies comparing identical and fraternal twins

Question 18

Which of the following best illustrates the Gestalt principle of similarity?

Accepted Answer

Perceiving a pattern where objects of the same color are seen as belonging together

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

Regulating hormones that influence growth, metabolism, and mood

Question 20

A person is able to recognize faces but cannot recognize common objects. Which brain area is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Fusiform gyrus

Introduction to Psychology: Study Guide for Exam 1 (Chapters 1-4)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards