Question 1

A researcher wants to test whether a new study technique improves exam performance. She randomly assigns students to either use the new technique or continue with their usual methods, then compares their exam scores. Which of the following best describes the independent and dependent variables in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable: study technique used; Dependent variable: exam scores

Question 2

A person believes that listening to classical music makes people smarter because they read an article supporting this idea and ignore studies that found no effect. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of reciprocal determinism?

Accepted Answer

A shy person avoids parties, which leads to fewer social skills and increased anxiety over time.

Question 4

A correlation coefficient of $$r = -0.85$$ between hours spent watching TV and exam scores means:

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative relationship: as TV time increases, exam scores tend to decrease.

Question 5

Which of the following best distinguishes reliability from validity in psychological measurement?

Accepted Answer

Reliability is about consistency; validity is about whether the measure assesses what it claims to.

Question 6

A person is startled by a loud noise. Which sequence correctly describes the flow of neural information in a typical neuron?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite → soma → axon → axon terminal

Question 7

Damage to the myelin sheath is most likely to result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Slower and less efficient neural transmission

Question 8

Which brain structure is most directly involved in forming new memories?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Question 9

A person is startled by a bear while hiking. Which of the following best describes the immediate physiological response?

Accepted Answer

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, increased heart rate and breathing, and amygdala involvement

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Sensation is the detection of physical energy; perception is the interpretation and organization of that information.

Question 11

According to Weber’s law, if a person can just notice a difference of $$2$$ grams when lifting a $$20$$ gram weight, what is the minimum difference they should notice when lifting a $$100$$ gram weight?

Accepted Answer

$$5$$ grams

Question 12

A person walks into a bakery and immediately notices the smell of bread, but after a few minutes, they barely notice it. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Sensory adaptation

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of REM atonia during sleep?

Accepted Answer

It suppresses muscle activity to prevent us from physically enacting dreams.

Question 14

A student sleeps only $$5$$ hours per night during the week, sleeps until noon on weekends, and drinks energy drinks at night. Which sleep dimensions are most clearly affected?

Accepted Answer

Quantity, timing, and regularity

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why a person can feel temporarily alert in the evening even after a poor night of sleep?

Accepted Answer

Circadian alerting signals can temporarily mask sleep pressure.

Question 16

Which theory of dreaming suggests that dreams are the brain’s attempt to make sense of random neural activity?

Accepted Answer

Activation-synthesis theory

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the action of a reuptake inhibitor at the synapse?

Accepted Answer

It prevents neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.

Question 18

A person who continues to use a drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms, even though they no longer feel pleasure from it, is most likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Dependence

Question 19

Which of the following is a major risk when combining alcohol with benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Intensified sedation and risk of respiratory suppression

Question 20

A person reports feeling energized after drinking coffee all night to study, but still performs poorly on a test. Which of the following best explains this outcome?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, making fatigue less noticeable, but does not replace the need for sleep.

PSYC 104 Midterm Study Guide: Chapters 1–5 (Psychology Foundations, Research, Biology, Sensation, and Consciousness)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards