Step-by-Step Guidance for College Psychology Short-Answer Topics

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Q1. What are the major parts of a neuron?

Background

Topic: Biological Basis of Behaviour – Neurons

This question tests your understanding of the structure of neurons, which are the basic building blocks of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

Neuron: A nerve cell that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.
Dendrites, Soma (cell body), Axon, Myelin sheath, Axon terminals

Step-by-Step Guidance

Start by identifying the main structural components of a typical neuron.
Describe the function of each part (e.g., dendrites receive signals, axon transmits signals).
Consider how these parts work together to allow communication within the nervous system.

Try describing each part and its function before checking the answer!

Q2. How does synaptic transmission occur in neurons using neurotransmitters?

Background

Topic: Neural Communication

This question examines your understanding of how neurons communicate with each other at synapses using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

Key Terms:

Synapse: The gap between two neurons where communication occurs.
Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger released by neurons.
Presynaptic neuron, Postsynaptic neuron, Synaptic cleft

Step-by-Step Guidance

Explain what happens when an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron.
Describe how neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft.
Discuss how neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron and what happens next.

Try outlining the sequence of events before revealing the answer!

Q3. What is the endocrine system?

Background

Topic: Biological Bases of Behaviour – Hormonal Regulation

This question tests your knowledge of the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production and regulation in the body.

Key Terms:

Endocrine glands, Hormones, Pituitary gland, Adrenal gland, Thyroid gland

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define the endocrine system and its general function in the body.
List some major endocrine glands and the hormones they produce.
Explain how the endocrine system interacts with the nervous system to regulate behaviour and physiology.

Try listing the glands and their functions before checking the answer!

Q4. What is twin study research on genetic influences?

Background

Topic: Behavioural Genetics

This question assesses your understanding of how twin studies are used to investigate the role of genetics in behaviour.

Key Terms:

Monozygotic (identical) twins, Dizygotic (fraternal) twins, Heritability

Step-by-Step Guidance

Explain why twins are useful for studying genetic influences.
Describe the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
Discuss how comparing similarities between twin types helps estimate genetic contributions to traits.

Try explaining the logic behind twin studies before revealing the answer!

Q5. What is gene expression?

Background

Topic: Genetics and Behaviour

This question tests your understanding of how genes are activated to produce proteins and influence traits.

Key Terms:

Gene, DNA, RNA, Protein synthesis, Regulation

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define gene expression and its importance in biology.
Outline the basic steps of gene expression (transcription and translation).
Discuss how gene expression can be regulated by internal and external factors.

Try outlining the steps before checking the answer!

Q6. What are stimulus motives and what is arousal theory?

Background

Topic: Motivation

This question examines your understanding of innate drives (stimulus motives) and the arousal theory of motivation.

Key Terms:

Stimulus motives, Arousal, Homeostasis, Optimal arousal

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define stimulus motives and give examples (e.g., curiosity, exploration).
Explain the arousal theory and how it relates to motivation.
Discuss how individuals seek optimal levels of arousal.

Try explaining the theory and giving examples before checking the answer!

Q7. What is drive reduction theory of motivation?

Background

Topic: Motivation Theories

This question tests your understanding of how physiological needs create drives that motivate behaviour.

Key Terms:

Drive, Homeostasis, Need, Drive reduction

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define drive reduction theory and its main assumptions.
Explain how physiological needs lead to psychological drives.
Describe how behaviour is motivated to reduce these drives and restore balance.

Try outlining the process before checking the answer!

Q8. What are emotional attributions/appraisals?

Background

Topic: Emotion Theories

This question examines your understanding of how people interpret and label their emotional experiences.

Key Terms:

Attribution, Appraisal, Cognitive evaluation

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define emotional attribution and appraisal.
Explain how cognitive appraisal influences emotional responses.
Give an example of how different appraisals can lead to different emotions in the same situation.

Try thinking of an example before checking the answer!

Q9. What are projective measures in personality assessment?

Background

Topic: Personality Assessment

This question tests your knowledge of projective tests used to assess personality traits and dynamics.

Key Terms:

Projective test, Ambiguous stimuli, Rorschach Inkblot Test, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define what projective measures are and their purpose.
Describe how these tests are administered and interpreted.
Give examples of common projective tests.

Try listing examples before checking the answer!

Q10. What is Carl Rogers’s self-theory?

Background

Topic: Humanistic Personality Theories

This question examines your understanding of Carl Rogers’s ideas about the self and personal growth.

Key Terms:

Self-concept, Unconditional positive regard, Congruence, Actualizing tendency

Step-by-Step Guidance

Summarize the main components of Rogers’s self-theory.
Explain the importance of congruence between self-concept and experience.
Discuss the role of unconditional positive regard in personal development.

Try outlining the theory before checking the answer!

Q11. What are social learning theories of personality (psychological situation and reinforcement value)?

Background

Topic: Social-Cognitive Personality Theories

This question tests your understanding of how behaviour is influenced by social context and reinforcement.

Key Terms:

Social learning, Psychological situation, Reinforcement value, Expectancy

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define social learning theory and its main concepts.
Explain what is meant by psychological situation and reinforcement value.
Discuss how these factors interact to influence behaviour.

Try explaining the interaction before checking the answer!

Q12. What are the three personality structures in psychoanalytic theory (Id, Ego, Superego)?

Background

Topic: Psychoanalytic Theory

This question examines your understanding of Freud’s structural model of personality.

Key Terms:

Id, Ego, Superego, Unconscious, Reality principle, Pleasure principle

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define each of the three structures: Id, Ego, Superego.
Explain the function of each structure and how they interact.
Discuss how conflicts among these structures can influence behaviour.

Try describing each structure before checking the answer!

Q13. What are the theoretical criteria for defining and assessing psychological disorders?

Background

Topic: Abnormal Psychology

This question tests your understanding of how psychologists define and diagnose mental disorders.

Key Terms:

Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, Danger, DSM-5

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the main criteria used to define psychological disorders.
Explain why each criterion is important for diagnosis.
Discuss how these criteria are applied in clinical assessment.

Try listing the criteria before checking the answer!

Q14. How do classical and operant conditioning contribute to anxiety disorders?

Background

Topic: Learning Theories and Anxiety

This question examines your understanding of how learning processes can lead to the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders.

Key Terms:

Classical conditioning, Operant conditioning, Avoidance learning, Phobia

Step-by-Step Guidance

Explain how classical conditioning can create anxiety responses to neutral stimuli.
Describe how operant conditioning (especially negative reinforcement) maintains anxiety behaviours.
Give an example of how these processes might work together in a phobia.

Try outlining an example before checking the answer!

Q15. What is the helplessness theory (pessimistic explanatory style) of depression?

Background

Topic: Cognitive Theories of Depression

This question tests your understanding of how certain thinking patterns contribute to depression.

Key Terms:

Learned helplessness, Explanatory style, Internal, stable, global attributions

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define learned helplessness and pessimistic explanatory style.
Explain how these cognitive patterns can lead to or worsen depression.
Discuss the types of attributions involved in this theory.

Try describing the attribution styles before checking the answer!

Q16. What is the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia?

Background

Topic: Biological Theories of Schizophrenia

This question examines your understanding of the role of neurotransmitters in schizophrenia.

Key Terms:

Dopamine, Neurotransmitter, Positive symptoms, Antipsychotic medication

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define the dopamine hypothesis and its main claims.
Explain how dopamine activity is thought to relate to schizophrenia symptoms.
Discuss the evidence supporting this hypothesis (e.g., effects of medication).

Try summarizing the evidence before checking the answer!

Q17. What is the stress-vulnerability model?

Background

Topic: Models of Mental Illness

This question tests your understanding of how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence mental health.

Key Terms:

Vulnerability, Stress, Diathesis-stress model, Risk factors

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define the stress-vulnerability (diathesis-stress) model.
Explain how genetic predispositions and life stressors interact in this model.
Discuss how this model helps explain individual differences in mental health outcomes.

Try outlining the interaction before checking the answer!

Q18. What are psychoanalytic techniques in therapy?

Background

Topic: Psychotherapy Approaches

This question examines your understanding of the methods used in psychoanalytic therapy.

Key Terms:

Free association, Dream analysis, Transference, Resistance

Step-by-Step Guidance

List common psychoanalytic techniques used in therapy.
Explain the purpose of each technique.
Discuss how these techniques help uncover unconscious material.

Try describing each technique before checking the answer!

Q19. What are the essential qualities of a client-centered therapist?

Background

Topic: Humanistic Therapy

This question tests your understanding of the characteristics that make client-centered therapy effective.

Key Terms:

Empathy, Unconditional positive regard, Genuineness (congruence)

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the core qualities identified by Carl Rogers for effective therapy.
Explain why each quality is important for the therapeutic relationship.
Discuss how these qualities facilitate client growth and self-acceptance.

Try explaining each quality before checking the answer!

Q20. What is exposure therapy for specific phobia?

Background

Topic: Behavioural Therapy

This question examines your understanding of how exposure therapy is used to treat phobias.

Key Terms:

Exposure therapy, Systematic desensitization, Fear hierarchy, Extinction

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define exposure therapy and its purpose.
Describe the steps involved in exposure therapy for phobias.
Explain how repeated exposure leads to reduction of fear.

Try outlining the steps before checking the answer!

Q21. What is cognitive restructuring in cognitive therapy?

Background

Topic: Cognitive Therapy Techniques

This question tests your understanding of how cognitive restructuring helps clients change unhelpful thought patterns.

Key Terms:

Cognitive restructuring, Automatic thoughts, Cognitive distortions, Reframing

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define cognitive restructuring and its goals.
Describe the process of identifying and challenging negative thoughts.
Explain how new, more adaptive thoughts are developed.

Try describing the process before checking the answer!

Q22. What is the evidence for the overall effectiveness of psychotherapy?

Background

Topic: Psychotherapy Outcomes

This question examines your understanding of research findings on the effectiveness of psychotherapy.

Key Terms:

Meta-analysis, Effect size, Placebo effect, Spontaneous remission

Step-by-Step Guidance

Summarize the main findings from research on psychotherapy outcomes.
Explain what meta-analyses have shown about therapy effectiveness compared to no treatment.
Discuss factors that influence therapy outcomes.

Try summarizing the research before checking the answer!

Q23. What clinical tasks are performed by various mental health professions?

Background

Topic: Clinical Mental Health Professions

This question tests your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different mental health professionals.

Key Terms:

Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Social worker, Counselor, Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the main types of mental health professionals.
Describe the typical clinical tasks each profession performs.
Explain how these roles may overlap or differ.

Try matching tasks to professions before checking the answer!

Q24. What is organizational psychology?

Background

Topic: Industrial-Organizational Psychology

This question examines your understanding of the field of organizational psychology and its focus areas.

Key Terms:

Organizational behaviour, Workplace culture, Employee motivation, Leadership

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define organizational psychology and its main goals.
Describe the types of issues organizational psychologists study.
Explain how organizational psychology contributes to workplace effectiveness.

Try outlining the goals before checking the answer!

Q25. What is industrial psychology?

Background

Topic: Industrial-Organizational Psychology

This question tests your understanding of the field of industrial psychology and its focus areas.

Key Terms:

Personnel selection, Job analysis, Performance appraisal, Training

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define industrial psychology and its main objectives.
Describe the types of tasks industrial psychologists perform.
Explain how industrial psychology improves organizational functioning.

Try listing the objectives before checking the answer!

Q26. What is a job analysis?

Background

Topic: Industrial-Organizational Psychology

This question examines your understanding of job analysis and its importance in human resources.

Key Terms:

Job description, Job specification, Task analysis, Competencies

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define job analysis and its purpose.
Describe the main steps involved in conducting a job analysis.
Explain how job analysis informs HR practices like selection and training.

Try outlining the steps before checking the answer!

Q27. What are critical incidents?

Background

Topic: Job Performance Assessment

This question tests your understanding of the critical incident technique in evaluating job performance.

Key Terms:

Critical incident, Behavioural examples, Performance appraisal

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define what a critical incident is in the context of job analysis.
Explain how critical incidents are identified and recorded.
Discuss how critical incidents are used in performance evaluation.

Try giving an example before checking the answer!

Q28. What is Theory X leadership?

Background

Topic: Leadership Theories

This question examines your understanding of Theory X as a leadership style and its assumptions about workers.

Key Terms:

Theory X, Authoritarian leadership, Motivation, Management assumptions

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define Theory X and its view of employee motivation.
Describe the leadership style associated with Theory X.
Discuss the implications of Theory X for workplace management.

Try outlining the assumptions before checking the answer!

Q29. What is Theory Y leadership?

Background

Topic: Leadership Theories

This question tests your understanding of Theory Y as a leadership style and its assumptions about workers.

Key Terms:

Theory Y, Participative leadership, Motivation, Management assumptions

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define Theory Y and its view of employee motivation.
Describe the leadership style associated with Theory Y.
Discuss the implications of Theory Y for workplace management.

Try outlining the assumptions before checking the answer!

Q30. What is transformational leadership?

Background

Topic: Leadership Theories

This question examines your understanding of transformational leadership and its effects on organizations.

Key Terms:

Transformational leadership, Inspiration, Vision, Empowerment

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define transformational leadership and its main characteristics.
Explain how transformational leaders influence followers.
Discuss the outcomes associated with transformational leadership.

Try listing the characteristics before checking the answer!

Q31. What is a social dilemma?

Background

Topic: Environmental Psychology

This question tests your understanding of situations where individual interests conflict with collective well-being.

Key Terms:

Social dilemma, Collective action, Self-interest, Public goods

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define what a social dilemma is.
Give examples of social dilemmas in environmental contexts.
Explain why social dilemmas are challenging to resolve.

Try thinking of an example before checking the answer!

Q32. What is the tragedy of the commons?

Background

Topic: Environmental Psychology

This question examines your understanding of the tragedy of the commons and its relevance to resource management.

Key Terms:

Tragedy of the commons, Shared resources, Overuse, Sustainability

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define the tragedy of the commons and its main features.
Describe how individual actions can lead to collective resource depletion.
Discuss strategies to prevent the tragedy of the commons.

Try outlining a real-world example before checking the answer!

Q33. How can social norms be used to encourage sustainable behaviours?

Background

Topic: Environmental Psychology

This question tests your understanding of how social influence can promote environmentally friendly actions.

Key Terms:

Social norms, Descriptive norms, Injunctive norms, Behaviour change

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define social norms and distinguish between descriptive and injunctive norms.
Explain how social norms influence individual behaviour.
Discuss examples of using social norms to promote sustainability.