social
During a fire alarm, several students notice smoke but nobody leaves because everyone else appears calm. What social psychology concept best explains their behavior?
Pluralistic ignorance
Each student assumes the situation is not dangerous because everyone else appears unconcerned, even though many may privately be worried.
Jordan enjoys meeting new people, speaking in front of groups, and being the center of attention. Which Big Five trait is most evident?
extraversion
Extraversion is characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and enthusiasm around others.
After seeing a snake, a person immediately feels fear and experiences a racing heart at the same time. Which theory best explains this reaction?
Cannon-Bard theory
Cannon-Bard proposed that emotional experience and physiological arousal occur simultaneously.
A student studies for hours because they genuinely enjoy learning new material. What type of motivation is driving the behavior?
intrinsic motivation
The behavior is performed because it is personally rewarding rather than externally rewarded.
After a stressful week of exams, a student develops a cold. Which field of psychology studies this relationship?
psychoneuroimmunology
This field examines interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system.
A student volunteers to organize a school fundraiser. However, once several other students join the committee, they contribute much less effort. What concept explains this change?
Social loafing
People often put forth less effort when working in groups because responsibility is shared among members.
A student constantly organizes assignments, follows schedules, and plans ahead for deadlines. Which Big Five trait best predicts this behavior?
conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, dependable, and goal-oriented.
A person notices their heart pounding and hands shaking before concluding they are nervous about a speech. Which theory supports this explanation?
James-Lange theory
James-Lange suggests emotions result from interpreting physiological responses.
An employee works overtime primarily to earn a bonus. What type of motivation is demonstrated?
extrinsic motivation
The behavior is motivated by an external reward.
A student creates a study schedule to directly address anxiety about failing a class. What coping strategy is being used?
problem-focused coping
The student is taking action to solve the source of stress.
A jury member initially believes a defendant is innocent but changes their opinion after hearing every other juror argue for guilt. Which type of social influence is most likely occurring?
conformity
The juror changes their opinion to align with the group’s views, even if they originally disagreed.
According to Carl Rogers, a teenager develops confidence and self-worth because their parents support them regardless of mistakes. What concept explains this?
Unconditional positive regard
Rogers believed acceptance without conditions promotes healthy self-concepts and personal growth.
Two students experience the same roller coaster ride. One interprets the arousal as excitement while the other interprets it as fear. Which theory best explains the difference?
Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory
The theory states that emotions depend on physiological arousal plus cognitive interpretation.
A runner performs best when moderately energized but performs poorly when extremely stressed before a race. Which theory explains this pattern?
Yerkes-Dodson Law
Performance improves with arousal up to an optimal point, after which performance declines.
After receiving bad news, a person talks with friends and practices meditation to manage emotional distress. What coping strategy is primarily being used?
emotion-focused coping
The goal is to reduce emotional discomfort rather than change the situation itself.
A student sees another student drop books in a crowded hallway but does not help because many others are nearby. Why is helping less likely?
The bystander effect caused by diffusion of responsibility
When many people are present, individuals feel less personally responsible for taking action.
A student believes earning a high grade depends mostly on studying hard rather than luck or teacher bias. What personality-related concept does this reflect?
Internal locus of control
Individuals with an internal locus of control believe outcomes are primarily determined by their own actions.
A basketball player forces a smile after missing several shots and gradually begins feeling more confident. Which hypothesis supports this outcome?
facial feedback hypothesis
Facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.
A student receives money every time they read a book. Eventually, they stop reading unless they are paid. What effect occurred?
overjustification effect
External rewards reduced the student’s intrinsic interest in reading.
A student remains optimistic and adapts quickly after being rejected from their first-choice college. What characteristic is being demonstrated?
resilience
Resilience is the ability to recover and adapt following setbacks or adversity.
A teacher assumes a student failed a test because they are lazy, ignoring the fact that the student was absent for several classes due to illness. What attribution error is being made?
Fundamental attribution error
The teacher overemphasizes personal traits while ignoring situational factors that influenced performance.
A teenager frequently blames teachers for poor grades, teammates for losses, and friends for arguments. Which defense mechanism may be involved?
Projection
Projection occurs when individuals attribute their own faults, feelings, or shortcomings to others.
Researchers find that participants with damage to a specific brain structure struggle to recognize fear in others. Which structure is most likely damaged?
amygdala
The amygdala is heavily involved in processing fear and emotional significance.
A student consistently chooses difficult but realistic goals because they enjoy mastering challenges. Which motivation concept best explains this?
a high need for achievement
People with a high need for achievement seek challenging tasks and take pride in success.
According to Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, a student who has been under intense stress for months begins experiencing exhaustion and declining health. Which stage are they most likely in?
the exhaustion stage
The body’s resources become depleted after prolonged exposure to stress, leading to physical and mental fatigue.