Foundations
What is the definition of psychology?
a. The study of human biology and genetics
b. The study of the mind and behavior
c. The study of chemical reactions in the brain
d. The study of physical health and wellness
b. The study of the mind and behavior
Sigmund Freud is known as the founder of:
a. Behaviorism
b. Structuralism
c. Psychoanalysis
d. Humanism
c. Psychoanalysis
Which perspective would explain Andrea Yates’ actions by focusing on brain chemistry and genetics?
a. Cognitive
b. Behavioral
c. Biological
d. Humanistic
c. Biological
Participant bias occurs when:
a. Researchers only collect data from certain groups
b. Participants act differently because they know they are being studied
c. The researcher accidentally influences the results
d. Participants drop out of the study
b. Participants act differently because they know they are being studied
The independent variable in an experiment is:
a. The factor that is measured
b. The factor that is manipulated by the researcher
c. The control condition
d. The outcome of the study
b. The factor that is manipulated by the researcher
Which of the following is NOT one of the goals of psychology?
a. Describe behavior
b. Predict behavior
c. Eliminate behavior
d. Explain behavior
c. Eliminate behavior
Jean Piaget is best known for his work on:
a. Classical conditioning
b. Psychosexual development
c. Social conformity
d. Cognitive development in children
d. Cognitive development in children
If Andrea Yates’ behavior is explained by reinforcement or punishment from her environment, which perspective is being used?
a. Behavioral
b. Psychodynamic
c. Humanistic
d. Sociocultural
a. Behavioral
Confirmation bias refers to:
a. Choosing evidence that supports preexisting beliefs
b. Making sure participants are honest
c. Testing only one group in a study
d. Avoiding using a control group
a. Choosing evidence that supports preexisting beliefs
The dependent variable in an experiment is:
a. The group that does not receive treatment
b. The factor that is manipulated
c. The outcome that is measured
d. The random assignment of participants
c. The outcome that is measured
Having a growth mindset means believing that:
a. Intelligence and abilities are fixed and unchangeable
b. Success comes only from talent, not effort
c. Abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work
d. Failure means permanent inability to succeed
c. Abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work
Under Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the highest level is:
a. Self-actualization
b. Safety needs
c. Belongingness and love
d. Esteem
a. Self-actualization
The psychodynamic perspective emphasizes:
a. Observable actions only
b. Free will and personal growth
c. Unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences
d. Cultural influences
c. Unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences
A positive correlation means that:
a. As one variable increases, the other decreases
b. Both variables increase together
c. The variables are unrelated
d. One variable causes the other directly
b. Both variables increase together
The control group in an experiment is important because:
a. It always receives the independent variable
b. It allows comparison to the experimental group
c. It guarantees positive results
d. It prevents ethical violations
b. It allows comparison to the experimental group
Who is considered the "Father of Psychology" and established the first psychology laboratory?
a. Sigmund Freud
b. Wilhelm Wundt
c. Ivan Pavlov
d. Jean Piaget
b. Wilhelm Wundt
According to Maslow, which of the following is an example of a basic safety need?
a. Food and water
b. Shelter and financial security
c. Friendship and acceptance
d. Personal growth and creativity
b. Shelter and financial security
The sociocultural perspective emphasizes:
a. How society and culture influence behavior
b. The importance of free choice
c. The brain’s physical structure
d. Learning through association
a. How society and culture influence behavior
A negative correlation means that:
a. Both variables increase together
b. The variables are completely random
c. As one variable increases, the other decreases
d. One variable has no effect on the other
c. As one variable increases, the other decreases
What is a longitudinal study?
a. A study conducted over a long period with the same participants
b. A one-time study with multiple age groups
c. A study using animal testing only
d. A short-term study with random participants
a. A study conducted over a long period with the same participants
Ivan Pavlov is best known for his research on:
a. Classical conditioning with dogs
b. Psychoanalysis
c. Humanism
d. Cognitive development in children
a. Classical conditioning with dogs
The humanistic perspective emphasizes:
a. Unconscious desires
b. Rewards and punishments
c. Human potential and free will
d. Brain chemistry and genetics
c. Human potential and free will
Which perspective focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving?
a. Psychodynamic
b. Behavioral
c. Biological
d. Cognitive
d. Cognitive
The placebo effect occurs when:
a. Participants believe they are receiving treatment and show changes
b. Only the experimental group receives treatment
c. The independent variable is manipulated incorrectly
d. Researchers remove the control group
a. Participants believe they are receiving treatment and show changes
What is a cross-sectional study?
a. A study that observes the same individuals repeatedly over years
b. A study that compares participants of different ages at one point in time
c. A study that manipulates the environment
d. A study that uses only qualitative data
b. A study that compares participants of different ages at one point in time