PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology Final Exam

The Correct Answer is:

B. Relatives of individuals with bipolar disorder have over nine times the risk of developing the disorder compared to the general population

Research shows that bipolar disorder has a stronger genetic basis than major depressive disorder. Relatives of individuals with bipolar disorder have over nine times the risk of developing the disorder. Twin studies further support this, with identical twins showing a 67% concordance rate for bipolar disorder compared to 16% in fraternal twins, indicating a significant genetic influence. While major depressive disorder also has a genetic component, its heritability is lower, with identical twins showing 50% concordance compared to 38% for fraternal twins.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Relatives of individuals with major depressive disorder have the same risk as the general population

This is incorrect because relatives of those with major depressive disorder have about double the risk of developing the disorder compared to people without a family history. The familial link is significant, though weaker than in bipolar disorder.

C. Genetic factors play a stronger role in major depressive disorder than in bipolar disorder

This is incorrect because the opposite is true. Bipolar disorder shows higher heritability than major depressive disorder, as demonstrated by much higher concordance rates among identical twins (67% vs. 50%).

D. Concordance rates for bipolar disorder are higher in fraternal twins than in identical twins

This is incorrect because the data shows the reverse: identical twins have a much higher concordance rate (67%) compared to 16% for fraternal twins, highlighting the strong genetic component of bipolar disorder.

The Correct Answer is:

A. Stress hormones suppress immune function

Long-term stress triggers the continuous release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can suppress immune system activity. High cortisol levels reduce the production of lymphocytes, the white blood cells responsible for fighting infections. Over time, this makes the body more vulnerable to illnesses, slows healing, and increases susceptibility to chronic diseases. Proper stress management is essential to maintain a healthy and balanced immune response.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Stress permanently damages white blood cells

This is incorrect because stress does not permanently destroy white blood cells. Instead, it reduces their effectiveness temporarily by suppressing immune activity. Once stress levels decrease, the immune system can recover and restore its normal function.

The body forgets to produce antibodies

This is incorrect because the body does not lose the ability to produce antibodies under stress. Instead, stress hormones temporarily lower the immune system’s efficiency, but antibody production remains functional once the body returns to a balanced state.

Stress leads to overproduction of serotonin

This is incorrect because serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, not a key factor in immune suppression. While stress can affect serotonin levels, the weakening of the immune system primarily results from the prolonged release of stress hormones like cortisol, not serotonin imbalance.

The Correct Answer is:

B. A disorder characterized by recurring episodes of detachment from oneself or a sense that the external world feels unreal

Depersonalization/derealization disorder involves recurring episodes in which individuals feel detached either from themselves (depersonalization) or from their surroundings (derealization). Depersonalization may include feelings of being disconnected from one’s thoughts, body, or identity, as if observing oneself from outside. Derealization, on the other hand, involves perceiving the external environment as strange, dreamlike, or unreal. Despite these symptoms, reality testing remains intact, meaning the person knows these experiences are not literal, which distinguishes this disorder from psychotic conditions like schizophrenia.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. A disorder involving difficulty recalling traumatic personal experiences

This is incorrect because dissociative amnesia involves the inability to recall important personal information, often linked to trauma, whereas depersonalization/derealization disorder focuses on detachment, not memory loss.

C. A temporary lapse in memory caused by fatigue or stress

This is incorrect because brief forgetfulness due to tiredness or stress is normal and does not involve the persistent, recurring episodes of detachment seen in depersonalization/derealization disorder.

D. A mild feeling of distraction that resolves quickly without treatment

This is incorrect because the disorder involves intense and repeated experiences of detachment from self or surroundings that can cause significant distress and impairment, unlike temporary distractions.

The Correct Answer is:

B. B.F. Skinner

B.F. Skinner is most associated with behaviorism, a school of thought that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. Skinner expanded on John B. Watson’s ideas and introduced the concept of operant conditioning, where behaviors are shaped by rewards and punishments. His experiments with reinforcement and learning significantly influenced psychology, education, and behavior modification techniques still used today.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Carl Rogers

This is incorrect because Carl Rogers is a founder of humanistic psychology, which focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and the client-centered approach in therapy. Unlike behaviorism, Rogers emphasized individual experiences and free will rather than conditioning or observable behavior.

Abraham Maslow

This is incorrect because Abraham Maslow, another humanistic psychologist, is best known for creating the hierarchy of needs, which explains human motivation. Maslow’s theory focuses on fulfilling psychological and self-actualization needs rather than using reinforcement or punishment to shape behavior, which is the core principle of behaviorism.

Erik Erikson

This is incorrect because Erik Erikson is known for his psychosocial theory of development, which outlines eight stages of personality development across the lifespan. Unlike Skinner, Erikson studied how social relationships and identity formation shape behavior rather than focusing on conditioning or reinforcement principles.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Intense fear, anxiety, and avoidance of situations where escape or help might be difficult during a panic attack

Agoraphobia is a distinct anxiety disorder in the DSM-5 characterized by extreme fear and avoidance of situations where leaving or getting help would be difficult if panic-like symptoms occur. Common triggers include crowded places, public transportation, open spaces, and situations where escape feels limited. Individuals may restrict daily activities or avoid leaving home entirely, leading to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. A mild dislike of crowded places that does not interfere with daily functioning

This is incorrect because agoraphobia involves intense fear and avoidance, not mild discomfort. The disorder significantly disrupts normal routines and can severely limit independence.

C. Excessive fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights or flying

This is incorrect because fear focused on a specific object or scenario is classified as a specific phobia, not agoraphobia. Agoraphobia involves broader fears about being trapped or unable to get help, often linked to panic symptoms.

D. Persistent worry about various life events not linked to any particular trigger

This is incorrect because ongoing, uncontrollable worry about multiple life areas is characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Agoraphobia is more situational and linked to environments perceived as unsafe or inescapable.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Using personal skills and talents to enrich life and experience deep engagement

The good life emphasizes identifying one’s unique strengths and talents, then using them in work, hobbies, or personal pursuits to achieve deep satisfaction and purpose. People experiencing the good life often enter a state of “flow,” becoming fully absorbed in what they are doing. This element focuses on fulfillment derived from personal engagement rather than pleasure alone.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Engaging in activities that provide day-to-day excitement and relaxation

This is incorrect because enjoying simple pleasures is part of the pleasant life, not the good life. The good life focuses on skill-based engagement rather than temporary enjoyment.

C. Helping others and contributing to the greater good of society

This is incorrect because contributing to others’ well-being represents the meaningful life, not the good life. The good life is more about self-growth and personal enrichment than service to others.

D. Avoiding stress and focusing on self-care for emotional balance

This is incorrect because the good life is not primarily about stress reduction or relaxation. Instead, it is about purposeful engagement and building a sense of achievement through personal talents.

The Correct Answer is:

A. Helps individuals adjust internally and externally to threats, increasing chances of survival

According to Cannon, the fight-or-flight response is adaptive because it prepares the body to handle threats effectively. By activating the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine system, the body becomes physically ready to either confront the threat (“fight”) or escape it (“flight”). These rapid internal and external adjustments, such as increased heart rate and heightened alertness, improve survival chances and help individuals overcome immediate dangers.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Reduces emotional arousal and promotes relaxation during stressful situations

This is incorrect because the fight-or-flight response increases physiological and emotional arousal rather than reducing it. Relaxation occurs after the threat has passed.

Eliminates the need for cognitive appraisal when facing potential danger

This is incorrect because individuals still assess threats, even if unconsciously, before the fight-or-flight response is triggered. Cognitive appraisal remains part of the process.

Suppresses all physiological responses to maintain homeostasis during threats

This is incorrect because the fight-or-flight response involves heightened physiological activation, not suppression, to prepare the body for quick and effective action.

Correct Answer:

C. Independent variable

Explanation

The independent variable is the factor that the researcher manipulates to observe its effect on another variable. In this experiment, insulting vs. not insulting participants is the manipulated condition. Professor Peterson wants to see how this manipulation affects participants’ cooperation levels, which are then measured as the outcome of the study.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A. Placebo control

A placebo control is typically used in drug or treatment studies to compare the effects of an active treatment versus an inactive one. Since this experiment involves behavioral manipulation (insults) rather than a treatment, this option is incorrect.

B. Dependent variable

The dependent variable is the outcome being measured. In this study, that would be how many times each participant cooperates. Since insulting participants is the manipulated factor, not the measured one, this is incorrect.

D. Double-blind control

A double-blind control occurs when neither participants nor researchers know which condition participants are in, used to reduce bias. There’s no mention of a double-blind design here, so this option is also incorrect.

The Correct Answer is:

A. Social psychology

Social psychology focuses on how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations and how they are influenced by the presence, actions, and perceptions of others. It examines topics like conformity, group behavior, prejudice, persuasion, and interpersonal relationships. Social psychologists study both individual and group dynamics to better understand how social contexts impact decision-making and attitudes, making it one of the most widely researched areas of psychology.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Evolutionary psychology

This is incorrect because evolutionary psychology studies how natural selection and adaptation shape behavior and mental processes over time. While it explores why certain social behaviors evolved, it does not directly focus on how others currently influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Biopsychology

This is incorrect because biopsychology examines how the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics influence behavior. It focuses on biological and physiological processes rather than analyzing how social interactions and external influences shape human thoughts and actions.

Counseling psychology

This is incorrect because counseling psychology deals with helping individuals manage personal challenges, life transitions, and mental health concerns. While counseling may involve social relationships, its primary goal is to improve well-being and coping skills rather than studying the effects of social influence on behavior.