PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology Final Exam
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Free PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology Final Exam Questions
If exposure to a stressor is prolonged, the organism will enter which stage of the general adaptation syndrome?
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Alarm reaction
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Resistance stage
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Exhaustion stage
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Primary appraisal
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
B. Resistance stage
In the resistance stage, the initial shock of the alarm reaction has subsided and the body has partially adapted to the ongoing stressor. Sympathetic activation remains elevated relative to baseline, but physiological systems stabilize enough to sustain coping and performance. Stress hormones and arousal are regulated to meet continued demands, conserving resources while keeping the organism engaged with the challenge. This stage can persist for some time, but sustained pressure risks drifting into exhaustion if recovery does not occur.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Alarm reaction
This is incorrect because the alarm reaction is the immediate, short-term response to a threat, marked by a surge of sympathetic and endocrine activity preparing the body for fight or flight, not the adapted, sustained response to prolonged stress.
Exhaustion stage
This is incorrect because exhaustion occurs after long, unrelieved stress depletes physiological reserves, leading to reduced immunity, fatigue, and breakdown; it follows the resistance stage when coping can no longer be maintained.
Primary appraisal
This is incorrect because primary appraisal is a cognitive judgment about whether an event is threatening, challenging, or benign; it is not a physiological stage within the general adaptation syndrome.
Which early approach in psychology focused on breaking down mental processes into basic elements?
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Functionalism
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Structuralism
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Behaviorism
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Humanism
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
B. Structuralism
Structuralism, founded by Wilhelm Wundt and later developed by Edward Titchener, was an early psychological approach that aimed to analyze the structure of the mind by breaking down mental processes into their most basic components, such as sensations, perceptions, and emotions. Researchers used a method called introspection to examine conscious experiences. This approach laid the foundation for experimental psychology, although it was later replaced by other schools like functionalism and behaviorism.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Functionalism
This is incorrect because functionalism, led by William James, focused on understanding the purpose of mental processes rather than breaking them down into smaller components. It emphasized how the mind adapts to the environment and helps humans function effectively, shifting the focus away from structure and toward practical applications.
Behaviorism
This is incorrect because behaviorism, founded by John B. Watson and expanded by B.F. Skinner, rejected introspection and focused only on observable behaviors. Behaviorists believed psychology should study measurable actions rather than internal mental processes, making it fundamentally different from structuralism’s focus on consciousness and introspection.
Humanism
This is incorrect because humanism, led by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasized individual potential, personal growth, and self-actualization. Unlike structuralism, humanism focuses on understanding the whole person and their subjective experiences rather than dissecting mental processes into smaller elements or using introspection as a primary method.
What does the set-point theory of happiness suggest?
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Happiness is permanently fixed at birth
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Happiness can increase temporarily but returns to a baseline
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External circumstances fully determine happiness
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Happiness continuously declines with age
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
B. Happiness can increase temporarily but returns to a baseline
The set-point theory of happiness suggests that each person has a baseline level of happiness largely influenced by genetics and personality traits. While life events like promotions, relationships, or hardships can cause temporary spikes or drops in happiness, people tend to return to their set-point over time. However, intentional actions—like practicing gratitude, building relationships, and engaging in meaningful activities—can gradually shift this baseline upward.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Happiness is permanently fixed at birth
This is incorrect because while genetics play a role, happiness is not permanently locked in at birth. Research shows that lifestyle choices, coping strategies, and social connections can influence overall life satisfaction and well-being.
External circumstances fully determine happiness
This is incorrect because although external factors like income, relationships, and environment affect happiness, studies suggest they only account for about 10% of long-term happiness. The rest depends on genetics and intentional behaviors, meaning people have significant control over their emotional well-being.
Happiness continuously declines with age
This is incorrect because happiness does not necessarily decrease as people get older. In fact, many studies show that life satisfaction often remains stable or even increases in later adulthood, especially when individuals develop better coping skills and prioritize meaningful relationships.
A testable prediction, often implied by theory, is a(n) _____.
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Confounding variable
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Hypothesis
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Independent variable
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Theory
Explanation
Correct Answer:
B. Hypothesis
Explanation
A hypothesis is a testable, specific prediction about the relationship between variables, often derived from a broader theory. It provides direction for research by stating what the researcher expects to find. For example, if a theory suggests that stress affects memory, a hypothesis might state: “Increased stress levels will reduce memory recall accuracy.” Hypotheses are tested through experiments and observations to support or refute theories.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
A. Confounding variable
A confounding variable is an uncontrolled factor that can influence the results of an experiment, potentially skewing findings. It is not a prediction but rather an unwanted source of bias.
C. Independent variable
The independent variable is the factor that researchers manipulate to test its effect on the dependent variable. While important in testing hypotheses, it is not the prediction itself.
D. Theory
A theory is a broad, well-supported explanation of natural phenomena based on extensive evidence. A hypothesis is derived from a theory, but the two are not the same. A theory explains; a hypothesis predicts.
What is the fight-or-flight response?
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A learned behavior when facing conflict
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A physical reaction to perceived threats that prepares the body for action
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A decision-making process under low-stress situations
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A strategy used for stress management
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
B. A physical reaction to perceived threats that prepares the body for action
The fight-or-flight response is an automatic physiological reaction triggered by the sympathetic nervous system when a person perceives danger or threat. It prepares the body to either confront (fight) or escape (flight) the situation. This response involves increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dilated pupils, and the release of adrenaline and cortisol, enabling the body to respond quickly to emergencies or stressful events.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A learned behavior when facing conflict
This is incorrect because the fight-or-flight response is not learned; it is an automatic, innate reaction controlled by the autonomic nervous system. While people can learn coping strategies, the biological response itself happens instantly without conscious control.
A decision-making process under low-stress situations
This is incorrect because decision-making in low-stress situations typically involves the prefrontal cortex and rational thinking, whereas the fight-or-flight response bypasses logical reasoning. It occurs in high-stress or threatening conditions, not in calm or routine scenarios.
A strategy used for stress management
This is incorrect because the fight-or-flight response is not a coping strategy but a biological reaction to danger. Stress management techniques, like mindfulness and deep breathing, actually aim to counteract the effects of this response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to restore calmness.
In the early history of psychology, which treatment method was often used to “release evil spirits” believed to cause mental illness?
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Electroconvulsive therapy
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Trephination
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Psychodynamic therapy
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Humanistic counseling
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
B. Trephination
Trephination is an ancient practice in which a small hole was drilled or scraped into the skull to “release evil spirits” believed to cause mental illness, headaches, or abnormal behaviors. This method dates back thousands of years and reflects early supernatural explanations for psychological disorders. While no longer used, trephination provides insight into historical beliefs about mental health before the development of scientific and evidence-based treatments.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Electroconvulsive therapy
This is incorrect because electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a modern medical procedure used to treat severe depression and other mental illnesses, not an ancient method to remove evil spirits. It relies on controlled electrical stimulation, not supernatural beliefs.
Psychodynamic therapy
This is incorrect because psychodynamic therapy, developed by Sigmund Freud, focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and past experiences to resolve psychological issues. It is a scientific and structured therapeutic approach, unlike trephination’s primitive practices.
Humanistic counseling
This is incorrect because humanistic counseling, led by psychologists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and positive potential. It is a modern, client-centered approach, very different from the ancient ritual of drilling holes to treat mental illness.
Which brain structure plays a key role in controlling the stress response?
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Amygdala
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Hippocampus
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Hypothalamus
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Cerebellum
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
C. Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating the body’s stress response by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When a threat is perceived, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland and adrenal glands to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger physiological changes such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness, preparing the body for the “fight-or-flight” response.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Amygdala
This is incorrect because while the amygdala helps detect threats and process emotions, it does not directly control the stress response. Instead, it signals the hypothalamus to activate the HPA axis, making the hypothalamus the primary controller.
Hippocampus
This is incorrect because the hippocampus is mainly involved in memory formation and learning. However, it does play a secondary role in regulating stress by helping the brain determine whether a situation is truly threatening, but it is not the main control center.
Cerebellum
This is incorrect because the cerebellum primarily coordinates movement, balance, and posture. It is not directly involved in managing the stress response or regulating the release of stress-related hormones.
Which subfield studies how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others?
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Social psychology
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Evolutionary psychology
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Biopsychology
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Counseling psychology
Explanation
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.
Which branch of psychology focuses on changes in behavior and mental processes across the lifespan?
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Developmental psychology
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Forensic psychology
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Industrial-organizational psychology
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Health psychology
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
A. Developmental psychology
Developmental psychology focuses on how people grow, change, and adapt across the lifespan, from infancy to old age. It studies physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and examines how biological, environmental, and cultural factors shape human growth. Developmental psychologists explore topics such as language acquisition, moral reasoning, identity formation, and aging, helping us understand the different stages and challenges of human life.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Forensic psychology
This is incorrect because forensic psychology applies psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings. Forensic psychologists work on criminal profiling, competency evaluations, and courtroom testimonies rather than studying developmental changes across the lifespan.
Industrial-organizational psychology
This is incorrect because industrial-organizational psychology focuses on workplace behavior, employee performance, motivation, and organizational development. It does not specialize in understanding behavioral and cognitive changes from childhood through adulthood.
Health psychology
This is incorrect because health psychology examines how biological, psychological, and social factors influence physical health and illness. While it studies mental and emotional well-being, its focus is on promoting healthy behaviors and coping strategies rather than analyzing changes in behavior and mental processes over a lifetime.
Which subfield of psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders?
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Developmental psychology
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Clinical psychology
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Cognitive psychology
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Evolutionary psychology
Explanation
The Correct Answer is:
B. Clinical psychology
Clinical psychology focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical psychologists work with individuals experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological conditions. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychotherapy, to improve mental health and overall well-being. This subfield bridges research and practical application, making it one of the largest and most critical areas in psychology.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Developmental psychology
This is incorrect because developmental psychology studies how people grow and change across the lifespan, focusing on physical, cognitive, and emotional development. While it may explore mental health issues at different stages, its primary goal is understanding development, not diagnosing or treating psychological disorders.
Cognitive psychology
This is incorrect because cognitive psychology focuses on studying mental processes such as memory, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. While cognitive theories often inform clinical treatments, this subfield itself does not specialize in diagnosing or treating mental health conditions.
Evolutionary psychology
This is incorrect because evolutionary psychology examines how natural selection and adaptation have shaped human behavior and mental processes over time. Its focus is on understanding psychological traits from an evolutionary perspective rather than diagnosing or treating mental disorders in individuals.
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