University of Oklahoma PSY 1113 Introductory
Psychology Practice Exam Questions With
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which perspective in psychology focuses on how behavior springs
from unconscious drives and conflicts?
A. Behavioral
B. Cognitive
C. Psychodynamic
D. Humanistic
Rationale: The psychodynamic perspective, developed by Sigmund
Freud, emphasizes unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts as
central determinants of behavior.
2. Who is considered the father of modern psychology?
A. William James
B. Wilhelm Wundt
C. John Watson
D. B.F. Skinner
,Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in
1879, marking the formal beginning of psychology as a scientific
discipline.
3. The scientific study of behavior and mental processes is called:
A. Sociology
B. Philosophy
C. Anthropology
D. Psychology
Rationale: Psychology is defined as the systematic study of thoughts,
emotions, and behaviors.
4. Which research method involves an in-depth analysis of an
individual or group?
A. Experiment
B. Case study
C. Survey
D. Naturalistic observation
Rationale: Case studies provide comprehensive data on individuals or
small groups, often used when phenomena are rare or unusual.
5. A researcher wants to determine if exercise improves mood.
Participants are randomly assigned to an exercise or control
group. This study is an example of a:
, A. Correlational study
B. Experiment
C. Case study
D. Naturalistic observation
Rationale: Experiments manipulate variables and control conditions to
establish cause-and-effect relationships.
6. The tendency to notice information that confirms our
preconceptions is called:
A. Sampling bias
B. Placebo effect
C. Confirmation bias
D. Hindsight bias
Rationale: Confirmation bias leads people to focus on evidence
supporting their beliefs while ignoring contradicting information.
7. Which part of the neuron receives messages from other neurons?
A. Axon
B. Dendrite
C. Myelin sheath
D. Synapse
Rationale: Dendrites are branching extensions of a neuron that receive
signals from other neurons.
, 8. The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are
released is called the:
A. Axon terminal
B. Myelin sheath
C. Soma
D. Synapse
Rationale: The synapse is the gap where neurotransmitters cross to
transmit messages from one neuron to another.
9. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in mood regulation
and depression?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Rationale: Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite, and
imbalances are linked to depression.
10. The brain structure responsible for coordinating voluntary
movement and balance is the:
A. Amygdala
B. Hippocampus
Psychology Practice Exam Questions With
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which perspective in psychology focuses on how behavior springs
from unconscious drives and conflicts?
A. Behavioral
B. Cognitive
C. Psychodynamic
D. Humanistic
Rationale: The psychodynamic perspective, developed by Sigmund
Freud, emphasizes unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts as
central determinants of behavior.
2. Who is considered the father of modern psychology?
A. William James
B. Wilhelm Wundt
C. John Watson
D. B.F. Skinner
,Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in
1879, marking the formal beginning of psychology as a scientific
discipline.
3. The scientific study of behavior and mental processes is called:
A. Sociology
B. Philosophy
C. Anthropology
D. Psychology
Rationale: Psychology is defined as the systematic study of thoughts,
emotions, and behaviors.
4. Which research method involves an in-depth analysis of an
individual or group?
A. Experiment
B. Case study
C. Survey
D. Naturalistic observation
Rationale: Case studies provide comprehensive data on individuals or
small groups, often used when phenomena are rare or unusual.
5. A researcher wants to determine if exercise improves mood.
Participants are randomly assigned to an exercise or control
group. This study is an example of a:
, A. Correlational study
B. Experiment
C. Case study
D. Naturalistic observation
Rationale: Experiments manipulate variables and control conditions to
establish cause-and-effect relationships.
6. The tendency to notice information that confirms our
preconceptions is called:
A. Sampling bias
B. Placebo effect
C. Confirmation bias
D. Hindsight bias
Rationale: Confirmation bias leads people to focus on evidence
supporting their beliefs while ignoring contradicting information.
7. Which part of the neuron receives messages from other neurons?
A. Axon
B. Dendrite
C. Myelin sheath
D. Synapse
Rationale: Dendrites are branching extensions of a neuron that receive
signals from other neurons.
, 8. The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are
released is called the:
A. Axon terminal
B. Myelin sheath
C. Soma
D. Synapse
Rationale: The synapse is the gap where neurotransmitters cross to
transmit messages from one neuron to another.
9. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in mood regulation
and depression?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Rationale: Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite, and
imbalances are linked to depression.
10. The brain structure responsible for coordinating voluntary
movement and balance is the:
A. Amygdala
B. Hippocampus
