PSY 101 Exam 1 V1 | PSY 101 Foundations
of Psychology | StraighterLine | Q&A with
Rationale (StraighterLine PSY101 Exam 1)
1. Wilhelm Wundt is historically significant in the field of psychology primarily because he:
A. Developed the psychoanalytic theory of personality.
B. Established the first formal laboratory for psychological research.
C. Conducted the first experiments on classical conditioning.
D. Created the hierarchy of needs to explain motivation.
Answer: B
Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt is widely considered the father of psychology for establishing
the first experimental laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879. His approach focused on
structuralism and the use of introspection to study the conscious mind. This shift marked
the transition of psychology from a philosophical branch to a formal scientific discipline.
2. Which psychological perspective emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind and
early childhood experiences on behavior?
A. Behavioral
B. Psychodynamic
C. Cognitive
D. Humanistic
,Answer: B
Rationale: The psychodynamic perspective, originated by Sigmund Freud, focuses on the
role of internal, often unconscious conflicts. It posits that behavior is heavily influenced by
early developmental stages and repressed memories. Modern psychodynamic theories still
prioritize the impact of relationships and the subconscious on current functioning.
3. In a research study, a ‘double-blind’ procedure is used to control for:
A. Selection bias and sampling error.
B. Correlation and causation confusion.
C. Operational definitions and ethical violations.
D. The placebo effect and experimenter bias.
Answer: D
Rationale: A double-blind procedure ensures that neither the participants nor the
researchers know who is receiving the treatment versus the placebo. This method is critical
for eliminating the experimenter’s expectations from influencing the results. It also
prevents the participant’s belief in the treatment from creating false positive outcomes.
4. Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?
A. Axon
B. Myelin Sheath
C. Terminal Buttons
, D. Dendrites
Answer: D
Rationale: Dendrites are the branching extensions of a neuron that act as receivers for
incoming chemical messages. They relay this information toward the cell body where the
signal is processed. Without functional dendrites, a neuron would be unable to
communicate effectively within the nervous system.
5. The ‘All-or-None Law’ refers to the fact that:
A. A neurotransmitter will either excite or inhibit a cell.
B. All neurons in a cluster must fire simultaneously.
C. A neuron fires at full strength or not at all.
D. Sensory receptors respond only to maximum intensity stimuli.
Answer: C
Rationale: The All-or-None Law states that the amplitude and velocity of an action
potential are independent of the stimulus that initiated it. Once the threshold of excitation
is reached, the neuron fires a complete signal down the axon. A stronger stimulus will not
produce a ‘bigger’ impulse, but it may increase the frequency of firing.
6. Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing auditory
information?
A. Occipital Lobe
of Psychology | StraighterLine | Q&A with
Rationale (StraighterLine PSY101 Exam 1)
1. Wilhelm Wundt is historically significant in the field of psychology primarily because he:
A. Developed the psychoanalytic theory of personality.
B. Established the first formal laboratory for psychological research.
C. Conducted the first experiments on classical conditioning.
D. Created the hierarchy of needs to explain motivation.
Answer: B
Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt is widely considered the father of psychology for establishing
the first experimental laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879. His approach focused on
structuralism and the use of introspection to study the conscious mind. This shift marked
the transition of psychology from a philosophical branch to a formal scientific discipline.
2. Which psychological perspective emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind and
early childhood experiences on behavior?
A. Behavioral
B. Psychodynamic
C. Cognitive
D. Humanistic
,Answer: B
Rationale: The psychodynamic perspective, originated by Sigmund Freud, focuses on the
role of internal, often unconscious conflicts. It posits that behavior is heavily influenced by
early developmental stages and repressed memories. Modern psychodynamic theories still
prioritize the impact of relationships and the subconscious on current functioning.
3. In a research study, a ‘double-blind’ procedure is used to control for:
A. Selection bias and sampling error.
B. Correlation and causation confusion.
C. Operational definitions and ethical violations.
D. The placebo effect and experimenter bias.
Answer: D
Rationale: A double-blind procedure ensures that neither the participants nor the
researchers know who is receiving the treatment versus the placebo. This method is critical
for eliminating the experimenter’s expectations from influencing the results. It also
prevents the participant’s belief in the treatment from creating false positive outcomes.
4. Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?
A. Axon
B. Myelin Sheath
C. Terminal Buttons
, D. Dendrites
Answer: D
Rationale: Dendrites are the branching extensions of a neuron that act as receivers for
incoming chemical messages. They relay this information toward the cell body where the
signal is processed. Without functional dendrites, a neuron would be unable to
communicate effectively within the nervous system.
5. The ‘All-or-None Law’ refers to the fact that:
A. A neurotransmitter will either excite or inhibit a cell.
B. All neurons in a cluster must fire simultaneously.
C. A neuron fires at full strength or not at all.
D. Sensory receptors respond only to maximum intensity stimuli.
Answer: C
Rationale: The All-or-None Law states that the amplitude and velocity of an action
potential are independent of the stimulus that initiated it. Once the threshold of excitation
is reached, the neuron fires a complete signal down the axon. A stronger stimulus will not
produce a ‘bigger’ impulse, but it may increase the frequency of firing.
6. Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing auditory
information?
A. Occipital Lobe
