PSYC 101 Exam 2 V2 | PSYC 101 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(PSYC101 Exam 2) | Portage Learning
1. In Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, which stage is characterized by the
mastery of conservation and the ability to perform mental operations on physical objects?
A. Sensorimotor Stage
B. Preoperational Stage
C. Concrete Operational Stage
D. Formal Operational Stage
Correct Answer: C
The concrete operational stage typically occurs between ages 7 and 11. During this time,
children develop logical thought about physical objects and understand that quantity
remains the same despite changes in shape. This marks a significant departure from the
egocentrism found in the preoperational stage.
2. In Pavlov’s original experiments with dogs, what did the meat powder represent before
any conditioning took place?
A. Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
B. Unconditioned Response (UCR)
C. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
,D. Conditioned Response (CR)
Correct Answer: C
The meat powder is the unconditioned stimulus because it naturally and automatically
triggers a response without prior learning. The resulting salivation is the unconditioned
response. Once paired with a neutral stimulus like a bell, the bell becomes the conditioned
stimulus.
3. Which reinforcement schedule is known for producing high, steady rates of responding
with only a brief pause after delivery, commonly associated with slot machines?
A. Fixed-Ratio Schedule
B. Variable-Ratio Schedule
C. Fixed-Interval Schedule
D. Variable-Interval Schedule
Correct Answer: B
A variable-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of
responses. This unpredictability prevents the post-reinforcement pause seen in fixed
schedules. It is highly effective at maintaining behavior because the next response could
always be the one that is rewarded.
4. According to Albert Bandura, which of the following are the necessary components for
successful observational learning? Select all that apply.
A. Choices A, B, C, and E are the only correct components
, B. Retention
C. Motor Reproduction
D. Biological Preparedness
E. Motivation
F. Attention
Correct Answer: A
Bandura identified four key processes: attention to the model, retention of the observed
behavior, the ability to reproduce the behavior, and the motivation to do so. Biological
preparedness is a concept from classical conditioning associated with Garcia, not Bandura’s
modeling theory. Without all four of these cognitive components, observational learning is
unlikely to be successful.
5. Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory suggests that during adolescence, the primary conflict is:
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: D
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(PSYC101 Exam 2) | Portage Learning
1. In Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, which stage is characterized by the
mastery of conservation and the ability to perform mental operations on physical objects?
A. Sensorimotor Stage
B. Preoperational Stage
C. Concrete Operational Stage
D. Formal Operational Stage
Correct Answer: C
The concrete operational stage typically occurs between ages 7 and 11. During this time,
children develop logical thought about physical objects and understand that quantity
remains the same despite changes in shape. This marks a significant departure from the
egocentrism found in the preoperational stage.
2. In Pavlov’s original experiments with dogs, what did the meat powder represent before
any conditioning took place?
A. Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
B. Unconditioned Response (UCR)
C. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
,D. Conditioned Response (CR)
Correct Answer: C
The meat powder is the unconditioned stimulus because it naturally and automatically
triggers a response without prior learning. The resulting salivation is the unconditioned
response. Once paired with a neutral stimulus like a bell, the bell becomes the conditioned
stimulus.
3. Which reinforcement schedule is known for producing high, steady rates of responding
with only a brief pause after delivery, commonly associated with slot machines?
A. Fixed-Ratio Schedule
B. Variable-Ratio Schedule
C. Fixed-Interval Schedule
D. Variable-Interval Schedule
Correct Answer: B
A variable-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of
responses. This unpredictability prevents the post-reinforcement pause seen in fixed
schedules. It is highly effective at maintaining behavior because the next response could
always be the one that is rewarded.
4. According to Albert Bandura, which of the following are the necessary components for
successful observational learning? Select all that apply.
A. Choices A, B, C, and E are the only correct components
, B. Retention
C. Motor Reproduction
D. Biological Preparedness
E. Motivation
F. Attention
Correct Answer: A
Bandura identified four key processes: attention to the model, retention of the observed
behavior, the ability to reproduce the behavior, and the motivation to do so. Biological
preparedness is a concept from classical conditioning associated with Garcia, not Bandura’s
modeling theory. Without all four of these cognitive components, observational learning is
unlikely to be successful.
5. Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory suggests that during adolescence, the primary conflict is:
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: D
