,PSYC 101 Module 3 | General Psychology Exam Q&A |
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following best describes the process by which sensory receptors convert
physical energy into neural signals?
A) Perception
B) Transduction
C) Sensation
D) Adaptation
Correct Answer: Transduction
Rationale: Transduction is the conversion of physical energy such as light or sound waves
into electrical signals the nervous system can interpret. Sensation is the detection of stimuli,
perception is the interpretation of those stimuli, and adaptation is decreased responsiveness to
a constant stimulus. This process is foundational to all sensory systems.
2. What is the absolute threshold in sensation?
A) The smallest detectable change between two stimuli
B) The minimum stimulus energy detectable 50% of the time
C) The maximum intensity of a stimulus that can be perceived
D) The time required for a stimulus to be detected
Correct Answer: The minimum stimulus energy detectable 50% of the time
Rationale: The absolute threshold is the lowest level of stimulation a person can consciously
detect half of the time. The just noticeable difference is the smallest detectable change
between two stimuli. Sensory adaptation is diminished sensitivity to a constant stimulus.
3. Which part of the eye is responsible for focusing light onto the retina?
A) Cornea
,B) Iris
C) Lens
D) Pupil
Correct Answer: Lens
Rationale: The lens changes shape to focus light onto the retina through a process called
accommodation. The cornea also helps focus light but is fixed. The iris controls pupil size,
and the pupil is the opening that allows light to enter the eye.
4. What is the function of the fovea in the retina?
A) It contains a high concentration of rods for night vision
B) It is the area of sharpest vision with a high concentration of cones
C) It produces aqueous humor to maintain eye pressure
D) It transmits visual signals to the brain
Correct Answer: It is the area of sharpest vision with a high concentration of cones
Rationale: The fovea is a small depression in the retina containing only cones, providing the
sharpest, most detailed vision. Rods are concentrated in the periphery and are more sensitive
in dim light. The optic nerve transmits signals to the brain.
5. Which Gestalt principle states that objects close together are perceived as a group?
A) Similarity
B) Proximity
C) Closure
D) Continuity
Correct Answer: Proximity
, Rationale: The Gestalt principle of proximity states that objects near each other tend to be
perceived as a group. Similarity refers to grouping by shared characteristics, closure refers to
filling in gaps, and continuity refers to perceiving smooth lines.
6. What is the difference between binocular and monocular cues?
A) Binocular cues require both eyes; monocular cues require one eye
B) Binocular cues are learned; monocular cues are innate
C) Binocular cues are used for color vision; monocular cues for depth
D) Binocular cues are only for near objects; monocular cues for far objects
Correct Answer: Binocular cues require both eyes; monocular cues require one eye
Rationale: Binocular cues such as retinal disparity require input from both eyes to perceive
depth. Monocular cues such as linear perspective and interposition can be perceived with one
eye. Both types of cues contribute to depth perception.
7. In classical conditioning, what is the unconditioned stimulus?
A) A stimulus that initially produces no specific response
B) A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response
C) A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus
D) The weakening of a conditioned response
Correct Answer: A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response
Rationale: The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) innately elicits a reflexive response, such as
food causing salivation. The conditioned stimulus is initially neutral but comes to elicit a
response after pairing with the UCS. The unconditioned response is the innate reaction.
8. What is acquisition in classical conditioning?
A) The weakening of a conditioned response
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following best describes the process by which sensory receptors convert
physical energy into neural signals?
A) Perception
B) Transduction
C) Sensation
D) Adaptation
Correct Answer: Transduction
Rationale: Transduction is the conversion of physical energy such as light or sound waves
into electrical signals the nervous system can interpret. Sensation is the detection of stimuli,
perception is the interpretation of those stimuli, and adaptation is decreased responsiveness to
a constant stimulus. This process is foundational to all sensory systems.
2. What is the absolute threshold in sensation?
A) The smallest detectable change between two stimuli
B) The minimum stimulus energy detectable 50% of the time
C) The maximum intensity of a stimulus that can be perceived
D) The time required for a stimulus to be detected
Correct Answer: The minimum stimulus energy detectable 50% of the time
Rationale: The absolute threshold is the lowest level of stimulation a person can consciously
detect half of the time. The just noticeable difference is the smallest detectable change
between two stimuli. Sensory adaptation is diminished sensitivity to a constant stimulus.
3. Which part of the eye is responsible for focusing light onto the retina?
A) Cornea
,B) Iris
C) Lens
D) Pupil
Correct Answer: Lens
Rationale: The lens changes shape to focus light onto the retina through a process called
accommodation. The cornea also helps focus light but is fixed. The iris controls pupil size,
and the pupil is the opening that allows light to enter the eye.
4. What is the function of the fovea in the retina?
A) It contains a high concentration of rods for night vision
B) It is the area of sharpest vision with a high concentration of cones
C) It produces aqueous humor to maintain eye pressure
D) It transmits visual signals to the brain
Correct Answer: It is the area of sharpest vision with a high concentration of cones
Rationale: The fovea is a small depression in the retina containing only cones, providing the
sharpest, most detailed vision. Rods are concentrated in the periphery and are more sensitive
in dim light. The optic nerve transmits signals to the brain.
5. Which Gestalt principle states that objects close together are perceived as a group?
A) Similarity
B) Proximity
C) Closure
D) Continuity
Correct Answer: Proximity
, Rationale: The Gestalt principle of proximity states that objects near each other tend to be
perceived as a group. Similarity refers to grouping by shared characteristics, closure refers to
filling in gaps, and continuity refers to perceiving smooth lines.
6. What is the difference between binocular and monocular cues?
A) Binocular cues require both eyes; monocular cues require one eye
B) Binocular cues are learned; monocular cues are innate
C) Binocular cues are used for color vision; monocular cues for depth
D) Binocular cues are only for near objects; monocular cues for far objects
Correct Answer: Binocular cues require both eyes; monocular cues require one eye
Rationale: Binocular cues such as retinal disparity require input from both eyes to perceive
depth. Monocular cues such as linear perspective and interposition can be perceived with one
eye. Both types of cues contribute to depth perception.
7. In classical conditioning, what is the unconditioned stimulus?
A) A stimulus that initially produces no specific response
B) A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response
C) A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus
D) The weakening of a conditioned response
Correct Answer: A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response
Rationale: The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) innately elicits a reflexive response, such as
food causing salivation. The conditioned stimulus is initially neutral but comes to elicit a
response after pairing with the UCS. The unconditioned response is the innate reaction.
8. What is acquisition in classical conditioning?
A) The weakening of a conditioned response
