PSY 102 Final Exam V3 | PSY 102 General Psychology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (PSY102 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. Who is traditionally recognized as the founder of psychology for opening the first
psychology laboratory in 1879?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. William James
C. Wilhelm Wundt
D. John B. Watson
Answer: C
Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt established the first formal laboratory for psychological
research at the University of Leipzig in 1879. This event marked the transition of
psychology from a philosophical discipline to an experimental science. Wundt’s work
primarily focused on structuralism and the method of introspection to analyze the human
mind.
2. In a formal experiment, the variable that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its
effect is the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Confounding variable
C. Independent variable
D. Control variable
Answer: C
Rationale: The independent variable is the factor that the experimenter intentionally
changes to see how it affects the outcome. By contrast, the dependent variable is what is
measured to see the results of that manipulation. Effective experimental design requires
controlling other variables to ensure that the independent variable is the cause of the
observed changes.
3. Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?
A. Dendrites
B. Myelin sheath
C. Axon
D. Axon terminal
,Answer: A
Rationale: Dendrites are the branch-like structures of a neuron that receive incoming
chemical messages from the synapses of other neurons. These signals are then passed
down to the cell body or soma. The efficiency of this communication is vital for all nervous
system functions including sensation and thought.
4. Which brain structure is primarily involved in the processing of emotions, especially fear
and aggression?
A. Hippocampus
B. Thalamus
C. Medulla
D. Amygdala
Answer: D
Rationale: The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure located within the limbic
system that plays a key role in emotional responses. It is specifically linked to the detection
of threats and the activation of the fight-or-flight response. Damage to this area can result
in significant changes in emotional regulation and social behavior.
5. What is the term for the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural
connections throughout life?
A. Neurogenesis
B. Synaptic pruning
C. Action potential
D. Plasticity
Answer: D
Rationale: Neuroplasticity, or simply plasticity, refers to the brain’s capacity to change and
adapt as a result of experience or injury. This allows the brain to compensate for damage
and adjust its activities in response to new situations or changes in the environment. It is a
fundamental process that underlies learning and memory throughout the lifespan.
6. The minimum intensity of physical stimulation required for a person to detect it 50 percent
of the time is called the:
A. Absolute threshold
B. Difference threshold
C. Signal detection
D. Sensory adaptation
, Answer: A
Rationale: The absolute threshold is the lowest level of stimulus that an organism can
detect. This concept is central to psychophysics, which studies the relationship between
physical stimuli and sensory experience. The 50 percent detection rate is used as a
standard measure to account for individual variability in sensitivity.
7. Weber’s Law states that the ‘just noticeable difference’ (JND) is proportional to:
A. The duration of the stimulus
B. The magnitude of the original stimulus
C. The psychological state of the observer
D. The absolute threshold level
Answer: B
Rationale: Weber’s Law posits that for a change in a stimulus to be detected, the new
stimulus must differ by a constant percentage rather than a constant amount. For example,
if you are carrying a heavy weight, you will need a larger addition of weight to notice a
difference than if you were carrying a light weight. This principle helps explain how
humans perceive changes in light, sound, and pressure.
8. Which cells in the retina are responsible for color vision and high visual acuity in bright
light?
A. Rods
B. Cones
C. Ganglion cells
D. Bipolar cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Cones are photoreceptor cells concentrated in the fovea of the retina that
facilitate color perception and fine detail. In contrast, rods are more sensitive to low light
and are used primarily for peripheral and night vision. Humans typically have three types
of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light, allowing for the perception of a
full color spectrum.
9. During which stage of sleep do most vivid dreams occur, characterized by rapid eye
movements and muscle paralysis?
A. Stage 1
B. REM sleep
C. Stage 3 (Delta sleep)
with Rationale (PSY102 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. Who is traditionally recognized as the founder of psychology for opening the first
psychology laboratory in 1879?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. William James
C. Wilhelm Wundt
D. John B. Watson
Answer: C
Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt established the first formal laboratory for psychological
research at the University of Leipzig in 1879. This event marked the transition of
psychology from a philosophical discipline to an experimental science. Wundt’s work
primarily focused on structuralism and the method of introspection to analyze the human
mind.
2. In a formal experiment, the variable that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its
effect is the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Confounding variable
C. Independent variable
D. Control variable
Answer: C
Rationale: The independent variable is the factor that the experimenter intentionally
changes to see how it affects the outcome. By contrast, the dependent variable is what is
measured to see the results of that manipulation. Effective experimental design requires
controlling other variables to ensure that the independent variable is the cause of the
observed changes.
3. Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?
A. Dendrites
B. Myelin sheath
C. Axon
D. Axon terminal
,Answer: A
Rationale: Dendrites are the branch-like structures of a neuron that receive incoming
chemical messages from the synapses of other neurons. These signals are then passed
down to the cell body or soma. The efficiency of this communication is vital for all nervous
system functions including sensation and thought.
4. Which brain structure is primarily involved in the processing of emotions, especially fear
and aggression?
A. Hippocampus
B. Thalamus
C. Medulla
D. Amygdala
Answer: D
Rationale: The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure located within the limbic
system that plays a key role in emotional responses. It is specifically linked to the detection
of threats and the activation of the fight-or-flight response. Damage to this area can result
in significant changes in emotional regulation and social behavior.
5. What is the term for the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural
connections throughout life?
A. Neurogenesis
B. Synaptic pruning
C. Action potential
D. Plasticity
Answer: D
Rationale: Neuroplasticity, or simply plasticity, refers to the brain’s capacity to change and
adapt as a result of experience or injury. This allows the brain to compensate for damage
and adjust its activities in response to new situations or changes in the environment. It is a
fundamental process that underlies learning and memory throughout the lifespan.
6. The minimum intensity of physical stimulation required for a person to detect it 50 percent
of the time is called the:
A. Absolute threshold
B. Difference threshold
C. Signal detection
D. Sensory adaptation
, Answer: A
Rationale: The absolute threshold is the lowest level of stimulus that an organism can
detect. This concept is central to psychophysics, which studies the relationship between
physical stimuli and sensory experience. The 50 percent detection rate is used as a
standard measure to account for individual variability in sensitivity.
7. Weber’s Law states that the ‘just noticeable difference’ (JND) is proportional to:
A. The duration of the stimulus
B. The magnitude of the original stimulus
C. The psychological state of the observer
D. The absolute threshold level
Answer: B
Rationale: Weber’s Law posits that for a change in a stimulus to be detected, the new
stimulus must differ by a constant percentage rather than a constant amount. For example,
if you are carrying a heavy weight, you will need a larger addition of weight to notice a
difference than if you were carrying a light weight. This principle helps explain how
humans perceive changes in light, sound, and pressure.
8. Which cells in the retina are responsible for color vision and high visual acuity in bright
light?
A. Rods
B. Cones
C. Ganglion cells
D. Bipolar cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Cones are photoreceptor cells concentrated in the fovea of the retina that
facilitate color perception and fine detail. In contrast, rods are more sensitive to low light
and are used primarily for peripheral and night vision. Humans typically have three types
of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light, allowing for the perception of a
full color spectrum.
9. During which stage of sleep do most vivid dreams occur, characterized by rapid eye
movements and muscle paralysis?
A. Stage 1
B. REM sleep
C. Stage 3 (Delta sleep)
