PSYC 101 Exam 4 V3 | PSYC 101 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 4) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following are categorized as ‘Positive Symptoms’ of Schizophrenia? Select all
that apply.
A. Hallucinations
B. A, C, and E only
C. Delusions
D. Social withdrawal
E. Disorganized speech
F. Flat affect
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia represent an excess or distortion of
normal function, including hallucinations and delusions. Disorganized speech is also a
hallmark positive symptom that indicates a fragmentation of thought processes. In
contrast, flat affect and social withdrawal are considered negative symptoms because they
represent a deficit or loss of normal functions.
,2. Which concept describes the tendency for observers to underestimate the impact of the
situation and overestimate the impact of personal disposition?
A. Self-serving bias
B. Confirmation bias
C. Cognitive dissonance
D. Fundamental attribution error
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The fundamental attribution error is a central concept in social psychology
involving the misjudgment of others’ behaviors. It occurs when we attribute someone’s
actions to their internal character rather than considering environmental constraints. This
bias helps explain why people are often quick to judge others while providing excuses for
their own failures.
3. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which component of personality operates
based on the ‘pleasure principle’?
A. Ego
B. Superego
C. Id
D. Preconscious
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: The id is the most primitive part of the personality, present from birth and
driven by basic biological urges. It operates entirely on the pleasure principle, seeking
immediate gratification of all needs and desires. Freud argued that without the mediation
of the ego and superego, the id would lead to impulsive and socially unacceptable behavior.
4. In the context of the Asch conformity experiments, which factor was found to significantly
decrease the likelihood of a participant conforming to the group’s incorrect answer?
A. Increasing the group size to more than seven people
B. Making the task more ambiguous and difficult
C. Requiring the participant to state their answer out loud
D. The presence of one other dissenter who gave the correct answer
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Solomon Asch discovered that conformity rates dropped drastically when
even one other person in the group disagreed with the majority. Having a ‘partner’
provides social support and reduces the pressure to follow the group’s erroneous
consensus. This finding highlights the power of a single dissenting voice in resisting group
influence.
5. Which of the following best defines the psychological state of ‘Cognitive Dissonance’?
A. The process of blaming others for one’s own failures to maintain self-esteem.
B. The loss of self-awareness and self-restraint occurring in group situations.
C. The tendency to search for information that supports one’s existing beliefs.
, D. The tension experienced when an individual holds two conflicting cognitions or
behaviors.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that humans have an inner drive to
hold all their attitudes and beliefs in harmony. When there is a discrepancy between beliefs
and behaviors, it creates a state of discomfort known as dissonance. To reduce this tension,
individuals will typically change their attitude, justify their behavior, or acquire new
information.
6. Identify the clinical features that characterize Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Select all
that apply.
A. A, B, and C only
B. Loss of interest in formerly enjoyed activities (anhedonia)
C. Significant changes in sleep or appetite
D. Increased energy and flight of ideas
E. Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
F. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Major Depressive Disorder is diagnosed when a patient experiences a
persistent low mood and a loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks. Physical
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 4) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following are categorized as ‘Positive Symptoms’ of Schizophrenia? Select all
that apply.
A. Hallucinations
B. A, C, and E only
C. Delusions
D. Social withdrawal
E. Disorganized speech
F. Flat affect
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia represent an excess or distortion of
normal function, including hallucinations and delusions. Disorganized speech is also a
hallmark positive symptom that indicates a fragmentation of thought processes. In
contrast, flat affect and social withdrawal are considered negative symptoms because they
represent a deficit or loss of normal functions.
,2. Which concept describes the tendency for observers to underestimate the impact of the
situation and overestimate the impact of personal disposition?
A. Self-serving bias
B. Confirmation bias
C. Cognitive dissonance
D. Fundamental attribution error
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The fundamental attribution error is a central concept in social psychology
involving the misjudgment of others’ behaviors. It occurs when we attribute someone’s
actions to their internal character rather than considering environmental constraints. This
bias helps explain why people are often quick to judge others while providing excuses for
their own failures.
3. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which component of personality operates
based on the ‘pleasure principle’?
A. Ego
B. Superego
C. Id
D. Preconscious
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: The id is the most primitive part of the personality, present from birth and
driven by basic biological urges. It operates entirely on the pleasure principle, seeking
immediate gratification of all needs and desires. Freud argued that without the mediation
of the ego and superego, the id would lead to impulsive and socially unacceptable behavior.
4. In the context of the Asch conformity experiments, which factor was found to significantly
decrease the likelihood of a participant conforming to the group’s incorrect answer?
A. Increasing the group size to more than seven people
B. Making the task more ambiguous and difficult
C. Requiring the participant to state their answer out loud
D. The presence of one other dissenter who gave the correct answer
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Solomon Asch discovered that conformity rates dropped drastically when
even one other person in the group disagreed with the majority. Having a ‘partner’
provides social support and reduces the pressure to follow the group’s erroneous
consensus. This finding highlights the power of a single dissenting voice in resisting group
influence.
5. Which of the following best defines the psychological state of ‘Cognitive Dissonance’?
A. The process of blaming others for one’s own failures to maintain self-esteem.
B. The loss of self-awareness and self-restraint occurring in group situations.
C. The tendency to search for information that supports one’s existing beliefs.
, D. The tension experienced when an individual holds two conflicting cognitions or
behaviors.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that humans have an inner drive to
hold all their attitudes and beliefs in harmony. When there is a discrepancy between beliefs
and behaviors, it creates a state of discomfort known as dissonance. To reduce this tension,
individuals will typically change their attitude, justify their behavior, or acquire new
information.
6. Identify the clinical features that characterize Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Select all
that apply.
A. A, B, and C only
B. Loss of interest in formerly enjoyed activities (anhedonia)
C. Significant changes in sleep or appetite
D. Increased energy and flight of ideas
E. Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
F. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Major Depressive Disorder is diagnosed when a patient experiences a
persistent low mood and a loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks. Physical
