Psychology Verified Exam
Questions & Rationales
This verified exam pack delivers 30 meticulously crafted questions across six core psy-
chology domains: research methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes, devel-
opmental stages, social influences, and abnormal psychology. Tailored for university
students, it includes 20 multiple-choice, 6 true/false, and 4 short-answer questions, each
accompanied by evidence-based rationales grounded in seminal psychological research.
The questions mirror high-stakes exam scenarios, focusing on university-relevant con-
texts such as academic stress, group dynamics, and mental health challenges. Detailed
rationales incorporate real-world applications, references to foundational studies, and
practical insights to foster deep understanding, critical thinking, and exam readiness.
This expanded document ensures comprehensive coverage, making it an essential tool for
mastering psychology coursework.
1 Research Methods in Psychology
Research methods form the backbone of psychological science, enabling students to de-
sign studies, interpret data, and uphold ethical standards. This section tests mastery
of experimental design, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations through scenarios
relevant to university research projects, such as studies on study habits or stress man-
agement. Questions emphasize practical application, critical evaluation, and alignment
with APA ethical guidelines.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A psychology major investigates whether peer tutoring enhances exam
scores. What is the independent variable?
a) Exam scores
b) Peer tutoring
c) Student anxiety
d) Study hours
Answer: b
Rationale: The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect. Here,
peer tutoring is varied to assess its impact on exam scores (dependent variable).
This aligns with experimental design principles outlined by Campbell and Stanley
(1963), who emphasize clear variable manipulation in educational research.
2. A study finds a correlation between smartphone use and sleep quality in
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, Psychology Verified Exam Questions
students. Can it claim causation?
a) Yes, with sufficient participants
b) No, correlation does not imply causation
c) Yes, if longitudinal
d) No, unless randomized
Answer: b
Rationale: Correlational studies identify relationships but cannot prove causation
due to potential confounding variables (e.g., stress affecting both smartphone use
and sleep). Rosenbaum (2002) highlights that only controlled experiments can es-
tablish causality, making this a critical distinction for students interpreting research
findings.
3. What ensures ethical participation in a study on student procrastina-
tion?
a) Anonymity
b) Informed consent
c) Random sampling
d) Debriefing
Answer: b
Rationale: Informed consent, per APA (2017) ethical guidelines, ensures partic-
ipants understand the studys purpose, risks, and rights, particularly in sensitive
topics like procrastination. This fosters trust and autonomy, as emphasized in
Belmont Report principles (1979).
4. A study on mindfulness with a p-value of 0.03 indicates:
a) A 3% chance of a true effect
b) Statistical significance
c) A 97% chance of error
d) No effect
Answer: b
Rationale: A p-value below 0.05 indicates statistical significance, suggesting re-
sults (e.g., mindfulness benefits) are unlikely due to chance. Fishers (1925) sta-
tistical framework underscores this threshold as a standard for rejecting the null
hypothesis in psychological research.
5. Which method is best for studying a rare case of test anxiety in a single
student?
a) Experiment
b) Case study
c) Survey
d) Correlational study
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