Social Psychology Exam 1 – 2025/2026 | 100+ Questions with Answers | Research Methods, Social Cognition, Stress, Self-Theories

This document includes 100+ verified and graded A+ exam questions with correct answers from Social Psychology Exam 1 for the 2025/2026 academic year. It offers comprehensive insight into foundational concepts in social psychology, emphasizing the interaction between cognitive processes and social influence, while connecting biological, cultural, and personality factors that shape human behavior. Key covered areas include: Foundations of Social Psychology: definitions, comparisons to sociology, and distinctions from related fields like clinical or cognitive psychology Scientific Method and Research Design: experimental, descriptive, and correlational research; variables (independent, dependent); operational definitions; confederates in experiments Social Neuroscience: brain structures (prefrontal cortex, limbic system), neurotransmission, brain plasticity, dualism, social brain hypothesis, embodied and enclothed cognition Social Cognition: schemas, heuristics (availability, representativeness, anchoring), motivated reasoning, confirmation bias, belief perseverance The Self: self-concept, self-schema, actual vs. ideal vs. ought self (Self-Discrepancy Theory), social comparisons (upward, downward), self-handicapping, self-monitoring, impression management Stress Appraisal: primary and secondary appraisal (Folkman & Lazarus model), coping mechanisms, and emotional impact of stress This study guide is especially beneficial for students in: Introductory or Intermediate Social Psychology (PSY 240 or equivalent) Behavioral Sciences and Neuroscience tracks Pre-med, Counseling, and Education programs with psych components Preparation for AP Psychology or CLEP exams Presented in a precise Q&A format, this resource connects psychological theory with real-world applications, improving memory recall and critical thinking for assessments. Keywords: social psychology, research methods, experimental design, independent variable, operational definition, social neuroscience, brain plasticity, heuristics, schemas, social cognition, self-schema, impression management, stress appraisal, Lazarus, dualism, embodied cognition, belief perseverance, confirmation bias, self-concept, downward comparison, PSY 240