WGU C180 STUDY GUIDE EXAM
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS.
What do psychologists study? - ANS • Biological Foundations
• Mental Life
• Change
• Self and Others
• Potential and Dysfunction
What is the scientific method and how is it applied to psychological research? - ANS The
scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists use to conduct
research. In addition to requiring that science is verifiable, the scientific method demands that
procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? - ANS A specific and falsifiable prediction about the
relationship between two or more variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. - ANS An operational definition refers
to a precise statement of how a conceptual variable ( abstract idea that form the basis of
research hypotheses ) which is turned into a measured variable ( varialbes consisting of
numbers that represent the conceptual variables )
(Conceptual Variable) Depression - (operational definition) Number of negative words used in a
creative story; number of appointments made with a psychotherapist
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological research? - ANS These are needed
with psychological research is the prevent physical and/or emotional harm to the participants.
What are the various research methods in the field of psychology? - ANS Descriptive
Research
Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? - ANS research designed to provide a snapshot of the current
state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research - ANS research designed to discover relationships among
variables and to allow the prediction of future events from present knowledge.
What is Experimental Research - ANS research in which there is a random assignment of
research participants into two groups. This is followed by a manipulation of a given experience
for one group while the other is not manipulated. One group is the experimental group that
receives the manipulation. The other group is the control group that does not. The two groups
are then compared to determine the influence of the manipulation.
What is the relationship between a population and a sample? - ANS The people chosen to
participate in the research, called a sample, are selected to be representative of all the people
that the researcher wishes to know about, called the population. "Sampling is the process of
selecting a representative group from the population under study. The target population is the
total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn. A sample is the group of
people who take part in the investigation. The people who take part are referred to as
"participants"."
Independent Variable - ANS The variable in an experiment that is manipulated or compared
Dependent Variable - ANS The variable in an experiment that is measured; the outcome of an
experiment
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Control Group - ANS The group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive the
independent variable
Experimental Group - ANS EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group receiving the independent
variable
What does a correlational research design examine? Provide an example. - ANS research
designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the prediction of future events
from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative correlation. - ANS Correlational-To assess the
relationships between and among two or more variables.
Postiive - As children age they get better at math
Negative - Age of a child and the number of diapers they use "Negative correlation, the
variables move in inverse, or opposite, directions. As one variable increases, the other variable
decreases. For example, there is a negative correlation between self-esteem and depression.
Positive correlation is when there is an increase in one variable it is associated with an increase
in another variable. For example: with height and weight, taller people tend to be heavier."
What are the differences in interpretations of correlational and experimental designs? -
ANS In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occurring
variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then
monitors its effects.
"An experiment isolates and manipulates the independent variable to observe its effect on the
dependent variable, and controls the environment in order that extraneous variables may be
eliminated. Experiments establish cause and effect. A correlation identifies variables and looks
for a relationship between them."
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural communication? - ANS Cell Body
(Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
Cell Body (Soma) - ANS contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the cell alive
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Dendrites - ANS a branching, treelike fiber which collects information from other cells and
sends the information to the soma
Axon - ANS a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away from the cell body
toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath - ANS Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? - ANS Neurochemical messengers
that are released by terminal buttons when an action potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric Acid), Glutamate,
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) - ANS Used in spinal cord to simulate muscle
contractions and in brain to regulate memory, sleeping and dreaming. Undersupply associated
with Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine - ANS Used as brains reward system. Involved in movement,
motivation, and emotion. Used in learning. Increase = Schizophrenia. Under supply = Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins - ANS Released in response to behaviors such as exercise,
orgasm, and eating. Nataural pain reliever. Creates a runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) - ANS Major inhibitory
neurotransmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety, keeps us calm. Too little GABA can
lead to anxiety.
Neurotransmitter: Glutamate - ANS cause overstimulation, migraines, and seizures. Most
common neurotransmitter.
Neurotransmitter: Serotonin - ANS Involved in mood, appetite, sleep and aggression. Low
levels associated with depressions.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS.
What do psychologists study? - ANS • Biological Foundations
• Mental Life
• Change
• Self and Others
• Potential and Dysfunction
What is the scientific method and how is it applied to psychological research? - ANS The
scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists use to conduct
research. In addition to requiring that science is verifiable, the scientific method demands that
procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? - ANS A specific and falsifiable prediction about the
relationship between two or more variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. - ANS An operational definition refers
to a precise statement of how a conceptual variable ( abstract idea that form the basis of
research hypotheses ) which is turned into a measured variable ( varialbes consisting of
numbers that represent the conceptual variables )
(Conceptual Variable) Depression - (operational definition) Number of negative words used in a
creative story; number of appointments made with a psychotherapist
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological research? - ANS These are needed
with psychological research is the prevent physical and/or emotional harm to the participants.
What are the various research methods in the field of psychology? - ANS Descriptive
Research
Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? - ANS research designed to provide a snapshot of the current
state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research - ANS research designed to discover relationships among
variables and to allow the prediction of future events from present knowledge.
What is Experimental Research - ANS research in which there is a random assignment of
research participants into two groups. This is followed by a manipulation of a given experience
for one group while the other is not manipulated. One group is the experimental group that
receives the manipulation. The other group is the control group that does not. The two groups
are then compared to determine the influence of the manipulation.
What is the relationship between a population and a sample? - ANS The people chosen to
participate in the research, called a sample, are selected to be representative of all the people
that the researcher wishes to know about, called the population. "Sampling is the process of
selecting a representative group from the population under study. The target population is the
total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn. A sample is the group of
people who take part in the investigation. The people who take part are referred to as
"participants"."
Independent Variable - ANS The variable in an experiment that is manipulated or compared
Dependent Variable - ANS The variable in an experiment that is measured; the outcome of an
experiment
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Control Group - ANS The group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive the
independent variable
Experimental Group - ANS EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group receiving the independent
variable
What does a correlational research design examine? Provide an example. - ANS research
designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the prediction of future events
from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative correlation. - ANS Correlational-To assess the
relationships between and among two or more variables.
Postiive - As children age they get better at math
Negative - Age of a child and the number of diapers they use "Negative correlation, the
variables move in inverse, or opposite, directions. As one variable increases, the other variable
decreases. For example, there is a negative correlation between self-esteem and depression.
Positive correlation is when there is an increase in one variable it is associated with an increase
in another variable. For example: with height and weight, taller people tend to be heavier."
What are the differences in interpretations of correlational and experimental designs? -
ANS In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occurring
variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then
monitors its effects.
"An experiment isolates and manipulates the independent variable to observe its effect on the
dependent variable, and controls the environment in order that extraneous variables may be
eliminated. Experiments establish cause and effect. A correlation identifies variables and looks
for a relationship between them."
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural communication? - ANS Cell Body
(Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
Cell Body (Soma) - ANS contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the cell alive
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Dendrites - ANS a branching, treelike fiber which collects information from other cells and
sends the information to the soma
Axon - ANS a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away from the cell body
toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath - ANS Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? - ANS Neurochemical messengers
that are released by terminal buttons when an action potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric Acid), Glutamate,
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) - ANS Used in spinal cord to simulate muscle
contractions and in brain to regulate memory, sleeping and dreaming. Undersupply associated
with Alzheimer's disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine - ANS Used as brains reward system. Involved in movement,
motivation, and emotion. Used in learning. Increase = Schizophrenia. Under supply = Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins - ANS Released in response to behaviors such as exercise,
orgasm, and eating. Nataural pain reliever. Creates a runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) - ANS Major inhibitory
neurotransmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety, keeps us calm. Too little GABA can
lead to anxiety.
Neurotransmitter: Glutamate - ANS cause overstimulation, migraines, and seizures. Most
common neurotransmitter.
Neurotransmitter: Serotonin - ANS Involved in mood, appetite, sleep and aggression. Low
levels associated with depressions.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
