PYC1501/1502 – Basic Psychology | Assignment 2
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
College of Human Sciences
Department of Psychology
PYC1501/1502
BASIC PSYCHOLOGY
ASSIGNMENT 02
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student Number: [Your Student Number]
Module Code: PYC1501 / PYC1502
Assignment Number: 02
Unique Assignment [Refer to your myUnisa portal]
Number:
Due Date: [Check myUnisa for due date]
Semester: Semester | 2025
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Instructions: Choose the BEST answer for each question. Write the letter of your choice in the
space provided. Each question carries 2 marks. Total: 20 marks.
QUESTION 1 [2 marks]
Which of the following BEST describes psychology as a scientific discipline?
A. The study of the human brain and its neural connections only
B. The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes
C. The philosophical investigation of the mind and consciousness
D. The clinical treatment of psychological disorders
ANSWER:
Answer: B
Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It applies
systematic methods to understand how people think, feel, and behave.
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Page 1 of 11
, PYC1501/1502 – Basic Psychology | Assignment 2
QUESTION 2 [2 marks]
Ivan Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs demonstrated which learning principle?
A. Operant conditioning
B. Observational learning
C. Classical conditioning
D. Insight learning
ANSWER:
Answer: C
Pavlov demonstrated classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus (bell) becomes
associated with an unconditioned stimulus (food) to eventually elicit a conditioned response
(salivation).
QUESTION 3 [2 marks]
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which level must be satisfied FIRST?
A. Safety and security needs
B. Love and belonging needs
C. Physiological needs
D. Self-actualisation
ANSWER:
Answer: C
Physiological needs (food, water, shelter, warmth) form the base of Maslow's hierarchy and
must be met before an individual can pursue higher-order needs.
QUESTION 4 [2 marks]
The part of the brain MOST associated with emotional regulation and memory formation is
the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Limbic system
C. Frontal lobe
D. Corpus callosum
ANSWER:
Answer: B
The limbic system, which includes the hippocampus and amygdala, plays a central role in
processing emotions and forming long-term memories.
QUESTION 5 [2 marks]
Which research method involves the researcher manipulating one variable to observe its
effect on another?
A. Case study
B. Survey method
C. Naturalistic observation
D. Experimental method
ANSWER:
Answer: D
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Page 2 of 11
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
College of Human Sciences
Department of Psychology
PYC1501/1502
BASIC PSYCHOLOGY
ASSIGNMENT 02
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student Number: [Your Student Number]
Module Code: PYC1501 / PYC1502
Assignment Number: 02
Unique Assignment [Refer to your myUnisa portal]
Number:
Due Date: [Check myUnisa for due date]
Semester: Semester | 2025
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Instructions: Choose the BEST answer for each question. Write the letter of your choice in the
space provided. Each question carries 2 marks. Total: 20 marks.
QUESTION 1 [2 marks]
Which of the following BEST describes psychology as a scientific discipline?
A. The study of the human brain and its neural connections only
B. The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes
C. The philosophical investigation of the mind and consciousness
D. The clinical treatment of psychological disorders
ANSWER:
Answer: B
Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It applies
systematic methods to understand how people think, feel, and behave.
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Page 1 of 11
, PYC1501/1502 – Basic Psychology | Assignment 2
QUESTION 2 [2 marks]
Ivan Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs demonstrated which learning principle?
A. Operant conditioning
B. Observational learning
C. Classical conditioning
D. Insight learning
ANSWER:
Answer: C
Pavlov demonstrated classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus (bell) becomes
associated with an unconditioned stimulus (food) to eventually elicit a conditioned response
(salivation).
QUESTION 3 [2 marks]
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which level must be satisfied FIRST?
A. Safety and security needs
B. Love and belonging needs
C. Physiological needs
D. Self-actualisation
ANSWER:
Answer: C
Physiological needs (food, water, shelter, warmth) form the base of Maslow's hierarchy and
must be met before an individual can pursue higher-order needs.
QUESTION 4 [2 marks]
The part of the brain MOST associated with emotional regulation and memory formation is
the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Limbic system
C. Frontal lobe
D. Corpus callosum
ANSWER:
Answer: B
The limbic system, which includes the hippocampus and amygdala, plays a central role in
processing emotions and forming long-term memories.
QUESTION 5 [2 marks]
Which research method involves the researcher manipulating one variable to observe its
effect on another?
A. Case study
B. Survey method
C. Naturalistic observation
D. Experimental method
ANSWER:
Answer: D
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Page 2 of 11
