PSY 102 Final Exam V3 | PSY 102 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(PSY102 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which of the following figures is historically associated with the development of
Functionalism, focusing on how mental activities helped an organism fit into its environment?
A. Wilhelm Wundt
B. John B. Watson
C. Sigmund Freud
D. William James
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: William James was the first American psychologist who espoused a different
perspective on how psychology should operate, known as functionalism. Functionalism
focused on how mental activities served as adaptive responses to an organism’s
environment. This approach was heavily influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of
evolution by natural selection.
2. Identify the components of a neuron that facilitate the transmission of electrical signals.
(Select All That Apply)
A. Dendrites
,B. Soma (Cell Body)
C. Axon
D. Myelin Sheath
E. Terminal Buttons
F. Synaptic Vesicles
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: Neurons consist of several key structures including dendrites which receive
signals, and the soma which integrates them. The axon acts as the primary conduit for the
electrical impulse, often insulated by the myelin sheath to increase speed. Terminal buttons
finally release neurotransmitters into the synapse to communicate with the next cell.
3. Which branch of the nervous system is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response during
stressful situations?
A. Central Nervous System
B. Sympathetic Nervous System
C. Somatic Nervous System
D. Parasympathetic Nervous System
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is involved in preparing the body for stress-
related activities and functions. It increases heart rate and dilates pupils to prepare the
,organism to face a threat. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is associated
with returning the body to routine, day-to-day operations.
4. In research methodology, which variable is manipulated by the researcher to determine its
effect on the outcome?
A. Dependent Variable
B. Confounding Variable
C. Independent Variable
D. Control Variable
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The independent variable is the characteristic of a psychology experiment that
is manipulated or changed by researchers. For example, in a study looking at the effects of a
drug, the dosage of the drug would be the independent variable. The dependent variable is
what the researcher measures to see how much effect the independent variable had.
5. According to Jean Piaget, during which stage of cognitive development do children begin to
understand the concept of conservation?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Concrete Operational
C. Preoperational
D. Formal Operational
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The concrete operational stage occurs from approximately 7 to 11 years of age.
During this time, children gain the ability to think logically about concrete events and grasp
the concept of conservation. Conservation is the understanding that even if the appearance
of something changes, its mass, volume, or number remains the same.
6. Which psychological perspective emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all
humans?
A. Behaviorism
B. Psychoanalysis
C. Humanism
D. Cognitivism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Humanism emerged as the ‘third force’ in psychology, reacting against the
deterministic views of psychoanalysis and behaviorism. It focuses on the whole person and
the unique potential for personal growth and self-actualization. Key figures in this
movement include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
7. A researcher finds a correlation coefficient of -0.85 between two variables. How should this
result be interpreted?
A. A weak positive relationship
B. A strong negative relationship
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(PSY102 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which of the following figures is historically associated with the development of
Functionalism, focusing on how mental activities helped an organism fit into its environment?
A. Wilhelm Wundt
B. John B. Watson
C. Sigmund Freud
D. William James
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: William James was the first American psychologist who espoused a different
perspective on how psychology should operate, known as functionalism. Functionalism
focused on how mental activities served as adaptive responses to an organism’s
environment. This approach was heavily influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of
evolution by natural selection.
2. Identify the components of a neuron that facilitate the transmission of electrical signals.
(Select All That Apply)
A. Dendrites
,B. Soma (Cell Body)
C. Axon
D. Myelin Sheath
E. Terminal Buttons
F. Synaptic Vesicles
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: Neurons consist of several key structures including dendrites which receive
signals, and the soma which integrates them. The axon acts as the primary conduit for the
electrical impulse, often insulated by the myelin sheath to increase speed. Terminal buttons
finally release neurotransmitters into the synapse to communicate with the next cell.
3. Which branch of the nervous system is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response during
stressful situations?
A. Central Nervous System
B. Sympathetic Nervous System
C. Somatic Nervous System
D. Parasympathetic Nervous System
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is involved in preparing the body for stress-
related activities and functions. It increases heart rate and dilates pupils to prepare the
,organism to face a threat. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is associated
with returning the body to routine, day-to-day operations.
4. In research methodology, which variable is manipulated by the researcher to determine its
effect on the outcome?
A. Dependent Variable
B. Confounding Variable
C. Independent Variable
D. Control Variable
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The independent variable is the characteristic of a psychology experiment that
is manipulated or changed by researchers. For example, in a study looking at the effects of a
drug, the dosage of the drug would be the independent variable. The dependent variable is
what the researcher measures to see how much effect the independent variable had.
5. According to Jean Piaget, during which stage of cognitive development do children begin to
understand the concept of conservation?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Concrete Operational
C. Preoperational
D. Formal Operational
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The concrete operational stage occurs from approximately 7 to 11 years of age.
During this time, children gain the ability to think logically about concrete events and grasp
the concept of conservation. Conservation is the understanding that even if the appearance
of something changes, its mass, volume, or number remains the same.
6. Which psychological perspective emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all
humans?
A. Behaviorism
B. Psychoanalysis
C. Humanism
D. Cognitivism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Humanism emerged as the ‘third force’ in psychology, reacting against the
deterministic views of psychoanalysis and behaviorism. It focuses on the whole person and
the unique potential for personal growth and self-actualization. Key figures in this
movement include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
7. A researcher finds a correlation coefficient of -0.85 between two variables. How should this
result be interpreted?
A. A weak positive relationship
B. A strong negative relationship
