ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGICAL
PRINCIPLES (PSY 102) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
1. In Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, which concept describes the process of
modifying existing schemas to incorporate new information that does not fit current
structures?
A. Assimilation
B. Accommodation
C. Equilibration
D. Object Permanence
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Accommodation occurs when a person changes their existing
mental structures (schemas) to provide a better fit for new experiences, whereas
assimilation involves fitting new info into existing schemas.
2. According to Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, an individual who makes
decisions based on self-chosen ethical principles and universal justice is at which level?
A. Pre-conventional Level
,B. Post-conventional Level
C. Conventional Level
D. Concrete Operational Level
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The post-conventional level is characterized by an internal
moral code that may supersede social laws, focusing on universal human rights and justice.
3. Which defense mechanism involves redirecting unacceptable id impulses into socially
acceptable, even admirable, behaviors?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Rationalization
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sublimation is considered a mature defense mechanism where
primitive impulses, like aggression, are channeled into productive activities like sports or
art.
4. In the ‘Big Five’ personality model, a person who is highly organized, dependable, and
disciplined would score high in which trait?
A. Openness to Experience
, B. Agreeableness
C. Extraversion
D. Conscientiousness
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Conscientiousness reflects a person’s level of self-discipline,
organization, and drive for achievement.
5. The ‘Fundamental Attribution Error’ refers to our tendency to overestimate the influence
of _____ and underestimate the influence of _____ when explaining others’ behavior.
A. Situational factors; dispositional factors
B. Dispositional factors; situational factors
C. External causes; internal causes
D. Environmental cues; personality traits
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: We tend to blame a person’s personality (disposition) for their
actions while ignoring the external context (situation) they are in.
6. In Stanley Milgram’s famous obedience studies, what was the primary finding regarding
the behavior of participants?
A. Most people are inherently sadistic.
B. Participants only obeyed when the victim was in the same room.
PRINCIPLES (PSY 102) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
1. In Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, which concept describes the process of
modifying existing schemas to incorporate new information that does not fit current
structures?
A. Assimilation
B. Accommodation
C. Equilibration
D. Object Permanence
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Accommodation occurs when a person changes their existing
mental structures (schemas) to provide a better fit for new experiences, whereas
assimilation involves fitting new info into existing schemas.
2. According to Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, an individual who makes
decisions based on self-chosen ethical principles and universal justice is at which level?
A. Pre-conventional Level
,B. Post-conventional Level
C. Conventional Level
D. Concrete Operational Level
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The post-conventional level is characterized by an internal
moral code that may supersede social laws, focusing on universal human rights and justice.
3. Which defense mechanism involves redirecting unacceptable id impulses into socially
acceptable, even admirable, behaviors?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Rationalization
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sublimation is considered a mature defense mechanism where
primitive impulses, like aggression, are channeled into productive activities like sports or
art.
4. In the ‘Big Five’ personality model, a person who is highly organized, dependable, and
disciplined would score high in which trait?
A. Openness to Experience
, B. Agreeableness
C. Extraversion
D. Conscientiousness
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Conscientiousness reflects a person’s level of self-discipline,
organization, and drive for achievement.
5. The ‘Fundamental Attribution Error’ refers to our tendency to overestimate the influence
of _____ and underestimate the influence of _____ when explaining others’ behavior.
A. Situational factors; dispositional factors
B. Dispositional factors; situational factors
C. External causes; internal causes
D. Environmental cues; personality traits
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: We tend to blame a person’s personality (disposition) for their
actions while ignoring the external context (situation) they are in.
6. In Stanley Milgram’s famous obedience studies, what was the primary finding regarding
the behavior of participants?
A. Most people are inherently sadistic.
B. Participants only obeyed when the victim was in the same room.
