WGU C180 INTRODUCTION TO
PSYCHOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which research method is most appropriate for studying rare psychological phenomena in
depth, such as a unique brain injury?
A. Case study
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Correlational study
D. Experimental design
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Case studies involve an intensive investigation of an individual
or a small group, making them ideal for rare conditions that cannot be replicated ethically
in a lab.
2. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?
A. To increase the speed of electrical impulse transmission
,B. To provide structural support to the cell body
C. To store neurotransmitters before release
D. To absorb excess potassium ions during repolarization
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates the axon,
allowing the action potential to jump between nodes of Ranvier, significantly increasing
signal speed.
3. Which branch of the nervous system is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Parasympathetic nervous system
B. Sympathetic nervous system
C. Central nervous system
D. Somatic nervous system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system mobilizes the body’s resources
for emergencies, increasing heart rate and respiration.
4. In the context of sensation, the ‘absolute threshold’ is defined as the minimum intensity
needed to detect a stimulus what percentage of the time?
A. 50%
B. 25%
, C. 75%
D. 100%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Psychophysicists define the absolute threshold as the point
where a stimulus is detected 50% of the time it is presented.
5. According to Signal Detection Theory, a ‘false alarm’ occurs when:
A. A signal is present but not detected
B. No signal is present but the observer reports one
C. A signal is present and correctly detected
D. No signal is present and the observer reports none
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A false alarm happens when an individual perceives a stimulus
(signal) that did not actually occur, often due to high expectations or noise.
6. Which sleep disorder is characterized by uncontrollable ‘sleep attacks’ directly into REM
sleep?
A. Narcolepsy
B. Insomnia
C. Sleep apnea
PSYCHOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which research method is most appropriate for studying rare psychological phenomena in
depth, such as a unique brain injury?
A. Case study
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Correlational study
D. Experimental design
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Case studies involve an intensive investigation of an individual
or a small group, making them ideal for rare conditions that cannot be replicated ethically
in a lab.
2. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?
A. To increase the speed of electrical impulse transmission
,B. To provide structural support to the cell body
C. To store neurotransmitters before release
D. To absorb excess potassium ions during repolarization
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates the axon,
allowing the action potential to jump between nodes of Ranvier, significantly increasing
signal speed.
3. Which branch of the nervous system is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Parasympathetic nervous system
B. Sympathetic nervous system
C. Central nervous system
D. Somatic nervous system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system mobilizes the body’s resources
for emergencies, increasing heart rate and respiration.
4. In the context of sensation, the ‘absolute threshold’ is defined as the minimum intensity
needed to detect a stimulus what percentage of the time?
A. 50%
B. 25%
, C. 75%
D. 100%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Psychophysicists define the absolute threshold as the point
where a stimulus is detected 50% of the time it is presented.
5. According to Signal Detection Theory, a ‘false alarm’ occurs when:
A. A signal is present but not detected
B. No signal is present but the observer reports one
C. A signal is present and correctly detected
D. No signal is present and the observer reports none
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A false alarm happens when an individual perceives a stimulus
(signal) that did not actually occur, often due to high expectations or noise.
6. Which sleep disorder is characterized by uncontrollable ‘sleep attacks’ directly into REM
sleep?
A. Narcolepsy
B. Insomnia
C. Sleep apnea
