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WGU C180 EXAM / INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY /
WGU C180 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY OBJECTIVE
ASSESSMENT (OA) ACTUAL 2026/2027 COMPLETE
ACCURATE EXAM APPROVED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
VERIFIED ANSWERS (DETAILED ANSWERS) LATEST
UPDATED VERSION
1. A researcher wants to investigate whether exposure to daily physical
exercise is associated with students' reported stress levels. The
researcher collects information from a large group of students without
manipulating their exercise habits and then examines whether the two
variables are statistically related. Which research method is most
appropriate for this investigation?
A. Experimental research
B. Correlational research
C. Case-study research
D. Naturalistic observation
Answer: B. Correlational research
2. A psychologist wants to determine whether a new study technique
actually causes an improvement in examination performance. Students
are randomly assigned to either use the new technique or continue
with their usual study method, and their examination scores are
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subsequently compared. What feature of this research allows the
psychologist to make a stronger causal conclusion?
A. Random assignment to experimental conditions
B. Use of a large population without a comparison group
C. Participants' knowledge of which treatment they received
D. Measurement of only one variable after the examination
Answer: A. Random assignment to experimental conditions
3. A psychologist observes children playing on a playground without
interfering with their activities and records how frequently the children
cooperate, argue, or share toys. Which research approach is being
demonstrated?
A. Experimental manipulation
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Double-blind experimentation
D. Clinical interviewing
Answer: B. Naturalistic observation
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4. A researcher develops a hypothesis stating that students who
regularly obtain adequate sleep will demonstrate better attention
during morning classes. Before collecting data, the researcher defines
exactly how “adequate sleep” and “attention” will be measured. What
is the primary purpose of these operational definitions?
A. To eliminate the need for a hypothesis
B. To define abstract concepts in specific, measurable ways
C. To guarantee that the results support the hypothesis
D. To prevent other researchers from repeating the study
Answer: B. To define abstract concepts in specific, measurable ways
5. A study produces a correlation coefficient of +0.82 between the
number of hours students exercise each week and their reported
physical well-being. What does this result indicate?
A. Exercise definitely causes improved physical well-being.
B. There is a strong positive relationship between the two variables.
C. There is a strong negative relationship between the two variables.
D. There is essentially no relationship between the two variables.
Answer: B. There is a strong positive relationship between the two
variables.
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6. A psychologist explains why two people can experience the same
stressful event but respond differently because of differences in
genetics, previous experiences, thinking patterns, and environmental
circumstances. Which perspective best reflects this explanation?
A. Biological perspective
B. Psychodynamic perspective
C. Behavioral perspective
D. Biopsychosocial perspective
Answer: D. Biopsychosocial perspective
7. A researcher is studying how neurons communicate and wants to
understand the role of chemical substances released by neurons during
communication. Which statement best describes neurotransmitters?
A. They are electrical impulses that permanently alter brain structure.
B. They are chemical messengers that transmit signals between
neurons.
C. They are hormones produced exclusively by the spinal cord.
D. They prevent neurons from communicating with neighboring cells.
WGU C180 EXAM / INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY /
WGU C180 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY OBJECTIVE
ASSESSMENT (OA) ACTUAL 2026/2027 COMPLETE
ACCURATE EXAM APPROVED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
VERIFIED ANSWERS (DETAILED ANSWERS) LATEST
UPDATED VERSION
1. A researcher wants to investigate whether exposure to daily physical
exercise is associated with students' reported stress levels. The
researcher collects information from a large group of students without
manipulating their exercise habits and then examines whether the two
variables are statistically related. Which research method is most
appropriate for this investigation?
A. Experimental research
B. Correlational research
C. Case-study research
D. Naturalistic observation
Answer: B. Correlational research
2. A psychologist wants to determine whether a new study technique
actually causes an improvement in examination performance. Students
are randomly assigned to either use the new technique or continue
with their usual study method, and their examination scores are
,2|Page
subsequently compared. What feature of this research allows the
psychologist to make a stronger causal conclusion?
A. Random assignment to experimental conditions
B. Use of a large population without a comparison group
C. Participants' knowledge of which treatment they received
D. Measurement of only one variable after the examination
Answer: A. Random assignment to experimental conditions
3. A psychologist observes children playing on a playground without
interfering with their activities and records how frequently the children
cooperate, argue, or share toys. Which research approach is being
demonstrated?
A. Experimental manipulation
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Double-blind experimentation
D. Clinical interviewing
Answer: B. Naturalistic observation
,3|Page
4. A researcher develops a hypothesis stating that students who
regularly obtain adequate sleep will demonstrate better attention
during morning classes. Before collecting data, the researcher defines
exactly how “adequate sleep” and “attention” will be measured. What
is the primary purpose of these operational definitions?
A. To eliminate the need for a hypothesis
B. To define abstract concepts in specific, measurable ways
C. To guarantee that the results support the hypothesis
D. To prevent other researchers from repeating the study
Answer: B. To define abstract concepts in specific, measurable ways
5. A study produces a correlation coefficient of +0.82 between the
number of hours students exercise each week and their reported
physical well-being. What does this result indicate?
A. Exercise definitely causes improved physical well-being.
B. There is a strong positive relationship between the two variables.
C. There is a strong negative relationship between the two variables.
D. There is essentially no relationship between the two variables.
Answer: B. There is a strong positive relationship between the two
variables.
, 4|Page
6. A psychologist explains why two people can experience the same
stressful event but respond differently because of differences in
genetics, previous experiences, thinking patterns, and environmental
circumstances. Which perspective best reflects this explanation?
A. Biological perspective
B. Psychodynamic perspective
C. Behavioral perspective
D. Biopsychosocial perspective
Answer: D. Biopsychosocial perspective
7. A researcher is studying how neurons communicate and wants to
understand the role of chemical substances released by neurons during
communication. Which statement best describes neurotransmitters?
A. They are electrical impulses that permanently alter brain structure.
B. They are chemical messengers that transmit signals between
neurons.
C. They are hormones produced exclusively by the spinal cord.
D. They prevent neurons from communicating with neighboring cells.
