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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
A psychology researcher wants to determine whether a newly
developed study technique causes students to perform better on an
examination. The researcher randomly assigns participants to either use
the new technique or continue using their normal study method and
then compares their examination scores. Which variable is the
dependent variable in this study?
A. The students' previous grade-point averages
B. The study technique assigned to each participant
C. The examination scores obtained by the participants
D. The amount of time each student spends attending class
Answer: C
A researcher proposes that students who sleep at least eight hours
before an examination will obtain higher test scores than students who
sleep fewer than six hours. Which characteristic makes this statement a
hypothesis rather than merely a general research question?
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A. It provides a specific and testable prediction about a relationship
between variables
B. It guarantees that the research results will support the researcher's
expectations
C. It describes a psychological theory that cannot be tested
experimentally
D. It eliminates the need for researchers to collect empirical evidence
Answer: A
A psychologist wants to study whether social media use is associated
with loneliness among college students. The researcher collects
information about the number of hours students spend using social
media and their scores on a loneliness questionnaire but does not
manipulate either variable. Which research method is MOST
appropriate?
A. Correlational research
B. Naturalistic observation with experimental manipulation
C. Double-blind experimentation
D. Case study with random assignment
Answer: A
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A researcher observes children interacting on a playground without
interfering with their activities or telling them how to behave. The
researcher carefully records the children's behaviors as they naturally
occur. Which method is being used?
A. Survey research
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Experimental research
D. Meta-analysis
Answer: B
A researcher discovers that students who spend more time exercising
tend to report lower levels of stress. Which conclusion is scientifically
justified based solely on this correlational finding?
A. Exercise definitely causes students to experience less stress
B. Lower stress always causes people to exercise more
C. Exercise and reported stress levels are associated, but causation
cannot be established from correlation alone
D. The relationship proves that every student benefits equally from
exercise
Answer: C
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Which ethical principle requires psychological researchers to explain
relevant aspects of a study to participants and obtain their voluntary
agreement before participation?
A. Debriefing
B. Informed consent
C. Random assignment
D. Confidentiality
Answer: B
A psychologist studying behavior wants to understand how activity in
the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetic factors contribute
to behavior. Which psychological perspective would place the GREATEST
emphasis on these biological processes?
A. Humanistic perspective
B. Sociocultural perspective
C. Biological perspective
D. Psychodynamic perspective
Answer: C
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
A psychology researcher wants to determine whether a newly
developed study technique causes students to perform better on an
examination. The researcher randomly assigns participants to either use
the new technique or continue using their normal study method and
then compares their examination scores. Which variable is the
dependent variable in this study?
A. The students' previous grade-point averages
B. The study technique assigned to each participant
C. The examination scores obtained by the participants
D. The amount of time each student spends attending class
Answer: C
A researcher proposes that students who sleep at least eight hours
before an examination will obtain higher test scores than students who
sleep fewer than six hours. Which characteristic makes this statement a
hypothesis rather than merely a general research question?
,2|Page
A. It provides a specific and testable prediction about a relationship
between variables
B. It guarantees that the research results will support the researcher's
expectations
C. It describes a psychological theory that cannot be tested
experimentally
D. It eliminates the need for researchers to collect empirical evidence
Answer: A
A psychologist wants to study whether social media use is associated
with loneliness among college students. The researcher collects
information about the number of hours students spend using social
media and their scores on a loneliness questionnaire but does not
manipulate either variable. Which research method is MOST
appropriate?
A. Correlational research
B. Naturalistic observation with experimental manipulation
C. Double-blind experimentation
D. Case study with random assignment
Answer: A
,3|Page
A researcher observes children interacting on a playground without
interfering with their activities or telling them how to behave. The
researcher carefully records the children's behaviors as they naturally
occur. Which method is being used?
A. Survey research
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Experimental research
D. Meta-analysis
Answer: B
A researcher discovers that students who spend more time exercising
tend to report lower levels of stress. Which conclusion is scientifically
justified based solely on this correlational finding?
A. Exercise definitely causes students to experience less stress
B. Lower stress always causes people to exercise more
C. Exercise and reported stress levels are associated, but causation
cannot be established from correlation alone
D. The relationship proves that every student benefits equally from
exercise
Answer: C
, 4|Page
Which ethical principle requires psychological researchers to explain
relevant aspects of a study to participants and obtain their voluntary
agreement before participation?
A. Debriefing
B. Informed consent
C. Random assignment
D. Confidentiality
Answer: B
A psychologist studying behavior wants to understand how activity in
the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetic factors contribute
to behavior. Which psychological perspective would place the GREATEST
emphasis on these biological processes?
A. Humanistic perspective
B. Sociocultural perspective
C. Biological perspective
D. Psychodynamic perspective
Answer: C
