PSYC 101 Exam 4 V1 | PSYC 101 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 4) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following describes the Fundamental Attribution Error in social psychology?
A. The tendency to overestimate the influence of internal traits and underestimate the
influence of external situations when observing others.
B. The tendency to attribute our own successes to internal factors and failures to external
ones.
C. The belief that people get what they deserve in life because the world is inherently fair.
D. The psychological discomfort felt when holding two conflicting beliefs simultaneously.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE) highlights a specific cognitive bias
where observers focus on personality rather than environmental context. This often leads
to harsh judgments of others’ behaviors without considering situational pressures.
Understanding the FAE is crucial for improving interpersonal communication and empathy
in social settings.
2. Which of the following are diagnostic criteria or common symptoms associated with
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5? (Select All That Apply)
A. Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.
B. Difficulty controlling the worry.
,C. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
D. Irritability and muscle tension.
E. Items A, B, C, and D are correct criteria, while E refers to Social Anxiety Disorder.
F. Specific fear of social performance or evaluation.
Correct Answer: E
Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves a pervasive and persistent state of
worry that is not tied to a specific object or event. The DSM-5 requires at least six months
of symptoms including restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. It is distinct from
phobias or panic disorder due to its chronic, free-floating nature.
3. Solomon Asch’s famous 1951 study was designed to measure which social psychological
phenomenon?
A. Obedience to authority figures.
B. The bystander effect in urban environments.
C. Conformity within a group setting.
D. The impact of social roles on individual behavior.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Asch’s study utilized a line-length task to see if participants would provide an
obviously wrong answer to match the group consensus. The results showed that a
significant portion of participants conformed at least once, highlighting the power of
, normative social influence. This research remains a foundational pillar for understanding
peer pressure and group dynamics.
4. In the context of the Milgram experiment, what percentage of participants administered
the maximum 450-volt shock?
A. Approximately 10%
B. Approximately 33%
C. Approximately 95%
D. Approximately 65%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Stanley Milgram found that roughly two-thirds of participants were willing
to deliver potentially lethal shocks when instructed by an authority figure. This study
demonstrated that ordinary individuals could perform harmful acts under the pressure of
obedience. The findings were controversial but provided deep insight into the
psychological mechanisms of authority and responsibility.
5. Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a mismatch between which of the following?
A. The ego and the superego.
B. Attitudes and behaviors.
C. Self-actualization and current reality.
D. Biological drives and social norms.
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 4) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following describes the Fundamental Attribution Error in social psychology?
A. The tendency to overestimate the influence of internal traits and underestimate the
influence of external situations when observing others.
B. The tendency to attribute our own successes to internal factors and failures to external
ones.
C. The belief that people get what they deserve in life because the world is inherently fair.
D. The psychological discomfort felt when holding two conflicting beliefs simultaneously.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE) highlights a specific cognitive bias
where observers focus on personality rather than environmental context. This often leads
to harsh judgments of others’ behaviors without considering situational pressures.
Understanding the FAE is crucial for improving interpersonal communication and empathy
in social settings.
2. Which of the following are diagnostic criteria or common symptoms associated with
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5? (Select All That Apply)
A. Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.
B. Difficulty controlling the worry.
,C. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
D. Irritability and muscle tension.
E. Items A, B, C, and D are correct criteria, while E refers to Social Anxiety Disorder.
F. Specific fear of social performance or evaluation.
Correct Answer: E
Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves a pervasive and persistent state of
worry that is not tied to a specific object or event. The DSM-5 requires at least six months
of symptoms including restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. It is distinct from
phobias or panic disorder due to its chronic, free-floating nature.
3. Solomon Asch’s famous 1951 study was designed to measure which social psychological
phenomenon?
A. Obedience to authority figures.
B. The bystander effect in urban environments.
C. Conformity within a group setting.
D. The impact of social roles on individual behavior.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Asch’s study utilized a line-length task to see if participants would provide an
obviously wrong answer to match the group consensus. The results showed that a
significant portion of participants conformed at least once, highlighting the power of
, normative social influence. This research remains a foundational pillar for understanding
peer pressure and group dynamics.
4. In the context of the Milgram experiment, what percentage of participants administered
the maximum 450-volt shock?
A. Approximately 10%
B. Approximately 33%
C. Approximately 95%
D. Approximately 65%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Stanley Milgram found that roughly two-thirds of participants were willing
to deliver potentially lethal shocks when instructed by an authority figure. This study
demonstrated that ordinary individuals could perform harmful acts under the pressure of
obedience. The findings were controversial but provided deep insight into the
psychological mechanisms of authority and responsibility.
5. Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a mismatch between which of the following?
A. The ego and the superego.
B. Attitudes and behaviors.
C. Self-actualization and current reality.
D. Biological drives and social norms.
