PSYC 101 Final Exam V2 | PSYC 101 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Final Exam) | Portage Learning
1. Which school of psychological thought, led by Wilhelm Wundt, aimed to identify the basic
elements of conscious experience through introspection?
A. Functionalism
B. Cognitivism
C. Behaviorism
D. Structuralism
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Structuralism was the earliest school of psychology and focused on breaking
down mental processes into their most fundamental components. Wilhelm Wundt utilized
introspection to observe and report on inner thoughts and sensations. This approach
established psychology as a formal science distinct from philosophy and biology.
2. A researcher is interested in studying a rare brain injury and tracks a single individual’s
progress over several years. Which research method is being utilized?
A. Naturalistic Observation
B. Experimental Design
C. Case Study
,D. Survey Method
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A case study involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual or a
small group. This method is particularly useful for studying rare conditions or unique
phenomena that cannot be ethically replicated in an experiment. However, the findings
from a case study often lack generalizability to the broader population.
3. Which of the following are primary functions or characteristics associated with the
hypothalamus? Select all that apply.
A. Regulation of hunger and thirst
B. Maintenance of body temperature
C. Storage of long-term memories
D. Control of the autonomic nervous system
E. Modulation of the endocrine system via the pituitary gland
F. Processing of auditory information
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: The hypothalamus is a critical structure for maintaining homeostasis within
the human body. It regulates vital functions such as eating, drinking, and thermal
regulation while also governing the pituitary gland’s hormonal releases. While the
,hippocampus handles memory and the temporal lobe handles audition, the hypothalamus
remains the primary center for biological drives.
4. During an action potential, which of the following events occurs as the neuron’s membrane
potential reaches its peak?
A. Sodium channels open widely
B. Potassium enters the cell
C. The cell becomes hyperpolarized
D. Sodium channels close and potassium channels open
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: At the peak of the action potential, the voltage-gated sodium channels
become inactivated to prevent further influx. Simultaneously, potassium channels open to
allow potassium ions to exit the cell, beginning the process of repolarization. This rapid
shift in ion concentration is essential for the propagation of the electrical signal down the
axon.
5. Which branch of the nervous system is responsible for returning the body to a state of
homeostasis after a stressful event, often called ‘rest and digest’?
A. Sympathetic Nervous System
B. Parasympathetic Nervous System
C. Somatic Nervous System
, D. Central Nervous System
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The parasympathetic nervous system acts as a counterbalance to the
sympathetic nervous system’s ‘fight or flight’ response. It slows the heart rate, decreases
blood pressure, and stimulates digestive processes to conserve energy. This division is vital
for recovery and long-term maintenance of physiological health.
6. Damage to the Amygdala is most likely to result in which of the following impairments?
A. Inability to form new declarative memories
B. Loss of fine motor coordination
C. Difficulty processing and responding to emotional stimuli, particularly fear
D. Total blindness despite healthy eyes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The amygdala is a key component of the limbic system involved in emotional
processing and the formation of emotional memories. Individuals with damage to this area
often show a marked decrease in fear responses and difficulty recognizing facial
expressions of emotion. It plays a central role in how we perceive threats and navigate
social interactions.
7. Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing visual
information?
A. Occipital Lobe
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Final Exam) | Portage Learning
1. Which school of psychological thought, led by Wilhelm Wundt, aimed to identify the basic
elements of conscious experience through introspection?
A. Functionalism
B. Cognitivism
C. Behaviorism
D. Structuralism
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Structuralism was the earliest school of psychology and focused on breaking
down mental processes into their most fundamental components. Wilhelm Wundt utilized
introspection to observe and report on inner thoughts and sensations. This approach
established psychology as a formal science distinct from philosophy and biology.
2. A researcher is interested in studying a rare brain injury and tracks a single individual’s
progress over several years. Which research method is being utilized?
A. Naturalistic Observation
B. Experimental Design
C. Case Study
,D. Survey Method
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A case study involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual or a
small group. This method is particularly useful for studying rare conditions or unique
phenomena that cannot be ethically replicated in an experiment. However, the findings
from a case study often lack generalizability to the broader population.
3. Which of the following are primary functions or characteristics associated with the
hypothalamus? Select all that apply.
A. Regulation of hunger and thirst
B. Maintenance of body temperature
C. Storage of long-term memories
D. Control of the autonomic nervous system
E. Modulation of the endocrine system via the pituitary gland
F. Processing of auditory information
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: The hypothalamus is a critical structure for maintaining homeostasis within
the human body. It regulates vital functions such as eating, drinking, and thermal
regulation while also governing the pituitary gland’s hormonal releases. While the
,hippocampus handles memory and the temporal lobe handles audition, the hypothalamus
remains the primary center for biological drives.
4. During an action potential, which of the following events occurs as the neuron’s membrane
potential reaches its peak?
A. Sodium channels open widely
B. Potassium enters the cell
C. The cell becomes hyperpolarized
D. Sodium channels close and potassium channels open
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: At the peak of the action potential, the voltage-gated sodium channels
become inactivated to prevent further influx. Simultaneously, potassium channels open to
allow potassium ions to exit the cell, beginning the process of repolarization. This rapid
shift in ion concentration is essential for the propagation of the electrical signal down the
axon.
5. Which branch of the nervous system is responsible for returning the body to a state of
homeostasis after a stressful event, often called ‘rest and digest’?
A. Sympathetic Nervous System
B. Parasympathetic Nervous System
C. Somatic Nervous System
, D. Central Nervous System
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The parasympathetic nervous system acts as a counterbalance to the
sympathetic nervous system’s ‘fight or flight’ response. It slows the heart rate, decreases
blood pressure, and stimulates digestive processes to conserve energy. This division is vital
for recovery and long-term maintenance of physiological health.
6. Damage to the Amygdala is most likely to result in which of the following impairments?
A. Inability to form new declarative memories
B. Loss of fine motor coordination
C. Difficulty processing and responding to emotional stimuli, particularly fear
D. Total blindness despite healthy eyes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The amygdala is a key component of the limbic system involved in emotional
processing and the formation of emotional memories. Individuals with damage to this area
often show a marked decrease in fear responses and difficulty recognizing facial
expressions of emotion. It plays a central role in how we perceive threats and navigate
social interactions.
7. Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing visual
information?
A. Occipital Lobe
