Psychology Comprehensive Exam: Questions and
Answers
Instructions: This exam consists of 10 sections, each containing a mix of multiple-choice,
short-answer, and essay questions designed for moderate to very advanced students. Answer
all questions to the best of your ability. Use precise terminology and provide detailed
explanations where required.
Section 1: Cognitive Psychology
1. (5 points) Describe the multi-store model of memory proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin.
Include its components, their functions, and one limitation.
2. (3 points) Which of the following is NOT a level in the Levels of Processing theory by
Craik and Lockhart?
A. Structural processing
B. Phonemic processing
C. Semantic processing
D. Episodic processing
Section 2: Developmental Psychology
1. (4 points) Explain Piagets stages of cognitive development, focusing on the formal opera-
tional stage and its implications for adolescent cognition.
2. (2 points) True or False: According to Erikson, the primary developmental crisis in ado-
lescence is identity vs. role confusion.
Section 3: Social Psychology
1. (6 points) Discuss the concept of cognitive dissonance, including an example and its im-
plications for attitude change.
2. (3 points) What is the bystander effect, and what factors influence its occurrence?
1
Answers
Instructions: This exam consists of 10 sections, each containing a mix of multiple-choice,
short-answer, and essay questions designed for moderate to very advanced students. Answer
all questions to the best of your ability. Use precise terminology and provide detailed
explanations where required.
Section 1: Cognitive Psychology
1. (5 points) Describe the multi-store model of memory proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin.
Include its components, their functions, and one limitation.
2. (3 points) Which of the following is NOT a level in the Levels of Processing theory by
Craik and Lockhart?
A. Structural processing
B. Phonemic processing
C. Semantic processing
D. Episodic processing
Section 2: Developmental Psychology
1. (4 points) Explain Piagets stages of cognitive development, focusing on the formal opera-
tional stage and its implications for adolescent cognition.
2. (2 points) True or False: According to Erikson, the primary developmental crisis in ado-
lescence is identity vs. role confusion.
Section 3: Social Psychology
1. (6 points) Discuss the concept of cognitive dissonance, including an example and its im-
plications for attitude change.
2. (3 points) What is the bystander effect, and what factors influence its occurrence?
1
