Psychology Test Bank
Comprehensive Exam Questions
This test bank provides 30 questions covering foundational psychology topics, includ-
ing research methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes, developmental stages,
social influences, and abnormal psychology. Questions are designed for university-level
exams, with multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer formats to test comprehension,
application, and critical thinking.
1 The Research Enterprise in Psychology
This section assesses understanding of psychological research design, ethics, and statistical
principles.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What is the primary purpose of random assignment in an experiment?
a) To ensure participants are unaware of the hypothesis
b) To balance participant characteristics across groups
c) To eliminate the need for a control group
d) To increase the sample size
Answer: b
2. Which research method is best suited for studying cause-and-effect re-
lationships?
a) Correlational study
b) Case study
c) Experimental study
d) Survey
Answer: c
3. A researcher uses a double-blind procedure to reduce:
a) Sampling bias
b) Experimenter bias
c) Response bias
d) Confounding variables
Answer: b
4. Which statistical measure indicates the strength of a relationship be-
tween two variables?
a) Mean
b) Median
c) Correlation coefficient
d) Standard deviation
Answer: c
5. Informed consent in psychological research ensures participants:
a) Are paid for their participation
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b) Understand the studys purpose and risks
c) Are randomly assigned to groups
d) Remain anonymous throughout the study
Answer: b
1.2 True/False Questions
1. Correlational studies can establish causation.
Answer: False
2. A placebo effect occurs when participants expectations influence their
behavior.
Answer: True
1.3 Short-Answer Question
1. Explain the difference between reliability and validity in psychological
research, providing an example of each.
Suggested Answer: Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, e.g., a
personality test yielding similar results when taken twice. Validity refers to the
accuracy of a measure, e.g., a test measuring intelligence actually assessing cognitive
ability, not mood.
2 Biological Foundations of Behavior
This section covers the nervous system, brain structures, and genetic influences on be-
havior.
2.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating hunger and
thirst?
a) Amygdala
b) Hypothalamus
c) Cerebellum
d) Prefrontal cortex
Answer: b
2. The neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation is:
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) Acetylcholine
d) GABA
Answer: b
3. Which part of the neuron carries signals away from the cell body?
a) Dendrite
b) Axon
c) Soma
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