Psychology Realistic Exam Q&A
Psychology Realistic Exam Q&A
for Students
This realistic exam pack provides 30 questions across key psychology topics: research
methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes, developmental stages, social influ-
ences, and abnormal psychology. Tailored for university students, it includes 20 multiple-
choice, 6 true/false, and 4 short-answer questions with detailed explanations, using prac-
tical scenarios to enhance exam preparation and critical thinking.
1 Research Methods in Psychology
This section tests understanding of experimental methods, ethics, and data analysis
through student-relevant scenarios.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A student researcher tests whether music improves exam scores. What
is the independent variable?
a) Exam scores
b) Music exposure
c) Student motivation
d) Study duration
Answer: b
Explanation: The independent variable is what the researcher manipulatesin this
case, music exposureto observe its effect on exam scores (dependent variable).
2. A study finds a correlation between coffee consumption and alertness.
Can it conclude causation?
a) Yes, if the sample is large
b) No, correlations do not prove causation
c) Yes, if conducted in a lab
d) No, unless participants are randomized
Answer: b
Explanation: Correlation studies show relationships (e.g., coffee and alertness)
but cannot confirm causation due to uncontrolled variables like sleep habits.
3. What ensures participants in a study on study habits are fully informed?
a) Anonymity
b) Debriefing
c) Informed consent
d) Random assignment
Answer: c
Explanation: Informed consent ensures participants understand the studys pur-
pose, risks, and procedures, as required in ethical research like a study habits
experiment.
4. A p-value of 0.02 in a study on stress and grades suggests:
a) A 2% chance of a true effect
1
, Psychology Realistic Exam Q&A
b) Statistical significance
c) A 98% chance of error
d) No relationship
Answer: b
Explanation: A p-value below 0.05 indicates statistical significance, meaning the
results (e.g., stress affecting grades) are unlikely due to chance.
1.2 True/False Questions
1. Random assignment in a study on learning apps reduces bias.
Answer: True
Explanation: Random assignment balances participant traits (e.g., prior knowl-
edge) across groups, minimizing bias in app effectiveness studies.
2. A case study on one students anxiety can generalize to all students.
Answer: False
Explanation: Case studies offer deep insights but lack generalizability due to
small, unique samples, unlike broader surveys.
1.3 Short-Answer Question
1. Why is a control group essential in a study testing a new study tech-
nique?
Answer: A control group provides a baseline by not receiving the new technique,
allowing comparison to isolate its effect.
Explanation: For example, in a study on a note-taking method, the control group
uses standard methods, ensuring differences in performance are due to the tech-
nique, not external factors like motivation.
2 Biological Psychology
This section focuses on biological processes underlying student-relevant behaviors.
2.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which brain structure helps a student manage test anxiety?
a) Amygdala
b) Prefrontal cortex
c) Cerebellum
d) Medulla
Answer: b
Explanation: The prefrontal cortex regulates emotions and decision-making, help-
ing students control anxiety during exams.
2. A students low mood may be linked to low levels of:
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) Acetylcholine
d) GABA
2
Psychology Realistic Exam Q&A
for Students
This realistic exam pack provides 30 questions across key psychology topics: research
methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes, developmental stages, social influ-
ences, and abnormal psychology. Tailored for university students, it includes 20 multiple-
choice, 6 true/false, and 4 short-answer questions with detailed explanations, using prac-
tical scenarios to enhance exam preparation and critical thinking.
1 Research Methods in Psychology
This section tests understanding of experimental methods, ethics, and data analysis
through student-relevant scenarios.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A student researcher tests whether music improves exam scores. What
is the independent variable?
a) Exam scores
b) Music exposure
c) Student motivation
d) Study duration
Answer: b
Explanation: The independent variable is what the researcher manipulatesin this
case, music exposureto observe its effect on exam scores (dependent variable).
2. A study finds a correlation between coffee consumption and alertness.
Can it conclude causation?
a) Yes, if the sample is large
b) No, correlations do not prove causation
c) Yes, if conducted in a lab
d) No, unless participants are randomized
Answer: b
Explanation: Correlation studies show relationships (e.g., coffee and alertness)
but cannot confirm causation due to uncontrolled variables like sleep habits.
3. What ensures participants in a study on study habits are fully informed?
a) Anonymity
b) Debriefing
c) Informed consent
d) Random assignment
Answer: c
Explanation: Informed consent ensures participants understand the studys pur-
pose, risks, and procedures, as required in ethical research like a study habits
experiment.
4. A p-value of 0.02 in a study on stress and grades suggests:
a) A 2% chance of a true effect
1
, Psychology Realistic Exam Q&A
b) Statistical significance
c) A 98% chance of error
d) No relationship
Answer: b
Explanation: A p-value below 0.05 indicates statistical significance, meaning the
results (e.g., stress affecting grades) are unlikely due to chance.
1.2 True/False Questions
1. Random assignment in a study on learning apps reduces bias.
Answer: True
Explanation: Random assignment balances participant traits (e.g., prior knowl-
edge) across groups, minimizing bias in app effectiveness studies.
2. A case study on one students anxiety can generalize to all students.
Answer: False
Explanation: Case studies offer deep insights but lack generalizability due to
small, unique samples, unlike broader surveys.
1.3 Short-Answer Question
1. Why is a control group essential in a study testing a new study tech-
nique?
Answer: A control group provides a baseline by not receiving the new technique,
allowing comparison to isolate its effect.
Explanation: For example, in a study on a note-taking method, the control group
uses standard methods, ensuring differences in performance are due to the tech-
nique, not external factors like motivation.
2 Biological Psychology
This section focuses on biological processes underlying student-relevant behaviors.
2.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which brain structure helps a student manage test anxiety?
a) Amygdala
b) Prefrontal cortex
c) Cerebellum
d) Medulla
Answer: b
Explanation: The prefrontal cortex regulates emotions and decision-making, help-
ing students control anxiety during exams.
2. A students low mood may be linked to low levels of:
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) Acetylcholine
d) GABA
2
