Psychology – Verified Exam Questions &
Rationales
Instructions
This document provides 15 verified multiple-choice questions for psychology exam preparation,
such as AP Psychology or GRE Subject Test in Psychology. Each question includes four answer
choices and a detailed rationale for the correct answer, designed to deepen understanding. Read
each question carefully, select the best answer, and review the rationales to reinforce learning.
1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which theory explains why people conform to group norms even when they privately
disagree?
A. Cognitive dissonance theory
B. Social learning theory
C. Normative social influence
D. Attribution theory
Correct Answer: C. Normative social influence
Rationale: Normative social influence occurs when individuals conform to group norms
to gain acceptance or avoid rejection, even if they privately disagree, as demonstrated in
Asch’s conformity experiments. Cognitive dissonance theory (A) addresses discomfort
from conflicting beliefs, social learning theory (B) focuses on learning through observa-
tion, and attribution theory (D) explains how people infer causes of behavior.
2. In operant conditioning, a rat learns to press a lever after receiving food intermit-
tently. This is an example of:
A. Fixed-ratio reinforcement
B. Variable-interval reinforcement
C. Continuous reinforcement
D. Negative punishment
Correct Answer: A. Fixed-ratio reinforcement
Rationale: Fixed-ratio reinforcement delivers a reward after a set number of responses
(e.g., food after every lever press). Variable-interval reinforcement (B) rewards after vary-
ing time intervals, continuous reinforcement (C) rewards every response, and negative
punishment (D) removes a stimulus to decrease behavior.
3. Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating hunger and thirst?
A. Amygdala
B. Hypothalamus
C. Cerebellum
D. Frontal lobe
Correct Answer: B. Hypothalamus
Rationale: The hypothalamus regulates basic survival functions, including hunger, thirst,
and body temperature, by monitoring bodily states. The amygdala (A) processes emo-
tions, the cerebellum (C) coordinates movement, and the frontal lobe (D) handles execu-
tive functions like decision-making.
1
, 4. A person who attributes their success to hard work and failure to bad luck exhibits:
A. Self-serving bias
B. Fundamental attribution error
C. Actor-observer bias
D. Confirmation bias
Correct Answer: A. Self-serving bias
Rationale: Self-serving bias involves attributing successes to internal factors (e.g., hard
work) and failures to external factors (e.g., bad luck) to protect self-esteem. Fundamen-
tal attribution error (B) overemphasizes personality in others’ behavior, actor-observer
bias (C) differentiates self versus others’ attributions, and confirmation bias (D) seeks
confirming evidence.
5. Which disorder is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive be-
haviors to reduce anxiety?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
C. Post-traumatic stress disorder
D. Major depressive disorder
Correct Answer: B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Rationale: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts (obses-
sions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety. Generalized anxiety
disorder (A) features chronic worry, PTSD (C) involves trauma-related symptoms, and
major depressive disorder (D) centers on persistent sadness.
6. A therapist encourages a client to explore their potential for growth and self-acceptance.
This approach aligns with:
A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B. Psychodynamic therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Behavioral therapy
Correct Answer: C. Humanistic therapy
Rationale: Humanistic therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes self-actualization,
personal growth, and unconditional positive regard. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (A) tar-
gets thoughts and behaviors, psychodynamic therapy (B) explores unconscious conflicts,
and behavioral therapy (D) focuses on conditioning.
7. Which memory process involves transferring information from short-term to long-
term memory?
A. Encoding
B. Retrieval
C. Consolidation
D. Storage
Correct Answer: C. Consolidation
Rationale: Consolidation is the process of stabilizing and transferring information from
short-term to long-term memory, often during sleep. Encoding (A) involves inputting
information, retrieval (B) accessing stored information, and storage (D) maintaining in-
formation over time.
8. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which must be met before self-esteem
needs?
2
Rationales
Instructions
This document provides 15 verified multiple-choice questions for psychology exam preparation,
such as AP Psychology or GRE Subject Test in Psychology. Each question includes four answer
choices and a detailed rationale for the correct answer, designed to deepen understanding. Read
each question carefully, select the best answer, and review the rationales to reinforce learning.
1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which theory explains why people conform to group norms even when they privately
disagree?
A. Cognitive dissonance theory
B. Social learning theory
C. Normative social influence
D. Attribution theory
Correct Answer: C. Normative social influence
Rationale: Normative social influence occurs when individuals conform to group norms
to gain acceptance or avoid rejection, even if they privately disagree, as demonstrated in
Asch’s conformity experiments. Cognitive dissonance theory (A) addresses discomfort
from conflicting beliefs, social learning theory (B) focuses on learning through observa-
tion, and attribution theory (D) explains how people infer causes of behavior.
2. In operant conditioning, a rat learns to press a lever after receiving food intermit-
tently. This is an example of:
A. Fixed-ratio reinforcement
B. Variable-interval reinforcement
C. Continuous reinforcement
D. Negative punishment
Correct Answer: A. Fixed-ratio reinforcement
Rationale: Fixed-ratio reinforcement delivers a reward after a set number of responses
(e.g., food after every lever press). Variable-interval reinforcement (B) rewards after vary-
ing time intervals, continuous reinforcement (C) rewards every response, and negative
punishment (D) removes a stimulus to decrease behavior.
3. Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating hunger and thirst?
A. Amygdala
B. Hypothalamus
C. Cerebellum
D. Frontal lobe
Correct Answer: B. Hypothalamus
Rationale: The hypothalamus regulates basic survival functions, including hunger, thirst,
and body temperature, by monitoring bodily states. The amygdala (A) processes emo-
tions, the cerebellum (C) coordinates movement, and the frontal lobe (D) handles execu-
tive functions like decision-making.
1
, 4. A person who attributes their success to hard work and failure to bad luck exhibits:
A. Self-serving bias
B. Fundamental attribution error
C. Actor-observer bias
D. Confirmation bias
Correct Answer: A. Self-serving bias
Rationale: Self-serving bias involves attributing successes to internal factors (e.g., hard
work) and failures to external factors (e.g., bad luck) to protect self-esteem. Fundamen-
tal attribution error (B) overemphasizes personality in others’ behavior, actor-observer
bias (C) differentiates self versus others’ attributions, and confirmation bias (D) seeks
confirming evidence.
5. Which disorder is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive be-
haviors to reduce anxiety?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
C. Post-traumatic stress disorder
D. Major depressive disorder
Correct Answer: B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Rationale: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts (obses-
sions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety. Generalized anxiety
disorder (A) features chronic worry, PTSD (C) involves trauma-related symptoms, and
major depressive disorder (D) centers on persistent sadness.
6. A therapist encourages a client to explore their potential for growth and self-acceptance.
This approach aligns with:
A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B. Psychodynamic therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Behavioral therapy
Correct Answer: C. Humanistic therapy
Rationale: Humanistic therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes self-actualization,
personal growth, and unconditional positive regard. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (A) tar-
gets thoughts and behaviors, psychodynamic therapy (B) explores unconscious conflicts,
and behavioral therapy (D) focuses on conditioning.
7. Which memory process involves transferring information from short-term to long-
term memory?
A. Encoding
B. Retrieval
C. Consolidation
D. Storage
Correct Answer: C. Consolidation
Rationale: Consolidation is the process of stabilizing and transferring information from
short-term to long-term memory, often during sleep. Encoding (A) involves inputting
information, retrieval (B) accessing stored information, and storage (D) maintaining in-
formation over time.
8. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which must be met before self-esteem
needs?
2
