Psychology Exam Questions & Solutions
Psychology Exam Questions &
Step-by-Step Solutions
This comprehensive exam pack delivers 30 meticulously crafted questions across all ma-
jor psychology domains: research methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes,
developmental stages, social influences, and abnormal psychology. Tailored for univer-
sity students, it includes 20 multiple-choice, 6 true/false, and 4 short-answer questions,
each with step-by-step solutions that break down the reasoning process, eliminate in-
correct options, and apply relevant theories. Grounded in seminal research, solutions
connect to university contexts like exam stress, group dynamics, and mental health chal-
lenges, fostering critical thinking and exam readiness. Expanded explanations incorporate
evidence-based insights, practical examples, and strategies for academic success, making
this an essential resource for mastering psychology coursework.
1 Research Methods in Psychology
Research methods underpin psychological science, enabling students to design studies, in-
terpret data, and uphold ethical standards. This section tests experimental design, statis-
tical analysis, and ethics through university-relevant scenarios, such as studies on learning
strategies or campus behaviors. Step-by-step solutions guide students through method-
ological reasoning, ensuring clarity and applicability to academic research projects.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A student tests whether flashcards improve quiz scores. What is the
independent variable?
a) Quiz scores
b) Flashcard use
c) Student motivation
d) Study time
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Identify the variable manipulated by the researcher, as this is the independent
variable (IV) per Campbell and Stanley (1963).
(b) Option a (quiz scores) is the outcome measured, making it the dependent
variable.
(c) Option b (flashcard use) is manipulated (used vs. not used), fitting the IV
1
, Psychology Exam Questions & Solutions
definition.
(d) Option c (student motivation) and d (study time) are potential confounds,
not manipulated.
(e) Conclusion: Flashcard use is the IV, as its varied to observe its effect on quiz
scores.
Rationale: The IV is central to experimental design, and here, flashcard use is
tested for its impact on scores, a common study in educational psychology.
2. A study links late-night studying to lower grades. Can it claim causa-
tion?
a) Yes, with a large sample
b) No, correlation does not imply causation
c) Yes, if longitudinal
d) No, unless randomized
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Determine if the study is correlational or experimental, as only experiments
can establish causation (Rosenbaum, 2002).
(b) The question describes a link, suggesting a correlational study, which cannot
prove causation due to confounds (e.g., sleep deprivation).
(c) Option a: Sample size doesnt address confounds.
(d) Option b: Correctly states correlations limitation.
(e) Option c: Longitudinal studies track over time but remain correlational with-
out manipulation.
(f) Option d: Randomization is needed for experiments, not implied here.
(g) Conclusion: The study cannot claim causation, as its correlational.
Rationale: Understanding correlation vs. causation is critical for interpreting
research, especially in student-relevant studies like study habits.
3. What ensures ethical participation in a study on student stress?
a) Anonymity
b) Informed consent
c) Random sampling
d) Debriefing
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
2
, Psychology Exam Questions & Solutions
(a) Recall APA (2017) ethical guidelines, emphasizing participant rights.
(b) Option a: Anonymity protects privacy but isnt the primary ethical require-
ment.
(c) Option b: Informed consent ensures participants understand the studys pur-
pose, risks, and rights, per the Belmont Report (1979).
(d) Option c: Random sampling enhances representativeness, not ethics.
(e) Option d: Debriefing occurs post-study, not ensuring participation ethics.
(f) Conclusion: Informed consent is the cornerstone of ethical participation.
Rationale: Ethical research is vital in sensitive areas like stress, ensuring trust
and autonomy in university studies.
4. A study on meditation with a p-value of 0.01 indicates:
a) A 1% chance of a true effect
b) Statistical significance
c) A 99% chance of error
d) No effect
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Understand p-value as the probability of results occurring by chance, per
Fisher (1925).
(b) A p-value < 0.05 indicates statistical significance, rejecting the null hypothesis.
(c) Option a: Misinterprets p-value as effect probability.
(d) Option b: Correctly identifies significance.
(e) Option c: Inverts the p-values meaning.
(f) Option d: Contradicts the low p-value.
(g) Conclusion: The p-value indicates statistical significance.
Rationale: Statistical significance is key for validating findings, like meditations
benefits, in psychological research.
5. Which method best studies a rare case of exam phobia?
a) Experiment
b) Case study
c) Survey
d) Correlational study
3
Psychology Exam Questions &
Step-by-Step Solutions
This comprehensive exam pack delivers 30 meticulously crafted questions across all ma-
jor psychology domains: research methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes,
developmental stages, social influences, and abnormal psychology. Tailored for univer-
sity students, it includes 20 multiple-choice, 6 true/false, and 4 short-answer questions,
each with step-by-step solutions that break down the reasoning process, eliminate in-
correct options, and apply relevant theories. Grounded in seminal research, solutions
connect to university contexts like exam stress, group dynamics, and mental health chal-
lenges, fostering critical thinking and exam readiness. Expanded explanations incorporate
evidence-based insights, practical examples, and strategies for academic success, making
this an essential resource for mastering psychology coursework.
1 Research Methods in Psychology
Research methods underpin psychological science, enabling students to design studies, in-
terpret data, and uphold ethical standards. This section tests experimental design, statis-
tical analysis, and ethics through university-relevant scenarios, such as studies on learning
strategies or campus behaviors. Step-by-step solutions guide students through method-
ological reasoning, ensuring clarity and applicability to academic research projects.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A student tests whether flashcards improve quiz scores. What is the
independent variable?
a) Quiz scores
b) Flashcard use
c) Student motivation
d) Study time
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Identify the variable manipulated by the researcher, as this is the independent
variable (IV) per Campbell and Stanley (1963).
(b) Option a (quiz scores) is the outcome measured, making it the dependent
variable.
(c) Option b (flashcard use) is manipulated (used vs. not used), fitting the IV
1
, Psychology Exam Questions & Solutions
definition.
(d) Option c (student motivation) and d (study time) are potential confounds,
not manipulated.
(e) Conclusion: Flashcard use is the IV, as its varied to observe its effect on quiz
scores.
Rationale: The IV is central to experimental design, and here, flashcard use is
tested for its impact on scores, a common study in educational psychology.
2. A study links late-night studying to lower grades. Can it claim causa-
tion?
a) Yes, with a large sample
b) No, correlation does not imply causation
c) Yes, if longitudinal
d) No, unless randomized
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Determine if the study is correlational or experimental, as only experiments
can establish causation (Rosenbaum, 2002).
(b) The question describes a link, suggesting a correlational study, which cannot
prove causation due to confounds (e.g., sleep deprivation).
(c) Option a: Sample size doesnt address confounds.
(d) Option b: Correctly states correlations limitation.
(e) Option c: Longitudinal studies track over time but remain correlational with-
out manipulation.
(f) Option d: Randomization is needed for experiments, not implied here.
(g) Conclusion: The study cannot claim causation, as its correlational.
Rationale: Understanding correlation vs. causation is critical for interpreting
research, especially in student-relevant studies like study habits.
3. What ensures ethical participation in a study on student stress?
a) Anonymity
b) Informed consent
c) Random sampling
d) Debriefing
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
2
, Psychology Exam Questions & Solutions
(a) Recall APA (2017) ethical guidelines, emphasizing participant rights.
(b) Option a: Anonymity protects privacy but isnt the primary ethical require-
ment.
(c) Option b: Informed consent ensures participants understand the studys pur-
pose, risks, and rights, per the Belmont Report (1979).
(d) Option c: Random sampling enhances representativeness, not ethics.
(e) Option d: Debriefing occurs post-study, not ensuring participation ethics.
(f) Conclusion: Informed consent is the cornerstone of ethical participation.
Rationale: Ethical research is vital in sensitive areas like stress, ensuring trust
and autonomy in university studies.
4. A study on meditation with a p-value of 0.01 indicates:
a) A 1% chance of a true effect
b) Statistical significance
c) A 99% chance of error
d) No effect
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Understand p-value as the probability of results occurring by chance, per
Fisher (1925).
(b) A p-value < 0.05 indicates statistical significance, rejecting the null hypothesis.
(c) Option a: Misinterprets p-value as effect probability.
(d) Option b: Correctly identifies significance.
(e) Option c: Inverts the p-values meaning.
(f) Option d: Contradicts the low p-value.
(g) Conclusion: The p-value indicates statistical significance.
Rationale: Statistical significance is key for validating findings, like meditations
benefits, in psychological research.
5. Which method best studies a rare case of exam phobia?
a) Experiment
b) Case study
c) Survey
d) Correlational study
3
