Psychology Exam Prep: 40 Key Questions with Full Explanations
1. What is classical conditioning?
Answer: A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus.
Explanation:
Classical conditioning is a form of associative learning discovered by Ivan Pavlov. It occurs when a
neutral stimulus (like a bell) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (like food) until it
triggers a conditioned response (salivation). This principle explains involuntary behaviors and emotional
reactions, such as fear responses, and is foundational in understanding human and animal learning
patterns.
2. What is operant conditioning?
Answer: Learning driven by rewards and punishments.
Explanation:
Proposed by B.F. Skinner, operant conditioning states that behavior is shaped by consequences.
Behaviors followed by rewards are strengthened, while those followed by punishment decrease. This
model underlies behavior modification strategies used in therapy, education, parenting, and workplace
behavior management.
3. What is cognitive dissonance?
Answer: Psychological discomfort caused by conflicting beliefs or behaviors.
Explanation:
Cognitive dissonance, introduced by Leon Festinger, occurs when individuals hold inconsistent thoughts
or act in ways that contradict their beliefs. To reduce discomfort, people often justify, rationalize, or
change their attitudes. This concept explains many human behaviors, from decision-making to social
interactions.
4. What is the unconscious mind?
Answer: The part of the mind containing thoughts outside conscious awareness.
Explanation:
Sigmund Freud proposed that the unconscious mind stores desires, fears, and memories that influence
behavior. Though not consciously accessible, these hidden processes shape emotions and actions.
Modern psychology also recognizes unconscious processes in automatic thinking and implicit biases.
5. What is the placebo effect?
Answer: Improvement caused by belief in treatment rather than the treatment itself.
Explanation:
, The placebo effect occurs when a patient experiences real changes after receiving a non-active
substance. This phenomenon demonstrates the power of expectation and belief in influencing biological
and psychological responses. It highlights the mind-body connection and is central to clinical research.
6. What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Answer: Psychiatrists prescribe medication; psychologists typically do not.
Explanation:
Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained to diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medications.
Psychologists usually hold advanced degrees in psychology and focus on therapy, assessment, and
research. Both play essential roles in mental health care but use different approaches.
7. What is memory encoding?
Answer: The process of converting information into a mental format for storage.
Explanation:
Encoding is the first stage of memory formation. It involves transforming sensory input into a form the
brain can store and retrieve later. Strong encoding requires attention, meaning, and repetition, which is
why distractions weaken memory retention.
8. What is a mood disorder?
Answer: A mental health condition that affects emotional state.
Explanation:
Mood disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions characterized by persistent
sadness or extreme mood swings. These disorders significantly affect daily functioning. Understanding
them helps clinicians provide appropriate therapy and support.
9. What is the fight-or-flight response?
Answer: The body’s automatic reaction to perceived danger.
Explanation:
First described by Walter Cannon, this response prepares the body to confront or escape threats. It
involves increased heart rate, faster breathing, and adrenaline release. Though helpful in emergencies,
chronic activation contributes to anxiety and stress-related illnesses.
10. What is emotional intelligence (EQ)?
Answer: The ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions.
Explanation:
EQ includes skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and social awareness. High emotional
1. What is classical conditioning?
Answer: A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus.
Explanation:
Classical conditioning is a form of associative learning discovered by Ivan Pavlov. It occurs when a
neutral stimulus (like a bell) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (like food) until it
triggers a conditioned response (salivation). This principle explains involuntary behaviors and emotional
reactions, such as fear responses, and is foundational in understanding human and animal learning
patterns.
2. What is operant conditioning?
Answer: Learning driven by rewards and punishments.
Explanation:
Proposed by B.F. Skinner, operant conditioning states that behavior is shaped by consequences.
Behaviors followed by rewards are strengthened, while those followed by punishment decrease. This
model underlies behavior modification strategies used in therapy, education, parenting, and workplace
behavior management.
3. What is cognitive dissonance?
Answer: Psychological discomfort caused by conflicting beliefs or behaviors.
Explanation:
Cognitive dissonance, introduced by Leon Festinger, occurs when individuals hold inconsistent thoughts
or act in ways that contradict their beliefs. To reduce discomfort, people often justify, rationalize, or
change their attitudes. This concept explains many human behaviors, from decision-making to social
interactions.
4. What is the unconscious mind?
Answer: The part of the mind containing thoughts outside conscious awareness.
Explanation:
Sigmund Freud proposed that the unconscious mind stores desires, fears, and memories that influence
behavior. Though not consciously accessible, these hidden processes shape emotions and actions.
Modern psychology also recognizes unconscious processes in automatic thinking and implicit biases.
5. What is the placebo effect?
Answer: Improvement caused by belief in treatment rather than the treatment itself.
Explanation:
, The placebo effect occurs when a patient experiences real changes after receiving a non-active
substance. This phenomenon demonstrates the power of expectation and belief in influencing biological
and psychological responses. It highlights the mind-body connection and is central to clinical research.
6. What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Answer: Psychiatrists prescribe medication; psychologists typically do not.
Explanation:
Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained to diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medications.
Psychologists usually hold advanced degrees in psychology and focus on therapy, assessment, and
research. Both play essential roles in mental health care but use different approaches.
7. What is memory encoding?
Answer: The process of converting information into a mental format for storage.
Explanation:
Encoding is the first stage of memory formation. It involves transforming sensory input into a form the
brain can store and retrieve later. Strong encoding requires attention, meaning, and repetition, which is
why distractions weaken memory retention.
8. What is a mood disorder?
Answer: A mental health condition that affects emotional state.
Explanation:
Mood disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions characterized by persistent
sadness or extreme mood swings. These disorders significantly affect daily functioning. Understanding
them helps clinicians provide appropriate therapy and support.
9. What is the fight-or-flight response?
Answer: The body’s automatic reaction to perceived danger.
Explanation:
First described by Walter Cannon, this response prepares the body to confront or escape threats. It
involves increased heart rate, faster breathing, and adrenaline release. Though helpful in emergencies,
chronic activation contributes to anxiety and stress-related illnesses.
10. What is emotional intelligence (EQ)?
Answer: The ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions.
Explanation:
EQ includes skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and social awareness. High emotional
