UvA Psychology Selection Mock
EXAM 2026 COMPLETE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS |ALREADY GRADED A+||
Latest update 2026
Course
UvA Psychology Selection Mock
1. A psychologist wants to investigate whether sleep duration affects memory performance
among university students. Which research design best establishes a causal relationship?
A. Cross-sectional survey
B. Case study
C. Randomized controlled experiment
D. Correlational study
Answer: C. Randomized controlled experiment
Detailed Explanation:
Experiments are the gold standard for determining causality because researchers manipulate an
independent variable (sleep duration) and control confounding factors through random
assignment. Cross-sectional and correlational studies can identify associations but cannot
establish cause-and-effect relationships.
2. Which statement best describes the concept of reliability in psychological testing?
A. The extent to which a test measures what it intends to measure
B. The consistency of test results over time and situations
C. The degree to which findings can be generalized
D. The ability of a test to predict future behavior
Answer: B. The consistency of test results over time and situations
Detailed Explanation:
Reliability refers to the stability and consistency of measurements. If an intelligence test
produces similar scores under similar conditions, it is considered reliable. Validity, by contrast,
concerns whether the test measures the intended construct.
, 3. A researcher reports a correlation coefficient of r = -0.85 between stress levels and sleep
quality. What does this indicate?
A. No relationship exists
B. A weak positive relationship exists
C. A strong negative relationship exists
D. A causal relationship exists
Answer: C. A strong negative relationship exists
Detailed Explanation:
Correlation coefficients range from -1 to +1. Values close to -1 indicate a strong inverse
relationship. As stress increases, sleep quality tends to decrease. Correlation alone does not imply
causation.
4. Which brain structure plays the most important role in forming new long-term
memories?
A. Cerebellum
B. Hippocampus
C. Hypothalamus
D. Medulla
Answer: B. Hippocampus
Detailed Explanation:
The hippocampus is essential for encoding and consolidating new memories. Damage to this
structure can result in an inability to form new long-term memories while leaving older
memories relatively intact.
5. What is the primary purpose of informed consent in psychological research?
A. Increase sample size
B. Ensure participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to participate
C. Guarantee positive outcomes
D. Eliminate ethical review requirements
Answer: B. Ensure participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to participate
Detailed Explanation:
Informed consent is a cornerstone of research ethics. Participants must understand the study's
purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty.
EXAM 2026 COMPLETE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS |ALREADY GRADED A+||
Latest update 2026
Course
UvA Psychology Selection Mock
1. A psychologist wants to investigate whether sleep duration affects memory performance
among university students. Which research design best establishes a causal relationship?
A. Cross-sectional survey
B. Case study
C. Randomized controlled experiment
D. Correlational study
Answer: C. Randomized controlled experiment
Detailed Explanation:
Experiments are the gold standard for determining causality because researchers manipulate an
independent variable (sleep duration) and control confounding factors through random
assignment. Cross-sectional and correlational studies can identify associations but cannot
establish cause-and-effect relationships.
2. Which statement best describes the concept of reliability in psychological testing?
A. The extent to which a test measures what it intends to measure
B. The consistency of test results over time and situations
C. The degree to which findings can be generalized
D. The ability of a test to predict future behavior
Answer: B. The consistency of test results over time and situations
Detailed Explanation:
Reliability refers to the stability and consistency of measurements. If an intelligence test
produces similar scores under similar conditions, it is considered reliable. Validity, by contrast,
concerns whether the test measures the intended construct.
, 3. A researcher reports a correlation coefficient of r = -0.85 between stress levels and sleep
quality. What does this indicate?
A. No relationship exists
B. A weak positive relationship exists
C. A strong negative relationship exists
D. A causal relationship exists
Answer: C. A strong negative relationship exists
Detailed Explanation:
Correlation coefficients range from -1 to +1. Values close to -1 indicate a strong inverse
relationship. As stress increases, sleep quality tends to decrease. Correlation alone does not imply
causation.
4. Which brain structure plays the most important role in forming new long-term
memories?
A. Cerebellum
B. Hippocampus
C. Hypothalamus
D. Medulla
Answer: B. Hippocampus
Detailed Explanation:
The hippocampus is essential for encoding and consolidating new memories. Damage to this
structure can result in an inability to form new long-term memories while leaving older
memories relatively intact.
5. What is the primary purpose of informed consent in psychological research?
A. Increase sample size
B. Ensure participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to participate
C. Guarantee positive outcomes
D. Eliminate ethical review requirements
Answer: B. Ensure participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to participate
Detailed Explanation:
Informed consent is a cornerstone of research ethics. Participants must understand the study's
purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty.
