Ψ Psychology 101
PSY Introduction to Psychology — Examination 3
PSYCH 101
UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOR THROUGH SCIENCE
psych 101 exam 3
CO M P R E H E N S I V E ST U DY G U I D E — PSYC H O LO G I C A L D I S O R D E RS , P E RS O N A L I TY,
D E V E LO P M E N T & CO G N I T I O N
INSTITUTION College-Level Psychology 101 PROGRAM Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of
Science — Psychology
COURSE CODE PSYCH 101 COURSE TITLE Introduction to Psychology
ACADEMIC YEAR EXAM TITLE psych 101 exam 3
TOTAL QUESTIONS 36 Questions FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Single Best Answer
STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS
▸ This comprehensive study guide covers psychological disorders, personality theories, developmental
psychology, and cognition for Psych 101 Exam 3.
▸ Each question is an actual exam item with the correct answer identified and a detailed rationale
provided.
▸ Select the single best answer. Correct answers are marked and explained with clinical and theoretical
context.
▸ Pay careful attention to diagnostic classification (DSM), personality theories (Freud, Big Five),
developmental stages (Piaget, Erikson), and cognitive heuristics.
▸ All content reflects standard introductory psychology textbook material.
, PSYCH 101 — DISORDERS, PERSONALITY, DEVELOPMENT
Questions 1 – 36
& COGNITION
1. Which class of mental illness has the highest lifetime prevalence rate?
A. Mood disorders
B. Anxiety-related disorders
C. Psychotic disorders
D. Personality disorders
CORRECT ANSWER B — Anxiety-related disorders
RATIONALE Anxiety disorders have the highest lifetime prevalence — approximately 28–31%
of the U.S. population will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder at some point.
They include specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized
anxiety disorder, and PTSD. Mood disorders are second most prevalent. This high
prevalence makes anxiety disorders a major public health concern.
2. The Beck Depression Inventory is an example of a __________ and the Thematic
Apperception Test is an example of __________.
A. Projective test; self-report measure
B. Self-report measure; projective test
C. Behavioral observation; clinical interview
D. Intelligence test; personality inventory
CORRECT ANSWER B — Self-report measure; projective test
RATIONALE The BDI is a standardized self-report questionnaire where individuals rate their
own symptoms. The TAT is a projective test where individuals interpret
ambiguous images, revealing unconscious motives, concerns, and personality
characteristics. Self-report measures are more reliable and valid; projective tests
are more subjective but can provide rich clinical material.
, 3. In the United States, the __________ is used as the primary classification scheme for
psychological disorders.
A. International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
B. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
C. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
D. Mental Health Classification System (MHCS)
CORRECT ANSWER B — Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
RATIONALE The DSM-5-TR (published by the American Psychiatric Association) is the standard
diagnostic classification system in the U.S. The ICD (Option A) is used
internationally by the WHO. The MMPI (Option C) is a personality assessment tool,
not a diagnostic classification system. The DSM provides standardized criteria for
reliable diagnosis.
4. Charlie struggled with math as a child. Even after receiving personalized tutoring, he
continued to believe there was no point in trying because he would fail anyway. These
beliefs are called:
A. Self-fulfilling prophecy
B. Learned helplessness
C. External locus of control
D. Negative reinforcement
CORRECT ANSWER B — Learned helplessness
RATIONALE Learned helplessness (Seligman) = belief that outcomes are uncontrollable,
leading to passivity and giving up even when success is possible. Charlie's past
failures created the belief that effort is futile. This is a cognitive model of
depression — negative attributions (internal, stable, global) perpetuate
helplessness. Option A involves expectations causing behavior that confirms the
expectation.