WGU C180 Introduction to Psychology Exam 2026 | Questions &
Verified Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. Describe the main difference between applied research and basic research in
psychology.
Applied research is conducted in laboratories, whereas basic research
is field-based.
Applied research focuses on solving real-world problems, while
basic research seeks to expand knowledge without immediate
practical application.
Applied research is concerned with historical data, while basic
research studies current phenomena.
Applied research only uses qualitative methods, while basic research
uses quantitative methods.
2. In a study, participants watched an action movie that heightened their arousal
and then were asked to rate their feelings about a neutral topic. What
psychological concept might explain why their ratings were more intense?
Excitation transfer
Operant conditioning
Classical conditioning
Cognitive dissonance
3. What type of reinforcement schedule provides rewards after an
unpredictable number of responses?
Fixed ratio schedule
Fixed interval schedule
Variable ratio schedule
, Variable interval schedule
4. What is the primary developmental challenge faced by older adults
according to Erikson's theory?
Acceptance of their life as it was lived.
Achieving financial stability.
Establishing new relationships.
Learning new skills.
5. What is the definition of excitation transfer in psychology?
Excitation transfer describes the impact of motivation on behavior.
Excitation transfer is the theory that explains the stages of human
development.
Excitation transfer refers to the process of learning through
reinforcement.
Excitation transfer is the phenomenon where arousal from one
event intensifies unrelated emotions.
6. What are two common triggers for negative emotional reactions identified in
psychological studies?
Failing to meet anticipated goals or feeling negatively perceived by
others
Having a lack of social interaction
Experiencing physical pain or discomfort
Achieving unexpected success or receiving positive feedback
,7. What is a fixed interval schedule in the context of operant conditioning?
Reinforces the first response after a specific amount of time has
passed.
Reinforces responses after a variable number of responses.
Reinforces every response after a specific number of responses.
Reinforces responses at unpredictable time intervals.
8. Intelligence can be defined as a mental quality that consists of:
the ability to use knowledge to adapt to new situations.
the ability to learn from experience.
the ability to solve problems.
All of these mental qualities define intelligence
9. In psychological terms, "affect" means:
"emotion."
"panic."
"depression."
"disorder."
10. What therapeutic technique is used to enhance suggestibility and facilitate
dissociated experiences?
Psychoanalysis
Meditation
Hypnosis
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
, 11. According to Erikson's theory, what is the primary developmental task for
individuals aged 19 to 40 years?
They establish a sense of identity and personal values.
They develop the ability to give and receive love and to make long-
term commitments.
They achieve independence from parental figures.
They learn to cope with feelings of guilt and shame.
12. What does reliability measure in psychological assessments?
Consistency of results
Subjectivity of the results
Validity of the test
Complexity of the test
13. If a psychologist is studying the effectiveness of a new therapy for anxiety in
a clinical setting, which type of research are they conducting?
Theoretical research
Basic research
Applied research
Empirical research
14. The theory of emotion placed the source of emotions in the thalamus.
Activation
James-Lange
Cannon-Bard
Verified Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. Describe the main difference between applied research and basic research in
psychology.
Applied research is conducted in laboratories, whereas basic research
is field-based.
Applied research focuses on solving real-world problems, while
basic research seeks to expand knowledge without immediate
practical application.
Applied research is concerned with historical data, while basic
research studies current phenomena.
Applied research only uses qualitative methods, while basic research
uses quantitative methods.
2. In a study, participants watched an action movie that heightened their arousal
and then were asked to rate their feelings about a neutral topic. What
psychological concept might explain why their ratings were more intense?
Excitation transfer
Operant conditioning
Classical conditioning
Cognitive dissonance
3. What type of reinforcement schedule provides rewards after an
unpredictable number of responses?
Fixed ratio schedule
Fixed interval schedule
Variable ratio schedule
, Variable interval schedule
4. What is the primary developmental challenge faced by older adults
according to Erikson's theory?
Acceptance of their life as it was lived.
Achieving financial stability.
Establishing new relationships.
Learning new skills.
5. What is the definition of excitation transfer in psychology?
Excitation transfer describes the impact of motivation on behavior.
Excitation transfer is the theory that explains the stages of human
development.
Excitation transfer refers to the process of learning through
reinforcement.
Excitation transfer is the phenomenon where arousal from one
event intensifies unrelated emotions.
6. What are two common triggers for negative emotional reactions identified in
psychological studies?
Failing to meet anticipated goals or feeling negatively perceived by
others
Having a lack of social interaction
Experiencing physical pain or discomfort
Achieving unexpected success or receiving positive feedback
,7. What is a fixed interval schedule in the context of operant conditioning?
Reinforces the first response after a specific amount of time has
passed.
Reinforces responses after a variable number of responses.
Reinforces every response after a specific number of responses.
Reinforces responses at unpredictable time intervals.
8. Intelligence can be defined as a mental quality that consists of:
the ability to use knowledge to adapt to new situations.
the ability to learn from experience.
the ability to solve problems.
All of these mental qualities define intelligence
9. In psychological terms, "affect" means:
"emotion."
"panic."
"depression."
"disorder."
10. What therapeutic technique is used to enhance suggestibility and facilitate
dissociated experiences?
Psychoanalysis
Meditation
Hypnosis
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
, 11. According to Erikson's theory, what is the primary developmental task for
individuals aged 19 to 40 years?
They establish a sense of identity and personal values.
They develop the ability to give and receive love and to make long-
term commitments.
They achieve independence from parental figures.
They learn to cope with feelings of guilt and shame.
12. What does reliability measure in psychological assessments?
Consistency of results
Subjectivity of the results
Validity of the test
Complexity of the test
13. If a psychologist is studying the effectiveness of a new therapy for anxiety in
a clinical setting, which type of research are they conducting?
Theoretical research
Basic research
Applied research
Empirical research
14. The theory of emotion placed the source of emotions in the thalamus.
Activation
James-Lange
Cannon-Bard
