PSYC 101 Exam 1 V1 | PSYC 101 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 1) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following contemporary perspectives in psychology emphasize the influence
of external environmental factors on observable behaviors? (Select all that apply)
A. Biological perspective
B. Behavioral perspective
C. Cognitive perspective
D. Evolutionary perspective
E. Humanistic perspective
F. Psychodynamic perspective
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The behavioral perspective focuses strictly on observable actions and the
environmental stimuli that trigger them. Unlike the cognitive or psychodynamic views, it
avoids internal mental states to explain behavior. This approach was famously championed
by figures like B.F. Skinner and John B. Watson.
2. Wilhelm Wundt is often referred to as the father of psychology because he:
A. Developed the first theory of the unconscious mind.
B. Established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879.
,C. Authored the first textbook on functionalism.
D. Created the first diagnostic manual for mental disorders.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Wundt’s establishment of a laboratory marked the transition of psychology
from philosophy to a formal science. He utilized introspection to study the basic elements
of the mind, a practice known as structuralism. His work laid the foundation for
experimental psychology as a distinct academic discipline.
3. Which early psychological school of thought focused on how mental and behavioral
processes enable an organism to adapt, survive, and flourish?
A. Functionalism
B. Structuralism
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Behaviorism
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Functionalism was influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and
natural selection. William James, the leading proponent of this school, argued that thinking
developed because it was adaptive for human survival. This perspective shifted the focus
from the structure of the mind to its practical utility.
, 4. In a psychological experiment, the factor that is manipulated by the researcher to
determine its effect is known as the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Control variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Independent variable
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The independent variable is the experimental factor that is intentionally
changed to see if it causes a specific outcome. Researchers use this manipulation to
establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. The outcome measured by the
researcher is termed the dependent variable.
5. A researcher wants to study the relationship between sleep deprivation and cognitive
performance. Which research method would be most appropriate to determine cause-and-
effect?
A. Naturalistic observation
B. Correlational study
C. Experimental method
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 1) | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following contemporary perspectives in psychology emphasize the influence
of external environmental factors on observable behaviors? (Select all that apply)
A. Biological perspective
B. Behavioral perspective
C. Cognitive perspective
D. Evolutionary perspective
E. Humanistic perspective
F. Psychodynamic perspective
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The behavioral perspective focuses strictly on observable actions and the
environmental stimuli that trigger them. Unlike the cognitive or psychodynamic views, it
avoids internal mental states to explain behavior. This approach was famously championed
by figures like B.F. Skinner and John B. Watson.
2. Wilhelm Wundt is often referred to as the father of psychology because he:
A. Developed the first theory of the unconscious mind.
B. Established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879.
,C. Authored the first textbook on functionalism.
D. Created the first diagnostic manual for mental disorders.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Wundt’s establishment of a laboratory marked the transition of psychology
from philosophy to a formal science. He utilized introspection to study the basic elements
of the mind, a practice known as structuralism. His work laid the foundation for
experimental psychology as a distinct academic discipline.
3. Which early psychological school of thought focused on how mental and behavioral
processes enable an organism to adapt, survive, and flourish?
A. Functionalism
B. Structuralism
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Behaviorism
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Functionalism was influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and
natural selection. William James, the leading proponent of this school, argued that thinking
developed because it was adaptive for human survival. This perspective shifted the focus
from the structure of the mind to its practical utility.
, 4. In a psychological experiment, the factor that is manipulated by the researcher to
determine its effect is known as the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Control variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Independent variable
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The independent variable is the experimental factor that is intentionally
changed to see if it causes a specific outcome. Researchers use this manipulation to
establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. The outcome measured by the
researcher is termed the dependent variable.
5. A researcher wants to study the relationship between sleep deprivation and cognitive
performance. Which research method would be most appropriate to determine cause-and-
effect?
A. Naturalistic observation
B. Correlational study
C. Experimental method
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
