PSYC 101 Exam 1 V2 | PSYC 101 General
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 1) | Portage Learning
1. Who is historically recognized as the ‘father of psychology’ for establishing the first
psychological laboratory in 1879?
A. William James
B. Sigmund Freud
C. John B. Watson
D. Wilhelm Wundt
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Wilhelm Wundt established the first laboratory dedicated to psychological
research in Leipzig, Germany. His approach focused on structuralism and the use of
introspection to study the mind. This event is widely considered the formal beginning of
psychology as a distinct science.
2. Which early school of psychology, associated with William James, focused on how mental
and behavioral processes help organisms adapt and survive?
A. Structuralism
B. Functionalism
C. Behaviorism
,D. Gestalt Psychology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Functionalism was influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and
sought to understand the purpose of consciousness. William James argued that thinking
developed because it was adaptive for human survival. This school of thought moved
psychology away from just studying the structure of the mind to studying its functions.
3. In the context of psychological research, what does the term ‘hindsight bias’ refer to?
A. The tendency to focus on information that confirms one’s preconceptions.
B. The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.
C. The belief that others share our opinions more than they actually do.
D. An overestimation of one’s own knowledge or ability.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hindsight bias is often called the ‘I-knew-it-all-along’ phenomenon, where
people convince themselves they predicted an event after it happened. It demonstrates
why psychological research is necessary rather than relying solely on common sense. This
bias can lead to overconfidence in our own intuition and judgment.
4. Which of the following are considered descriptive research methods in psychology? (Select
All That Apply)
A. Naturalistic Observation
, B. Case Studies
C. Surveys
D. Double-blind Experiments
E. Randomized Clinical Trials
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: Descriptive research methods are used to observe and record behavior
without manipulating variables. Case studies look at individuals in depth, naturalistic
observation watches behavior in its normal environment, and surveys gather self-reported
data. These methods contrast with experimental methods which aim to establish cause-
and-effect relationships.
5. In an experiment designed to study the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive
performance, ‘sleep deprivation’ is the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Independent variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Control group
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher
to see its effect on another variable. In this case, the amount of sleep is controlled to
Psychology | Actual Q&A with Rationale (PSYC101
Exam 1) | Portage Learning
1. Who is historically recognized as the ‘father of psychology’ for establishing the first
psychological laboratory in 1879?
A. William James
B. Sigmund Freud
C. John B. Watson
D. Wilhelm Wundt
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Wilhelm Wundt established the first laboratory dedicated to psychological
research in Leipzig, Germany. His approach focused on structuralism and the use of
introspection to study the mind. This event is widely considered the formal beginning of
psychology as a distinct science.
2. Which early school of psychology, associated with William James, focused on how mental
and behavioral processes help organisms adapt and survive?
A. Structuralism
B. Functionalism
C. Behaviorism
,D. Gestalt Psychology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Functionalism was influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and
sought to understand the purpose of consciousness. William James argued that thinking
developed because it was adaptive for human survival. This school of thought moved
psychology away from just studying the structure of the mind to studying its functions.
3. In the context of psychological research, what does the term ‘hindsight bias’ refer to?
A. The tendency to focus on information that confirms one’s preconceptions.
B. The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.
C. The belief that others share our opinions more than they actually do.
D. An overestimation of one’s own knowledge or ability.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hindsight bias is often called the ‘I-knew-it-all-along’ phenomenon, where
people convince themselves they predicted an event after it happened. It demonstrates
why psychological research is necessary rather than relying solely on common sense. This
bias can lead to overconfidence in our own intuition and judgment.
4. Which of the following are considered descriptive research methods in psychology? (Select
All That Apply)
A. Naturalistic Observation
, B. Case Studies
C. Surveys
D. Double-blind Experiments
E. Randomized Clinical Trials
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: Descriptive research methods are used to observe and record behavior
without manipulating variables. Case studies look at individuals in depth, naturalistic
observation watches behavior in its normal environment, and surveys gather self-reported
data. These methods contrast with experimental methods which aim to establish cause-
and-effect relationships.
5. In an experiment designed to study the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive
performance, ‘sleep deprivation’ is the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Independent variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Control group
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher
to see its effect on another variable. In this case, the amount of sleep is controlled to
