Below is a set of sample revision test questions (with answers and rationale)
covering key concepts from Chapters 1–12 of Social Psychology (9th Canadian
Edition by David Myers, Christian Jordan, Steven Smith, & Jean Twenge). These
questions are designed to help you review major theories, findings, and
methods discussed in the text. Feel free to use them as a study guide or practice
test!
Chapter 1: Introduction to Social Psychology
Question 1.1
Which of the following best defines social psychology?
A. The study of how biological factors shape behavior
B. The study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in a social context
C. The study of individual differences in personality
D. The study of human brain functions
Answer: B
Rationale: This question tests your grasp of the central definition of social psychology—focusing on the
interplay between individuals and their social environment.
Question 1.2
The tendency to overestimate the role of personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors
when explaining someone else’s behavior is known as:
A. Self-serving bias
B. Fundamental attribution error
C. Actor-observer bias
D. Confirmation bias
Answer: B
Rationale: Understanding attribution errors is fundamental in social psychology. This question
reinforces the idea that we often misjudge the causes of behavior by overemphasizing personality
factors.
Chapter 2: Research Methods in Social Psychology
Question 2.1
Which research method is best suited for establishing cause-and-effect relationships?
A. Correlational studies
B. Survey research
C. Experimental research
D. Naturalistic observation
, Answer: C
Rationale: Knowing the strengths and limitations of different methods is key. This question checks your
understanding of why experiments are the gold standard for causal inference.
Question 2.2
A common limitation of survey research in social psychology is:
A. High internal validity
B. The inability to control for extraneous variables
C. The ease of establishing causation
D. The naturalistic setting of the research
Answer: B
Rationale: This item reinforces awareness of the trade-offs in research design—specifically, that surveys
are subject to issues like uncontrolled variables and response biases.
Chapter 3: The Self in a Social World
Question 3.1
Self-esteem can influence social behavior by:
A. Leading to aggressive behavior in all situations
B. Affecting how we interpret social feedback and interact with others
C. Having no impact on social interactions
D. Making individuals completely resistant to social influence
Answer: B
Rationale: This question highlights how self-concept and self-esteem shape our social perceptions and
responses, a central theme in understanding the self.
Question 3.2
Defining oneself in terms of group memberships is best described as:
A. Self-actualization
B. Social identity
C. Personal identity
D. Self-monitoring
Answer: B
Rationale: Here, the focus is on the concept of social identity. Recognizing the role of group affiliations
helps explain many intergroup and intrapersonal phenomena.
Chapter 4: Social Perception and Attribution
covering key concepts from Chapters 1–12 of Social Psychology (9th Canadian
Edition by David Myers, Christian Jordan, Steven Smith, & Jean Twenge). These
questions are designed to help you review major theories, findings, and
methods discussed in the text. Feel free to use them as a study guide or practice
test!
Chapter 1: Introduction to Social Psychology
Question 1.1
Which of the following best defines social psychology?
A. The study of how biological factors shape behavior
B. The study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in a social context
C. The study of individual differences in personality
D. The study of human brain functions
Answer: B
Rationale: This question tests your grasp of the central definition of social psychology—focusing on the
interplay between individuals and their social environment.
Question 1.2
The tendency to overestimate the role of personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors
when explaining someone else’s behavior is known as:
A. Self-serving bias
B. Fundamental attribution error
C. Actor-observer bias
D. Confirmation bias
Answer: B
Rationale: Understanding attribution errors is fundamental in social psychology. This question
reinforces the idea that we often misjudge the causes of behavior by overemphasizing personality
factors.
Chapter 2: Research Methods in Social Psychology
Question 2.1
Which research method is best suited for establishing cause-and-effect relationships?
A. Correlational studies
B. Survey research
C. Experimental research
D. Naturalistic observation
, Answer: C
Rationale: Knowing the strengths and limitations of different methods is key. This question checks your
understanding of why experiments are the gold standard for causal inference.
Question 2.2
A common limitation of survey research in social psychology is:
A. High internal validity
B. The inability to control for extraneous variables
C. The ease of establishing causation
D. The naturalistic setting of the research
Answer: B
Rationale: This item reinforces awareness of the trade-offs in research design—specifically, that surveys
are subject to issues like uncontrolled variables and response biases.
Chapter 3: The Self in a Social World
Question 3.1
Self-esteem can influence social behavior by:
A. Leading to aggressive behavior in all situations
B. Affecting how we interpret social feedback and interact with others
C. Having no impact on social interactions
D. Making individuals completely resistant to social influence
Answer: B
Rationale: This question highlights how self-concept and self-esteem shape our social perceptions and
responses, a central theme in understanding the self.
Question 3.2
Defining oneself in terms of group memberships is best described as:
A. Self-actualization
B. Social identity
C. Personal identity
D. Self-monitoring
Answer: B
Rationale: Here, the focus is on the concept of social identity. Recognizing the role of group affiliations
helps explain many intergroup and intrapersonal phenomena.
Chapter 4: Social Perception and Attribution
