Psychology Practice Exam Q&A
Psychology Practice Exam Q&A for
Revision
This practice exam Q&A pack offers 30 carefully crafted questions across all major psy-
chology domains: research methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes, develop-
mental stages, social influences, and abnormal psychology. Designed for university stu-
dents preparing for exams, it includes 20 multiple-choice, 6 true/false, and 4 short-answer
questions, each with step-by-step rationales that clarify reasoning, eliminate incorrect op-
tions, and connect to academic contexts like exam stress, group study, and mental health.
Grounded in seminal research, rationales provide evidence-based insights, revision tips,
and practical strategies to enhance retention and exam performance. This pack is tai-
lored for revision, with concise, high-yield content to reinforce key concepts and boost
confidence for high-stakes exams.
1 Research Methods in Psychology
Research methods are the foundation of psychological science, enabling students to design
studies, interpret findings, and ensure ethical practice. This section tests experimental
design, statistical analysis, and ethics through university-relevant scenarios, ideal for
revising core methodological concepts. Step-by-step rationales clarify reasoning and offer
revision strategies, such as summarizing key terms like independent variable or p-value
to solidify understanding.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A student tests whether group study improves exam scores. What is the
independent variable?
a) Exam scores
b) Group study sessions
c) Student effort
d) Study duration
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Recall the definition: the independent variable (IV) is manipulated to observe
its effect (Campbell Stanley, 1963).
(b) Option a: Exam scores are measured, making them the dependent variable.
(c) Option b: Group study sessions are manipulated (group vs. solo study), fitting
1
, Psychology Practice Exam Q&A
the IV.
(d) Option c: Effort is a potential confound, not manipulated.
(e) Option d: Study duration is not specified as manipulated.
(f) Conclusion: Group study sessions are the IV.
Revision Tip: Create flashcards for IV and DV definitions, using examples like
this to reinforce variable identification.
2. A study finds a link between social media use and stress. Can it prove
causation?
a) Yes, with a large sample
b) No, correlation does not imply causation
c) Yes, if longitudinal
d) No, unless experimental
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Determine the study type: a link suggests correlation, not manipulation (Rosen-
baum, 2002).
(b) Correlation cannot prove causation due to confounds (e.g., personality traits).
(c) Option a: Sample size doesnt address confounds.
(d) Option b: Correctly identifies correlations limitation.
(e) Option c: Longitudinal studies track over time but remain correlational.
(f) Option d: Experiments are needed, but the question implies correlation.
(g) Conclusion: The study cannot prove causation.
Revision Tip: Summarize correlation vs. causation in a table, noting examples
like social media and stress.
3. What ensures ethical participation in a study on student focus?
a) Anonymity
b) Informed consent
c) Random sampling
d) Debriefing
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Recall APA (2017) ethical guidelines: participants rights are paramount.
2
, Psychology Practice Exam Q&A
(b) Option a: Anonymity protects privacy but isnt the primary requirement.
(c) Option b: Informed consent ensures understanding of purpose, risks, and
rights (Belmont Report, 1979).
(d) Option c: Random sampling enhances generalizability, not ethics.
(e) Option d: Debriefing occurs post-study, not for participation.
(f) Conclusion: Informed consent is essential.
Revision Tip: Memorize APA ethical principles using mnemonics, focusing on
consent and autonomy.
4. A study on note-taking with a p-value of 0.04 indicates:
a) A 4% chance of a true effect
b) Statistical significance
c) A 96% chance of error
d) No effect
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Understand p-value: probability of results by chance (Fisher, 1925).
(b) P < 0.05 indicates significance, rejecting the null hypothesis.
(c) Option a: Misinterprets p-value as effect probability.
(d) Option b: Correctly identifies significance.
(e) Option c: Inverts the p-values meaning.
(f) Option d: Contradicts the low p-value.
(g) Conclusion: The result is statistically significant.
Revision Tip: Practice interpreting p-values with mock data, noting the 0.05
threshold.
5. Which method best studies a unique case of study anxiety?
a) Experiment
b) Case study
c) Survey
d) Correlational study
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Identify the method for in-depth, individual analysis.
3
Psychology Practice Exam Q&A for
Revision
This practice exam Q&A pack offers 30 carefully crafted questions across all major psy-
chology domains: research methods, biological foundations, cognitive processes, develop-
mental stages, social influences, and abnormal psychology. Designed for university stu-
dents preparing for exams, it includes 20 multiple-choice, 6 true/false, and 4 short-answer
questions, each with step-by-step rationales that clarify reasoning, eliminate incorrect op-
tions, and connect to academic contexts like exam stress, group study, and mental health.
Grounded in seminal research, rationales provide evidence-based insights, revision tips,
and practical strategies to enhance retention and exam performance. This pack is tai-
lored for revision, with concise, high-yield content to reinforce key concepts and boost
confidence for high-stakes exams.
1 Research Methods in Psychology
Research methods are the foundation of psychological science, enabling students to design
studies, interpret findings, and ensure ethical practice. This section tests experimental
design, statistical analysis, and ethics through university-relevant scenarios, ideal for
revising core methodological concepts. Step-by-step rationales clarify reasoning and offer
revision strategies, such as summarizing key terms like independent variable or p-value
to solidify understanding.
1.1 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A student tests whether group study improves exam scores. What is the
independent variable?
a) Exam scores
b) Group study sessions
c) Student effort
d) Study duration
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Recall the definition: the independent variable (IV) is manipulated to observe
its effect (Campbell Stanley, 1963).
(b) Option a: Exam scores are measured, making them the dependent variable.
(c) Option b: Group study sessions are manipulated (group vs. solo study), fitting
1
, Psychology Practice Exam Q&A
the IV.
(d) Option c: Effort is a potential confound, not manipulated.
(e) Option d: Study duration is not specified as manipulated.
(f) Conclusion: Group study sessions are the IV.
Revision Tip: Create flashcards for IV and DV definitions, using examples like
this to reinforce variable identification.
2. A study finds a link between social media use and stress. Can it prove
causation?
a) Yes, with a large sample
b) No, correlation does not imply causation
c) Yes, if longitudinal
d) No, unless experimental
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Determine the study type: a link suggests correlation, not manipulation (Rosen-
baum, 2002).
(b) Correlation cannot prove causation due to confounds (e.g., personality traits).
(c) Option a: Sample size doesnt address confounds.
(d) Option b: Correctly identifies correlations limitation.
(e) Option c: Longitudinal studies track over time but remain correlational.
(f) Option d: Experiments are needed, but the question implies correlation.
(g) Conclusion: The study cannot prove causation.
Revision Tip: Summarize correlation vs. causation in a table, noting examples
like social media and stress.
3. What ensures ethical participation in a study on student focus?
a) Anonymity
b) Informed consent
c) Random sampling
d) Debriefing
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Recall APA (2017) ethical guidelines: participants rights are paramount.
2
, Psychology Practice Exam Q&A
(b) Option a: Anonymity protects privacy but isnt the primary requirement.
(c) Option b: Informed consent ensures understanding of purpose, risks, and
rights (Belmont Report, 1979).
(d) Option c: Random sampling enhances generalizability, not ethics.
(e) Option d: Debriefing occurs post-study, not for participation.
(f) Conclusion: Informed consent is essential.
Revision Tip: Memorize APA ethical principles using mnemonics, focusing on
consent and autonomy.
4. A study on note-taking with a p-value of 0.04 indicates:
a) A 4% chance of a true effect
b) Statistical significance
c) A 96% chance of error
d) No effect
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Understand p-value: probability of results by chance (Fisher, 1925).
(b) P < 0.05 indicates significance, rejecting the null hypothesis.
(c) Option a: Misinterprets p-value as effect probability.
(d) Option b: Correctly identifies significance.
(e) Option c: Inverts the p-values meaning.
(f) Option d: Contradicts the low p-value.
(g) Conclusion: The result is statistically significant.
Revision Tip: Practice interpreting p-values with mock data, noting the 0.05
threshold.
5. Which method best studies a unique case of study anxiety?
a) Experiment
b) Case study
c) Survey
d) Correlational study
Answer: b
Step-by-Step Rationale:
(a) Identify the method for in-depth, individual analysis.
3
