General Psychology Midterm - Test Questions

Which of the following statements about sleep deprivation is false? Select one: a. Sleep deprivation can result in decreased mental alertness and cognitive function. b. Sleep deprivation is associated with obesity. c. Sleep deprivation often results in ADHD. d. Sleep deprivation often results in depression-like symptoms.

c. Sleep deprivation often results in ADHD.

The effects of neurotransmitters tend to be ________, whereas the effects of hormones tend to be ________. Select one: a. fast; a short duration b. fast; long lasting c. slow; a short duration d. slow; long lasting

b. fast; long lasting

Psychology is a social science discipline. Psychologists scientifically study ________. Select one: a. only behavior b. only the mind c. the mind and behavior d. the soul, the mind, and behavior

c. the mind and behavior

Studying close relatives allows behavioral geneticists to determine ________. Select one: a. how behaviors have changed over time b. the contribution of genes or environment to the behavior in the individuals studied c. the relative contributions of genes and environment in a population d. whether genes or environment cause a behavior or trait

c. the relative contributions of genes and environment in a population

Tayla smokes marijuana. At first, just a few inhalations were enough to cloud her mind. Over time, she needs to smoke more and more to achieve the same affect. This is an example of ________. Select one: a. physical dependence b. psychological dependence c. tolerance d. withdrawal

c. tolerance

I provide Ralph with the positive reinforcement of a candy bar when he does something I like. I punish him by squirting him with a squirt gun when he does something I don't like. I am applying the principles of ________ in an attempt to modify Ralph's behavior. Select one: a. classical conditioning b. functionalism c. humanism d. operant conditioning

...d. operant conditioning?

Considerable debate occurs regarding the use of anabolic steroid drugs like ________ in professional athletes and bodybuilders. Select one: a. growth hormone b. insulin c. testosterone d. thyroxine

NOT A...CHECK

Individuals undergoing hypnosis ________. Select one: a. can be coerced into harming themselves and others by a skilled hypnotist b. report no memory of the events that occurred during the period they were hypnotized c. usually do not have clear memories of the hypnotic experience and are not in control of their own behaviors d. usually have clear memories of the hypnotic experience and are in control of their own behaviors

NOT C...CHECK

________ is the electrical signal that typically moves from the cell body down the axon to the axon terminals. Select one: a. action potential b. depolarization c. hyperpolarization d. threshold of excitation

NOT D...CHECK

12.The hidden meaning of a dream is called the ________ content. Select one: a. alpha b. Freudian *c. latent d. manifest

Question in Moodle is messed up... C. is specially marked- guessing it is C.

During the fight or flight response, which of the following endocrine glands is most likely to increase activity? Select one: a. adrenal b. pancreas c. testes d. thyroid

a. adrenal

The ________ wave is characteristic of stage 1 sleep. Select one: a. alpha b. beta c. delta d. kappa

a. alpha

In what stage of sleep do sleep spindles appear? Select one: a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

b. 2

A negative correlation means ________. Select one: a. a third variable eliminates a correlational relationship b.one variable decreases as the other increases c. there is a relationship between two variables, but it is not statistically significant d. two variables increase together, but they are associated with an undesirable outcome

b. one variable decreases as the other increases

NREM sleep is a period of sleep ________. Select one: a. associated with lucid dreaming b. outside periods of REM sleep c. that always occurs immediately after REM sleep d. that overlaps REM sleep

b. outside periods of REM sleep

What is the number one occupation employing graduates with a BA in psychology? Select one: a. human resources b. marketing c. mid- and top-level management d. social work

c. mid- and top-level management

A(n) ________ is conducted in order to determine whether there are meaningful differences between two groups in a study. Select one: a. correlation coefficient b. scatterplot c. statistical analysis d. validity assessment

c. statistical analysis

What is a PsyD? Select one: a. Doctor of Philosophy b. Doctor of Psychiatry c. Doctor of Psychoanalysis d. Doctor of Psychology

d. Doctor of Psychology

In the study of personality, the ________ model includes dimensions of conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extroversion. Select one: a. H.O.P.E.S. b. Either-Or c. Fifth Dimension d. Five Factor

d. Five Factor

The social cognitive theory of hypnosis suggests that ________. Select one: a. Hypnosis is essentially an associated state of consciousness. b. No one can actually be hypnotized. c. People can hypnotize themselves if they try hard enough. d. People in hypnotic states are performing the social role of a hypnotized person.

d. People in hypnotic states are performing the social role of a hypnotized person.

Mohammed is sleeping. His eyelids are quivering because his eyes are darting around. Mohammed is probably experiencing ________ sleep. Select one: a. night terrors b. non-REM c. NREM d. REM

d. REM

Research on ________ subjects must always involve ________. Select one: a. animal; a full debriefing b. animal; obtaining informed consent c. human; a full debriefing d. human; obtaining informed consent

d. human; obtaining informed consent

Spurling et al. investigated the effects of two vocabulary learning strategies on word retention two weeks later. In this example, learning strategy is the ________ variable and word retention is the ________ variable. Select one: a. control; experimental b. dependent; independent c. experimental; control d. independent; dependent

d. independent; dependent

Behaviorists study ________. Select one: a. a person's unconscious mind b. chemical and hormonal changes c. dreams d. learned behavior

d. learned behavior

The space between two neurons is called the ________. Select one: a. soma b. synapse c. terminal button d. vesicle

b. synapse

Magali and Jean-Gabriel have been asked to design a study investigating happiness across the lifespan. They decide their study will involve going to the mall and asking people of a variety of ages if they are happy or unhappy. What is the most serious flaw of this design? Select one: a. People will know that they are part of a research study and may decline participation. b. Survey data is not as valid as experimental data. c. Their results will depend on how busy the mall is. d. They have not defined happiness or how it will be measured.

d. They have not defined happiness or how it will be measured.

The ________ is the deep groove that separates the brain into two halves. Select one: a. central gyrus b. central sulci c. hemisphere d. longitudinal fissure

d. longitudinal fissure

Isla is describing her dream to a friend. She explains that in her dream she being chased by zombies and she escaped them by hiding in a refrigerator. Her description of her dream is focused on ________ content. Select one: a. Freudian b. Jungian c. latent d. manifest

d. manifest

For a scientific explanation to be testable, it must also be ________. Select one: a. conscious and unconscious b. experimental and provable c. hypothesized and theoretical d. perceivable and measurable

d. perceivable and measurable

In order to maximize the chances that experimental groups represent the population of interest, researchers should conduct ________ and ________. Select one: a. blind group assignment; blind sampling b. blind group assignment; random sampling c. blind sampling; random group assignment d. random sampling; random group assignment

d. random sampling; random group assignment

________ asserts that our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with our genes to determine where within those boundaries we will fall. Select one: a. behavioral genetics b. environmental psychology c. evolutionary psychology d. range of reaction

d. range of reaction

Psychotropic medications are drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring ________ balance. Select one: a. emotional b. GABA c. neurotransmitter d. serotonin

NOT B...CHECK

Which of the following is not an endocrine gland? Select one: a. hypothalamus b. ovaries c. pineal gland d. thyroid

NOT B...CHECK

How many of the five stages of sleep are considered NREM sleep? Select one: a. one b. two c. three d. four

NOT C...CHECK

Krista and Tatiana Hogan are participants in a(n) ________ of conjoined twins who are joined at the head. Select one: a. case study b. experiment c. naturalistic observation d. survey

a. case study

Human eggs and sperm each contain 23 ________, which are composed of long strands of ________. Select one: a. chromosomes; DNA b. chromosomes; genes c. DNA; genes d. genes; DNA

a. chromosomes; DNA

A major advantage of case studies is ________. Select one: a. detailed information b. generalizability c. large sample size d. quick data collection

a. detailed information

Which of the following statements about sleep-wake cycles is false? Select one: a. Brain areas involved in sleep-wake cycles include the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pons. b. Melatonin initiates the waking cycle. c. Sleep is associated with the secretion and regulation of a number of hormones. d. 4eThey are controlled by multiple brain areas acting together.

b. Melatonin initiates the waking cycle.

________ is a neurotransmitter with roles in pleasure and pain modulation. Select one: a. acetylcholine b. beta-endorphin c. GABA d. norepinephrine

b. beta-endorphin

The endocrine system consists of a series of glands that produce chemical substances known as ________. Select one: a. factors b. hormones c. neurotransmitters d. proteins

b. hormones

The sleep debt is the result of ________. Select one: a. high levels of sensory awareness, thought, and behavior b. insufficient sleep on a chronic basis c. the circadian rhythm d. travel from one time zone to another

b. insufficient sleep on a chronic basis

According to the biopsychosocial model, what determines health? Select one: a. applying biological principles to the psychology of a healthy social life b. interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors c. primarily biology; individual psychology and social factors are sometimes relevant d. successful application of biopsychological principles to social life

b. interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors

In a ________ dream, people become aware that they are dreaming and can control the dream's content. Select one: a. K-complex b. lucid c. REM d. theta wave

b. lucid

What hormone does the pineal gland release? Select one: a. insulin b. melatonin c. estrogen d. testosterone

b. melatonin

The ________ gland is often referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system. Select one: a. adrenal b. pituitary c. testes d. thyroid

b. pituitary

Agonists bind to ________ and antagonists bind to ________. Select one: a. receptors; nothing, since they do not bind b. receptors; receptors c. receptors; the cell membrane d. the cell membrane; receptors

b. receptors; receptors

________ refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result. Select one: a. generalizability b. reliability c. statistical significance d. validity

b. reliability

The ________ rhythm is the biological rhythm that occurs over approximately 24 hours. Select one: a. circadian b. homeostatic c. meta d. pineal

a. circadian

________ is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, reward, addiction, and motor behavior. Select one: a. acetylcholine b. dopamine c. glutamate d. serotonin

b. dopamine

Sleep apnea is defined by ________. Select one: a. a sense of panic in the sufferer often accompanied by screams and attempts to escape b. episodes during which a sleeper's breathing stops c. uncomfortable sensations in the legs during periods of inactivity or when trying to fall asleep d. unwanted, disruptive motor activity and/or experiences during sleep

b. episodes during which a sleeper's breathing stops

The theory of ________ states that organisms that are better suited for their environment will survive and reproduce, while those that are poorly suited for their environment will die off. Select one: a. behavioral genetics b. evolution by natural selection c. genetic mutation d. survivalism

b. evolution by natural selection

The only way to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables is to conduct a(n) ________. Select one: a. detailed literature search b. experiment c. study d. survey

b. experiment

Which of the following research designs will allow cause-and-effect conclusions? Select one: a. correlational b. experimental c. quasi-experimental d. survey

b. experimental

Peer reviewers ________. Select one: a. are similar to magazine editors b. help ensure quality control in reporting scientific findings c. work for the authors of scientific articles d. work for the journals that publish scientific research findings

b. help ensure quality control in reporting scientific findings

An intelligence test yields the same results when administered on three separate occasions. However, the test's results are more strongly correlated with hours spent doing homework than they are with other standardized intelligence tests. This test has________ reliability and ________ validity. Select one: a. high; high b. high; low c. low; high d. low; low

b. high; low

Which of the following represents a weak positive correlation? Select one: a. -0.9 b. 0 c. +0.2 d. +0.9

c. +0.2

Who was the first person referred to as a psychologist? Select one: a. Wolfgang Köhler b. Sigmund Freud c. Wilhelm Wundt d. William James

c. Wilhelm Wundt

William James was the ________. Select one: a. author of the first psychology textbook b. father of psychology c. first American psychologist d. first psychoanalyst

c. first American psychologist

A difference in ________ can explain why one person dies from a disease and another person survives. Select one: a. behavior b. evolution c. genetics d. nurture

c. genetics

________ is a perspective within psychology that emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans. Select one: a. behaviorism b. gestalt c. humanism d. structuralism

c. humanism

The belief that strange behavior is linked to the occurrence of a full moon is an example of a(n) ________. Select one: a. correlation b. fact c. illusory correlation d. opinion

c. illusory correlation

The ________ is controlled by the experimenter. Select one: a. confounding variable b. dependent variable c. independent variable d. variability

c. independent variable

A sample that ________ is most likely to yield generalizable results. Select one: a. has at least 20 participants b. has at least 200 participants c. is large and randomly selected d. is small and specifically selected

c. is large and randomly selected

A(n) ________ is a description of how the researchers will measure the variables of interest. Select one: a. experimental plan b. hypothesis c. operational definition d. theory

c. operational definition

What is Abraham Maslow best known for? Select one: a. classical conditioning b. dream analysis c. proposing a hierarchy of human needs in motivating behavior d. studying the influence of reinforcement and punishment on behavior

c. proposing a hierarchy of human needs in motivating behavior

Psychology refers to the ________. Select one: a. empirical study of humanity b. experimental study of individuals c. scientific study of the mind d. systematic study of human interaction

c. scientific study of the mind

________ is/are often conducted with large numbers of participants and can even be conducted by phone, email, or mail. Select one: a. archival research b. case studies c. surveys d. university experiments

c. surveys

Which of the following defines hypothesis? Select one: a. idea that proves a theory b. means of explaining social phenomena c. tentative explanation d. way of looking at the world

c. tentative explanation

The ________ of a neuron contain ________ that house neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the nervous system. Select one: a. axons; terminal buttons b. dendrites; synaptic vesicles c. terminal buttons; synaptic vesicles d. terminal buttons; transport proteins

c. terminal buttons; synaptic vesicles

Rosemary had a stroke about a year ago and now she cannot understand what people are saying to her. This is embarrassing for her, so she responds using vague language and tries to make it appear as though she understands. Which area of Rosemary's brain was likely damaged by the stroke? Select one: a. Broca's area b. occipital cortex c. prefrontal cortex d. Wernicke's area

d. Wernicke's area

What is a limitation that affects the generalizability of research results? Select one: a. control groups b. operational definitions c. random assignment d. small sample size

d. small sample size

Sleepwalking is also referred to as ________. Select one: a. hypersomnia b. night terror c. restless leg syndrome d. somnambulism

d. somnambulism

Cocaine is considered a ________ drug because it tends to increase overall levels of neural activity. Select one: a. antipsychotic b. depressant c. hallucinogen d. stimulant

d. stimulant

Which of the following is not a limbic system structure? Select one: a. amygdala b. hippocampus c. hypothalamus d. substantia nigra

d. substantia nigra

People often report that they have not been asleep if they are awoken during stage ________ sleep. Select one: a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

a. 1

What was the primary conclusion of Stanley Milgram's obedience research? Select one: a. Average people will harm others if told to do so by an authority figure. b. Everyday behavior can be explained by instincts developed in our ancestral population. c. Our mothers have an enormous impact on our personality. d. What we sense and what we perceive vary according to culture, race, and gender.

a. Average people will harm others if told to do so by an authority figure.

Who described the collective unconscious? Select one: a. Carl Jung b. John Hobson c. Rosalind Cartwright d. Sigmund Freud

a. Carl Jung

Which of the following is a criticism of evolutionary psychology? Select one: a. It ignores non-genetic factors in determining human behavior. b. It is easy to disprove theories developed by evolutionary psychologists. c. It places too much emphasis on genetic factors in determining human behavior. d. There are no female evolutionary psychologists.

a. It ignores non-genetic factors in determining human behavior.

Which of the following psychologists was a behaviorist? Select one: a. John Watson b. Sigmund Freud c. Wilhelm Wundt d. William James

a. John Watson

________ is a reduction in the number of research participants as some drop out of the study over time. Select one: a. attrition b. experimenter bias c. generalizability d. single blinding

a. attrition

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the ________ include food, water, and shelter. Select one: a. basic survival needs b. comfort objects c. higher-level needs d. wants

a. basic survival needs

The brain contains ________ of interconnected neurons and glia. Select one: a. billions b. tens of thousands c. thousands d. millions

a. billions

Psychoanalytic theory focuses on ________ and early childhood experiences. Select one: a. a person's consciousness b. a person's unconscious c. fetal development d. sexual identity

b. a person's unconscious

Marta is pursuing a graduate degree in psychology. As part of her program she must write a long research paper based on the data she spent the last year gathering. What is the long research paper called? Select one: a. dissertation b. PhD c. postdoctoral d. PsyD

a. dissertation

________ is a state of equilibrium, in which biological conditions (such as body temperature) are maintained at optimal levels. Select one: a. homeostasis b. resting potential c. reuptake d. synergy

a. homeostasis

When studying personality traits, someone who is hardworking, dependable, and organized will score high on the ________ trait. Select one: a. agreeableness b. conscientiousness c. extroversion d. neuroticism

b. conscientiousness

The ________ group does not get the experimental treatment. Select one: a. alternate experimental b. control c. dependent d. independent

b. control

The ________ variable measures effects of the independent variable. Select one: a. confounding b. dependent c. experimental d. independent

b. dependent

Alcohol is considered a ________ because it tends to suppress central nervous system activity. Select one: a. antipsychotic b. depressant c. hallucinogen d. stimulant

b. depressant

Which kind of psychological area does the work of Jean Piaget exemplify? Select one: a. biopsychology b. developmental psychology c. personality psychology d. sensation and perception

b. developmental psychology

In a ________ study, both the researchers and the participants are unaware of the group assignments. Select one: a. control b. double-blind c. pilot d. randomly assigned

b. double-blind

According to the dissociation view of hypnosis, hypnosis is ________. Select one: a. dissociated from other forms of altered consciousness because it does not involve drugs b. effectively a dissociated state of consciousness c. people acting as they do because of social expectations for how a hypnotized person should behave d. practiced only by people who are already dissociated from reality

b. effectively a dissociated state of consciousness

What should be changed to make the following sentence true? "The consequences of sleep debt include increased levels of alertness and mental efficiency." Select one: a. The word "alertness" should be changed to the word "vigilance." b. The word "consequences" should be changed to the word "benefits." c. The word "increased" should be changed to the word "decreased." d. The word "mental" should be changed to the word "biological."

c. The word "increased" should be changed to the word "decreased."

The two major divisions of the nervous system are the ________ and ________. Select one: a. autonomic; somatic nervous systems b. autonomic; sympathetic nervous systems c. central; peripheral nervous systems d. parasympathetic; sympathetic nervous systems

c. central; peripheral nervous systems

Which psychological perspective might advance the argument that our sleep patterns evolved as an adaptive response to predatory risks, which are higher during periods of darkness? Select one: a. cognitive behavioral b. dependent c. evolutionary d. Freudian

c. evolutionary

Changes in behavior and cognitive processes over time are studied by ________. Select one: a. behavioral geneticists b. behavioral psychologists c. evolutionary psychologists d. historical psychologists

c. evolutionary psychologists

The cognitive revolution created an impetus for psychologists to focus their attention on better understanding ________. Select one: a. emotions and cultural norms that underlie emotional responses b. genetics and the evolutionary adaptations that underlie behavior c. stimulus-response and the instincts that underlie human reaction to pain d. the mind and mental processes that underlie behavior

d. the mind and mental processes that underlie behavior

According to Sigmund Freud, all of the following represent ways to access the unconscious mind except through ________. Select one: a. dream analysis b. examination of the first words that come to someone's mind c. seemingly innocent slips of the tongue d. the use of reinforcement and punishment

d. the use of reinforcement and punishment

Research shows that people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to get lung cancer than those who do not smoke. This research alone demonstrates that ________. Select one: a. smoking causes lung cancer b. smoking contributes to lung cancer c. there is a predisposition toward both smoking and lung cancer d. there is a relationship between smoking and lung cancer

d. there is a relationship between smoking and lung cancer

Cognitive psychology focuses on studying ________. Select one: a. genetics and the effect of genetics on behavior b. sensation and the effect of culture on perception c. the effect of gender, race, and class on behavior d. thoughts and their relationship to our experiences and our actions

d. thoughts and their relationship to our experiences and our actions