AP Psychology Unit 9 Practice Test
Created by Graham Vogtman, IN
Embark on a captivating exploration of the human mind with the "AP Psychology Unit 9 Practice Test." Tailored to the College Board's Advanced Placement Psychology curriculum, this quiz delves into the realms of clinical psychology, abnormal behavior, and therapeutic interventions. Whether you're a high school student gearing up for the AP exam or an enthusiast eager to unravel the complexities of mental health, this practice test serves as a crucial resource.
Ready for a comprehensive exploration of psychology? Dive into the AP Psychology Unit 1 Practice Test to lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding, setting the Read morestage for further discovery in Unit 9.
- 1.
The branch of Psychology that systematically focuses on the physical, mental, and social changes that occur throughout the life cycle is called...?
- A.
Clinical Psychology
- B.
Social Psychology
- C.
Biological Psychology
- D.
Developmental Psychology
Correct Answer
D. Developmental PsychologyExplanation
Developmental psychology is the correct answer because it is the branch of psychology that specifically studies the physical, cognitive, and social changes that individuals go through as they age and develop across the lifespan. It focuses on understanding how people grow and change in areas such as language acquisition, cognitive development, social interactions, and emotional development.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The heart begins to beat during the __________ period of prenatal development.
- A.
Fetal
- B.
Zygotic
- C.
Embryonic
- D.
Conceptual
Correct Answer
C. EmbryonicExplanation
During the embryonic period of prenatal development, the heart begins to beat. This period occurs after the zygotic period, which is the initial stage of development after fertilization, and before the fetal period, which is the later stage of development characterized by further growth and maturation. The embryonic period is a critical time when major organ systems begin to form, including the heart. Therefore, the correct answer is embryonic.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Excess neural connections in the brain's Association Areas are reduced through a process of...?
- A.
Accomodation
- B.
Attachment
- C.
Assimilation
- D.
Pruning
Correct Answer
D. PruningExplanation
Excess neural connections in the brain's Association Areas are reduced through a process called pruning. Pruning is a natural process in which unnecessary or unused neural connections are eliminated to optimize the brain's efficiency. This allows the brain to streamline its neural networks and enhance its ability to process information more effectively. Pruning is crucial for the development and functioning of the brain, as it helps to refine and strengthen the connections that are most relevant and important for cognitive processes.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Olivia understands her world primarily by grasping and sucking easily-available objects. Olivia is clearly in Piaget's __________ stage.
- A.
Pre-Operational
- B.
Concrete Operational
- C.
Formal Conventional
- D.
Sensorimotor
Correct Answer
D. SensorimotorExplanation
Olivia's understanding of the world through grasping and sucking objects indicates that she is in Piaget's Sensorimotor stage. This stage is characterized by infants' exploration and understanding of the world through their senses and motor actions. They learn about objects and their properties through direct interaction and physical manipulation. Olivia's behavior aligns with the sensorimotor stage as she relies on her senses and actions to make sense of her surroundings.Rate this question:
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- 5.
According to Piaget, people are first able to reason abstractly and think hypothetically during the __________ stage.
- A.
Pre-Operational
- B.
Formal Operational
- C.
Concrete Operational
- D.
Post-Conventional
Correct Answer
B. Formal OperationalExplanation
Piaget's theory of cognitive development suggests that individuals go through different stages of cognitive development. The formal operational stage is the fourth and final stage, typically occurring during adolescence and adulthood. During this stage, individuals are capable of abstract thinking, logical reasoning, and hypothetical thinking. They can understand and solve complex problems, think about possibilities and alternatives, and consider different perspectives. Therefore, according to Piaget, people are first able to reason abstractly and think hypothetically during the formal operational stage.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Ten-year-old Melanie insists on wearing very feminine-looking clothes because she wants to appear ladylike. This best illustrates the impact of...?
- A.
Gender Typing
- B.
Individualism
- C.
Maturation
- D.
Collectivism
Correct Answer
A. Gender TypingExplanation
The given scenario of a ten-year-old girl, Melanie, insisting on wearing feminine clothes to appear ladylike demonstrates the impact of gender typing. Gender typing refers to the process by which children acquire behaviors, interests, and attitudes that are considered appropriate for their gender. Melanie's desire to conform to societal expectations of femininity and her understanding of what it means to be "ladylike" reflects the influence of gender typing on her behavior and self-expression.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following is an example of a Secondary Sex Characteristic?
- A.
Female Ovaries
- B.
Male Testes
- C.
Female Height
- D.
Male Facial Hair
Correct Answer
D. Male Facial HairExplanation
Male facial hair is an example of a secondary sex characteristic. Secondary sex characteristics are physical features that develop during puberty and distinguish males from females. These characteristics are not directly involved in reproduction but are influenced by sex hormones. Facial hair growth is typically associated with males due to the increased levels of testosterone during puberty, which stimulates the growth of facial hair. Female ovaries and male testes are primary sex organs involved in reproduction, while female height is not specifically a secondary sex characteristic.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following describes gender differences in life expectancy?
- A.
The number of newborn females is equal to the number of males, and females have a longer life expectancy than do males.
- B.
The number of newborn females is smaller than the number of males, and females have a longer life expectancy that do males.
- C.
The number of newborn females is greater than the number of males, and females have a longer life expectancy than do males.
- D.
The number of newborn females is equal to the number of males, and females have a shorter life expectancy than do males.
Correct Answer
B. The number of newborn females is smaller than the number of males, and females have a longer life expectancy that do males.Explanation
This answer correctly describes gender differences in life expectancy. It states that the number of newborn females is smaller than the number of males, and that females have a longer life expectancy than males. This aligns with the general trend observed in many populations around the world, where women tend to live longer than men on average.Rate this question:
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- 9.
During the course of successful prenatal development, a human organism begins as a(n)...
- A.
Embryo and finally develops into a zygote.
- B.
Zygote and finally develops into an embryo.
- C.
Embryo and finally develops into a fetus.
- D.
Zygote and finally develops into a fetus.
Correct Answer
D. Zygote and finally develops into a fetus.Explanation
During prenatal development, a human organism starts as a zygote, which is formed when the sperm fertilizes the egg. The zygote then undergoes cell division and differentiation to form an embryo. As the embryo continues to develop, it eventually becomes a fetus. Therefore, the correct answer is that a human organism begins as a zygote and finally develops into a fetus.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In a pleasant but unfamiliar setting, infants with an insecure maternal attachment are most likely to...
- A.
Demonstrate unusually low levels of stranger anxiety.
- B.
Happily leave their mother's side and explore their new surroundings.
- C.
Show indifference to their mother's return after a brief absence.
- D.
Feel somewhat happy when their mothers leave them.
Correct Answer
C. Show indifference to their mother's return after a brief absence.Explanation
Infants with an insecure maternal attachment often exhibit a lack of trust and emotional connection with their mothers. This can lead to a lack of responsiveness or interest in their mother's return after a brief absence. They may not show any particular joy or distress upon their mother's return, indicating a sense of indifference towards her presence. This behavior can be seen as a result of the insecure attachment style, where the infant has not developed a strong sense of security and comfort in the presence of their caregiver.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Two characteristics of authoritarian parents are that they...
- A.
Expect obedience but are responsive to their children's needs.
- B.
Impose rules and expect obedience.
- C.
Are emotionally abusive and overly demanding.
- D.
Exert control by setting rules and explaining the reasons for those rules.
Correct Answer
B. Impose rules and expect obedience.Explanation
Authoritarian parents are known for imposing rules and expecting obedience from their children. They tend to have strict guidelines and enforce them strictly without much room for negotiation or flexibility. This parenting style often emphasizes discipline, control, and adherence to authority. The focus is on obedience rather than understanding or meeting the child's emotional needs. The explanation provided aligns with the characteristics of authoritarian parents and accurately describes their tendency to impose rules and expect obedience from their children.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Henry disapproves of stealing jelly beans from his sister's Easter basket because he thinks his mother will spank him if he does. Henry best represents a __________ morality.
- A.
Conventional
- B.
Pre-Conventional
- C.
Concrete Operational
- D.
Formal Operational
Correct Answer
B. Pre-ConventionalExplanation
Henry's belief that his mother will spank him if he steals jelly beans from his sister's Easter basket indicates that his moral decision-making is based on avoiding punishment. This aligns with the pre-conventional stage of morality, where individuals make decisions based on self-interest and the consequences of their actions. At this stage, moral judgments are primarily driven by a fear of punishment and a desire for personal reward, rather than considering societal norms or ethical principles.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A Post-Conventional level of morality is most likely to be found in cultures that value...
- A.
Utilitarianism
- B.
Individualism
- C.
Collectivism
- D.
Social Harmony
Correct Answer
B. IndividualismExplanation
A Post-Conventional level of morality is most likely to be found in cultures that value individualism. This is because individuals at this level of moral development prioritize their own principles and rights over societal norms and expectations. They believe in making decisions based on their own personal values and judgments, rather than conforming to the expectations of the group or society. Therefore, cultures that value individualism are more likely to foster the development of individuals who reach the Post-Conventional level of morality.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Many people would find it more morally repulsive to kill someone by thrusting a knife into his or her body rather than by shooting him or her with a gun from a distance. This is best explained in terms of...
- A.
Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory
- B.
Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory
- C.
Haidt's Social Institutionist Theory
- D.
Ainsworth's Moral Development Theory
Correct Answer
C. Haidt's Social Institutionist TheoryExplanation
Haidt's Social Institutionist Theory suggests that our moral judgments are influenced by social and cultural factors. In this case, the moral repulsion towards stabbing someone with a knife may be explained by the cultural norms and social conventions that have been established. The act of stabbing someone with a knife is seen as more personal and intimate, which goes against societal norms of interpersonal distance and respect for personal boundaries. On the other hand, shooting someone from a distance may be seen as more detached and impersonal, aligning more with societal norms and therefore causing less moral repulsion.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is true of adolescence today as compared with a century ago?
- A.
Menarche occurs later in life, and adult independence occurs later in life.
- B.
Menarche occurs at about the same time, and adult independence occurs earlier in life.
- C.
Menarche occurs earlier in life, and adult independence occurs earlier in life.
- D.
Menarche occurs earlier in life, and adult independence occurs later in life.
Correct Answer
D. Menarche occurs earlier in life, and adult independence occurs later in life.Explanation
Adolescence today is characterized by earlier onset of menarche, which refers to the first occurrence of menstruation in girls. This is supported by scientific research and can be attributed to factors such as improved nutrition and healthcare. On the other hand, adult independence occurs later in life due to various societal and economic factors. Young people today tend to stay in education for longer, delay marriage and starting a family, and rely on their parents for financial support for a longer period of time compared to a century ago.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Older people's capacity to learn and remember meaningful material does not decline as much as their capacity to learn and remember meaningless material. This best illustrates the value of...?
- A.
Concrete Operational thought.
- B.
Crystallized Intelligence.
- C.
Fluid Intelligence.
- D.
Formal Operational thought.
Correct Answer
B. Crystallized Intelligence.Explanation
As people age, their capacity to learn and remember meaningful material, such as information that is relevant and has personal significance, does not decline as much as their capacity to learn and remember meaningless material. This suggests that older individuals rely more on their accumulated knowledge and experience, which is known as crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence refers to the ability to use acquired knowledge and skills. In contrast, fluid intelligence, which declines with age, refers to the ability to solve new problems and think abstractly. The other options, concrete operational thought and formal operational thought, are stages of cognitive development that occur in childhood and adolescence, not related to the aging process.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Abner, a 70-year-old retired teacher, feels that his life has not been of any real value or significance. According to Erikson, Abner has failed to achieve a sense of...?
- A.
Integrity
- B.
Autonomy
- C.
Competence
- D.
Intimacy
Correct Answer
A. IntegrityExplanation
According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, integrity is the final stage that occurs in late adulthood. It involves reflecting on one's life and feeling a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Abner, as a retired teacher who feels that his life has not been of any real value or significance, is likely experiencing a lack of integrity. He may feel a sense of despair and regret, as he has not achieved a sense of wholeness and purpose in his life.Rate this question:
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Dec 13, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 26, 2017Quiz Created by
Graham