CLEP Introductory Psychology (Quiz 1)

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CLEP Introductory Psychology (Quiz 1) - Quiz

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Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following is the philosophical approach to studying human behavior that emphasizes the purpose or usefulness of behavior?

    • A.

      Structuralism

    • B.

      Behaviorism

    • C.

      Functionalism

    • D.

      Psychoanalysis

    • E.

      Humanism

    Correct Answer
    C. Functionalism
    Explanation
    Functionalism is the philosophical approach to studying human behavior that emphasizes the purpose or usefulness of behavior. It focuses on understanding how mental processes and behaviors contribute to an individual's adaptation and survival in their environment. Functionalists believe that behavior serves a purpose and that understanding these purposes can provide insights into human behavior and mental processes.

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following approaches is used by a psychologist who studies depression by examining levels of a certain neurotransmitter in the brains of depressed and non-depressed people?

    • A.

      Psychoanalytic

    • B.

      Behavioral

    • C.

      Humanistic

    • D.

      Cognitive

    • E.

      Biological

    Correct Answer
    E. Biological
    Explanation
    A psychologist who studies depression by examining levels of a certain neurotransmitter in the brains of depressed and non-depressed people is using a biological approach. This approach focuses on understanding psychological phenomena by examining the biological processes and factors that contribute to them. By studying neurotransmitter levels in the brains of depressed and non-depressed individuals, the psychologist is investigating the biological basis of depression and how it may be related to imbalances or abnormalities in neurotransmitter function.

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  • 3. 

    Which of the following approaches is used by a psychologist who emphasizes the power of rewards and punishments to influence behavior?

    • A.

      Behavioral

    • B.

      Cognitive

    • C.

      Humanistic

    • D.

      Psychoanalytic

    • E.

      Biological

    Correct Answer
    A. Behavioral
    Explanation
    A psychologist who emphasizes the power of rewards and punishments to influence behavior is likely to follow the behavioral approach. This approach focuses on how external stimuli, such as rewards and punishments, shape and control behavior. It emphasizes the importance of observable behavior and believes that behavior can be learned and modified through conditioning.

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  • 4. 

    A researcher wants to know whether failure at a task causes aggression. As part of her study, some subjects are told they have failed at a task, whereas others are told they have succeeded. Failing or not at the task would be

    • A.

      A placebo.

    • B.

      The independent variable.

    • C.

      A within-subjects manipulation.

    • D.

      The dependent variable.

    • E.

      A counterbalancing procedure.

    Correct Answer
    B. The independent variable.
    Explanation
    In this study, the researcher is manipulating the variable of whether the subjects have failed or succeeded at a task. This manipulation is done intentionally by the researcher, making it the independent variable. The independent variable is the factor that is being tested or manipulated to see its effect on the dependent variable, which in this case would be aggression. Therefore, failing or not at the task is the independent variable in this study.

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  • 5. 

    A researcher sits at a table in a restaurant all day and records what customers in adjoining booths are saying and doing. What type of research strategy is this?

    • A.

      Experiment

    • B.

      Correlational study

    • C.

      Case study

    • D.

      Survey

    • E.

      Naturalistic observation

    Correct Answer
    E. Naturalistic observation
    Explanation
    This research strategy is called naturalistic observation because the researcher is observing and recording the behavior of customers in a real-life setting, without manipulating any variables or intervening in any way. The researcher is simply observing and documenting the natural behavior of the customers in the restaurant.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following correlation coefficients represents the strongest relationship between two variables?

    • A.

      +.31

    • B.

      -.06

    • C.

      +.73

    • D.

      -.81

    • E.

      +.50

    Correct Answer
    D. -.81
    Explanation
    The correlation coefficient measures the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables. In this case, the answer of -.81 represents the strongest negative relationship between the two variables. This means that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. The magnitude of -.81 indicates a strong negative correlation, suggesting a high degree of consistency in the relationship between the variables.

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  • 7. 

    Random assignment of subjects to experimental and control groups ensures that

    • A.

      The number of subjects in each group will be the same.

    • B.

      Subjects in each condition will not know each other.

    • C.

      Prior to the experimental manipulation, the two groups of subjects would be equivalent with respect to the dependent variable.

    • D.

      Prior to the experimental manipulation, the two groups of subjects would be equivalent with respect to the independent variable.

    • E.

      After the experimental manipulation, the two groups of subjects would differ with respect to the dependent variable.

    Correct Answer
    C. Prior to the experimental manipulation, the two groups of subjects would be equivalent with respect to the dependent variable.
    Explanation
    Random assignment of subjects to experimental and control groups ensures that prior to the experimental manipulation, the two groups of subjects would be equivalent with respect to the dependent variable. This means that any differences observed between the groups after the manipulation can be attributed to the independent variable and not pre-existing differences between the groups. Random assignment helps to control for confounding variables and increases the internal validity of the study by reducing bias and increasing the likelihood that any observed effects are due to the manipulation of the independent variable.

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  • 8. 

    "Nature" is to "nurture" as ________ is to _______.

    • A.

      Genetics; environment

    • B.

      Biology; physiology

    • C.

      Physiology; genetics

    • D.

      Upbringing; social status

    • E.

      Social status; biology

    Correct Answer
    A. Genetics; environment
    Explanation
    The analogy "Nature" is to "nurture" refers to the debate of whether a person's traits and behavior are determined by genetics (nature) or influenced by their environment and experiences (nurture). Similarly, the analogy "genetics" is to "environment" suggests that just as genetics plays a role in shaping an individual, the environment in which they are raised and live also has a significant impact on their development and behavior.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following areas of the brain, located at the top of the spinal cord, regulates breathing, waking, and heartbeat?

    • A.

      Thalamus

    • B.

      Reticular formation

    • C.

      Parietal lobe

    • D.

      Medulla

    • E.

      Cerbellum

    Correct Answer
    D. Medulla
    Explanation
    The medulla is the correct answer because it is a part of the brainstem located at the top of the spinal cord. It is responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, waking, and heartbeat. The medulla contains centers that control the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the coordination of respiratory muscles. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's overall homeostasis by regulating heart rate and blood pressure.

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  • 10. 

    The simplest cell of the nervous system is a

    • A.

      Neuron

    • B.

      Dendrite

    • C.

      Axon

    • D.

      Soma

    • E.

      Terminal buttons

    Correct Answer
    A. Neuron
    Explanation
    A neuron is the simplest cell of the nervous system because it is responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. It consists of three main parts: the dendrites, which receive signals from other neurons; the soma, or cell body, which contains the nucleus and other essential components; and the axon, which transmits signals to other neurons or cells. Terminal buttons are located at the end of the axon and release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons. Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system and play a crucial role in processing and transmitting information.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following greatly speeds up the transmission of signals through a neuron?

    • A.

      Dendrites

    • B.

      A myelin sheath

    • C.

      Depolarization

    • D.

      An action potential

    • E.

      Vesicles

    Correct Answer
    B. A myelin sheath
    Explanation
    A myelin sheath greatly speeds up the transmission of signals through a neuron. The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that surrounds the axon of a neuron, acting as an insulator. It helps to prevent signal loss and allows the electrical impulses to travel more efficiently and rapidly along the axon. This increases the speed at which information is transmitted from one neuron to another, enhancing overall neural communication.

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  • 12. 

    The period during which the neuron cannot fire is described as which of the following?

    • A.

      Lock-up

    • B.

      Absolute refractory period

    • C.

      Resting period

    • D.

      Reset period

    • E.

      Hyper-polarization period

    Correct Answer
    B. Absolute refractory period
    Explanation
    The period during which the neuron cannot fire is known as the absolute refractory period. This is a brief period of time after a neuron has fired an action potential, during which it is unable to generate another action potential. This is due to the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels that are responsible for initiating the action potential. During this time, the neuron is unable to respond to any additional stimuli, ensuring that the action potentials are properly separated and allowing for proper signaling in the nervous system.

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  • 13. 

    The Somatic Nervous System is part of the

    • A.

      Central nervous system

    • B.

      Peripheral nervous system

    • C.

      Autonomic nervous system

    • D.

      Sympathetic division

    • E.

      Parasympathetic division

    Correct Answer
    B. Peripheral nervous system
    Explanation
    The Somatic Nervous System is responsible for voluntary movements and sensory information processing. It controls the skeletal muscles and receives sensory information from the external environment. It is considered part of the peripheral nervous system because it is not involved in the internal regulation of bodily functions, which is the role of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which are responsible for involuntary processes such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

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  • 14. 

    The site in the auditory cortex located where acoustical codes are decoded and interpreted is known as

    • A.

      Wernicke's area

    • B.

      Motor area

    • C.

      Visual association areas

    • D.

      Broca's area

    • E.

      Pons

    Correct Answer
    A. Wernicke's area
    Explanation
    Wernicke's area is the site in the auditory cortex where acoustical codes are decoded and interpreted. This area is responsible for language comprehension and understanding spoken words. It is involved in the processing of auditory information and plays a crucial role in the production and understanding of speech. Damage to Wernicke's area can result in language disorders such as Wernicke's aphasia, where individuals have difficulty understanding and producing meaningful speech.

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  • 15. 

    Which chemicals are responsible for the "runner's high" and important for controlling pleasure/pain properties?

    • A.

      Adrenalines

    • B.

      Steroids

    • C.

      Acetylcholine

    • D.

      Endorphins

    • E.

      GABA

    Correct Answer
    D. Endorphins
    Explanation
    Endorphins are the chemicals responsible for the "runner's high" and play an important role in controlling pleasure and pain properties. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released during exercise, stress, and other activities, creating feelings of euphoria and reducing pain perception. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, similar to the way opioids like morphine do, producing analgesic and mood-enhancing effects. This natural high can contribute to the positive feelings and sense of well-being experienced by runners and other athletes during intense physical activity.

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  • 16. 

    Neurons stimulate nearby glands, muscles, or other neurons through chemicals released from their

    • A.

      Axons

    • B.

      Somas

    • C.

      Dendrites

    • D.

      Terminal buttons

    • E.

      Nucleus

    Correct Answer
    D. Terminal buttons
    Explanation
    Neurons stimulate nearby glands, muscles, or other neurons through chemicals released from their terminal buttons. Terminal buttons are small structures at the end of the neuron's axon that release neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that transmit signals to other cells. When a neuron receives an electrical impulse, it travels down the axon to the terminal buttons where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, the small gap between the neurons. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the neighboring cells, allowing the signal to be transmitted and stimulate the target cells.

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  • 17. 

    The reticular formation

    • A.

      Regulates heartbeat and breating

    • B.

      Controls hunger

    • C.

      Helps control arousal

    • D.

      Regulates fear and aggression

    • E.

      Coordinates voluntary movement

    Correct Answer
    C. Helps control arousal
    Explanation
    The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating arousal and consciousness. It receives sensory information from various parts of the body and relays it to the cerebral cortex, helping to control the level of alertness and wakefulness. It filters out irrelevant stimuli and allows us to focus on important sensory inputs. Therefore, the statement "helps control arousal" accurately describes the function of the reticular formation.

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  • 18. 

    The nervous system's ability to detect and encode energy from stimuli is called

    • A.

      Perception

    • B.

      Parallel processing

    • C.

      Top-down processing

    • D.

      Sensation

    • E.

      Subliminal perception

    Correct Answer
    D. Sensation
    Explanation
    The nervous system's ability to detect and encode energy from stimuli is known as sensation. Sensation refers to the process of receiving information through our senses, such as touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. It involves the initial detection of a stimulus and the transmission of that information to the brain. Sensation is the first step in the process of perception, where the brain interprets and makes sense of the sensory information received.

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  • 19. 

    The minimum stimulation needed to detect a stimulus half of the time it's presented is called

    • A.

      Perception

    • B.

      The absolute threshold

    • C.

      The just-noticeable difference

    • D.

      The difference threshold

    • E.

      Feature detection

    Correct Answer
    B. The absolute threshold
    Explanation
    The minimum stimulation needed to detect a stimulus half of the time it's presented is called the absolute threshold. This refers to the lowest level of intensity or magnitude at which a stimulus can be detected by an individual. It is the point at which the stimulus becomes perceptible to the person, indicating the boundary between not perceiving the stimulus and perceiving it.

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  • 20. 

    Tina has a box of CDs that's twice as heavy as Gary's. Tina's box would have to have eight more CDs in it before it would feel heavier, whereas Gary's would have to have only foud more CDs in it in order for it to feel heavier. This illustrates

    • A.

      Sensory adaptation

    • B.

      Weber's Law

    • C.

      The Young-Helmholtz theory

    • D.

      Opponent-process theory

    • E.

      Feature detection theory

    Correct Answer
    B. Weber's Law
    Explanation
    Weber's Law states that the just noticeable difference (JND) between two stimuli is proportional to the magnitude of the stimuli. In this scenario, Tina's box would have to have eight more CDs in order for it to feel heavier, while Gary's box would only need four more CDs to feel heavier. This illustrates Weber's Law because the JND for Tina is greater than the JND for Gary, indicating that the increase in weight needed for Tina to perceive a difference is larger than the increase needed for Gary.

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  • 21. 

    By which process is stimulus energy converted into neural messages?

    • A.

      Transduction

    • B.

      Feature detection

    • C.

      Perceptual set

    • D.

      Parallel processing

    • E.

      Accomodation

    Correct Answer
    A. Transduction
    Explanation
    Transduction is the process by which stimulus energy is converted into neural messages. This process occurs in the sensory organs, such as the eyes, ears, and skin, where sensory receptors detect stimuli and convert them into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Transduction is essential for perception as it allows the brain to receive and interpret information from the environment.

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  • 22. 

    Which type of cell allows us to distinguish different wavelengths of light?

    • A.

      Ganglion cells

    • B.

      Cones

    • C.

      Bipolar cells

    • D.

      Rods

    • E.

      Auditory

    Correct Answer
    B. Cones
    Explanation
    Cones are the type of cells in the retina that allow us to distinguish different wavelengths of light. They are responsible for color vision and are most sensitive to red, green, and blue light. Cones are concentrated in the central part of the retina, called the fovea, which is responsible for detailed and high-resolution vision. In contrast, rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions, while ganglion cells and bipolar cells are involved in transmitting visual information to the brain. Auditory cells, on the other hand, are related to hearing and not vision.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following is a binocular cue for perceiving distance?

    • A.

      Interposition

    • B.

      Motion parallax

    • C.

      Linear perspective

    • D.

      Relative clarity

    • E.

      Convergence

    Correct Answer
    E. Convergence
    Explanation
    Convergence is a binocular cue for perceiving distance because it refers to the inward turning of our eyes when we focus on nearby objects. When an object is close to us, our eyes need to converge more in order to focus on it, and the brain uses this information to perceive depth and distance. Therefore, convergence helps us judge how far away an object is from us.

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  • 24. 

    The fact that parallel lines appear to converge as they get farther away is referred to as

    • A.

      Retinal disparity

    • B.

      Relative motion

    • C.

      A texture gradient

    • D.

      Interposition

    • E.

      Linear perspective

    Correct Answer
    E. Linear perspective
    Explanation
    Linear perspective refers to the phenomenon where parallel lines appear to converge as they get farther away. This is a visual cue that helps us perceive depth and distance in a scene. The converging lines create an illusion of depth and give the impression of distance in a two-dimensional image or scene. This concept is commonly used in art and architecture to create a sense of depth and realism.

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  • 25. 

    When a series of lights on a movie marquee are turned on and off, one after the other, in succession, it appears that a single light is moving around the marquee. This illustrates

    • A.

      Shape constancy

    • B.

      Linear perspective

    • C.

      Perceptual adaptation

    • D.

      Perceptual set

    • E.

      The phi phenomenon

    Correct Answer
    E. The phi phenomenon
    Explanation
    The phi phenomenon refers to the illusion of movement created by rapidly turning on and off a series of lights in succession. This phenomenon tricks our perception into perceiving a single light moving around the marquee, even though it is actually just a series of lights turning on and off.

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  • 26. 

    A circadian rhythm is

    • A.

      The body's reaction to changes in phases of the moon

    • B.

      The shifting from one stage of sleep to another

    • C.

      A hypnotic state

    • D.

      Any pattern of biological functioning that happens over (roughly) a 24-hour cycle

    • E.

      Changes in moods during a 28-day period of time

    Correct Answer
    D. Any pattern of biological functioning that happens over (roughly) a 24-hour cycle
    Explanation
    A circadian rhythm refers to any pattern of biological functioning that occurs over a 24-hour cycle. This includes various physiological processes such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, body temperature regulation, and metabolism. These rhythms are influenced by external cues such as light and darkness and help regulate our internal body clock. The other options in the question, such as the body's reaction to changes in phases of the moon or shifting from one stage of sleep to another, do not accurately describe the concept of circadian rhythm.

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  • 27. 

    If someone is awake, has his or her eyes closed, and is in a relaxed state, an EEG would most likely indicate the presence of

    • A.

      Alpha waves

    • B.

      Sleep spindles

    • C.

      Delta waves

    • D.

      Rapid eye movements

    • E.

      Large, slow brain waves

    Correct Answer
    A. Alpha waves
    Explanation
    When someone is awake but has their eyes closed and is in a relaxed state, an EEG would most likely indicate the presence of alpha waves. Alpha waves are a type of brain wave that occur when a person is awake but in a relaxed state, such as during meditation or daydreaming. They are characterized by a frequency of 8-13 Hz and are typically seen in the posterior regions of the brain. Alpha waves are associated with a calm and relaxed mental state, and their presence on an EEG indicates that the person is awake but not actively engaged in mental or physical activity.

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  • 28. 

    During which stage of sleep are hynogogic sensations most likely to occur?

    • A.

      Stage 1

    • B.

      Stage 2

    • C.

      Stage 3

    • D.

      Stage 4

    • E.

      REM

    Correct Answer
    A. Stage 1
    Explanation
    During stage 1 of sleep, hynogogic sensations are most likely to occur. This stage is the transitional phase between wakefulness and sleep, where the brain produces alpha and theta waves. Hynogogic sensations refer to the brief, dream-like experiences that can happen as we are falling asleep, such as feeling like we are falling or hearing a loud noise. These sensations are often attributed to the brain's transition from wakefulness to sleep and can be accompanied by muscle twitches or jerks known as hypnic jerks.

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  • 29. 

    Among humans, the sleep cycle repeats itself every

    • A.

      Hour

    • B.

      90 minutes

    • C.

      2 hours

    • D.

      30 minutes

    • E.

      45 minutes

    Correct Answer
    B. 90 minutes
    Explanation
    The sleep cycle among humans repeats itself every 90 minutes. During each cycle, a person goes through different stages of sleep, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. These stages have different functions and play a crucial role in restorative and restful sleep. The 90-minute duration is significant because it allows for multiple cycles of these stages throughout the night, ensuring a healthy and balanced sleep pattern.

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  • 30. 

    Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder involving

    • A.

      Difficult waking up after a normal night of sleep

    • B.

      Interruptions in breating during sleep

    • C.

      Having trouble staying asleep

    • D.

      Having trouble falling asleep

    • E.

      Uncontrollable attacks of intense sleepiness

    Correct Answer
    E. Uncontrollable attacks of intense sleepiness
    Explanation
    Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable attacks of intense sleepiness. People with narcolepsy experience sudden and overwhelming episodes of sleepiness during the day, which can occur at any time and in any situation. These attacks are often accompanied by a loss of muscle control, known as cataplexy, where individuals may experience temporary paralysis or weakness in their muscles. This excessive sleepiness can greatly impact daily functioning and can be dangerous, especially if it occurs while driving or operating machinery.

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  • 31. 

    The idea that the behavior of people who are hypnotized is controlled by normal, conscious processes is part of the theory that says hypnosis entails

    • A.

      REM rebound

    • B.

      Hallucinations

    • C.

      Role playing

    • D.

      Dissociation

    • E.

      Paradoxical sleep

    Correct Answer
    C. Role playing
    Explanation
    The idea that the behavior of people who are hypnotized is controlled by normal, conscious processes suggests that hypnosis entails role playing. This means that individuals who are hypnotized are consciously acting out the suggestions given to them by the hypnotist, rather than being in a trance-like state or experiencing any physiological changes. This theory implies that hypnosis is more of a social phenomenon where individuals willingly participate and engage in the suggested behaviors.

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  • 32. 

    Which of the following is involved in classical conditioning and operant conditioning, respectively?

    • A.

      Stimulus-stimulus pairings .. non-associative learning

    • B.

      Non-associative learning .. stimulus-response pairings

    • C.

      Stimulus-response pairings .. stimulus-stimulus pairings

    • D.

      Stimulus-stimulus pairings .. stimulus-response pairings

    • E.

      Associative learning .. non-associative learning

    Correct Answer
    D. Stimulus-stimulus pairings .. stimulus-response pairings
    Explanation
    Classical conditioning involves stimulus-stimulus pairings, where a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response. On the other hand, operant conditioning involves stimulus-response pairings, where a behavior is followed by a consequence, either reinforcement or punishment, to increase or decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

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  • 33. 

    Wally is allergic to cat fur and it makes him sneeze violently. Anita has a lot of cats and her clothes often have cat fur on them. After three dates with Anita, Wally has begun to sneeze violently as soon as he sees her. What type of learning does this illustrate?

    • A.

      Operant conditioning

    • B.

      Vicarious learning

    • C.

      Observational learning

    • D.

      Classical conditioning

    • E.

      Spontaneous recovery

    Correct Answer
    D. Classical conditioning
    Explanation
    This scenario illustrates classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus (Anita's clothes with cat fur) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (cat fur) that elicits an unconditioned response (Wally's violent sneezing). Over time, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus that elicits a conditioned response (Wally's violent sneezing) even without the presence of the unconditioned stimulus. In this case, Wally's sneezing response has been conditioned to be triggered by the sight of Anita's clothes with cat fur.

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  • 34. 

    Wally is allergic to cat fur and it makes him sneeze violently. Anita has a lot of cats and her clothes often have cat fur on them. After three dates with Anita, Wally has begun to sneeze violently as soon as he sees her. In this example, cat fur would be a(n)

    • A.

      Unconditional stimulus

    • B.

      Reinforcer

    • C.

      Conditioned stimulus

    • D.

      Model

    • E.

      Punisher

    Correct Answer
    A. Unconditional stimulus
    Explanation
    In this example, cat fur is the unconditional stimulus because it is the stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers Wally's allergic reaction of violent sneezing. The unconditional stimulus is the stimulus that elicits an unlearned response, in this case, the allergic reaction.

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  • 35. 

    Wally is allergic to cat fur and it makes him sneeze violently. Anita has a lot of cats and her clothes often have cat fur on them. After three dates with Anita, Wally has begun to sneeze violently as soon as he sees her. In this example, sneezing would be

    • A.

      An unconditioned response, but not a conditioned response

    • B.

      A conditioned response, but not an unconditioned response

    • C.

      A punisher

    • D.

      A reinforcer

    • E.

      Both an unconditional response and a conditioned response

    Correct Answer
    E. Both an unconditional response and a conditioned response
    Explanation
    In this example, sneezing is an unconditioned response because it is a natural, involuntary reaction that Wally has to cat fur. It is also a conditioned response because Wally has associated seeing Anita with cat fur, causing him to sneeze even without direct exposure to the fur. Therefore, sneezing is both an unconditioned response and a conditioned response in this scenario.

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  • 36. 

    Wally is allergic to cat fur and it makes him sneeze violently. Anita has a lot of cats and her clothes often have cat fur on them. After three dates with Anita, Wally has begun to sneeze violently as soon as he sees her. If, after the learning took place, Anita began to show up at Wally's without cat fur on her clothes, Wally's learned response would

    • A.

      Extinguish

    • B.

      Spontaneously recover

    • C.

      Generalize

    • D.

      Be shaped

    • E.

      Discriminate

    Correct Answer
    A. Extinguish
    Explanation
    If Anita began to show up at Wally's without cat fur on her clothes, Wally's learned response of sneezing violently would gradually decrease and eventually stop. This is because the absence of cat fur on Anita's clothes would no longer trigger the allergic reaction in Wally. The learned response would be extinguished as Wally no longer associates seeing Anita with the presence of cat fur, which is the stimulus that originally caused his sneezing.

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  • 37. 

    Bob gets a dollar for every magazine subscription he sells. What type of operant-conditioning consequence is maintaining Bob's selling?

    • A.

      Positive reinforcement

    • B.

      Negative reinforcement

    • C.

      Punishment

    • D.

      Response-cost training

    • E.

      Partial reinforcement

    Correct Answer
    A. Positive reinforcement
    Explanation
    The correct answer is positive reinforcement because Bob receives a reward (a dollar) for every magazine subscription he sells. This reward serves as a consequence that increases the likelihood of Bob continuing to sell subscriptions in the future. Positive reinforcement involves the addition of a desirable stimulus to strengthen a behavior.

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  • 38. 

    Lori has a glass of wine when she comes home every night because it relieves her unpleasant feelings of stress. Which operant-conditioning technique is maintaining Lori's drinking?

    • A.

      Positive reinforcement

    • B.

      Negative reinforcement

    • C.

      Punishment

    • D.

      Response-cost training

    • E.

      Partial reinforcement

    Correct Answer
    B. Negative reinforcement
    Explanation
    Lori's drinking is being maintained by negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior is strengthened by the removal or avoidance of an unpleasant stimulus. In this case, Lori's drinking is relieving her unpleasant feelings of stress, which serves as a negative reinforcement for her behavior.

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  • 39. 

    Jeff won money in the state lottery after buying five tickets, then after buying six more tickets, then four more tickets (that is, after every fifth ticket, on average). Which reinforcement schedule maintains Jeff's ticket-buying behavior?

    • A.

      Continuous

    • B.

      Fixed ratio

    • C.

      Variable ratio

    • D.

      Fixed interval

    • E.

      Variable interval

    Correct Answer
    C. Variable ratio
    Explanation
    Variable ratio reinforcement schedule maintains Jeff's ticket-buying behavior. This schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of ticket purchases. Jeff won money after buying five tickets, then six more tickets, and then four more tickets, which shows that the reinforcement is not based on a fixed number of tickets. The variable ratio schedule is known to be highly resistant to extinction, meaning that Jeff is likely to continue buying tickets in the hope of winning again, as he doesn't know exactly when the next reinforcement will occur.

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  • 40. 

    Lucy whines when she doesn't get her way. Last Monday, her mother refused to give in to her whining for five minutes before finally giving Lucy what she was demanding. On Tuesday, her mother resisted for 10 minutes before giving in. On Wednesday, she resisted for 20 minutes. Lucy is being taught to whine for longer and longer periods of time through

    • A.

      Discrimination training

    • B.

      Shaping

    • C.

      Partial reinforcement

    • D.

      Modeling

    • E.

      Punishment

    Correct Answer
    B. Shaping
    Explanation
    Shaping is the correct answer because it involves gradually reinforcing behaviors that are closer and closer to the desired behavior. In this scenario, Lucy's whining behavior is being reinforced by her mother giving in to her demands after a certain amount of time. This reinforcement is shaping Lucy's behavior to whine for longer periods of time in order to get what she wants.

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  • 41. 

    Sally stopped hitting her brother when she saw a girl on a television show hit someone and then get in trouble for it. What type of learning on Sally's part does this illustrate?

    • A.

      Latent learning

    • B.

      Partial reinforcement

    • C.

      Shaping

    • D.

      Generalization

    • E.

      Vicarious learning

    Correct Answer
    E. Vicarious learning
    Explanation
    This scenario illustrates vicarious learning, which is learning by observing the consequences of others' actions. Sally stopped hitting her brother after seeing a girl on a television show get in trouble for hitting someone. Sally learned from this observation and realized that hitting someone leads to negative consequences. Therefore, she changed her behavior based on the consequences she witnessed in someone else's actions.

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  • 42. 

    A rule-of-thumb strategy for solving problems is called a(n)

    • A.

      Algorithm

    • B.

      Heuristic

    • C.

      Prototype

    • D.

      Insight

    • E.

      Fixation

    Correct Answer
    B. Heuristic
    Explanation
    A rule-of-thumb strategy for solving problems is called a heuristic. A heuristic is a mental shortcut or a simplified strategy that helps in making decisions or solving problems more efficiently. It is a practical approach that may not always guarantee an optimal solution but is often used when there is limited time or resources available. Unlike an algorithm, which follows a specific set of steps to reach a solution, a heuristic allows for flexibility and creativity in problem-solving.

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  • 43. 

    After meeting Dave at a party, you decide he is shy. At several subsequent meetings, though, Dave is very outgoing. The idea that you're likely to continue believing Dave to be shy is called

    • A.

      The framing effect

    • B.

      Belief perseverance

    • C.

      Overconfidence

    • D.

      The availability heuristic

    • E.

      The representativeness heuristic

    Correct Answer
    B. Belief perseverance
    Explanation
    Belief perseverance refers to the tendency to cling to initial beliefs even when presented with contradictory evidence. In this scenario, despite observing Dave's outgoing behavior in subsequent meetings, the individual still holds onto their initial belief that Dave is shy. This demonstrates belief perseverance as they continue to maintain their original belief despite new information that contradicts it.

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  • 44. 

    A child saying "doll" while holding her hand out, as if expecting to be given the doll, would be an example of

    • A.

      Babbling

    • B.

      Syntax

    • C.

      Phonetics

    • D.

      Telegraphic speech

    • E.

      Echoic speech

    Correct Answer
    D. Telegraphic speech
    Explanation
    Telegraphic speech refers to the stage of language development where a child starts using short and simple phrases to convey their message. In this example, the child saying "doll" while holding her hand out indicates that she wants the doll, but she is not using a complete sentence or grammatical structure. This behavior is characteristic of telegraphic speech, where children use only essential words to express their needs or desires.

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  • 45. 

    A child's ability to recognize speech sounds that aren't used in the language begins to disappear during which stage of launguage development?

    • A.

      The one-word stage

    • B.

      The babbling stage

    • C.

      The two-word stage

    • D.

      The multi-word stage

    • E.

      The telegraphic stage

    Correct Answer
    B. The babbling stage
    Explanation
    During the babbling stage of language development, a child's ability to recognize speech sounds that aren't used in the language begins to disappear. This is because as the child becomes more exposed to the specific sounds and patterns of their native language, they start to focus on and reproduce only those sounds that are relevant to their language. This narrowing of speech sound recognition is a natural part of language acquisition and helps the child become more proficient in their native language.

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  • 46. 

    Which of the following strategies should work best when studying for a test that's two weeks away?

    • A.

      Don't begin studying until just a few hours before the test

    • B.

      Do lots of studying during the first week, then relax during the second week

    • C.

      Relax during the first week, then study intensely every day during the second week

    • D.

      Study for an hour every day for two weeks

    • E.

      Study once at the beginning of the two-week period

    Correct Answer
    D. Study for an hour every day for two weeks
    Explanation
    Studying for an hour every day for two weeks is the best strategy when preparing for a test that is two weeks away. This approach allows for consistent and regular review of the material over a longer period of time, which enhances memory retention and understanding. By distributing the study sessions evenly throughout the two-week period, the information is more likely to be retained in long-term memory, leading to better performance on the test.

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  • 47. 

    Remembering how to get from your house to a friend's house, without consciously knowing how to do it, is an example of

    • A.

      Iconic memory

    • B.

      Implicit memory

    • C.

      Echoic memory

    • D.

      Flashbulb memory

    • E.

      Working memory

    Correct Answer
    B. Implicit memory
    Explanation
    Implicit memory refers to the unconscious or automatic recall of information or skills that have been previously learned or experienced. In this scenario, remembering how to get from your house to a friend's house without consciously knowing how to do it suggests that this memory is stored in implicit memory. This type of memory is often associated with procedural or motor skills and does not require conscious effort to retrieve.

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  • 48. 

    Lori is 10 years old and has done as well on an intelligence test as the average 8-year-old. As originally calculated for the Stanford-Binet, what would Lori's IQ be?

    • A.

      100

    • B.

      125

    • C.

      10

    • D.

      8

    • E.

      80

    Correct Answer
    E. 80
    Explanation
    Based on the information provided, Lori is 10 years old but has performed at the same level as an average 8-year-old on the intelligence test. The Stanford-Binet IQ test calculates a person's IQ by comparing their mental age to their chronological age and multiplying the result by 100. In this case, since Lori's mental age is equivalent to that of an 8-year-old, her IQ would be calculated as (8/10) * 100 = 80.

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  • 49. 

    Achievement tests

    • A.

      How well someone is likely to do at a specific task

    • B.

      Measure the ability to learn

    • C.

      Measure learned skills or knowledge

    • D.

      Assess differences across people in the personality traits they have

    • E.

      Measure intelligence

    Correct Answer
    C. Measure learned skills or knowledge
    Explanation
    Achievement tests are designed to measure the skills or knowledge that an individual has already learned. These tests assess the level of understanding and proficiency a person has acquired in a specific subject or area. Unlike tests that measure intelligence or potential, achievement tests focus on evaluating what an individual has already accomplished. They provide a way to gauge someone's level of expertise or mastery in a particular domain, making them useful tools for educational institutions, employers, and researchers to assess individuals' abilities and qualifications.

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  • 50. 

    Fixed and unlearned patterns of behavior that are characteristic of an entire species are called

    • A.

      Instincts

    • B.

      Drives

    • C.

      Incentives

    • D.

      Extrinsic motives

    • E.

      Emotions

    Correct Answer
    A. Instincts
    Explanation
    Fixed and unlearned patterns of behavior that are characteristic of an entire species are called instincts. Instincts are innate behaviors that are present in all members of a species and are essential for their survival and reproduction. These behaviors are not learned or acquired through experience, but are instead genetically programmed. Instincts can include behaviors such as migration, nest-building, and hunting, which are performed without the need for conscious thought or reasoning. They are crucial for the survival and adaptation of a species in its environment.

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Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 29, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Drerunsit
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