AAMC MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In experimental research, what is the independent variable?
- The variable deliberately manipulated by the researcher (Correct answer)
- The variable measured as an outcome
- The variable held constant throughout the experiment
- The variable that cannot be controlled
Correct answer: The variable deliberately manipulated by the researcher
The independent variable is the condition the researcher intentionally changes; the dependent variable is the outcome measured in response.
Question 2: Which defense mechanism involves attributing your own unacceptable feelings to another person?
- Projection (Correct answer)
- Repression
- Displacement
- Rationalization
Correct answer: Projection
Projection is unconsciously attributing one's own disturbing impulses or emotions to someone else.
Question 3: What is the 'absolute threshold' in sensation and perception?
- Minimum stimulus intensity detectable 50% of the time (Correct answer)
- Maximum intensity before pain is experienced
- The just-noticeable difference between two stimuli
- The point of guaranteed detection
Correct answer: Minimum stimulus intensity detectable 50% of the time
The absolute threshold is the minimum stimulus level detectable in 50% of trials, as defined by psychophysics.
Question 4: What is the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence?
- Fluid = novel problem-solving; crystallized = accumulated knowledge and experience (Correct answer)
- Fluid = IQ score; crystallized = academic grade performance
- Crystallized declines faster with aging than fluid
- Both types peak at the same life stage
Correct answer: Fluid = novel problem-solving; crystallized = accumulated knowledge and experience
Fluid intelligence involves reasoning about new problems without prior knowledge; crystallized intelligence reflects learned information and skills built over time.
Question 5: What is 'role conflict' in sociology?
- Tension from incompatible demands of two or more social roles held simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Conflict arising from unclear expectations within a single role
- Disagreement between two people about their respective roles
- Occupying a role that society considers deviant
Correct answer: Tension from incompatible demands of two or more social roles held simultaneously
Role conflict occurs when the expectations of different social roles a person holds are mutually incompatible.
Question 6: What term describes how individuals learn norms and values of their society?
- Socialization (Correct answer)
- Assimilation
- Acculturation
- Social stratification
Correct answer: Socialization
Socialization is the lifelong process through which people internalize cultural norms, values, and roles expected by their society.
AAMC MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations 2
In experimental research, what is the independent variable?