AAMC MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

Question 1

Which stage of Erikson's psychosocial development involves 'trust vs. mistrust'?

Accepted Answer

Infancy (0–18 months)

Answer

Early childhood (2–3 years)

Answer

Preschool age (3–5 years)

Answer

School age (6–11 years)

Question 2

What is the key difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Classical pairs stimuli to produce reflexive responses; operant uses consequences to shape voluntary behavior

Answer

Classical uses rewards; operant uses neutral stimuli

Answer

Both involve only involuntary responses

Answer

Operant was developed by Pavlov; classical by Skinner

Question 3

In Maslow's hierarchy, which need must be satisfied before esteem needs?

Accepted Answer

Love and belonging needs

Answer

Physiological needs

Answer

Self-actualization needs

Answer

Cognitive needs

Question 4

What is the fundamental attribution error?

Accepted Answer

Overattributing others' behavior to their personality while ignoring situational factors

Answer

Attributing your own failures to external causes

Answer

Overestimating luck in others' success

Answer

Believing your behavior is more common than it is

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is most associated with reward pathways and motivation?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 6

What is 'social loafing'?

Accepted Answer

Individuals exerting less effort in a group than when working alone

Answer

Groups performing worse on simple tasks than individuals

Answer

Individuals becoming more productive when observed

Answer

Group members conforming to majority opinion