Bachelor of Social Science Psychology Flashcards
7 cards from real BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Bachelor of Social Science Psychology flashcards as text
Which research design allows researchers to infer cause-and-effect relationships between variables?
Answer: True experiment
True experiments with random assignment and manipulation of an independent variable are the only design that permits causal inference.
According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) refers to:
Answer: The gap between what a learner can do alone and with guidance
Vygotsky defined the ZPD as the distance between a learner's independent performance level and their potential performance with skilled assistance or scaffolding.
Which psychological disorder is characterized by persistent, unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety (compulsions)?
Answer: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is defined by obsessions — unwanted intrusive thoughts — and compulsions — ritualistic behaviors aimed at neutralizing the anxiety those thoughts produce.
The 'Big Five' personality traits (OCEAN) include all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: Authoritarianism
The Big Five (OCEAN) are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism; Authoritarianism is not one of them.
In classical conditioning, what is the term for the process whereby a conditioned response weakens when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus?
Answer: Extinction
Extinction occurs when the CS is presented repeatedly in the absence of the UCS, causing the learned conditioned response to gradually diminish.
Which approach to psychotherapy focuses on identifying and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns called 'cognitive distortions'?
Answer: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT, developed by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, targets cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing and all-or-nothing thinking to change emotional and behavioral responses.
Stanley Milgram's obedience studies demonstrated that destructive obedience is most strongly influenced by:
Answer: The perceived legitimacy and proximity of the authority figure
Milgram found that obedience rates were highest when the authority figure (experimenter) was perceived as legitimate and was physically present.