BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science Psychology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which research design allows researchers to infer cause-and-effect relationships between variables?
- Case study
- Correlational study
- True experiment (Correct answer)
- Naturalistic observation
Correct answer: True experiment
True experiments with random assignment and manipulation of an independent variable are the only design that permits causal inference.
Question 2: According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) refers to:
- Tasks a child can perform completely independently
- Skills a child will never be able to master
- The gap between what a learner can do alone and with guidance (Correct answer)
- The optimal age range for language acquisition
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which psychological disorder is characterized by persistent, unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety (compulsions)?
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Correct answer)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Correct answer: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is defined by obsessions — unwanted intrusive thoughts — and compulsions — ritualistic behaviors aimed at neutralizing the anxiety those thoughts produce.
Question 4: The 'Big Five' personality traits (OCEAN) include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Openness to experience
- Conscientiousness
- Agreeableness
- Authoritarianism (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Authoritarianism
The Big Five (OCEAN) are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism; Authoritarianism is not one of them.
Question 5: 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?
- Generalization
- Discrimination
- Extinction (Correct answer)
- Spontaneous recovery
Correct answer: Extinction
Extinction occurs when the CS is presented repeatedly in the absence of the UCS, causing the learned conditioned response to gradually diminish.
Question 6: Which approach to psychotherapy focuses on identifying and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns called 'cognitive distortions'?
- Psychoanalytic therapy
- Client-centered therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (Correct answer)
- Gestalt therapy
Correct 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.
Question 7: Stanley Milgram's obedience studies demonstrated that destructive obedience is most strongly influenced by:
- The subject's level of aggression
- The perceived legitimacy and proximity of the authority figure (Correct answer)
- The physical attractiveness of the experimenter
- The subject's gender and educational background
Correct 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.
BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science Psychology 4
Which research design allows researchers to infer cause-and-effect relationships between variables?