MCAT (Psychological, Social, and Biological)

Question 1

The World Systems Theory divides the world into three subcategories: core, periphery, and semi-periphery countries.
 Which of the following statements best describe countries in the semi-periphery?

Accepted Answer

A diversified and developed economy.

Answer

Answer Explanation: (D)
This question, if encountered, would be difficult due to the fact that semi-periphery countries is actually a definition of a transition state both from core to periphery and in the opposite direction. Thus, there are no real strong defining characteristics, so elimination of answers will be needed. Strong central government more accurately defines core countries. Answers B and D describe periphery countries. Think of semi-periphery countries as those that do not have much global influence, but are not susceptible to it either. That should allow for the correct answer.

Question 2

In the United States, the Industrial Revolution saw a major drive toward urbanization for living areas. Which of the following is NOT a 
benefit to people who relocate from rural to urban regions?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in gentrification

Answer

Answer Explanation: (C)
Opportunities and, conversely, challenges of urbanization have not drastically change since the initial explosion in the U.S. in the early 1900s. Infrastructure is widely available in cities, which leads to benefits outlined in the first three answers. However, a process called reurbanization, which is the second wave of urbanization that follows the first decline of a city, usually targets old areas where people who do not have the resources to move out of the city get pushed out of. This leads to substantial gentrification along these borders.

Question 3

Karl Marx proposed the Conflict Theory, which is founded on the idea that power determines how people interact in society. 
Which of the following assertions is the most accurate representation of the Conflict Theory?

Accepted Answer

Society consists of one group of people who desire change and one group of people who are content with status quo.

Answer

Answer Explanation: (C)
C is the answer that most closely correlate to the Marx theory. In this theory, the group that is content with the status quo is the group in power. Answer B correlates closer to Functionalism, which states that institutions and the population exist in a balance. Answer D describes social constructionism. Answer A is consistent with symbolic interactionism, which at its heart states that the world is created by people interacting with it.

Question 4

The rational choice theory is founded on the idea that acts are chosen based on the individual's benefit. Completeness, transitivity, 
and variable independence are the three essential axioms of rational theory. What kind of system is most appropriately described?

Accepted Answer

Hierarchical

Answer

Answer Explanation: (B)
The key to answering this question is to know the definitions of the components of rational choice theory. Completeness in this context means that actions can be ranked according to each other. Transitivity defines the fact that if an action is considered higher rank than a second, and a third action is considered lesser than the second, that the first action can be considered higher than the third. The final component, independence, defines the fact that additional variables do not change ranking. B, C, and D all place benefit to some individuals over others that would not change depending on the individual, which is not in concordance with this theory.

Question 5

A group of engineers working on signal lights for planes that may be used to guide them to runways is trying to figure out how bright the light 
needs to be for the pilot to notice the tower from a mile away. They adjust the brightness of the light to a test level and establish contact with 
an oncoming pilot. The pilot claims he can't see the light while he's a mile away from the tower. What would this be called in terms of Signal
 Detection Theory?

Accepted Answer

Miss

Answer

Answer Explanation: (A)
Signal Detection Theory deals with the expectation of a signal and the corresponding reality that it is accurately perceived. Hit and miss describe reactions by the observer when the stimulus is present. False alarm (false positive) and correct rejection describe reactions by the observer when the stimulus is absent.

MCAT - Medical College Admission Test Practice Test

MCAT - Medical College Admission Test Practice Test

MCAT (Psychological, Social, and Biological)