MCAT (Psychological, Social, and Biological) 3

Question 1

A sociologist observes that people in higher socioeconomic classes have better access to healthcare, education, and nutrition. This pattern is best explained by which concept?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social stratification refers to the hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups in society based on wealth, power, and prestige, leading to differential access to resources.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the 'fundamental attribution error'?

Accepted Answer

Overestimating dispositional factors and underestimating situational factors when explaining others' behavior

Answer

The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overweight internal (dispositional) factors and underweight situational factors when judging others' behavior.

Question 3

The autonomic nervous system's parasympathetic branch is characterized by which neurotransmitter at the target organ?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine onto target organs, mediating 'rest-and-digest' functions.

Question 4

According to Erikson's psychosocial stages, the central conflict of adolescence is:

Accepted Answer

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Answer

During adolescence (ages 12–18), Erikson's stage centers on forming a coherent identity versus experiencing confusion about one's role in society.

Question 5

A study finds that people perform better on simple tasks when others are present, but worse on complex tasks. This phenomenon is called:

Accepted Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Social facilitation refers to the tendency for the presence of others to enhance performance on well-learned tasks and impair performance on difficult or novel tasks.

MCAT - Medical College Admission Test Practice Test

MCAT - Medical College Admission Test Practice Test

MCAT (Psychological, Social, and Biological) 3