MS Master of Psychology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What distinguishes experimental research from correlational research in psychology?
- Experimental research involves manipulation of a variable and can establish causation; correlational cannot (Correct answer)
- Correlational research is always more accurate
- Experimental research only uses surveys
- Both designs can equally establish causation
Correct answer: Experimental research involves manipulation of a variable and can establish causation; correlational cannot
Experimental designs randomly assign participants to conditions and manipulate independent variables, allowing causal conclusions, while correlational studies only identify relationships without implying causation.
Question 2: What is the primary premise of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
- Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and changing distorted thinking patterns reduces psychological distress (Correct answer)
- Unconscious drives from childhood are the primary cause of all psychological problems
- Medication is always necessary alongside therapy
- Environmental reinforcement alone determines behavior
Correct answer: Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and changing distorted thinking patterns reduces psychological distress
CBT is based on the cognitive model that maladaptive thought patterns (cognitive distortions) influence emotions and behaviors, and that systematically challenging these thoughts produces therapeutic change.
Question 3: In social psychology, what does the fundamental attribution error describe?
- The tendency to over-attribute others' behavior to dispositional factors and under-weight situational factors (Correct answer)
- Attributing one's own successes to internal factors
- Assuming everyone shares one's own beliefs
- The tendency to blame victims for their misfortune
Correct answer: The tendency to over-attribute others' behavior to dispositional factors and under-weight situational factors
The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to explain others' behavior in terms of personality traits or character (dispositions) while minimizing the influence of situational context.
Question 4: What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning?
- Classical conditioning associates stimuli; operant conditioning associates behavior with consequences (Correct answer)
- Both are identical forms of associative learning
- Operant conditioning involves involuntary reflexes
- Classical conditioning requires reinforcement schedules
Correct answer: Classical conditioning associates stimuli; operant conditioning associates behavior with consequences
Classical conditioning (Pavlov) pairs a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a response, while operant conditioning (Skinner) uses reinforcement and punishment to shape voluntary behavior.
Question 5: What does Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs propose about human motivation?
- Lower-level deficiency needs (physiological, safety) must be satisfied before higher-level growth needs (belonging, esteem, self-actualization) motivate behavior (Correct answer)
- All human needs are equally important simultaneously
- Only biological needs drive human motivation
- Self-actualization is the most common motivational state
Correct answer: Lower-level deficiency needs (physiological, safety) must be satisfied before higher-level growth needs (belonging, esteem, self-actualization) motivate behavior
Maslow proposed a pyramidal hierarchy where basic physiological and safety needs must be met before people are motivated by psychological needs like belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition)?
- Provide standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders in the US (Correct answer)
- Prescribe medications for mental health conditions
- Rank the severity of all psychological conditions
- Replace clinical judgment with computerized diagnosis
Correct answer: Provide standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders in the US
The DSM-5 provides clinicians with specific diagnostic criteria, symptom thresholds, and duration requirements for classifying mental disorders to improve diagnostic consistency and communication.
MS Master of Psychology 1
What distinguishes experimental research from correlational research in psychology?