Psychology Degree Principles of Psychology 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Identity vs. role confusion

Answer

Erikson described adolescence as the stage where individuals must forge a coherent sense of self or risk confusion about their roles in society.

Question 2

A researcher finds that as ice cream sales increase, drowning rates also increase. This most likely reflects:

Accepted Answer

A third variable (hot weather) causes both

Answer

This classic example illustrates spurious correlation — hot weather drives both ice cream consumption and swimming (drowning risk), making them correlated without causation.

Question 3

The gate-control theory of pain proposes that pain perception can be modulated by:

Accepted Answer

Neural gates in the spinal cord that can be opened or closed

Answer

Melzack and Wall's gate-control theory suggests spinal cord mechanisms can amplify or inhibit pain signals before they reach the brain.

Question 4

The phi phenomenon, in which stationary lights flashing in sequence create the perception of movement, is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Apparent motion and Gestalt principles

Answer

The phi phenomenon, demonstrated by Wertheimer, shows how the brain (Gestalt) constructs the perception of continuous motion from discrete stimuli.

Question 5

Which ethical principle, central to the APA's guidelines, requires psychologists to avoid actions that harm research participants or clients?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence — 'do no harm' — is a core APA ethical principle requiring psychologists to minimize risk and avoid causing harm.

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Principles of Psychology 5