UExcel Psychology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best defines classical conditioning?
- Learning through consequences of behavior
- Learning through observation of others
- Learning through associating a neutral stimulus with a naturally occurring stimulus (Correct answer)
- Learning through trial and error
Correct answer: Learning through associating a neutral stimulus with a naturally occurring stimulus
Classical conditioning, demonstrated by Pavlov, involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus until the neutral stimulus alone produces a response.
Question 2: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need must be met before esteem needs?
- Self-actualization
- Cognitive needs
- Love and belongingness (Correct answer)
- Transcendence
Correct answer: Love and belongingness
In Maslow's hierarchy, love and belongingness (social) needs must be satisfied before esteem needs can be addressed.
Question 3: The id, ego, and superego are concepts from which psychological theory?
- Behavioral theory
- Humanistic theory
- Cognitive theory
- Psychoanalytic theory (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Psychoanalytic theory
Freud's psychoanalytic theory proposed the id (instincts), ego (rational mediator), and superego (moral conscience) as components of personality.
Question 4: Which research method allows researchers to establish cause and effect?
- Case study
- Survey research
- Controlled experiment (Correct answer)
- Naturalistic observation
Correct answer: Controlled experiment
Controlled experiments allow causal conclusions because they manipulate an independent variable while controlling for other factors.
Question 5: What is the term for the tendency to attribute others' behavior to their character rather than the situation?
- Self-serving bias
- Confirmation bias
- Fundamental attribution error (Correct answer)
- Actor-observer bias
Correct answer: Fundamental attribution error
The fundamental attribution error describes overemphasizing dispositional factors and underemphasizing situational factors when explaining others' behavior.
Question 6: Operant conditioning is most associated with which psychologist?
- Ivan Pavlov
- Sigmund Freud
- Carl Rogers
- B.F. Skinner (Correct answer)
Correct answer: B.F. Skinner
B.F. Skinner developed operant conditioning, demonstrating how behavior is shaped by reinforcement and punishment.
UExcel Psychology 1
Which of the following best defines classical conditioning?