Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed at which electrical impulses travel along the axon.

Question 2

A psychologist is conducting an experiment to test the effect of sleep deprivation on memory recall. In this study, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sleep participants receive.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about correlation is correct?

Accepted Answer

A correlation coefficient close to $$+1$$ indicates a strong positive relationship between two variables.

Question 4

During an action potential, which ion is most responsible for the depolarization phase as it moves into the neuron?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ($$\mathrm{Na^+})$$

Question 5

A researcher wants to ensure that her experimental and control groups are as similar as possible before the experiment begins. Which principle is she applying?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates negative reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

A student turns off a loud alarm by getting out of bed, increasing the likelihood they will get up when the alarm sounds in the future.

Question 7

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Medulla

Question 8

A split-brain patient is shown an object in their left visual field. Which hand will they most likely use to pick up the object, and why?

Accepted Answer

Left hand, because the right hemisphere (which controls the left hand) processes information from the left visual field.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

A factory worker is paid for every 10 products they assemble.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves associating two stimuli, while operant conditioning involves associating a behavior with its consequence.

Question 11

A patient with damage to Broca's area is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing speech but relatively preserved comprehension.

Question 12

Which of the following is a monocular cue for depth perception?

Accepted Answer

Linear perspective

Question 13

According to the trichromatic theory of color vision, which three types of cones are responsible for color perception?

Accepted Answer

Red, green, and blue cones

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why correlation does not imply causation?

Accepted Answer

A third variable may be responsible for the observed relationship between two variables.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of positive punishment?

Accepted Answer

A child touches a hot stove and feels pain, decreasing the likelihood of touching it again.

Question 16

Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites

Question 17

A psychologist uses an MRI scan to study the brain. What is the primary advantage of MRI over CT scans?

Accepted Answer

MRI provides more detailed images of soft tissues.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A dog conditioned to salivate to a bell also salivates to a similar-sounding chime.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

They transmit signals across the synaptic gap between neurons.

Foundational Concepts and Key Questions in Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards