Question 1

Which of the following best describes the confirmation bias in psychological thinking?

Accepted Answer

The tendency to seek out, pay attention to, and believe only evidence that supports what we are already confident we know.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study the relationship between hours of sleep and exam performance among college students. Which type of study is most appropriate for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Correlation study

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of overconfidence bias?

Accepted Answer

Believing you can successfully multitask even though research shows most people cannot.

Question 4

In an experiment testing the effect of a new teaching method on student performance, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The teaching method used

Question 5

Which of the following best defines 'validity' in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

The appropriateness or accuracy of a conclusion or decision

Question 6

A psychologist uses the scientific method to test a hypothesis. Which of the following best represents the theory-data cycle?

Accepted Answer

Test, revise, retest

Question 7

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and timing?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 8

A student is using the Pomodoro technique to study. Which of the following best describes this method?

Accepted Answer

Studying in short, timed intervals with regular breaks

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Supporting neurons by nourishing them and cleaning up waste

Question 10

What is the main advantage of using random assignment in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

It helps ensure each level of the independent variable is experienced by participants without bias.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes neural plasticity?

Accepted Answer

The brain's capacity to physiologically modify, regenerate, and reinvest itself constantly over the course of a lifetime

Question 12

A rapid change in voltage created by a neuron when it surpasses a critical threshold is known as:

Accepted Answer

An action potential

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a negative correlation?

Accepted Answer

As the number of hours spent watching TV increases, grades decrease.

Question 14

Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for planning and complex thought?

Accepted Answer

Frontal lobe

Question 15

A study finds that children who eat breakfast perform better on memory tests. Which of the following is a possible third variable that could explain this relationship?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic status

Question 16

Which of the following statements about pop psychology claims is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

They are often accepted as truth by the public but may lack validity.

Question 17

What is the primary function of the medulla in the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

Controls autonomic functions such as heart rate, respiration, and digestion

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of receptors in synaptic communication?

Accepted Answer

A specialized molecule, usually a protein, located on or inside a cell that binds to a specific signaling molecule called a ligand

Question 19

A psychologist wants to measure the average level of happiness in a population. Which research method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Question 20

Which of the following is a key characteristic of scientific thinking in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Summative – multiple sources of evidence are considered and conclusions are not absolute.

Foundations of Psychology: Perspectives, Scientific Thinking, and Biological Bases

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