PSY109 - Introduction to Psychology Exam

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (Each question is worth 4 points)

1. Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for processing emotions and is often linked to the 'fight or

flight' response?

a) Cerebellum b) Hippocampus c) Amygdala d) Thalamus

2. In biopsychology, which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with reward and pleasure systems in the

brain?

a) Serotonin b) Dopamine c) GABA d) Glutamate

3. According to Freud's theory of psychosexual development, which stage involves the Oedipus complex?

a) Oral stage b) Anal stage c) Phallic stage d) Latency stage

4. Which of the following best describes the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

a) Preparing the body for stress and emergencies

b) Regulating voluntary muscle movement

c) Conserving energy and restoring the body to a restful state

d) Enhancing cognitive processing

5. The 'Big Five' personality traits include all of the following EXCEPT:

a) Neuroticism b) Introversion c) Agreeableness d) Openness

6. Which of the following brain imaging techniques measures electrical activity directly from the scalp?

a) MRI b) PET c) EEG d) fMRI

7. The bystander effect, a concept studied in social psychology, suggests that people are less likely to offer
 PSY109 - Introduction to Psychology Exam

help to a victim when:

a) They are the only witness

b) The victim is in severe distress

c) Other people are also present

d) They feel a sense of empathy

8. In classical conditioning, extinction occurs when:

a) A conditioned response diminishes because the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the

unconditioned stimulus

b) The conditioned stimulus is reinforced by a secondary reinforcer

c) The conditioned response strengthens over time

d) The unconditioned stimulus is presented without the conditioned response

9. Which of the following is a primary function of the hypothalamus?

a) Processing visual information

b) Regulating thirst, hunger, and body temperature

c) Coordinating voluntary movements

d) Enhancing short-term memory

10. In Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which stage is characterized by the conflict of 'identity

vs. role confusion'?

a) Infancy b) Adolescence c) Early childhood d) Late adulthood

11. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following needs must be met first?

a) Esteem needs b) Love and belonging c) Self-actualization d) Physiological needs

12. In biopsychology, the term 'neuroplasticity' refers to:

a) The process by which neurons are destroyed after injury

b) The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself

c) The fixed structure of the adult brain

d) Synaptic transmission between neurons

13. Which psychologist is known for their research on cognitive development in children, including concepts

such as 'schemas' and 'conservation'?

a) Lev Vygotsky b) B.F. Skinner c) Sigmund Freud d) Jean Piaget

14. Which area of psychology focuses primarily on the study of human strengths, resilience, and positive

experiences?

a) Clinical psychology b) Cognitive psychology c) Positive psychology d) Social psychology

15. Which theory of motivation proposes that we are motivated to maintain a stable internal environment?

a) Drive theory b) Maslow's hierarchy of needs c) Incentive theory d) Expectancy theory

16. In a neuron, the purpose of myelin is to:

a) Transmit signals to other neurons

b) Protect the axon from damage

c) Insulate the axon and speed up neural impulses

d) Facilitate neurotransmitter release

Section B: Short Answer Questions (Each question is worth 10 points)

9. Describe how selective attention functions in cognitive psychology, and give an example of a situation
 PSY109 - Introduction to Psychology Exam

where selective attention might be beneficial.

10. Explain what is meant by 'implicit memory' and 'explicit memory,' providing examples of each.

11. Discuss the role of dopamine in addiction. How might an imbalance in dopamine levels contribute to

addictive behaviors?

12. Define 'learned helplessness' and describe an experiment or study that helped develop this concept.

13. Explain the role of mirror neurons in social behavior and empathy. How do these neurons help us

understand the actions and emotions of others?

14. Describe the function of the endocrine system in regulating emotions and behaviors, and explain the role

of at least one specific hormone.

15. How does stress impact the immune system? Provide an example of a situation in which chronic stress

might influence physical health.

16. What are some ethical considerations in psychological research involving human participants? List and

explain at least three key principles.

Section C: Essay Questions (Choose 2 of the 3 questions to answer, each worth 20 points)

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Discuss the principles behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

How does CBT help modify thoughts and behaviors? Provide examples.
 PSY109 - Introduction to Psychology Exam

2. Biopsychology Perspective on Mental Health: Discuss how modern biopsychology explains the

development of mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. In your response, reference specific

brain structures, neurotransmitters, and biological processes that may contribute to these disorders.

3. Nature vs. Nurture Debate: The nature versus nurture debate is a central issue in psychology. Discuss how

both genetic predispositions (nature) and environmental influences (nurture) shape personality development.

Provide specific examples or studies to support your points.