b. It follows a systematic and objective approach.
c. It focuses on behavior and mental processes.
d. It studies body-brain physical connections.
Answer – b. It follows a systematic and objective approach.
Explanation: Psychology is scientific because it relies on research methods, observations, and experiments to understand behavior — not just guesses or personal opinions.
Other Options Explained: a: Introspection was used in early psychology but isn’t reliable or scientific. c: Studying behavior and mental processes is true, but without systematic study, it’s not science. d: Brain-body connections are studied in biopsychology, not the whole of psychology.
Q2. What is it called when people or animals change behavior because they know they’re being watched?
a. Participant observation
b. Observer bias
c. Observer effect
d. Naturalistic observation
Answer – c. Observer effect
Explanation: When someone knows they’re being observed, they often act differently — this is called the observer effect. It’s a common issue in research.
Other Options Explained: a: Participant observation is when the researcher becomes part of the group being studied. b: Observer bias happens when the researcher’s expectations affect the observation. d: Naturalistic observation is watching behavior in natural settings without interference.
Q3. In psychology, what does the term mental processes refer to?
a. Only human behavior
b. Observable actions and reactions
c. Unconscious activities
d. Internal, hidden processes like thinking
Answer – d. Internal, hidden processes like thinking
Explanation: Mental processes include thoughts, feelings, dreams, memories — things happening inside the mind, not visible to others.
Other Options Explained: a: Only human behavior is too limited. Psychology includes all beings. b: Observable actions are behavior, not mental processes. c: Unconscious processes are part of mental processes, but the term includes more than that.
Q4. What’s a key criticism of Pavlov’s classical conditioning?
a. It ignored voluntary behavior.
b. It was unethical to use dogs.
c. It was too similar to other theories.
d. It didn’t apply to humans.
Answer – a. It ignored voluntary behavior.
Explanation: Classical conditioning explains how reflexes get associated with new stimuli — but it doesn’t explain choices or free will, which are crucial in humans.
Other Options Explained: b: Ethical issues weren’t major concerns back then, and dogs weren’t harmed. c: Overlapping ideas aren’t a major flaw. d: It does apply to humans — like in phobias or taste aversion.
Q5. Which perspective in psychology studies the unconscious mind’s effect on behavior?
a. Psychodynamic
b. Behaviorist
c. Humanistic
d. Cognitive
Answer – a. Psychodynamic
Explanation: The psychodynamic view (started by Freud) says unconscious desires and childhood experiences shape behavior, even if we don’t realize it.
Other Options Explained: b: Behaviorist: Focuses on observable behavior, not the mind. c: Humanistic: About personal growth and free will. d: Cognitive: Studies thinking, memory, problem-solving, but not the unconscious.
Q6. Whose work on perception helped lay the foundation for psychological experimentation?
a. Gustav Fechner
b. Edward Titchener
c. Mary Whiton Calkins
d. William James
Answer – a. Gustav Fechner
Explanation: Fechner studied how physical stimuli relate to our mental experiences — this led to psychophysics, a key step toward experimental psychology.
Other Options Explained: b: Titchener: Developed structuralism, but Fechner came earlier. c: Calkins: Worked on memory and self-psychology, not perception. d: James: Was the founder of functionalism, not perception studies.
Q7. Single-blind studies are used to control which of the following?
a. Experimenter effect
b. Observer effect
c. Placebo effect
d. Manipulation effect
Answer – c. Placebo effect
Explanation: In a single-blind study, participants don’t know who’s getting the real treatment — this prevents their beliefs from influencing results.
Other Options Explained: a: Experimenter effect: Controlled with double-blind studies. b: Observer effect: People change behavior when observed — not about blinding. d: Manipulation effect: Not a standard psychological term.
Q8. Who is known as the “Father of African American Psychology”?
a. Robert V. Guthrie
b. Charles Henry Thompson
c. Francis Cecil Sumner
d. Howard Hale Long
Answer – c. Francis Cecil Sumner
Explanation: Sumner was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in psychology and helped establish the foundation for African American psychology.
Other Options Explained: a: Guthrie: Wrote “Even the Rat Was White” — important, but not the first. b: Thompson: Contributed to education and testing, not foundational psychology. d: Long: Worked in education but wasn’t the “father” figure of the field.
Q9. Which psychologist believed we should study how the mind helps us function in daily life?
a. Sigmund Freud
b. William James
c. John Watson
d. Wilhelm Wundt
Answer – b. William James
Explanation: James founded functionalism, which focused on how mental processes help us adapt and survive in real-life situations.
Other Options Explained: a: Freud: Focused on the unconscious mind and inner conflicts. c: Watson: Focused on observable behavior — not the mind. d: Wundt: Was interested in breaking down consciousness (structuralism).
Q10. What does the term pseudoscience refer to?
a. Psychology that uses observation and theory.
b. Rejected hypotheses based on evidence.
c. Claims pretending to be scientific but lacking scientific basis.
d. Theories that are not yet proven.
Answer – c. Claims pretending to be scientific but lacking scientific basis.
Explanation: Pseudoscience looks like real science but doesn’t follow the scientific method — it lacks evidence, testing, and logical reasoning.
Other Options Explained: a: Psychology that uses observation and theory: That’s the definition of real science — not pseudo. b: Rejected hypotheses: These are part of scientific growth, not pseudoscience. d: Theories not yet proven: These are still scientific if they follow the method and can be tested.
Q11. Who introduced the idea of a collective unconscious shared by all humans?
a. Carl Jung
b. Sigmund Freud
c. Alfred Adler
d. Erik Erikson
Answer – a. Carl Jung
Explanation: Jung believed that all humans share a collective unconscious — a kind of psychological inheritance filled with universal symbols and themes (called archetypes).
Other Options Explained: b: Freud focused on personal unconscious and internal conflicts. c: Adler emphasized social factors and individual striving. d: Erikson worked on psychosocial development stages — not collective unconscious.
Q12. What is the ability to think logically, understand, and solve problems called?
a. Perception
b. Intelligence
c. Cognition
d. Creativity
Answer – b. Intelligence
Explanation:Intelligence is our overall mental ability to reason, plan, solve problems, and learn from experience.
Other Options Explained: a: Perception: How we interpret sensory info. c: Cognition: A broader term — includes thinking, memory, etc., not just logical ability. d: Creativity: Thinking in new and original ways, not necessarily logical.
Q13. Which branch of psychology studies behavior at the workplace?
a. Industrial psychology
b. Clinical psychology
c. Social psychology
d. Cognitive psychology
Answer – a. Industrial psychology
Explanation:Industrial (or Industrial-Organizational) psychology deals with employee behavior, performance, motivation, and workplace dynamics.
Other Options Explained: b: Clinical psychology: Focuses on mental health and treatment. c: Social psychology: Studies how people affect each other. d: Cognitive psychology: Studies thinking, learning, and memory.
Q14. In psychology, what does DSM stand for?
a. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
b. Disorder and Symptoms Manual
c. Diagnosis and Symptom Manual
d. Drug and Substance Manual
Answer – a. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
Explanation: The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association. It’s a standard guide used by professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
Other Options Explained: b, c, d: Not official or correct titles — only A is valid.
Q15. Which type of research is best for finding cause-and-effect relationships?
a. Correlational
b. Experimental
c. Observational
d. Case study
Answer – b. Experimental
Explanation: Only experimental research uses controlled conditions and variables to determine what causes what.
Other Options Explained: a: Correlational: Shows relationship, not cause. c: Observational: Passive — no control. d: Case study: Gives deep detail but not general cause-effect.
Q16. Who is known for developing client-centered therapy, which focuses on empathy and unconditional positive regard?
a. Sigmund Freud
b. Carl Rogers
c. B.F. Skinner
d. Erik Erikson
Answer – b. Carl Rogers
Explanation: Rogers believed that a supportive, non-judgmental environment helps people grow. His therapy emphasized listening with empathy and valuing the client’s own potential.
Other Options Explained: a: Freud developed psychoanalysis, not client-centered therapy. c: Skinner focused on behaviorism, not therapy. d: Erikson studied psychosocial development, not therapy techniques.
Q17. A psychologist wants to observe when toddlers are most likely to throw tantrums. What is her research goal?
a. Prediction
b. Explanation
c. Description
d. Control
Answer – a. Prediction
Explanation:Prediction is about forecasting future behavior — like identifying patterns that show when tantrums are likely.
Other Options Explained: b: Explanation is about understanding why it happens. c: Description just records what happens. d: Control is about changing behavior — not just predicting it.
Q18. Which psychologist rejected studying consciousness and focused only on observable behavior?
a. Sigmund Freud
b. Ivan Pavlov
c. John Watson
d. William James
Answer – c. John Watson
Explanation: Watson is the father of behaviorism. He said psychology should focus only on what we can see and measure, not thoughts or feelings.
Other Options Explained: a: Freud focused on the unconscious mind, not observable behavior. b: Pavlov studied conditioning but didn’t reject mental processes entirely. d: James focused on consciousness in daily function (functionalism).
Q19. Which of the following is an ethical rule for using animals in research?
a. No ethics apply to animal research.
b. Animals should never be killed in studies.
c. No pain at all is allowed during testing.
d. Avoid exposing animals to unnecessary pain.
Answer – d. Avoid exposing animals to unnecessary pain
Explanation: Ethical guidelines say animals can be used if researchers minimize harm, avoid suffering, and only use them when necessary.
Other Options Explained: a: Wrong — strict ethics do exist. b: Animals can be euthanized humanely if required. c: Some pain may be allowed — but only if necessary and justified.
Q20. What must a researcher do if a study causes negative effects on a participant?
a. Institutionalize the participant
b. Participants must accept the risk
c. Researcher must help the participant cope
d. Add a note to the research report
Answer – c. Researcher must help the participant cope
Explanation: Researchers have a duty to protect participants. If harm occurs, they must offer support, counseling, or intervention.
Other Options Explained: a: Institutionalization isn’t a solution. b: Consent doesn’t remove ethical responsibility. d: Reporting it is important — but not enough alone.
Q21. Which psychology professional holds a doctoral degree that is not in medicine?
a. Psychiatrist
b. Psychiatric social worker
c. Psychiatric nurse
d. Psychologist
Answer – d. Psychologist
Explanation: A psychologist typically holds a Ph.D. or Psy.D., not a medical degree. They are trained in research and therapy, not medication.
Other Options Explained: a: Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who can prescribe medication. b: Psychiatric social worker has a master’s in social work, not a doctorate. c: Psychiatric nurse usually holds a nursing degree, not in psychology.
Q22. If Dr. Swasey is like most psychologists, where is she most likely working?
a. Business/nonprofit
b. Independent practice
c. Government/VA medical center
d. University/college
Answer – d. University/college
Explanation: A large number of psychologists work in academic settings, teaching, researching, and mentoring students.
Other Options Explained: a: Some do work here, but not the majority. b: Common, but not as much as academia. c: Less common compared to universities.
Q23. According to Empiricists, knowledge comes mainly from:
a. Logical reasoning
b. Theories
c. Sensory experiences
d. Contemplations
Answer – c. Sensory experiences
Explanation: Empiricists believe all knowledge begins with what we sense — sight, sound, touch, etc. Experience is the foundation of understanding.
Other Options Explained: a: Logical reasoning is more aligned with Rationalism. b: Theories are built after gathering sensory data. d: Contemplations are reflective, not empirical.
Q24. Which psychologists study how mental processes differ across cultures?
a. Cultural psychologists
b. Cross-cultural psychologists
c. Social psychologists
d. None of the above
Answer – b. Cross-cultural psychologists
Explanation:Cross-cultural psychologists compare psychological differences between cultures, helping us understand universal vs. culture-specific behaviors.
Other Options Explained: a: Cultural psychologists focus more within one culture. c: Social psychologists study group behavior, not cultural differences. d: Incorrect, since b is valid.
Q25. In the SQ3R method of studying, what does S stand for?
a. Survey
b. Study
c. Synthesize
d. Stand
Answer – a. Survey
Explanation:SQ3R is a reading strategy:
– S = Survey (preview the material)
– Q = Question
– R = Read, Recite, Review
Other Options Explained: b: Study is part of the process, but not the first step. c: Synthesize comes after understanding. d: Stand doesn’t apply here.
Q26. ‘Legal Psychology’ is a part of which psychological branch that focuses on solving real-world legal problems?
a. Pure Psychology
b. Applied Psychology
c. Clinical Psychology
d. Abnormal Psychology
Answer – b. Applied Psychology
Explanation: Legal psychology uses psychological principles to understand courtroom behavior, witness memory, and legal decision-making — all under applied psychology.
Other Options Explained: a: Pure psychology is more theoretical and research-based. c: Clinical psychology deals with mental health treatment. d: Abnormal psychology studies mental disorders, not law.
Q27. Which of the following techniques can be used to solve real-life psychological issues?
a. Relaxation training
b. Record keeping
c. Positive self-statements
d. All of the above
Answer – d. All of the above
Explanation: Each of these tools can help manage stress, emotions, or improve performance:
– Relaxation reduces anxiety
– Record keeping tracks behavior
– Positive self-talk boosts confidence
Other Options Explained:
Each one helps individually, but together, they offer a holistic approach.
Q28. The branch of psychology that studies telepathy, ESP, and rebirth cases is called:
a. Physiological psychology
b. Parapsychology
c. Geo-psychology
d. General psychology
Answer – b. Parapsychology
Explanation:Parapsychology explores phenomena beyond scientific explanation — like mind reading, reincarnation, and psychic powers.
Other Options Explained: a: Physiological deals with the brain–body link. c: Geo-psychology isn’t a standard psychological branch. d: General psychology covers the basics, not paranormal topics.
Q29. When was the first psychology department in India established at Calcutta University?
a. 1910
b. 1916
c. 1909
d. None of these
Answer – b. 1916
Explanation: India’s first academic psychology department was founded in 1916 at the University of Calcutta, marking a milestone in Indian psychology education.
Other Options Explained:
Dates like 1910 or 1909 are close but not historically correct.
Q30. In which year did William James publish his famous book “The Principles of Psychology”?
a. 1850
b. 1890
c. 1950
d. 1870
Answer – b. 1890
Explanation:William James, a founder of functionalism, published his classic work in 1890, which shaped modern psychology’s focus on practical behavior.
Other Options Explained: a / d: Too early. c: Way after his time.
Q31. Who is associated with the development of ‘elementism’ in psychology?
a. Plato
b. Aristotle
c. Rene Descartes
d. Charles Darwin
Answer – c. Rene Descartes
Explanation:Rene Descartes promoted the idea that mental processes could be broken into elements, laying the groundwork for structuralism — an approach known as elementism.
Other Options Explained: a / b: Philosophers, but didn’t promote elementism. d: Darwin was known for evolution, not psychological elements.
Q32. Which theory claims that most human behavior is driven by unconscious instincts?
a. Skinner’s
b. Watson’s
c. Freud’s
d. None of the above
Answer – c. Freud’s
Explanation:Sigmund Freud believed that unconscious drives and instincts, especially sexual and aggressive ones, shape much of our behavior.
Other Options Explained: a: Skinner focused on observable behavior (operant conditioning). b: Watson emphasized behaviorism and observable behavior. d: Incorrect — Freud is the right answer.
Q33. According to the concept of dualism:
a. Mind and body are distinct entities
b. Mind and body interact through the pineal gland
c. Pineal gland is located deep inside the brain
d. All of the above
Answer – d. All of the above
Explanation:Dualism, especially Descartes’ view, holds that mind and body are separate but interact via the pineal gland, which is deep in the brain.
Other Options Explained:
Each statement is part of Descartes’ full theory — so all of the above is correct.
Q34. Who founded the Indian Psychoanalytic Society?
a. Girindra Shekhar Bose
b. Brajendra Nath Seal
c. N. N. Sengupta
d. Sigmund Freud
Answer – a. Girindra Shekhar Bose
Explanation:Dr. Girindra Shekhar Bose was a pioneer of psychoanalysis in India and the founder of the Indian Psychoanalytic Society in 1922.
Other Options Explained: b / c: Influential scholars but not linked to the society’s founding. d: Freud founded psychoanalysis globally, not in India.
Q35. Which of the following is a relatively new branch of psychology?
a. Community psychology
b. Clinical psychology
c. Social psychology
d. None of the above
Answer – a. Community psychology
Explanation:Community psychology is a modern field that looks at social systems, prevention, and community-level support for mental health, emerging strongly in the 1960s–70s.
Other Options Explained: b: Clinical psychology has existed since the early 1900s. c: Social psychology also dates back to the early 20th century. d: Incorrect — community psychology is the newest.
Q36. Which early psychologist was the first to apply objectivity and measurement in psychology?
a. Sigmund Freud
b. William James
c. John Watson
d. Wilhelm Wundt
Answer – d. Wilhelm Wundt
Explanation:Wilhelm Wundt, the Father of Modern Psychology, set up the first psychology lab in 1879 and focused on objective, measurable study of mental processes using introspection.
Other Options Explained: a: Freud focused on unconscious processes, not measurement. b: James was a functionalist with less emphasis on experimentation. c: Watson emphasized observable behavior but came after Wundt.
Q37. Gestalt Psychology was founded in Germany in 1912 by:
a. Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, Wolfgang Köhler
b. Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, William James
c. Kurt Koffka and Wolfgang Köhler
d. Max Wertheimer only
Answer – a. Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, Wolfgang Köhler
Explanation:Gestalt psychology emphasized that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It was founded by Wertheimer, with help from Koffka and Köhler.
Other Options Explained: b: William James was an American functionalist, not part of Gestalt. c/d: Partially correct but incomplete — full team includes all three founders.
Q38. The German word ‘Gestalt’ means:
a. Structure
b. Elements
c. Form or Configuration
d. Combination
Answer – c. Form or Configuration
Explanation:Gestalt translates to form, pattern, or configuration. Gestalt psychologists focused on how the mind organizes stimuli into meaningful wholes.
Other Options Explained: a / b / d: Related in meaning but not accurate translations.
Q39. A person with a Ph.D. or M.A. in psychology is most likely a:
a. Clinical psychiatrist
b. Clinical psychologist
c. Clinical psychoanalyst
d. Qualified psychologist
Answer – b. Clinical psychologist
Explanation: A clinical psychologist usually holds a Ph.D. or M.A. and is trained in psychological testing and therapy — not medical treatments.
Other Options Explained: a: Psychiatrist has an M.D. and can prescribe meds. c: Psychoanalysts may come from various backgrounds but focus on Freudian therapy. d: Not a specific professional title.
Q40. What was the main goal of structuralist psychologists?
a. To describe our behaviour
b. To find the units, or elements, which make up the mind
c. To analyse the unconscious drive
d. None of the above
Answer – b. To find the units, or elements, which make up the mind
Explanation: Structuralists like Wundt and Titchener aimed to break mental processes into basic components using techniques like introspection.
Other Options Explained: a: More aligned with behaviorism. c: Focus of psychoanalysis. d: Incorrect since option b is right.
Q41. Which psychological perspective best explains the causes of schizophrenia?
a. Psychodynamic
b. Behavioral
c. Biopsychological
d. Humanistic
Answer – c. Biopsychological
Explanation: The biopsychological perspective attributes schizophrenia to genetic factors, brain structure abnormalities, and neurotransmitter imbalances, such as dopamine irregularities.
Other Options Explained: a: Psychodynamic theory centers on unconscious conflict, not brain chemistry. b: Behavioral approach focuses on learning, not biology. d: Humanistic theory emphasizes growth and self-actualization, not mental illness.
Q42. What is the final step in the scientific method?
a. Reporting your results
b. Perceiving a question
c. Drawing conclusions
d. Testing the hypothesis
Answer – a. Reporting your results
Explanation: After testing and analyzing, the last step is sharing your findings with others, allowing replication and further research.
Other Options Explained: b: That’s the first step — identifying a question. c: Done before results are reported. d: Hypothesis testing happens earlier.
Q43. What is the main benefit of using surveys in research?
a. Only a small group is needed
b. Large amount of data can be collected
c. No chance of experimenter bias
d. Participants don’t know which group they are in
Answer – b. Large amount of data can be collected
Explanation:Surveys are efficient tools for gathering data from many participants quickly, especially for opinions or behaviors.
Other Options Explained: a: Surveys are designed for larger samples. c: Surveys can still include bias from wording or interpretation. d: Refers to experimental blinding, not surveys.
Q44. What is the biggest strength of a case study?
a. Useful for large groups
b. Offers rich detail
c. Helps create a testable hypothesis
d. Involves only animal testing
Answer – b. Offers rich detail
Explanation:Case studies provide deep, detailed insights into a person’s experiences, especially in rare psychological conditions.
Other Options Explained: a: Surveys are better for large groups. c: Possible, but not the main strength. d: Case studies often involve humans, not just animals.
Q45. Which method helps researchers get a representative sample?
a. Selecting a few individuals from the group
b. Random selection from a larger group
c. Using case studies
d. Participant observation
Answer – b. Random selection from a larger group
Explanation:Random selection gives everyone an equal chance to be part of the study, improving the likelihood that the sample represents the population.
Other Options Explained: a: Picking a few can cause sampling bias. c: Case studies focus on individuals — not generalizable. d: Involves observation, not selection technique.
