A2 Prep MCQ Practice!!
A2 Prep MCQ Practice!!
A2 Prep MCQ Practice!!
PSYCHOLOGY A2
PREP TERM 2
As indicated by Dr Moodley
Here is a breakdown of how the 100 MCQs will be distributed according to the learning material for
Term 1:
5&6 Memory 20
Total MCQs 60
Week 6 Term 1!
1. The scientific method involves:
A) Forming a hypothesis, designing an experiment, collecting data, and drawing conclusions.
B) Observing a phenomenon, forming a theory, and testing the theory.
C) Conducting a survey, analyzing the results, and reporting the findings.
D) All of the above.
Answer: D) All of the above.
Explanation: The scientific method is a systematic process that involves observing a
phenomenon, forming a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis,
collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on the results. This process is
the foundation of psychological research.
2. A hypothesis is:
A) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.
B) A well-established explanation for a phenomenon.
C) A set of instructions for conducting an experiment.
D) A statement of the anticipated outcome of a study.
Answer: A) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.
Explanation: A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or
more variables. It is an educated guess that serves as the starting point for psychological
research.
3. The independent variable in an experiment is the:
A) Variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher.
B) Variable that is observed or measured by the researcher.
C) Variable that remains constant throughout the experiment.
D) Variable that depends on the independent variable.
Answer: A) Variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher.
Explanation: The independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or
controls in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
4. The dependent variable in an experiment is the:
A) Variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher.
B) Variable that is observed or measured by the researcher.
C) Variable that remains constant throughout the experiment.
D) Variable that depends on the independent variable.
Answer: D) Variable that depends on the independent variable.
Explanation: The dependent variable is the variable that is observed or measured by the
researcher to determine the effect of the independent variable.
5. Which of the following is an example of a within-subjects design?
A) Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, and each group receives a
different treatment.
B) Participants receive both the experimental treatment and the control treatment, with the
order counterbalanced.
C) Participants are observed in their natural environment without any intervention.
D) Participants are asked to complete a survey or questionnaire.
Answer: B) Participants receive both the experimental treatment and the control treatment,
with the order counterbalanced.
Explanation: In a within-subjects design, each participant is exposed to all the experimental
conditions, allowing for a more direct comparison of the effects of the independent variable.
6. Which of the following is an example of a between-subjects design?
A) Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, and each group receives a
different treatment.
B) Participants receive both the experimental treatment and the control treatment, with the
order counterbalanced.
C) Participants are observed in their natural environment without any intervention.
D) Participants are asked to complete a survey or questionnaire.
Answer: A) Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, and each group
receives a different treatment.
Explanation: In a between-subjects design, participants are assigned to different
experimental conditions, and the performance or behavior of the groups is compared.
7. Which of the following is an example of a correlational study?
A) Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, and each group receives a
different treatment.
B) Participants receive both the experimental treatment and the control treatment, with the
order counterbalanced.
C) Researchers observe the relationship between two variables without manipulating them.
D) Participants are asked to complete a survey or questionnaire.
Answer: C) Researchers observe the relationship between two variables without
manipulating them.
Explanation: In a correlational study, researchers observe the relationship between two or
more variables without actively manipulating them. The goal is to identify the strength and
direction of the relationship between the variables.
8. Which of the following is an example of a case study?
A) Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, and each group receives a
different treatment.
B) Researchers conduct an in-depth investigation of a single individual or a small group.
C) Participants are observed in their natural environment without any intervention.
D) Participants are asked to complete a survey or questionnaire.
Answer: B) Researchers conduct an in-depth investigation of a single individual or a small
group.
Explanation: A case study involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual or a small
group, often used to gain a deeper understanding of a specific phenomenon or to generate
hypotheses for future research.
9. Which of the following is an example of a quasi-experimental design?
A) Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, and each group receives a
different treatment.
B) Participants receive both the experimental treatment and the control treatment, with the
order counterbalanced.
C) Researchers compare groups that have not been randomly assigned.
D) Participants are asked to complete a survey or questionnaire.
Answer: C) Researchers compare groups that have not been randomly assigned.
Explanation: Quasi-experimental designs involve the comparison of groups that have not
been randomly assigned, often due to practical or ethical constraints. While these designs
lack the rigor of true experiments, they can still provide valuable insights.
10. Which of the following is an example of a naturalistic observation?
A) Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, and each group receives a
different treatment.
B) Participants receive both the experimental treatment and the control treatment, with the
order counterbalanced.
C) Researchers observe the behavior of individuals in their natural environment without any
intervention.
D) Participants are asked to complete a survey or questionnaire.
Answer: C) Researchers observe the behavior of individuals in their natural environment
without any intervention.
Explanation: Naturalistic observation involves the observation of behavior in a natural
setting, without any manipulation or intervention by the researcher. This method allows
researchers to study behavior in its natural context.
11. Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal study?
A) Researchers collect data from participants at a single point in time.
B) Researchers collect data from participants over an extended period of time.
C) Researchers compare data from two or more groups at a single point in time.
D) Researchers conduct a series of cross-sectional studies over time.
Answer: B) Researchers collect data from participants over an extended period of time.
Explanation: A longitudinal study involves the collection of data from the same participants
over an extended period of time, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments
within individuals or groups.
12. Which of the following is an example of a cross-sectional study?
A) Researchers collect data from participants at a single point in time.
B) Researchers collect data from participants over an extended period of time.
C) Researchers compare data from two or more groups at a single point in time.
D) Researchers conduct a series of longitudinal studies over time.
Answer: C) Researchers compare data from two or more groups at a single point in time.
Explanation: A cross-sectional study involves the collection of data from different groups or
individuals at a single point in time, allowing researchers to make comparisons between the
groups.
13. Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?
A) Experiments with random assignment and control groups.
B) Surveys with closed-ended questions and numerical data.
C) In-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
D) Correlational studies examining the relationship between variables.
Answer: C) In-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Explanation: Qualitative research methods involve the collection and analysis of non-
numerical data, such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and case studies, to gain a
deeper understanding of a phenomenon.
14. Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method?
A) Experiments with random assignment and control groups.
B) Surveys with closed-ended questions and numerical data.
C) In-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
D) Thematic analysis of textual data.
Answer: B) Surveys with closed-ended questions and numerical data.
Explanation: Quantitative research methods involve the collection and analysis of numerical
data, such as experiments, surveys, and correlational studies, to test hypotheses and establish
relationships between variables.
15. Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable?
A) The independent variable in an experiment.
B) A variable that is not directly measured or manipulated.
C) A variable that is held constant throughout an experiment.
D) A variable that is measured or observed in a correlational study.
Answer: B) A variable that is not directly measured or manipulated.
Explanation: A confounding variable is a variable that is not directly measured or
manipulated in a study but may influence the relationship between the independent and
dependent variables, potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions.
16. What is the primary goal of the scientific method?
A) To prove a theory
B) To disprove a hypothesis
C) To collect data
D) To establish cause and effect
Answer: D) To establish cause and effect
Explanation: The scientific method is a systematic process of investigating phenomena,
collecting data, formulating and testing hypotheses, and drawing conclusions. The primary
goal is to determine causal relationships between variables and establish cause and effect.
17. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A) A hypothesis is a testable prediction, while a theory is an unproven idea.
B) A hypothesis is a well-established explanation, while a theory is a tentative idea.
C) A hypothesis is a general statement, while a theory is a specific prediction.
D) A hypothesis is a proposed explanation, while a theory is a comprehensive framework
that explains a phenomenon.
Answer: D) A hypothesis is a proposed explanation, while a theory is a comprehensive
framework that explains a phenomenon.
Explanation: A hypothesis is an educated guess or testable prediction about the relationship
between variables. A theory, on the other hand, is a well-established and comprehensive
explanation for a phenomenon that has been extensively tested and supported by evidence.
18. Which of the following is a characteristic of an experimental research design?
A) Correlational
B) Observational
C) Manipulation of an independent variable
D) Case study
Answer: C) Manipulation of an independent variable
Explanation: In an experimental research design, the researcher actively manipulates an
independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable. This allows the researcher
to establish causal relationships between the variables.
19. Which type of variable represents the outcome or effect being measured in a study?
A) Independent variable
B) Dependent variable
C) Confounding variable
D) Extraneous variable
Answer: B) Dependent variable
Explanation: The dependent variable is the variable that represents the outcome or effect
being measured in a study. It is the variable that is expected to change or be influenced by
the manipulation of the independent variable.
20. Which of the following is an important consideration in research ethics?
A) Maximizing the use of participants
B) Deception of participants
C) Informed consent
D) Ignoring potential risks to participants
Answer: C) Informed consent
Explanation: Informed consent is a crucial aspect of research ethics. It requires researchers to
provide participants with all relevant information about the study, including potential risks
and benefits, and obtain their voluntary agreement to participate.
21. What is the purpose of data analysis in research?
A) To collect raw data
B) To organize and summarize data
C) To draw conclusions from the data
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C
Explanation: The purpose of data analysis is to organize and summarize the collected data, as
well as to draw conclusions and make inferences based on the patterns and relationships
observed in the data.
22. Which of the following is an example of a threat to the internal validity of a study?
A) History
B) Maturation
C) Instrumentation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: History, maturation, and instrumentation are all potential threats to the internal
validity of a study. These factors can introduce alternative explanations for the observed
changes in the dependent variable, other than the manipulation of the independent variable.
23. Which type of variable cannot be directly manipulated by the researcher?
A) Independent variable
B) Dependent variable
C) Confounding variable
D) Extraneous variable
Answer: C) Confounding variable
Explanation: Confounding variables are factors that may influence the relationship between
the independent and dependent variables, but cannot be directly manipulated by the
researcher. These variables must be controlled or accounted for in the study design.
24. What is the purpose of random assignment in an experiment?
A) To ensure that participants are equally motivated
B) To create equal groups for comparison
C) To minimize the influence of extraneous variables
D) To increase the generalizability of the findings
Answer: C) To minimize the influence of extraneous variables
Explanation: Random assignment of participants to different experimental conditions helps
to ensure that extraneous variables are evenly distributed across the groups, reducing their
potential impact on the observed relationship between the independent and dependent
variables.
25. Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?
A) Randomized controlled trial
B) Correlational study
C) Ethnographic observation
D) Survey with closed-ended questions
Answer: C) Ethnographic observation
Explanation: Ethnographic observation, which involves the in-depth study of a cultural
group or community in their natural setting, is an example of a qualitative research method.
Qualitative methods focus on understanding and describing complex phenomena, rather than
quantifying relationships between variables.
Week 1: Biology and Behaviour
1. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and
maintaining balance?
a. Cerebellum
b. Frontal lobe
c. Hippocampus
d. Occipital lobe
Answer: a. Cerebellum
Explanation: The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is primarily responsible for
coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining balance, and motor learning.
2. Broca's aphasia is associated with damage to which area of the brain?
a. Frontal lobe
b. Temporal lobe
c. Parietal lobe
d. Occipital lobe
Answer: a. Frontal lobe
Explanation: Broca's aphasia is caused by damage to the frontal lobe, specifically the
posterior part of the frontal lobe in the left hemisphere. It typically results in difficulties with
speech production while comprehension remains relatively intact.
3. Wernicke's aphasia is characterized by difficulties in:
a. Understanding and producing language
b. Controlling voluntary movements
c. Recognizing faces and objects
d. Regulating emotions and mood
Answer: a. Understanding and producing language
Explanation: Wernicke's aphasia is caused by damage to the left posterior superior temporal
gyrus in the temporal lobe. It primarily affects the comprehension and production of
language, leading to fluent but nonsensical speech.
4. The brain is divided into two hemispheres, known as the:
a. Right and left brain
b. Frontal and occipital lobes
c. Cerebrum and cerebellum
d. Hippocampus and amygdala
Answer: a. Right and left brain
Explanation: The brain is divided into two hemispheres, the right and left hemispheres,
which are connected by a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum.
5. Which hemisphere of the brain is typically associated with language processing in most
individuals?
a. Left hemisphere
b. Right hemisphere
c. Frontal hemisphere
d. Occipital hemisphere
Answer: a. Left hemisphere
Explanation: In most individuals, language processing is primarily localized in the left
hemisphere of the brain, particularly in the areas associated with Broca's and Wernicke's
regions.
6. The left hemisphere of the brain is commonly associated with:
a. Logic, language, and analytical thinking
b. Creativity, intuition, and holistic thinking
c. Emotional processing and empathy
d. Motor control and coordination
Answer: a. Logic, language, and analytical thinking
Explanation: The left hemisphere of the brain is often associated with logical reasoning,
language processing, analytical thinking, and sequential processing.
7. The right hemisphere of the brain is often associated with:
a. Visual-spatial processing and artistic abilities
b. Memory formation and retrieval
c. Speech and language comprehension
d. Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Answer: a. Visual-spatial processing and artistic abilities
Explanation: The right hemisphere of the brain is typically associated with visual-spatial
processing, artistic abilities, creativity, holistic thinking, and recognizing patterns.
8. The frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for:
a. Executive functions, such as decision-making and impulse control
b. Processing visual information
c. Auditory perception and language comprehension
d. Motor coordination and balance
Answer: a. Executive functions, such as decision-making and impulse control
Explanation: The frontal lobe plays a key role in executive functions, which include
decision-making, impulse control, planning, problem-solving, and regulating emotions.
9. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for:
a. Processing auditory information
b. Motor control and coordination
c. Visual processing and interpretation
d. Memory formation and retrieval
Answer: c. Visual processing and interpretation
Explanation: The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information,
including interpreting and making sense of visual stimuli received from the eyes.
10. Damage to the left hemisphere of the brain is more likely to result in:
a. Language impairments and difficulties in speech production
b. Visual-spatial deficits and difficulties in recognizing faces
c. Impaired motor coordination and balance
d. Memory loss and cognitive decline
Answer: a. Language impairments and difficulties in speech production
Explanation: Damage to the left hemisphere, especially in areas associated with language
processing, can lead to language impairments, such as difficulties in speech production, word
retrieval, and11. The hippocampus is involved in:
a. Long-term memory formation and spatial navigation
b. Motor control and coordination
c. Emotional processing and regulation
d. Language comprehension and production
Answer: a. Long-term memory formation and spatial navigation
Explanation: The hippocampus, located in the medial temporal lobe, is primarily involved in
the formation of long-term memories, particularly episodic memories, and spatial navigation.
12. The amygdala is associated with:
a. Emotional processing and the regulation of fear responses
b. Auditory perception and language comprehension
c. Visual processing and interpretation
d. Motor coordination and balance
Answer: a. Emotional processing and the regulation of fear responses
Explanation: The amygdala, situated deep within the temporal lobes, plays a crucial role in
the processing and regulation of emotions, particularly fear responses and emotional
memories.
13. The parietal lobe of the brain is responsible for:
a. Sensory perception and spatial awareness
b. Language comprehension and production
c. Emotional processing and regulation
d. Motor control and coordination
Answer: a. Connecting and facilitating communication between the two brain hemispheres
Explanation: The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right
hemispheres of the brain. It enables communication and information transfer between the
two hemispheres.
Answer: a. Regulating basic physiological functions, such as hunger, thirst, and body
temperature
Explanation: The hypothalamus, located below the thalamus, plays a crucial role in
regulating various basic physiological functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature,
and the sleep-wake cycle.
23. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for:
a. Processing visual information
b. Processing auditory information
c. Processing tactile information
d. Processing olfactory information
Answer: a. Processing visual information
Explanation: The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, is primarily responsible for
processing visual information received from the eyes. It plays a vital role in visual perception
and interpretation.
24. The method of brain imaging that involves injecting a radioactive substance and
measuring blood flow to identify areas of brain activity is called:
a. Electroencephalography (EEG)
b. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
c. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
d. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
25. The region of the brain responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as thinking,
reasoning, and decision-making is the:
a. Cerebellum
b. Frontal lobe
c. Occipital lobe
d. Temporal lobe
24. The sensory receptors responsible for detecting light and color in the retina are called:
a. Rods
b. Cones
c. Ganglion cells
d. Bipolar cells
Answer: b. Cones
Explanation: Cones are the sensory receptors in the retina that are responsible for detecting
light and color. They are concentrated in the fovea, the central region of the retina, and
provide detailed color vision in bright light conditions. There are three types of cones, each
sensitive to different wavelengths of light corresponding to different colors (red, green, and
blue).
25. The minimum difference in stimulation required to detect a change in intensity or quality
of a stimulus is known as:
a. Absolute threshold
b. Just noticeable difference (JND)
c. Subliminal threshold
d. Sensory adaptation threshold
Answer: c. Groups of neurons fire in alternating patterns to encode the frequency of high-
pitched sounds.
Explanation: The volley theory proposes that groups of neurons in the auditory nerve fire in
alternating patterns to encode the frequency of high-pitched sounds. This theory helps
explain how we perceive pitch for sounds with frequencies beyond what individual neurons
can encode.
25. The process of sound localization relies on the following cues EXCEPT:
a. Interaural time difference (ITD)
b. Interaural level difference (ILD)
c. Monaural cues
d. Olfactory cues