Complete Chapter 1 Quiz: Essence of Psychology – For Ethiopian University Freshmen
This quiz covers all key concepts from General Psychology (Psyc 1011), Chapter 1: Essence of Psychology. Questions are designed for mid-exam and final-exam levels—requiring deep understanding and multi-step reasoning. All answers include detailed explanations. Use this to test your readiness! 📚
Need help? Join our free Telegram study group: Ethio Temari EC. Watch video lessons on YouTube or follow tips on TikTok. For more psychology content, visit ethiotemari.com.
Section 1: Multiple-Choice Questions (30 Questions)
1. A researcher claims that psychology is the study of the soul based on ancient Greek thought. Which critique best challenges this definition from a modern scientific perspective?
Modern psychology requires empirical, testable methods—not philosophical speculation.
- Psychology no longer uses Greek terms like “psyche.”
- The soul cannot be observed, measured, or tested scientifically.
- Modern psychologists reject all historical ideas.
- Only biology—not psychology—studies human nature.
2. A psychologist observes that students who sit in the front row score higher on exams. She concludes that seating causes better performance. Which research method flaw makes this conclusion invalid?
Correlation does not imply causation; other variables may explain the link.
- She used a case study instead of an experiment.
- She failed to manipulate the independent variable.
- She did not measure the dependent variable correctly.
- She violated ethical standards by observing without consent.
3. Which statement best illustrates the “control” goal of psychology?
The control goal involves changing behavior using evidence-based strategies.
- A counselor describes a student’s anxiety symptoms.
- A researcher explains why anxiety occurs using brain scans.
- A therapist teaches relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
- A professor predicts that anxiety will lower exam scores.
4. Wilhelm Wundt is called the “father of modern psychology” mainly because he:
His key contribution was establishing psychology as an independent experimental science.
- Proved Freud’s theories correct using lab experiments.
- Opened the first psychology laboratory in 1879.
- Discovered the unconscious mind through hypnosis.
- Invented behaviorism by studying animal reflexes.
5. Which early school of psychology would most likely study “the experience of red” by asking participants to report their sensations?
This school focused on breaking consciousness into basic elements using introspection.
- Gestalt
- Functionalism
- Structuralism
- Psychoanalysis
6. A teacher notices a student’s grades drop after a family divorce. He interviews the student and reviews past records to understand the cause. This best reflects which research method?
- Naturalistic observation
- Survey
- Case study
- Experiment
7. In an experiment on sleep and memory, Group A sleeps 8 hours, Group B sleeps 4 hours. Both take the same memory test. What is the dependent variable?
- Hours of sleep
- Group assignment
- Memory test score
- Type of memory test
8. Which perspective emphasizes free will, personal growth, and self-actualization?
- Behavioral
- Humanistic
- Psychodynamic
- Cognitive
9. A psychologist working in a hospital to diagnose depression is most likely a:
- Educational psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Industrial psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
10. The step in scientific research where a researcher writes a report for publication is primarily important for:
- Ensuring personal fame
- Allowing replication and peer review
- Getting government funding
- Replacing the need for hypotheses
11. Freud’s theory belongs to which category of psychological perspectives?
- Behavioral
- Humanistic
- Psychodynamic
- Biological
12. Which research method can establish cause-and-effect relationships?
- Survey
- Case study
- Naturalistic observation
- Experiment
13. A psychologist studies how cultural values affect parenting styles in Ethiopia vs. Sweden. This aligns with which perspective?
- Biological
- Sociocultural
- Cognitive
- Behavioral
14. In Freud’s model, the part of personality that operates on the “reality principle” is the:
- Id
- Ego
- Superego
- Libido
15. Which is a key limitation of naturalistic observation?
- It cannot be used with humans.
- People may change behavior when watched (observer effect).
- It proves causation.
- It requires expensive brain scanners.
Section 2: Matching Questions (15 Items)
Match each term in Column A with its correct definition in Column B.
| Column A: Terms | Column B: Definitions |
|---|---|
| 1. Psychology | A. The minimum stimulation needed to detect a stimulus 50% of the time |
| 2. Absolute Threshold | B. The scientific study of behavior and mental processes |
| 3. Experimental Group | C. A group that receives the treatment in an experiment |
| 4. Control Group | D. A group used for comparison that does not receive treatment |
| 5. Independent Variable | E. The variable manipulated by the researcher |
| 6. Dependent Variable | F. The variable measured to assess the effect of the IV |
| 7. Introspection | G. Looking inward to examine one’s own conscious experience |
| 8. Behaviorism | H. The view that psychology should study only observable behavior |
| 9. Humanistic Psychology | I. Emphasizes free will, self-actualization, and human potential |
| 10. Psychodynamic Perspective | J. Focuses on unconscious drives and childhood experiences |
| 11. Cognitive Perspective | K. Studies mental processes like memory, thinking, and problem-solving |
| 12. Biological Perspective | L. Examines how brain, genes, and hormones influence behavior |
| 13. Sociocultural Perspective | M. Analyzes how culture and society shape behavior |
| 14. Case Study | N. In-depth analysis of a single individual or group |
| 15. Survey | O. Collects data from many people using questionnaires or interviews |
Section 3: True/False Questions (10 Questions)
1. Psychology became a formal science in 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt opened the first psychology laboratory.
2. Correlational research can prove that one variable causes changes in another.
3. The humanistic perspective assumes that people are inherently good and strive for self-actualization.
4. In an experiment, the control group receives the treatment being tested.
Section 4: List-and-Explain Questions (7 Questions)
1. List and explain the four goals of psychology.
Section 5: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (10 Questions)
1. The ________ perspective emphasizes unconscious motives and early childhood experiences.
✅ This quiz covers all exam-critical concepts from Chapter 1. Practice regularly! For more resources, visit ethiotemari.com.