All Free Psychology MCQs with Answers

• A. superordinate goals
• B. group polarization
• C. ingroup bias
• D. social traps

Explanation: Sherif used a shared problem requiring cooperation, such as restoring a water supply, to create a superordinate goal.

• A. the reciprocity norm
• B. the scapegoat theory
• C. ingroup bias
• D. the just- world phenomenon

Explanation: Scapegoat theory proposes that frustration or failure is displaced onto a vulnerable out-group.

• A. the fundamental attribution error
• B. the just- world phenomenon
• C. the mere exposure effect
• D. the reciprocity norm

Explanation: The reciprocity norm creates pressure to return a favor after receiving something from another person or organization.

• A. The patterns of behaviour that are considered ideal and satisfy the actor
• B. Cultural meanings assigned to a particular action independently of the wishes
• C. Shared expectations of behaviour that connote what is considered socially desirable and appropriate
• D. some define ideals about what is wrong and what is right

Explanation: Social norms are shared expectations that guide behaviour by indicating what a group regards as acceptable, desirable, or appropriate.

• A. task difficulty and group size
• B. the group leader's personality and group unanimity
• C. group size and the subjects' intelligence
• D. group size and group unanimity

Explanation: Asch found conformity was strongly affected by group size and unanimity: pressure rises as the group grows, especially when all members…

• A. raking leaves
• B. bicycle racing
• C. washing dishes
• D. solving a crossword puzzle

Explanation: Observers usually improve performance on simple or well-practised tasks but can impair difficult or unfamiliar tasks because arousal…

• A. door- in- the- face-effect
• B. foot- in- the- door effect
• C. low- ball technique
• D. high- ball technique

Explanation: The foot-in-the-door effect occurs when agreement with a small initial request increases later compliance with a larger request.

• A. complementary need theory
• B. social exchange theory
• C. gain- loss theory
• D. social comparison theory

Explanation: Social exchange theory views relationships as exchanges in which people weigh rewards, costs, and expected benefits.

• A. TV has little effect on the behavior of children
• B. TV only increases aggressive behavior in children
• C. TV only increases prosocial behavior in children
• D. the amount of TV viewing may be related to aggressive behavior later in life

Explanation: Research does not support the claim that television has only one type of effect; content, viewing amount, and other influences all matter.

• A. norming
• B. forming a social contract
• C. conformity
• D. standardization

Explanation: Conformity is the adjustment of one's behaviour or judgments to match group expectations or the behaviour of other group members.

• A. moving
• B. unsafe
• C. safe
• D. none of these

Explanation: Scapegoating redirects frustration or aggression toward a relatively safe or vulnerable target rather than its true source.

• A. Guards did not take their roles seriously
• B. guards readily assumed their roles as agents of force
• C. the prisoners and the guards quickly became friendly towards one another
• D. three prisoners were so severely beaten they had to be hospitalized

Explanation: In the Stanford Prison study, guards rapidly adopted authoritative and abusive aspects of their assigned roles, while prisoners showed…

• A. focus
• B. personal identification
• C. reference
• D. comparison

Explanation: A reference group is used as a standard for social comparison, helping people evaluate their attitudes, abilities, or behaviour.

• A. They are always negative
• B. They tend to be rational
• C. Likeable members of rejected group are perceived as an "exception"
• D. University students show more evidence of ethic stereotyping now than they did in the post

Explanation: Stereotypes are not always negative, and they are often oversimplified rather than rational.

• A. internal characteristics
• B. our group of colleagues
• C. external circumstances
• D. our personality type

Explanation: The self-serving attributional bias leads people to explain success through internal causes such as ability or effort, while attributing…

• A. brain storming
• B. group think
• C. the self- censorship effect
• D. the expert power effect

Explanation: Janis used the Bay of Pigs invasion as a classic example of groupthink, in which the desire for group agreement suppresses criticism and…

• A. group prejudice
• B. scapegoating
• C. personal prejudice
• D. discrimination

Explanation: Receiving more traffic citations because a car displayed a militant group's symbol shows discriminatory treatment based on an associated…

• A. Asch
• B. Rubin
• C. Schachter
• D. Zimbardo

Explanation: Solomon Asch demonstrated conformity by showing that people sometimes gave an obviously incorrect answer to match a unanimous group.

• A. Optimistic
• B. Independent
• C. Pessimistic
• D. Interdependent

Explanation: Western individualistic cultures commonly emphasise an independent self, defined by personal traits, goals, and achievements.

• A. Provocative
• B. Demanding
• C. Abusive
• D. Angry

Explanation: Provocation can lead to demanding, abusive, and angry statements as arousal and hostility escalate.