Download Practice Test. Social Psychology

Practice Test. Social Psychology
1. The fundamental attribution error involves:
a. failing to give aid in an emergency situation involving many onlookers.
b. becoming more extreme in one's individual opinions following group discussion.
c. performing a complex task more poorly when in the presence of others.
d. underestimating situational influences on another's behavior.
2. Professor Stewart wrote a very positive letter of recommendation for a student despite having doubts about her
student’s competence. Which theory best explains why she subsequently began to develop more favorable attitudes
about the student's abilities after she wrote the letter?
a. cognitive dissonance theory
b. social exchange theory
c. two-factor theory
d. scapegoat theory
3. Research participants who worked alongside someone who rubbed his or her face or shook his or her foot were
observed to do the same thing themselves. This best illustrates:
a. the mere exposure effect.
b. the bystander effect.
c. social loafing.
d. mirroring.
4. Using the Asch procedure, studies reveal that conformity to group judgments is LEAST likely when:
a. participants announce their own answers only after the other group members have done so.
b. participants are not observed by other group members when giving their answers.
c. the task is quite easy, so the participants are confident that they are correct.
d. judgments are made in a group that has more than three people
5. In a study of social loafing, blindfolded students were asked to pull on a rope as hard as they could. The
students tugged hardest when they thought:
a. three others were pulling with them.
b. three others were pulling against them.
c. no others were pulling with them.
d. no one was monitoring how hard they pulled.
6. Although Frieda is typically very reserved, as part of a huge rock concert crowd she lost her inhibitions and
behaved in a very sexually provocative way. Frieda's unusual behavior is best understood in terms of:
a. the bystander effect.
b. social facilitation.
c. deindividuation.
d. the mere exposure effect.
7. Groupthink is fueled by a desire for:
a. conflict.
b. self-disclosure.
c. harmony.
d. cognitive dissonance.
8. Following Germany's defeat in World War I and the economic chaos that followed, many Germans experienced
great hardship and also increasing levels of prejudice toward Jews. This surge of hostility can best be explained in
terms of
a. the bystander effect. b. the reciprocity norm. c. the just-world phenomenon.
d. scapegoat theory.
9. Shortly after Alex learned that he had failed to make the high school football team, he vandalized the team's
locker room and broke several classroom windows. His behavior is best explained in terms of:
a. group polarization.
b. social loafing.
c. deindividuation.
d. the frustration-aggression principle.
10. Although the leaders of two enemy nations admit to a buildup of their own military forces, each sees the other
country's actions as unreasonable and motivated by evil intentions. This situation best illustrates:
a. mirror-image perceptions.
b. the mere exposure effect.
c. the just-world phenomenon.
d. deindividuation.
11. When asked how much they like various letters of the alphabet, people tend to prefer those that happen to be
found in their own names. This best illustrates the impact of:
a. deindividuation.
b. social facilitation.
c. the mere exposure effect. d. the foot-in-the door phenomenon.
12. Aggression is defined by psychologists as behavior that
a. hurts another person
b. is hostile, passionate, and produces physical pain
c. is intended to hurt another person
d. has all of these characteristics
13. Although Natalie receives somewhat greater rewards from her marriage than does her husband, both are
satisfied with the relationship because they each benefit in proportion to what they put into it. This best
illustrates the significance of:
a. equity.
b. deindividuation.
c. the bystander effect.
d. social facilitation.
14. The neighbors' failure to call the police in time to save the life of Kitty Genovese best illustrated:
a. group polarization.
b. the mere exposure effect.
c. group facilitation.
d. the bystander effect.
15. After Mrs. Jones and her children had helped themselves to free samples of the cookies being promoted in the
grocery store, she felt obligated to buy some, even though they seemed unreasonably expensive. Her reaction best
illustrates the significance of:
a. the reciprocity norm.
b. social facilitation.
c. the bystander effect.
d. deindividuation.
16. Marilyn judges her professor's strict class attendance policy to be an indication of his overcontrolling
personality rather than a necessity dictated by the limited number of class sessions in a course that meets only
once a week. Her judgment best illustrates:
a. the mere exposure effect.
b. group polarization. c. the fundamental attribution error. d. deindividuation.
17. Bart complied with his friends' request to join them in smashing decorative pumpkins early one Halloween
evening. Later that night he was surprised by his own failure to resist their pressures to throw eggs at passing
police cars. Bart's experience best illustrates the:
a. bystander effect.
b. foot-in-the-door phenomenon.
c. fundamental attribution error.
d. frustration-aggression principle.
18. Cognitive dissonance theory is most helpful for understanding the impact of:
a. frustration on aggression.
b. groupthink on social conflict.
c. deindividuation on the bystander effect.
d. role-playing on attitude change.
19. In making wedding preparations, Jason conforms to the expectations of his future bride's family simply to win
their favor. His behavior illustrates the importance of:
a. social inhibition.
b. normative social influence. c. mirror-image perceptions. d. the bystander effect.
20. The level of obedience in the Milgram experiments was highest when the "teacher" was ________ the
experimenter and ________ the "learner."
a. close to; close to
b. far from; far from
c. close to; far from
d. far from; close to
21. Bonnie pedals an exercise bike at her health club much faster when other patrons happen to be working out on
nearby equipment. This best illustrates:
a. the bystander effect.
b. the mere exposure effect.
c. the foot-in-the-door phenomenon.
d. social facilitation.
22. When a group of high school students who were all prejudiced discussed racial issues, their attitudes became
even more prejudiced. This best illustrates:
a. group polarization.
b. the bystander effect.
c. social inhibition.
d. the mere exposure effect.
23. Kelly, a Republican, and Carlos, a Democrat, both believe that members of their own political party are more
fair-minded and trustworthy than members of other parties. Their beliefs best illustrate:
a. the social responsibility norm.
b. deindividuation.
c. the two-factor theory.
d. ingroup bias.
24. When visiting the Bergin-Belsen concentration camp shortly after World War II, one German civilian was said
to have remarked, "What terrible criminals these prisoners must have been to receive such treatment." This
reaction is best explained in terms of:
a. the mere exposure effect.
b. social facilitation.
c. the just-world phenomenon.
d. deindividuation.
25. Max fails to recycle his glass, metal, and plastic garbage because he thinks it's personally inconvenient and
likely to have minimal impact on the city's already overflowing landfills. His reaction best illustrates:
a. the mere exposure effect.
b. the just-world phenomenon.
c. a social trap.
d. social facilitation.
26. When buying groceries, many shoppers prefer certain products simply because they have a familiar brand
name. This preference best illustrates the importance of:
a. social traps. b. the mere exposure effect. c. mirror-image perceptions. d. the reciprocity norm.
27. Which theory best explains why the excitement that lingers after a frightening event can facilitate passionate
love?
a. social exchange theory b. cognitive dissonance theory
c. the two-factor theory
d. the scapegoat theory
28. Mr. Hughes heard what sounded like cries for help from a swimmer located 30 yards from the ocean shoreline.
He continued walking along the beach, however, because he figured that one of the many swimmers in the vicinity
would provide help if it was needed. His reaction best illustrates the dynamics involved in:
a. the fundamental attribution error. b. group polarization. c. the bystander effect. d. the mere exposure effect.
29. The hostilities between two racial subgroups of a riverfront community were dramatically reduced when the
threat of their river flooding its banks required that they work together to save their town. This best illustrates
the impact of:
a. superordinate goals.
b. groupthink.
c. deindividuation.
d. the bystander effect.
30. Early in the day, you see a fellow student in the cafeteria spill a whole tray of food as she trips over something
on the floor. You think to yourself, “Wow, she sure is clumsy!” Later on in the day, you also trip in the cafeteria
and spill your tray. You think to yourself, “Wow, this floor is uneven and dangerous, someone should fix it!” This
illustrates the psychological concept called:
a. foot-in-the-door.
b. bystander apathy. c. fundamental attribution error.
d. out-group bias.
31. Which of the following is the best example of social facilitation?
a. A funny movie seems even more amusing when you watch it with a group of friends.
b. Solving difficult math problems is easier when you are in a quiet room with only one other person.
c. People may be more likely to help if there is a large crowd watching.
d. People are more likely to work much harder in a group than when they are alone.
32. Conformity is when we adjust our thinking and behavior to go along with a group standard. Which of the
following is NOT likely to influence whether or not we conform?
a. Your level of intelligence
b. The size of the group that you are with
c. Whether or not the group is observing you
d. Whether or not the group has status
33. According to cognitive dissonance theory, dissonance is most likely to occur when
a. a person’s behavior is not based on strongly held attitudes.
b. two people have conflicting attitudes and find themselves in disagreement.
c. an individual does something that is he or she feels is not right or is personally disagreeable.
d. an individual is forced into doing something that he or she does not want to do.
34. Conformity DECREASED in Asch’s study under which of the following conditions?
a. the group had three or more people
b. the group had high status
c. the participant was made to feel insecure
d. none of these
35. The phenomenon in which individuals lose their identity and give up their normal restraints when they are
part of a group is called:
a. groupthink
b. deindividuation
c. group polarization
d. group facilitation
36. Research studies have found a negative correlation between aggressive tendencies in animals and levels of
a. estrogen
b. epinephrine
c. testosterone
d. serotonin
37. Increasing the number of people who are present during an emergency tends to
a. increase the likelihood that people will cooperate to provide assistance
b. decrease the empathy that people feel for the victim
c. increase the role that social norms governing helping will play
d. decrease the likelihood that anyone will help.
38. The mere exposure effect demonstrates that
a. familiarity breeds contempt
b. familiarity breeds fondness
c. opposites repel
d. opposites attract
39. The belief that those who suffer deserve their fate is expressed in the
a. just-world phenomenon b. phenomenon of ingroup bias
c. fundamental attribution error
d. all of these
40. According to social exchange theory, a person’s tendency toward altruistic behavior is based on
a. a determination of the relationship of those who will be affected by his or her actions
b. a an analysis of how much it will cost him or her and how much it will benefit him or her
c. the norms of society
d. none of these apply to social exchange theory
41. Which theorist argued that aggressive tendencies are actually a manifestation of our “death wish” that is
redirected toward another person?
a. Stanley Milgram
b. Sigmund Freud
c. Solomon Asch
d. Philip Zimbardo
42. Most people prefer mirror-image photographs of their faces. This is best explained by
a. self-disclosure theory
b. deindividuation
c. mirror-image perceptions
d. the mere exposure effect
43. Two nations are involved in an effort to stockpile nuclear weapons. Each sees its neighbor’s actions as very
aggressive and evil, while seeing its own actions as self-defense. These nations seem to both be victims of
a. a self-fulfilling prophecy b. groupthink
c. the mere exposure effect
d. the fundamental attribution error
44. After waiting for two hours to buy concert tickets, John is told that it is sold out. He pounds his fist on the
ticket counter and frightens the clerk. His behavior is best explained by
a. the frustration-aggression principle
b. the reciprocity norm
c. social exchange theory
d. evolutionary psychology
45. Before she participated in a debate supporting abortion rights, Jane had believed abortion was wrong. Her
change in attitude (she is now pro-abortion) can best be explained by
a. attribution theory b. cognitive dissonance theory
c. social exchange theory
d. two-factor theory
46. Which of the following would be most likely subject to social facilitation?
a. proofreading a page for spelling errors
b. typing a letter
c. playing a difficult piece on a musical instrument
d. running around a track
47. Jeanie and Sandie were best friends when they went to college. Jeanie joined a sorority; Sandie didn’t. By their
senior year, they had little in common but felt that they had much more in common with their new circle of
friends. Which of the following phenomena most likely explains their feelings?
a. group polarization
b. groupthink
c. deindividuation
d. social facilitation
48. Which of the following strategies would be the best way to foster positive feelings between two conflicting
groups?
a. encourage groups to spend more time talking about their differences
b. separate the groups so that the tensions diminish.
c. have representatives from each group meet to work out their differences
d. have the groups work together on a superordinate goal.
49. According to research about passionate love, levels of __ and ___ rise in passionate love, but levels of ____ fall.
a. serotonin; norepinephrine; dopamine
b. serotonin; dopamine; norepinephrine
c. norepinephrine; dopamine; serotonin
d. none of these are true
50. Ever since the tennis team lost its first match, the girls have been increasingly upset with one girl on the team,
blaming her for all of the team’s problems. This behavior is best explained in terms of
a. ingroup bias
b. prejudice
c. scapegoat theory
d. the reciprocity norm
51. Maria recently heard a speech calling for a ban on aerosol sprays that endanger the earth’s ozone layer.
Maria’s decision to stop using aerosol sprays is an example of
a. informational social influence
b. normative social influence c. deinidividuation
d. social facilitation
52. Mr. and Mrs. Sams are constantly fighting, and each perceives the other as hardheaded and insensitive. Their
conflict is being fueled and intensified by
a. self-disclosure
b. stereotypes
c. social facilitation
d. mirror-image perceptions
53. Which of the following situations should produce the greatest cognitive dissonance?
a. A soldier who is forced to carry out orders he finds disagreeable.
b. a student who loves animals is forced to dissect a cat to pass biology.
c. as part of an experiment, a subject is ordered to deliver electric shocks to another person.
d. a student volunteers to debate an issue, offering to take the side that he personally disagrees with.
54. Professor Washington’s students did very poorly on the last exam. The tendency to make the fundamental
attribution error might lead her to conclude that the class did poorly because
a. students were unmotivated and lazy
b. not enough time was given for students to finish
c. students were distracted by a social function on campus
d. the test was unfair
55. Students at Smith College are convinced that their college is better than any other; this most directly
illustrates
a. ingroup bias
b. discrimination
c. scapegoating
d. just-world phenomenon
56. After Sally helped Jack move into his apartment, Jack felt obligated to help Sally when she moved. Jack’s
sense of responsibility can best be explained by
a. ingroup bias
b. two-factor theory
c. social responsibility norm
d. reciprocity norm
57. Al and Mary are on a blind date. Which of the following will probably be the MOST influential in determining
whether they like each other?
a. personalities
b. beliefs
c. social skills
d. physical attractiveness
58. Opening her mail, Joan discovers a romantic greeting card from her boyfriend. According to the two-factor
theory, which of the following is likely to produce the most intense romantic feelings?
a. just coming in from a daily run
b. finishing reading a chapter in her psychology book
c. awakening from a long nap
d. listening to a tape of love songs
59. Driving home, Al saw a car run off the road and burst into flames. He stopped, ran to the car, and managed to
pull the driver to safety. Al’s behavior can best be explained by
a. social facilitation
b. the social responsibility norm
c. the reciprocity norm
d. two-factor theory
60. Having read chapter 18 in Myers’ text, which of the following is best supported by research on attraction?
a. birds of a feather flock together
b. opposites attract
c. familiarity breeds contempt
d. absence makes the heart grow fonder