PSY101 Exam 1 Study Guide questions and
answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
What is the definition of psychology? - correct answer The scientific study of behavior and mental
processes.
Discuss the early influences of psychology. - correct answer Aristotle and Descartes. Descartes came up
with interactive dualism.
What are the basic ideas of structuralism and functionalism, and who were the important people in
those early fields? - correct answer Structuralism: Even the most complex conscious experiences could
be broken down into elemental structures, or component parts, of sensations and feelings. Titchner
came up with structuralism, and suggested introspection, which is the attempt to recreate a reaction to
a stimuli.
Functionalism: Stressed the importance of how behavior functions to allow people and animals to adapt
to their environments. Unlike structuralists, James did not limit their methods of observation to
introspection.
Who were the important people that contributed to psychology's building? - correct answer Wundt is
considered the father of psychology. Aristotle and Descartes play a role in the establishment of
psychology and it's ideals.
Discuss Freud and psychoanalysis. - correct answer Freud was developing an intriguing theory of
personality based on uncovering causes of behavior that were unconscious or hidden from the person's
conscious awareness. Psychoanalysis emphasized the role of unconscious conflicts in determining
behavior and personality. Freud believed that human behavior was motivated by unconscious conflicts
that were almost always sexual or aggressive in nature.
, What are the contributions of Skinner, Maslow and Rogers? - correct answer Skinner: Skinner believed
that psychology should restrict itself to studying outward observable behaviors that could be measured
and verified. In compelling experimental demonstrations, Skinner systematically used reinforcement or
punishment to shape the behavior of rats and pigeons.
Maslow: Developed a theory of motivation that emphasized psychological growth.
Rogers: Humanistic psychology was largely founded by him. Rogers emphasized self-determination, free
will, and the importance of choice in human behavior.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as psychodynamics? - correct answer
The Psychodynamic perspective may or may not follow Freud's teachings, or take a psychoanalytic
approach. However, they do tend to emphasize the importance of unconscious influences, early life
experiences, and interpersonal relationships in explaining the underlying dynamics of behavior or in
treating people with psychological problems.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as humanism? - correct answer The
humanistic perspective focuses on the motivation of people to grow psychologically, the influence of
interpersonal relationships on a person's self-concept, and the importance of choice and self-direction in
striving to reach one's potential.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as positive psychology? - correct answer
The field of psychological research and theory focusing on the study of positive emotions and
psychological states, positive individual traits, and the social institutions that foster these qualities in
individuals and the community.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as biopsychology? - correct answer
Emphasizes the study of the physical bases of human and animal behavior, including the nervous
system, endocrine system, immune system and genetics.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as cognitive psychology? - correct
answer Focuses on the important role of the mental process in how people process and remember
information, develop language, solve problems and think.
answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
What is the definition of psychology? - correct answer The scientific study of behavior and mental
processes.
Discuss the early influences of psychology. - correct answer Aristotle and Descartes. Descartes came up
with interactive dualism.
What are the basic ideas of structuralism and functionalism, and who were the important people in
those early fields? - correct answer Structuralism: Even the most complex conscious experiences could
be broken down into elemental structures, or component parts, of sensations and feelings. Titchner
came up with structuralism, and suggested introspection, which is the attempt to recreate a reaction to
a stimuli.
Functionalism: Stressed the importance of how behavior functions to allow people and animals to adapt
to their environments. Unlike structuralists, James did not limit their methods of observation to
introspection.
Who were the important people that contributed to psychology's building? - correct answer Wundt is
considered the father of psychology. Aristotle and Descartes play a role in the establishment of
psychology and it's ideals.
Discuss Freud and psychoanalysis. - correct answer Freud was developing an intriguing theory of
personality based on uncovering causes of behavior that were unconscious or hidden from the person's
conscious awareness. Psychoanalysis emphasized the role of unconscious conflicts in determining
behavior and personality. Freud believed that human behavior was motivated by unconscious conflicts
that were almost always sexual or aggressive in nature.
, What are the contributions of Skinner, Maslow and Rogers? - correct answer Skinner: Skinner believed
that psychology should restrict itself to studying outward observable behaviors that could be measured
and verified. In compelling experimental demonstrations, Skinner systematically used reinforcement or
punishment to shape the behavior of rats and pigeons.
Maslow: Developed a theory of motivation that emphasized psychological growth.
Rogers: Humanistic psychology was largely founded by him. Rogers emphasized self-determination, free
will, and the importance of choice in human behavior.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as psychodynamics? - correct answer
The Psychodynamic perspective may or may not follow Freud's teachings, or take a psychoanalytic
approach. However, they do tend to emphasize the importance of unconscious influences, early life
experiences, and interpersonal relationships in explaining the underlying dynamics of behavior or in
treating people with psychological problems.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as humanism? - correct answer The
humanistic perspective focuses on the motivation of people to grow psychologically, the influence of
interpersonal relationships on a person's self-concept, and the importance of choice and self-direction in
striving to reach one's potential.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as positive psychology? - correct answer
The field of psychological research and theory focusing on the study of positive emotions and
psychological states, positive individual traits, and the social institutions that foster these qualities in
individuals and the community.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as biopsychology? - correct answer
Emphasizes the study of the physical bases of human and animal behavior, including the nervous
system, endocrine system, immune system and genetics.
What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as cognitive psychology? - correct
answer Focuses on the important role of the mental process in how people process and remember
information, develop language, solve problems and think.
