Understanding Psychology, 12th Edition (Morris) - Practice Questions with
Answers and Rationales 2026
Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology (Questions 1-30)
Section 1.1: What Is Psychology?
Question 1
Psychology is the scientific study of ________.
A) how personality can be determined by the size and shape of one's head
B) behavior and mental processes
C) the physiological functions of the brain
D) how cultures and societies develop and interact with each other
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental
processes. Behavior refers to observable actions, while mental processes include
internal experiences such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions .
Question 2
Psychologists are interested in ________.
A) every aspect of human thought and behavior
,B) aspects of human behavior, but not human thought
C) aspects of human thought, but not human behavior
D) only major aspects of human thought and behavior
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The different perspectives of psychology encompass every aspect of
human thoughts, feelings, and actions. Behavior is absolutely crucial to the study
of psychology, but so too is the concept of human thought .
Question 3
Psychology ________.
A) rarely redefines itself, and when it does, it does so more narrowly
B) virtually never redefines itself
C) continually redefines itself more narrowly
D) continually redefines itself more broadly
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: New research methods, areas of inquiry, and collaborations with other
sciences allow psychology to continually redefine itself more broadly .
Question 4
Psychology is ________.
A) a single, unified field of study
B) an "umbrella" for a loose amalgamation of different subfields
C) comprised of two distinct subfields
D) not a field of study at all
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The fact that there is no single unifying definition of psychology
suggests that it is a combination of many sub-disciplines, making it an "umbrella"
for different subfields .
Question 5
The American Psychological Association is made up of _______ divisions of
psychology that study many different areas within the field.
A) about ten
, B) about 25
C) over 30
D) over 50
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The American Psychological Association is made up of over 50 divisions
of psychology that study many different areas within the field .
Section 1.2: Major Subfields of Psychology
Question 6
A group of psychologists study physical, mental, social, and emotional growth
from the prenatal period through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old
age. They are most likely to be ________ psychologists.
A) developmental
B) social
C) personality
D) organizational
Correct Answer: A
Answers and Rationales 2026
Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology (Questions 1-30)
Section 1.1: What Is Psychology?
Question 1
Psychology is the scientific study of ________.
A) how personality can be determined by the size and shape of one's head
B) behavior and mental processes
C) the physiological functions of the brain
D) how cultures and societies develop and interact with each other
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental
processes. Behavior refers to observable actions, while mental processes include
internal experiences such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions .
Question 2
Psychologists are interested in ________.
A) every aspect of human thought and behavior
,B) aspects of human behavior, but not human thought
C) aspects of human thought, but not human behavior
D) only major aspects of human thought and behavior
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The different perspectives of psychology encompass every aspect of
human thoughts, feelings, and actions. Behavior is absolutely crucial to the study
of psychology, but so too is the concept of human thought .
Question 3
Psychology ________.
A) rarely redefines itself, and when it does, it does so more narrowly
B) virtually never redefines itself
C) continually redefines itself more narrowly
D) continually redefines itself more broadly
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: New research methods, areas of inquiry, and collaborations with other
sciences allow psychology to continually redefine itself more broadly .
Question 4
Psychology is ________.
A) a single, unified field of study
B) an "umbrella" for a loose amalgamation of different subfields
C) comprised of two distinct subfields
D) not a field of study at all
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The fact that there is no single unifying definition of psychology
suggests that it is a combination of many sub-disciplines, making it an "umbrella"
for different subfields .
Question 5
The American Psychological Association is made up of _______ divisions of
psychology that study many different areas within the field.
A) about ten
, B) about 25
C) over 30
D) over 50
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The American Psychological Association is made up of over 50 divisions
of psychology that study many different areas within the field .
Section 1.2: Major Subfields of Psychology
Question 6
A group of psychologists study physical, mental, social, and emotional growth
from the prenatal period through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old
age. They are most likely to be ________ psychologists.
A) developmental
B) social
C) personality
D) organizational
Correct Answer: A
