Psychology Theories and Concepts Review

Which psychologist is most closely associated with the theory of cognitive development?

• B.F. Skinner

• Jean Piaget

• Carl Rogers

• Sigmund Freud

Answer explanation

Jean Piaget is the psychologist most closely associated with the theory of cognitive development, which outlines how children's thinking evolves through distinct stages as they interact with their environment.

According to behaviourism, learning is primarily the result of:

• Unconscious motives

• Observing others

• Conditioning and reinforcement

• Self-actualisation

Answer explanation

According to behaviourism, learning occurs through conditioning and reinforcement, where behaviors are shaped by rewards and punishments, making this the primary mechanism of learning.

Which of the following is a key principle of humanistic psychology?

• The unconscious mind controls behaviour

• Humans strive for self-actualisation

• Behaviour is shaped by rewards and punishments

• Intelligence is fixed at birth

Answer explanation

A key principle of humanistic psychology is that humans strive for self-actualisation, which emphasizes personal growth and fulfillment. The other options relate to different psychological theories.

Sigmund Freud is best known for developing which psychological theory?

• Behaviourism

• Cognitive development

• Psychoanalytic theory

• Social learning theory

Answer explanation

Sigmund Freud is best known for developing the Psychoanalytic theory, which emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior and personality. This distinguishes it from other theories like behaviorism and cognitive development.

Which concept is central to Albert Bandura’s social learning theory?

• Free will

• Observational learning

• Classical conditioning

• Dream analysis

Answer explanation

Observational learning is central to Bandura's social learning theory, emphasizing that people can learn behaviors by watching others, rather than through direct experience. This concept highlights the importance of modeling in learning.

Which of the following is an example of a case study in psychology?

• A survey of 1,000 people’s eating habits

• An in-depth analysis of a single individual with a rare disorder

• A laboratory experiment on memory

• A statistical review of test scores

Answer explanation

A case study in psychology involves an in-depth examination of a single subject, often to explore unique conditions or disorders. The correct choice, an analysis of an individual with a rare disorder, exemplifies this method.

Which psychologist is associated with the hierarchy of needs?

• Abraham Maslow

• Erik Erikson

• John Watson

• Ivan Pavlov

Answer explanation

Abraham Maslow is the psychologist known for developing the hierarchy of needs, which outlines the stages of human motivation from basic needs to self-actualization.

Which of the following best describes positive psychology?

• The study of mental illnesses

• The study of positive emotions and strengths

• The study of unconscious motives

• The study of animal behaviour

Answer explanation

Positive psychology focuses on the study of positive emotions and strengths, emphasizing well-being and personal growth, rather than just mental illnesses or unconscious motives.

Which stage is NOT part of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development?

• Sensorimotor

• Preoperational

• Postconventional

• Formal operational

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Postconventional' as it refers to a stage in Kohlberg's theory of moral development, not Piaget's cognitive development stages, which include Sensorimotor, Preoperational, and Formal operational.

Which of the following is a defence mechanism according to Freud?

• Self-actualisation

• Reinforcement

• Repression

• Modelling

Answer explanation

Repression is a defense mechanism identified by Freud, where individuals unconsciously block out painful or threatening thoughts and feelings. The other options, such as self-actualization and reinforcement, are not defense mechanisms.