AP Psychology — Practice Exam 2
Format: Section I — 18 multiple-choice questions · Section II — 1 application free-response question Suggested time: 30 min (MCQ) + 20 min (FRQ) Coverage: Biological Bases · Cognition · Development & Learning · Social Psychology & Personality · Mental & Physical Health. (Correct answers are spread across A–D by design.)
Section I — Multiple Choice
1. The part of a neuron that receives incoming signals is the: A) axon B) synapse C) dendrite D) myelin sheath
2. Low levels of which neurotransmitter are most associated with depression? A) serotonin B) insulin C) keratin D) collagen
3. Balance and coordinated movement are primarily controlled by the: A) cerebral cortex B) hippocampus C) amygdala D) cerebellum
4. In classical conditioning, after repeated pairing, the neutral stimulus becomes the: A) unconditioned stimulus B) conditioned stimulus C) reinforcer D) unconditioned response
5. Negative reinforcement: A) increases a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus B) decreases a behavior by adding a stimulus C) is the same as punishment D) always uses food
6. Object permanence develops during Piaget's ____ stage. A) formal operational B) preoperational C) sensorimotor D) concrete operational
7. Which reinforcement schedule is most resistant to extinction? A) fixed-interval B) fixed-ratio C) continuous D) variable-ratio
8. The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overemphasize ____ when explaining others' behavior. A) the situation B) personality/disposition C) random chance D) genetics
9. Solomon Asch's classic experiments studied: A) conformity to group pressure B) obedience to authority C) classical conditioning D) object permanence
10. The capacity of short-term memory is approximately: A) 3 items B) 20 items C) 7 items (±2) D) unlimited
11. A mental shortcut that allows quick problem-solving but can lead to errors is a: A) algorithm B) schema C) prototype D) heuristic
12. The DSM-5 is used primarily to: A) measure IQ B) classify psychological disorders C) prescribe medication D) conduct experiments
13. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works mainly by: A) challenging distorted thoughts and changing behavior B) interpreting dreams C) offering unconditional positive regard D) using medication alone
14. Maslow's hierarchy of needs culminates in: A) safety B) esteem C) self-actualization D) belonging
15. Bandura's Bobo doll experiment best demonstrated: A) classical conditioning B) operant conditioning C) object permanence D) observational learning
16. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system produces: A) rest-and-digest responses B) fight-or-flight arousal C) improved memory D) sharper vision only
17. The bystander effect predicts that a person is: A) less likely to help when others are present B) more likely to help when others are present C) only helpful in emergencies D) helpful only when trained
18. Which is NOT one of the Big Five personality traits? A) openness B) conscientiousness C) intelligence D) neuroticism
Section II — Free Response (Application, 4 points)
A first-year college student, Maya, is struggling with exam anxiety and procrastination. For EACH of the following concepts, explain how it applies to Maya's situation (1 point each): (a) Sympathetic nervous system — explain her physical anxiety symptoms. (b) Negative reinforcement — explain how procrastination can be maintained. (c) Self-efficacy (Bandura) — explain how it could affect her study behavior. (d) Spaced practice / the spacing effect — recommend a study change and justify it.
Answer key (Section I)
| Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | 7 | D | 13 | A |
| 2 | A | 8 | B | 14 | C |
| 3 | D | 9 | A | 15 | D |
| 4 | B | 10 | C | 16 | B |
| 5 | A | 11 | D | 17 | A |
| 6 | C | 12 | B | 18 | C |
Key distribution: A×5, B×4, C×5, D×4.
Reasoning (Section I)
1. (C) Dendrites receive incoming signals. 2. (A) Low serotonin is linked to depression. 3. (D) The cerebellum governs balance and coordination. 4. (B) After pairing, the neutral stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus. 5. (A) Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing something aversive. 6. (C) Object permanence emerges in the sensorimotor stage. 7. (D) Variable-ratio schedules are most resistant to extinction. 8. (B) The fundamental attribution error over-credits disposition. 9. (A) Asch studied conformity (Milgram studied obedience). 10. (C) STM capacity ≈ 7±2 (Miller). 11. (D) A heuristic is a quick mental shortcut. 12. (B) The DSM-5 classifies disorders. 13. (A) CBT targets distorted thoughts and behavior. 14. (C) Self-actualization tops Maslow's hierarchy. 15. (D) The Bobo doll study showed observational learning. 16. (B) The sympathetic branch drives fight-or-flight. 17. (A) Diffusion of responsibility reduces helping when others are present. 18. (C) The Big Five are O, C, E, A, N — intelligence is not among them.
FRQ rubric (4 pts)
- (a) (1) Sympathetic arousal causes racing heart, sweating, rapid breathing during exams.
- (b) (1) Procrastinating removes the unpleasant anxiety in the short term (negative reinforcement), so the avoidance behavior is strengthened.
- (c) (1) Higher self-efficacy (belief she can succeed) increases effort/persistence; low self-efficacy promotes avoidance.
- (d) (1) Recommend spacing study over days rather than cramming; the spacing effect improves long-term retention versus massed practice.
Pedagogy: Application FRQs require linking the term to the scenario — naming "negative reinforcement" is not enough; the answer must show how avoidance removes anxiety and is thereby reinforced.