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PSY 1501 PSYCHOLOGY EXAM 2024/2025 FALL-SPRING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED (UNISA)
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PSY 1501 PSYCHOLOGY EXAM 2024/2025 FALL-SPRING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED (UNISA)
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PSY 1501 PSYCHOLOGYPSY 1501 PSYCHOLOGY EXAM 2024/2025 FALL-
SPRING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED
(UNISA)
1. Explain the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and provide examples
of each.
Answer: Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in behavior for its own sake, driven by internal
rewards and personal satisfaction. For example, a person may read a book because they find it
enjoyable and fulfilling. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, involves completing a task to
earn external rewards or avoid negative consequences. For instance, a student may study hard to
receive a good grade or praise from parents.
2. Describe how classical conditioning can be applied in therapeutic settings to treat
phobias.
Answer: Classical conditioning can be used in therapy through a technique called systematic
desensitization. In this method, a patient is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation
while practicing relaxation techniques. Over time, the fear response is weakened as the
individual learns to associate the phobia with relaxation rather than anxiety.
3. Discuss the stages of cognitive development according to Jean Piaget, providing examples
for each stage.
Answer: Piaget identified four stages of cognitive development:
,PSY 1501 PSYCHOLOGY
Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years): Infants learn through sensory experiences and motor
actions. Example: A child learns that shaking a rattle produces sound.
Preoperational Stage (2-7 years): Children develop language and engage in symbolic
play but lack logical reasoning. Example: A child believes that the moon follows them.
Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years): Children begin to think logically about
concrete events. Example: A child understands that the quantity of liquid remains the
same despite its container shape.
Formal Operational Stage (12 years and up): Adolescents develop abstract reasoning
and hypothetical thinking. Example: A teenager can ponder moral dilemmas or scientific
theories.
4. What are the key components of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, and how do they
contribute to understanding behavior?
Answer: Bandura's Social Learning Theory emphasizes the role of observational learning,
imitation, and modeling in behavior acquisition. Key components include:
Attention: Noticing the behavior of others.
Retention: Remembering the behavior.
Reproduction: The ability to replicate the observed behavior.
Motivation: The willingness to perform the behavior, influenced by rewards or
punishments observed. This theory highlights that behavior can be learned without direct
reinforcement, as individuals can learn by observing the consequences of others' actions.
,PSY 1501 PSYCHOLOGY
5. Explain the concept of "nature versus nurture" in psychology and provide examples that
illustrate this debate.
Answer: The "nature versus nurture" debate concerns whether genetic predispositions (nature) or
environmental influences (nurture) have a greater impact on individual behavior and
development. For example, intelligence may be influenced by genetic factors (nature) such as
inherited traits, as well as environmental factors (nurture) such as education, socioeconomic
status, and life experiences. Studies of twins reared apart often contribute to this discussion,
revealing how both genetic and environmental factors shape traits and behaviors.
6. Define and differentiate between “positive reinforcement” and “negative reinforcement”
in operant conditioning.
Answer: Positive reinforcement involves presenting a rewarding stimulus after a desired
behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. For example, giving a child
a treat for completing their homework. Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive
stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior. For example, a person taking pain relief
medication to eliminate pain, which reinforces the behavior of taking medication.
7. Discuss the role of the amygdala in emotional processing, particularly in relation to fear
and anxiety.
Answer: The amygdala is a key brain structure involved in processing emotions, particularly
fear and anxiety. It evaluates threats and generates emotional responses. When a potential threat
is detected, the amygdala activates the fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological changes
(e.g., increased heart rate) and behavioral reactions (e.g., fleeing from danger). Its role in fear
conditioning is crucial, as it helps individuals learn and remember fear-related stimuli.
, PSY 1501 PSYCHOLOGY
8. What are the characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and what are
common treatment approaches?
Answer: OCD is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive
behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety associated with the
obsessions. Common treatment approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention
(ERP), where individuals are gradually exposed to their fears and learn to refrain from
compulsive behaviors.
Medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to help
manage symptoms.
9. Explain the concept of "self-actualization" in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and its
significance in personal development.
Answer: Self-actualization is the highest level in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, representing the
realization of an individual's potential and the pursuit of personal growth, self-improvement, and
fulfillment. It involves striving to become the best version of oneself and achieving goals aligned
with personal values. This concept is significant because it emphasizes the importance of
personal development, creativity, and self-awareness as central to mental well-being and life
satisfaction.
10. Discuss the impact of attachment styles on adult relationships, referencing Bowlby’s
attachment theory.
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