MCAT Behavioral Sciences Practice Test 5: Motivation, Emotion, and Stress

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1. A college student strives for excellent grades and hopes to graduate with a better GPA than his brother. This type of motivation is considered:

  • A. extrinsic motivation.
  • B. intrinsic motivation.
  • C. a primary drive.
  • D. a secondary drive.

2. When practicing her recital song at home, a teenage girl sounds perfectly in pitch to her family and friends. However, when performing at the recital in front of a large audience of peers, strangers, and coaches, her pitch and tone are off, resulting in a poor performance. This second performance is best explained by:

  • A. drive reduction theory.
  • B. instinct approach theory.
  • C. Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
  • D. the Yerkes–Dodson law.

3. Seeking homeostasis to reduce an uncomfortable internal state is associated with which motivational theory?

  • A. Drive reduction theory
  • B. Instinct theory
  • C. Arousal theory
  • D. Incentive theory

4. People from cultures around the world can identify which of the following emotions?

  • A. Happiness, sadness, and surprise
  • B. Happiness, anger, and apathy
  • C. Sadness, anticipation, and happiness
  • D. Excitement, anger, and disgust

5. Experiencing emotion involves three components, which are:

  • A. behavioral, reactionary, and cognitive.
  • B. emotional, physical, and mental.
  • C. physiological, cognitive, and behavioral.
  • D. emotional, cognitive, and behavioral.

6. The statement, "I noticed my heart racing and breathing rate increasing when I saw a bear, so I am afraid," corresponds most closely with which theory of emotion?

  • A. Schachter–Singer theory
  • B. Yerkes–Dodson theory
  • C. Cannon–Bard theory
  • D. James–Lange theory

7. Which theory of motivation is most significantly informed by Darwin's theory of evolution?

  • A. Arousal theory
  • B. Drive reduction theory
  • C. Instinct theory
  • D. Incentive theory

8. Simultaneous processing of conscious emotions and physiological activation is the defining feature of which theory of emotion?

  • A. Schachter–Singer theory
  • B. James–Lange theory
  • C. Incentive theory
  • D. Cannon–Bard theory

9. The biology of emotion is involves all of the following brain regions EXCEPT the:

  • A. amygdala.
  • B. prefrontal cortex.
  • C. basal ganglia.
  • D. thalamus.

10. A person with high left frontal lobe activity is most likely experiencing which emotion?

  • A. Happiness
  • B. Sadness
  • C. Surprise
  • D. Disgust

11. Determination of the intensity and risk of a stressor occurs during which stage(s) of stress appraisal?

  • A. Primary appraisal only
  • B. Secondary appraisal only
  • C. Both primary and secondary appraisal
  • D. Neither primary nor secondary appraisal

12. A medical student is feeling a high level of stress due to upcoming exams and pressure from his family to engage in activities at home. He chooses to go the gym for a workout to help himself relax. This workout is which type of stress?

  • A. Hassle
  • B. Frustration
  • C. Distress
  • D. Eustress

13. Which type of conflict is associated with the LEAST amount of stress?

  • A. Approach–approach conflict
  • B. Avoidance–avoidance conflict
  • C. Approach–avoidance conflict
  • D. Avoidance–escape conflict

14. While cleaning your house, you notice a large spider on the wall by your head and feel your heart rate jump up and your skin temperature grow warm. Which stage of stress response are you experiencing?

  • A. Alarm
  • B. Resistance
  • C. Exhaustion
  • D. Homeostasis

15. Each of the following responses to stress is considered maladaptive EXCEPT:

  • A. drug use.
  • B. social withdrawal.
  • C. progressive muscle relaxation.
  • D. avoiding the stressor.