MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences : Individual Behavior and Learning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

All MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences Resources

133 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

← Previous 1 3 4

Example Question #1 : Developmental Factors

Which of the following behaviors accurately describes a baby's Babinski reflex?

Possible Answers:

The baby grasping his hand in response to feeling a stroke on his palm.

The baby stepping in response to feeling one of his feet touch a flat surface.

The baby moving his big toe upward in response to feeling a stroke on the bottom of his foot.

The baby sucking in response to feeling something touch the roof of his mouth.

Correct answer:

The baby moving his big toe upward in response to feeling a stroke on the bottom of his foot.

Explanation:

The Babinski reflex occurs when a baby moves his or her big toe upward in response to feeling a stroke on the bottom of his or her foot. The other three reflexes described in the answer choices all have different names. When something touches the roof of a baby's mouth, the baby will suck, which is referred to as the sucking reflex. The walking/stepping reflex is when a baby makes a stepping motion after feeling one of his feet touch a flat surface. Finally, the palmar grasp reflex is when a baby grasps his hand in response to feeling a stroke on his palm.

Example Question #1 : Individual Behavior And Learning

From most basic to most complex, what is the correct order of movement types that occur during human development?

Possible Answers:

Reflexive, fundamental, rudimentary, specialized, lifelong application

Reflexive, rudimentary, fundamental, specialized, lifelong application

Rudimentary, reflexive, fundamental, specialized, lifelong application

Reflexive, rudimentary, specialized, fundamental, lifelong application

Correct answer:

Reflexive, rudimentary, fundamental, specialized, lifelong application

Explanation:

The earliest movements humans perform during motor development are known as reflexive movements. These are followed by rudimentary movements, and then fundamental movements. The final stage is known as the lifelong application stage in which movements are continually adjusted and refined for efficiency. Last, the specialized movement stage is sometimes broken up into two stages: the transitional substage and the application substage; however, none of the answer choices mention either of those substages.

Example Question #1 : Neurons And Neural Physiology

Which of the following would be characteristic of a somatic efferent neuron?

Possible Answers:

Stimulate action of a muscle fiber

Inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system

Carry sensory information to the brain

Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system

Carry sensory information to the spinal cord

Correct answer:

Stimulate action of a muscle fiber

Explanation:

A generalized reflex arc describes the detection of an environmental signal, interpretation of that signal, and stimulation of a response.

Afferent fibers are generally classified as "sensory afferent" and describe the neural fibers that are excited by an external stimulus. Afferent fibers always carry signals toward to central nervous system. Various interneuron fibers within the central nervous system can then be stimulated to process and integrate the signal. Interneurons then stimulate efferent neurons, which carry signals away from the central nervous system. Somatic efferent neurons interface with muscle fibers and can cause a physical response.

For example, if you place your hand on a hot stove, sensory afferent fibers will carry to signal to your brain, where interneurons will interpret the signal and stimulate somatic efferent fibers to contract your biceps and pull your hand away from the surface.*

*In certain cases, the interneuron will be located in the spinal cord. In monosynaptic reflexes, no interneuron is used. The example presented is only a generalized model and is not meant to be universally applicable.

Example Question #1 : Neurons And Neural Physiology

Glia are non-neuronal cells which have specialized functions for supporting neurons. Which of the following is not a glial cell?

Possible Answers:

Oligodendrocytes

Schwann cells

Myelin

Astrocytes

Ependymal cells

Correct answer:

Myelin

Explanation:

“Myelin” is the insulating sheath wrapped around many axons to increase the speed of conduction of action potentials. It is not a type of glial cell even though glial cells form it. 

The remaining answers are all examples of glia. “Schwann cells” (located in the peripheral nervous system) and “oligodendrocytes” (located in the central nervous system) form myelin. “Astrocytes” (located in the central nervous system) are star-shaped glial cells with many roles, including providing metabolic and structural support to neurons. “Microglia” help to remove debris. Last, “ependymal cells” form cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). 

Example Question #1 : Individual Behavior And Learning

Which part of the brain is chiefly responsible for planning and problem solving?

Possible Answers:

Temporal lobe

Parietal lobe

Frontal lobe

Cerebellum

Occipital lobe

Correct answer:

Frontal lobe

Explanation:

The “frontal lobe” is involved in more complex reasoning (e.g. planning & problem solving) as well as voluntary movement. It contains the primary motor cortex in which voluntary movements are initiated. 

The “occipital lobe” is important for visual processing. The “parietal lobe” contains the somatosensory cortex and thus is highly important for sensation. The “temporal lobe” is important for auditory and olfactory processing as well as language (i.e. Wernicke's area) and memory (i.e. the hippocampus). Last, the “cerebellum” is responsible for balance and coordinating movements.

Example Question #1 : Individual Behavior And Learning

Jimmy and Nate both volunteer at the dog pound. Jimmy loves animals of all kinds and loves the chance to be around dogs. Nate doesn’t particularly like animals, but he needs service hours for a club he is in at school. 

At the end of his experience at the dog pound, Nate has grown to love the feeling of helping dogs. He feels positive about his individual worth. Nate has experienced a change in which of the following?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Self-efficacy

Self-esteem

Self-concept

Correct answer:

Self-esteem

Explanation:

Nate’s increase in self-worth directly correlates with “self-esteem,” or the belief that one’s self is important or valuable. “Self-efficacy” usually refers to one’s confidence in accomplishing a certain task. “Self-concept” is an idea of how someone internally defines himself or herself, or what sets that individual apart from others.

Example Question #1 : Identity And Self Expression

The idea of the looking-glass self suggests that a person's sense of self results from the perception of others. The sociological theory that best aligns with this idea is which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Social constructionism

Conflict theory

None of these

Symbolic interaction theory

Labeling theory

Correct answer:

Symbolic interaction theory

Explanation:

"Symbolic interactionism" states that meaning is a social product derived from interaction with others, and is the framework for the looking-glass self posited by Charles Cooley. On the other hand, "conflict theory" describes power and social stability, while the "labeling theory" examines the influence of terms attached to individuals. Last, "social constructionism" looks at the ways in which social realities are created by groups and individuals. It does not describe a person's self-identity.

Example Question #1 : Identity And Self Expression

Excerpt from "The Social Problems of American Farmers" by Kenyon L. Butterfield, 1905

Butterfield, Kenyon L. "The Social Problems of American Farmers." American Journal of Sociology 10.5 (1905): 606-22.

 

Perhaps the one great underlying social difficulty among American farmers is their comparatively isolated mode of life. The farmer's family is isolated from other families. A small city of perhaps twenty thousand population will contain from four hundred to six hundred families per square mile, whereas a typical agricultural community in a prosperous agricultural state will hardly average more than ten families per square mile. The farming class is isolated from other classes. Farmers, of course, mingle considerably in a business and political way with the men of their trading town and county seat; but, broadly speaking, farmers do not associate freely with people living under urban conditions and possessing other than the rural point of view. It would be venturesome to suggest very definite generalizations with respect to the precise influence of these conditions, because, so far as the writer is aware, the psychology of isolation has not been worked out. But two or three conclusions seem to be admissible, and for that matter rather generally accepted.

The well-known conservatism of the farming class is doubtless largely due to class isolation. Habits, ideas, traditions, and ideals have long life in the rural community. Changes come slowly. There is a tendency to tread the well-worn paths. The farmer does not easily keep in touch with rapid modern development, unless the movements or methods directly affect him. Physical agencies which improve social conditions, such as electric lights, telephones, and pavements, come to the city first. The atmosphere of the country speaks peace and quiet. Nature's routine of sunshine and storm, of summer and winter, encourages routine and repetition in the man who works with her…

There is time to brood over wrongs, real and imaginary. Personal prejudices often grow to be rank and coarse-fibered. Neighborhood feuds are not uncommon and are often virulent. Leadership is made difficult and sometimes impossible. It is easy to fall into personal habits that may mark off the farmer from other classes of similar intelligence, and that bar him from his rightful social place.

It would, however, be distinctly unfair to the farm community if we did not emphasize some of the advantages that grow out of the rural mode of life. Farmers have time to think, and the typical American farmer is a man who has thought much and often deeply. A spirit of sturdy independence is generated, and freedom of will and of action is encouraged. Family life is nowhere so educative as in the country. The whole family cooperates for common ends, and in its individual members are bred the qualities of industry, patience, and perseverance. The manual work of the schools is but a makeshift for the old-fashioned training of the country-grown boy. Country life is an admirable preparation for the modern industrial and professional career.

 

A popular stereotype about men from the rural areas of the South is that they have very quick tempers. One theory is that the ancestors of many Southerners came from areas of Europe where fighting was an honorable part of life. A person that believes that his genetics are primarily responsible for his aggressive actions displays which of the following?

Possible Answers:

No locus of control

High internal locus of control

Low internal locus of control

Low external locus of control

Correct answer:

Low internal locus of control

Explanation:

A locus of control describes how someone views the development of events in his or her life. People with a high internal locus of control believes that they can control a situation through their own actions. People with a high external locus of control believe that life is primarily controlled by the environment. Since the person in the scenario believes that genetics (over which they have no control) are to blame for aggressive behavior, they have a high external locus and a low internal locus of control. 

Example Question #1 : Individual Behavior And Learning

Excerpt from "The Social Problems of American Farmers" by Kenyon L. Butterfield, 1905

Butterfield, Kenyon L. "The Social Problems of American Farmers." American Journal of Sociology 10.5 (1905): 606-22.

 

Perhaps the one great underlying social difficulty among American farmers is their comparatively isolated mode of life. The farmer's family is isolated from other families. A small city of perhaps twenty thousand population will contain from four hundred to six hundred families per square mile, whereas a typical agricultural community in a prosperous agricultural state will hardly average more than ten families per square mile. The farming class is isolated from other classes. Farmers, of course, mingle considerably in a business and political way with the men of their trading town and county seat; but, broadly speaking, farmers do not associate freely with people living under urban conditions and possessing other than the rural point of view. It would be venturesome to suggest very definite generalizations with respect to the precise influence of these conditions, because, so far as the writer is aware, the psychology of isolation has not been worked out. But two or three conclusions seem to be admissible, and for that matter rather generally accepted.

The well-known conservatism of the farming class is doubtless largely due to class isolation. Habits, ideas, traditions, and ideals have long life in the rural community. Changes come slowly. There is a tendency to tread the well-worn paths. The farmer does not easily keep in touch with rapid modern development, unless the movements or methods directly affect him. Physical agencies which improve social conditions, such as electric lights, telephones, and pavements, come to the city first. The atmosphere of the country speaks peace and quiet. Nature's routine of sunshine and storm, of summer and winter, encourages routine and repetition in the man who works with her…

There is time to brood over wrongs, real and imaginary. Personal prejudices often grow to be rank and coarse-fibered. Neighborhood feuds are not uncommon and are often virulent. Leadership is made difficult and sometimes impossible. It is easy to fall into personal habits that may mark off the farmer from other classes of similar intelligence, and that bar him from his rightful social place.

It would, however, be distinctly unfair to the farm community if we did not emphasize some of the advantages that grow out of the rural mode of life. Farmers have time to think, and the typical American farmer is a man who has thought much and often deeply. A spirit of sturdy independence is generated, and freedom of will and of action is encouraged. Family life is nowhere so educative as in the country. The whole family cooperates for common ends, and in its individual members are bred the qualities of industry, patience, and perseverance. The manual work of the schools is but a makeshift for the old-fashioned training of the country-grown boy. Country life is an admirable preparation for the modern industrial and professional career.

According to the author, life on a farm can be extremely based around the family. It is in the family that most children learn morals from their parents. Kohlberg described several stages of moral development. In which of the following stages are most adults found?

Possible Answers:

Post-conventional

Conventional

Concrete operational

Pre-conventional

Correct answer:

Conventional

Explanation:

Most adults and adolescents are found on the conventional stage of Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Reasoning. In this stage, people generally follow the rules because they believe it will benefit themselves and the society more than breaking the rules. Those in the post-conventional stage follow the rules based solely on their moral ideas of right and wrong, not necessarily the consequences. Most people do not reach this stage. Children are found in the pre-conventional stage. The concrete operational stage is part of Piaget’s stages of development.

Example Question #1 : Individual Behavior And Learning

Which pair best represents accurate examples of the concepts of the central route and the peripheral route of information processing, according to the Elaboration Likelihood Model?

Possible Answers:

Central Route: It feels like everywhere I look, I can see the answer. It doesn't even matter what direction I face, the answer is clear.

Peripheral Route: The answer is hazy no matter what I do, I can't seem to pull it into focus.

Central Route: This is the most efficient form of processing, because it requires the removal of distractions. Think of a car driving down the main artery. 

Peripheral Route: This is the least efficent form of processing, because it takes a long time to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and many of these pieces are only useful insofar as they provide links to more central concepts. 

Central Route: The answer is so obvious, it's like being hit by a two-by-four. 

Peripheral Route: By reading and re-reading the poem, its meaning will slowly reveal itself.

Central Route: Traffic is congested, processing will take a really long time.

Peripheral Route: Traffic is less congested, but processing is less focused.

Central Route: The person on the phone walked me through the calculations and explained to me how much money I would save over the course of ten years through increasing my monthly payment by 20%.

Peripheral Route: My best friend is increasing her monthly payments, and she seems to make good life choices, so I am also going to increase my monthly payment.

Correct answer:

Central Route: The person on the phone walked me through the calculations and explained to me how much money I would save over the course of ten years through increasing my monthly payment by 20%.

Peripheral Route: My best friend is increasing her monthly payments, and she seems to make good life choices, so I am also going to increase my monthly payment.

Explanation:

The correct answer shows that the central route is when a person deeply understands the message because they have thought about it, understand the logic, and are motivated by it. The correct answer also shows that the peripheral route influences a person through general impressions and requires less thought processing. The effect of peripheral routes is not likely to last as long as central routes. 

The incorrect answers focus more on elements of time, efficiency, clarity, and focus. These are not central to the definition of elaboration likelihood. 

← Previous 1 3 4

All MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences Resources

133 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors