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Ψ  Note: These questions are part of a larger data base of questions on modules 31. The questions are selected to represent the type of question you should expect on unit exam three. You can, in fact, expect to see many of these very same questions on that exam. Exam questions, however, may deal with topics not covered in the self tests or in lectures but are discussed in your textbook. You are responsible for the content of your text book plus the content of lectures, interactive activities, & material on the web site.

    Use these sample questions to test yourself & to practice for the test. Click on your choice to see if you are right.

1.  In affluent countries, the correlation between increased individual income & personal happiness is

•  about .4.
 •  surprisingly weak.
  •  moderately strong.
   •  surprisingly strong.

2. In a study of college alumni, those who value ________ were twice as likely as their classmates to be “fairly” or “very” unhappy.

marriage
close friendships
high income & vocational success
none of these

3. The tendency to adapt to a given level of stimulation, & then notice and react to changes from that level defines

social comparison.
relative deprivation.
Parkinson’s second law.
the adaptation-level phenomenon.

4. People feel less depressed and more satisfied if they

make lots of money.
compare themselves to others who are equally well off.
compare themselves to others who are less well off than themselves.
compare themselves to others who are slightly better off than themselves.

5. Social psychology can contribute to a sustainable future by

its insights regarding social comparison.
its insights into the adaptation-level phenomenon.
its explorations into what really contributes to subjective well-being.
all of these!

7.  Which of the following does not make for the genuine good life?

•  engaging activity
 •  increased income
  •  close relationships
   •  a hope-filled faith community

8.  Which of the following does not characterize Americans over the last 40 years?

•  increased consumption
 •  increased personal income
  •  increased rates of depression
   •  increased subjective well-being

9.  The text suggests that today’s American dream is

•  one nation, indivisible.
 •  freedom & justice for all.
  •  life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness.
   •  life, liberty, & the purchase of happiness.

10. A source of hope for a sustainable future is

•  increasing technological & agricultural efficiency.
 •  decreasing the rate at which technology advances.
  •  educating the masses in 3rd world countries to consume less.
   •  low birth rates in technologically advanced countries.

12.  The vision of sustainable human society resides in creation of

•  healthy economic growth & equity.
 •  healthy ecosystems & conservation of natural resources.
  •  worldwide social development.
   •  the simultaneous creation of all of these.

13.  The social dimension of sustainability encompasses the political, the cultural & all people-centered issues, except the economic. It entails ensuring that the basic conditions for human life to flourish exist within society. These include:

•  Social interaction, sense of belonging & spiritual enrichment.
 •  Food, shelter & clothing.
  •  Education.
   •  Health care.
    •  All of these.

14.  When Thoreau said "It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly." he was referring to

•  sustainability.
 •  the concept of "Flow".
  •  materialism.
   •  the adaptation-level phenomenon.
    •  social comparison.
     •  the triple bottom line.

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Social Psychology Robert C. Gates