Free DCD Psychology (DCD Abu Dhabi) mock test

Psychology (DCD Abu Dhabi) sample questions with answers

10 more original exam-style Psychology (DCD Abu Dhabi) questions, worked in full. They are not real or recalled exam questions, and none of them is in the diagnostic above, so sit that first if you have not.

1. Question 1 · Professional Knowledge

   A student who studies a word list by thinking about the meaning of each word recalls more than one who counts the letters. Which principle explains this?

   1. ASerial position effect
   2. BInterference theory
   3. CEncoding specificity
   4. DLevels of processing
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Levels of processing

   Deeper semantic processing produces stronger memory traces than shallow structural processing, as proposed by Craik and Lockhart. The other principles describe position, competition between memories and cue matching.

   Reference: Craik FIM and Lockhart RS, Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior (1972)

2. Question 2 · Professional Knowledge

   After an accident damages his ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a man retains his intelligence but makes poor social and financial decisions. What does this case illustrate?

   1. AThe dominance of the hippocampus in forming new memories
   2. BThe prefrontal cortex's role in decisions and social conduct
   3. CThe central role of the occipital lobe in visual perception
   4. DThe function of the cerebellum in balance and coordination
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. The prefrontal cortex's role in decisions and social conduct

   Cases such as Phineas Gage show that ventromedial prefrontal damage disrupts judgement and emotion-guided decisions without major loss of intellect. The other structures serve different functions.

   Reference: Damasio AR, Descartes' Error (1994)

3. Question 3 · Interpersonal Skills

   A client repeatedly demands, "Just tell me what to do." Which response best fits ethical collaborative practice?

   1. AGive clear instructions to relieve his anxiety straight away
   2. BExplore options together and weigh them against his values
   3. CRefuse to speak until he has made a decision of his own
   4. DTell him that psychologists never offer an opinion to clients
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Explore options together and weigh them against his values

   Collaborative exploration respects autonomy and builds decision-making skills, although offering information is still permissible. Directing or withholding completely do not serve the client.

   Reference: Corey G, Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 10th ed. (2017)

4. Question 4 · Professional Assessment

   A study finds a correlation of r = -0.62 between hours of sleep and anxiety scores. Which statement is correct?

   1. ASleeping for longer causes a reduction in anxiety scores
   2. BThe relationship is weak and of no practical importance
   3. CAnxiety scores will fall by sixty-two percent with more sleep
   4. DLonger sleep goes with lower anxiety, without proving cause
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Longer sleep goes with lower anxiety, without proving cause

   A coefficient of -0.62 indicates a moderately strong negative association, and correlational designs cannot show that sleep causes the change. The value is not a percentage.

   Reference: Field A, Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics, 5th ed. (2018)

5. Question 5 · Professional Assessment

   A researcher sets alpha at .05. What does this value represent?

   1. AThe accepted probability of a Type I error
   2. BThe probability that the hypothesis is true
   3. CThe power of the test
   4. DThe chance of a Type II error
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. The accepted probability of a Type I error

   Alpha is the threshold probability of rejecting a true null hypothesis, which is a Type I error. Power is one minus the probability of Type II error.

   Reference: Howell DC, Statistical Methods for Psychology, 8th ed. (2013)

6. Question 6 · Professional Assessment

   An adult has chronic insomnia lasting several months. Which treatment is recommended first?

   1. ALong-term nightly benzodiazepines prescribed by a doctor
   2. BDrinking alcohol before bedtime to help with falling asleep
   3. CCognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) sessions
   4. DNapping for several hours during the day to catch up
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) sessions

   CBT-I is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, producing durable improvements without the risks of long-term sedatives. Alcohol and daytime napping worsen sleep.

   Reference: Qaseem A et al., Annals of Internal Medicine (2016)

7. Question 7 · Professional Ethics and Legality

   A client offers to pay for therapy by providing IT services at her workplace. How should the psychologist respond?

   1. AAccept at once since both sides benefit from the arrangement
   2. BAgree and keep it secret from the client's employer
   3. CAgree but ask for a higher value in services than the fee
   4. DDecline unless clinically appropriate and non-exploitative
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Decline unless clinically appropriate and non-exploitative

   Bartering is acceptable only if it is not clinically contraindicated or exploitative and is customary, so psychologists are cautious and generally prefer money. Secrecy or inflation of value are inappropriate.

   Reference: American Psychological Association, Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002, amended 2017), Standard 6.05

8. Question 8 · Professional Ethics and Legality

   A psychologist learns that a colleague made an ethical violation that has not yet harmed anyone. What is the first step?

   1. AReport the colleague to the press to protect the public
   2. BInformally raise it with the colleague if that is appropriate
   3. CIgnore it completely because it is not your concern
   4. DFile a formal complaint immediately in every case of this kind
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Informally raise it with the colleague if that is appropriate

   The Code encourages informal resolution when the violation seems minor and confidentiality is not violated, with formal reporting for serious cases. Publicity and avoidance are not endorsed.

   Reference: American Psychological Association, Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002, amended 2017), Standard 1.04

9. Question 9 · Cultural Diversity

   A Muslim client asks to include Quranic reflection and prayer in therapy for depression. What is the best approach?

   1. ARefuse because religion cannot form any part of therapy
   2. BReplace therapy with religious instruction led by the psychologist
   3. CIncorporate it sensitively where it fits her goals and wishes
   4. DAsk her to see a religious leader only and end the therapy
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Incorporate it sensitively where it fits her goals and wishes

   Religiously adapted cognitive behavioural therapy for Muslim clients shows promise, and integrating faith according to the client's preferences improves engagement. Refusing or replacing therapy overlooks the person.

   Reference: Hamdan A, Journal of Muslim Mental Health (2008); APA Multicultural Guidelines (2017)

10. Question 10 · Fitness to Practice

    A client dies by suicide. What should the psychologist do to deal with the event?

    1. ASeek consultation and support; document properly
    2. BAvoid thinking about it and take on more clients at once
    3. CContact the client's family in order to assign blame for it
    4. DDestroy the clinical notes to protect the client's privacy
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A. Seek consultation and support; document properly

    Client suicide can lead to grief and self-doubt, and consultation and support help the psychologist remain competent, alongside appropriate documentation. Destroying records is unlawful.

    Reference: Campbell F, Journal of Clinical Psychology (2008); APA Ethics Code (2017), Standard 6.01