100+ Free GRE Psychology Subject Test Practice Questions

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When conducting a meta-analysis, a researcher encounters a finding that larger-sample studies show smaller effect sizes than smaller-sample studies. This pattern most likely reflects:

Sampling error that inflates effect sizes in large studies

Regression to the mean in large samples

Moderator variables that suppress effects in representative large samples

Publication bias — small studies with significant (typically larger) effects get published more often

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Key Facts: GRE Psychology Subject Test Exam

~144 questions

Current exam length

ETS GRE Psychology Subject Test content structure page

2 hours

Total testing time

ETS GRE Subject Test Content and Structure page

200–990

Total score scale (10-point increments)

ETS GRE Subject Tests score reporting page

6 subscores

Content domain subscores (20–99 scale each)

ETS GRE Psychology Subject Test fact sheet

$150

Standard registration fee

ETS GRE Subject Test registration information, 2025–26

3 windows/year

Testing windows (September, October, April)

ETS GRE Subject Test 2025–26 schedule

The GRE Psychology Subject Test, administered by ETS, consists of approximately 144 multiple-choice questions completed in 2 hours. It reports a total score on a 200–990 scale and six percent-correct subscores across Biological, Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Clinical, and Measurement/Methodology domains. The test is offered three times yearly (September, October, April) at approved testing centers for a $150 registration fee. Content is drawn from core undergraduate psychology coursework and tests knowledge spanning neuroscience through research methodology. Institutions use scores to supplement GPA and recommendation letters for graduate school admissions decisions.

Sample GRE Psychology Subject Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GRE Psychology Subject Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?

A.Dopamine

B.Serotonin

C.GABA

D.Acetylcholine

Explanation: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It reduces neuronal excitability by opening chloride channels, causing hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.

2The hippocampus plays a central role in which type of memory?

A.Implicit procedural memory

B.Emotional conditioning

C.Declarative long-term memory

D.Working memory maintenance

Explanation: The hippocampus is essential for forming new declarative (explicit) long-term memories, including episodic and semantic memories. Patient H.M., who had his hippocampi removed, demonstrated that damage there causes profound anterograde amnesia for declarative memories.

3In signal detection theory, a 'hit' is defined as:

A.Correctly detecting the absence of a signal

B.Detecting a signal when none is present

C.Correctly detecting a signal that is present

D.Failing to detect a signal that is present

Explanation: In signal detection theory, a 'hit' occurs when the observer correctly identifies the presence of a signal. The theory distinguishes four outcomes: hits, misses, false alarms, and correct rejections.

4Which brain structure is primarily responsible for coordinating fine motor movements and balance?

A.Amygdala

B.Basal ganglia

C.Cerebellum

D.Thalamus

Explanation: The cerebellum coordinates smooth, precise voluntary movements and maintains balance and posture. Cerebellar damage results in ataxia — jerky, uncoordinated movements.

5The refractory period in neuronal firing refers to the time during which:

A.The neuron is hypersensitive to stimulation

B.The neuron cannot fire another action potential regardless of stimulus strength

C.Neurotransmitter synthesis is maximized

D.The dendrites actively depolarize

Explanation: The absolute refractory period is when sodium channels are inactivated and the neuron cannot fire again, no matter how strong the stimulus. This establishes an upper limit on firing rate and ensures one-directional propagation of action potentials.

6Which structure in the eye contains the photoreceptors (rods and cones)?

A.Cornea

B.Lens

C.Retina

D.Optic chiasm

Explanation: The retina is the innermost layer of the eye and contains rods (for low-light, achromatic vision) and cones (for color and detail vision in bright light). Photons must pass through several retinal layers before reaching these receptors.

7REM sleep is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

A.Vivid dreaming

B.Muscle atonia

C.Delta wave brain activity

D.Rapid eye movements

Explanation: Delta waves (slow, high-amplitude waves) are characteristic of Stage 3/4 deep NREM sleep (slow-wave sleep), not REM sleep. REM sleep features low-amplitude, desynchronized EEG activity resembling wakefulness, along with muscle atonia and vivid dreaming.

8Broca's area is associated with which function?

A.Comprehending written language

B.Producing fluent speech

C.Processing auditory input

D.Spatial navigation

Explanation: Broca's area (left inferior frontal gyrus) is essential for speech production and grammatical processing. Damage causes Broca's aphasia — halting, non-fluent speech with relatively preserved comprehension.

9Which hormone, released by the adrenal medulla during stress, prepares the body for 'fight or flight'?

A.Cortisol

B.Testosterone

C.Epinephrine

D.Melatonin

Explanation: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is released by the adrenal medulla as part of the sympathetic nervous system response, increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores for the fight-or-flight response.

10The opponent-process theory of color vision was proposed to explain which phenomenon?

A.The trichromatic nature of cone responses

B.Color afterimages and certain color blindness patterns

C.Adaptation to low-light environments

D.The perception of motion in static images

Explanation: Hering's opponent-process theory posits red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white opponent pairs. It explains why you see a green afterimage after staring at red (the red channel fatigues, leaving opponent activation), and why certain dichromats cannot distinguish red from green.

About the GRE Psychology Subject Test Exam

The GRE Psychology Subject Test is a computer-delivered achievement exam administered by ETS three times per year (September, October, April). It consists of approximately 144 five-choice multiple-choice questions covering six content domains: Biological, Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Clinical/Abnormal/Personality, and Measurement/Methodology/Other. Scores are reported on a 200–990 scale with six subscores. The test is designed for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in psychology seeking admission to graduate programs.

Questions

144 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

No pass/fail cutoff; total score on 200–990 scale plus six subscores on 20–99 scale

Exam Fee

$150 (Educational Testing Service (ETS))

GRE Psychology Subject Test Exam Content Outline

~21%

Biological Psychology

Neurotransmitters, neuroanatomy, sensory systems (vision, audition, somatosensory), psychophysics, states of consciousness, hormones, and comparative neuroscience

~20%

Cognitive Psychology

Classical and operant conditioning, working memory and long-term memory, language acquisition, problem solving, heuristics and biases, attention, and intelligence theories

~13%

Social Psychology

Attribution theory, attitude change, conformity and obedience, group dynamics, prosocial behavior, prejudice, and interpersonal perception

~13%

Developmental Psychology

Piagetian stages, Eriksonian crises, Vygotsky's ZPD, Kohlberg's moral development, attachment theory, parenting styles, and lifespan development

~16%

Clinical, Abnormal and Personality

DSM-5-TR diagnosis (mood, anxiety, schizophrenia, personality disorders), assessment tools (MMPI, Rorschach), major treatment approaches, and personality theories

~17%

Measurement, Methodology and Other

Research designs, statistical procedures (ANOVA, regression, correlation), reliability and validity, ethics, history of psychology, and industrial-organizational topics

How to Pass the GRE Psychology Subject Test Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: No pass/fail cutoff; total score on 200–990 scale plus six subscores on 20–99 scale
Exam length: 144 questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: $150

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GRE Psychology Subject Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Map each of the six content domains to your undergraduate coursework and identify which areas need the most review before building a study schedule.

2Download and complete the free official GRE Psychology Practice Book from ETS — it contains real sample questions and a full-length practice test with answer explanations.

3For the Measurement/Methodology section, practice calculation-based statistics problems (r², ANOVA logic, Type I/II errors) not just conceptual definitions.

4Use spaced repetition flashcards for high-yield theorists, classic studies, and DSM-5-TR criteria — the test rewards precise recall of names, dates, and findings.

5In the final 2 weeks, simulate full-length timed practice tests under realistic conditions to build endurance for the 2-hour exam and refine pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the GRE Psychology Subject Test?

The current GRE Psychology Subject Test consists of approximately 144 multiple-choice questions, each with five answer options. The test is administered via computer with no separately timed sections.

How is the GRE Psychology Subject Test scored?

Scores are reported on a 200–990 scale in 10-point increments. In addition to the total score, six percent-correct subscores are provided for Biological, Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Clinical, and Measurement/Methodology/Other domains, each on a 20–99 scale.

When and where can I take the GRE Psychology Subject Test?

ETS offers the test during three testing windows each year: September, October, and April. The test must be taken in person at an authorized ETS testing center; it is not available for remote/at-home administration.

What topics are covered on the GRE Psychology Subject Test?

The six content domains are: Biological (~21%), Cognitive (~20%), Social (~13%), Developmental (~13%), Clinical/Abnormal/Personality (~16%), and Measurement/Methodology/Other (~17%). Content is drawn from core undergraduate psychology coursework.

How should I prepare for the GRE Psychology Subject Test?

ETS recommends students with an undergraduate psychology major or equivalent background. Effective preparation includes reviewing all six content domains with introductory and upper-level textbooks, completing the free official GRE Psychology Practice Book, and using subject-specific practice tests to identify weak areas.

What is the registration fee for the GRE Psychology Subject Test?

The standard registration fee is $150 USD. Additional fees apply for late registration, test center changes, and score reporting beyond the four free recipients included with registration.

100+ Free GRE Psychology Subject Test Practice Questions

GRE Subject Test: Psychology