MCAT Psychology Question #1: Answer and Rationale

1. Which statement best represents a threat to social identity? A young woman with a rare disorder:

A) believes that others treat her as less capable, and then she starts to see herself as deficient.

B) becomes discouraged when she hears that others with rare disorders are treated as less capable.

C) hides her disorder from others in order to project more confidence in social situations.

D) reveals her disorder to friends, who mistakenly assume that it is a social limitation.

The correct answer is B.

Rationale: This psychology question assesses your knowledge of scientific concepts and the content category of self-identity. Social identity addresses the feelings that individuals derive from their membership in a group. Self-esteem can be challenged by threats to social identity, which is represented in option B. The incorrect options do not clearly identify the connection between an individual’s sense of self and their perceived belonging to a group.

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