ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. You are taking part in a survey that asks about your attitudes toward physical punishment of children. Even though you believe that spanking is sometimes necessary, you answer that you are opposed to any sort of physical punishment. Which of the following terms best describes why you answered the way you did?
- A. Random responding
- B. Faking bad
- C. Placebo effect
- D. Social desirability
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, social desirability. Social desirability bias occurs when respondents answer questions in a way they think will be viewed favorably by others, rather than according to their true beliefs. In this scenario, the respondent may feel pressured to provide an answer that aligns with societal norms or expectations, even if it contradicts their personal beliefs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Random responding refers to answering survey questions haphazardly, without consideration. Faking bad is intentionally providing extreme or negative responses. The placebo effect is a phenomenon where a person's belief in a treatment's effectiveness produces a positive outcome, unrelated to the treatment's actual effects.
2. The child might see an orange and say 'apple' because both objects are round. This is known as ____?
- A. Accommodation
- B. Assimilation
- C. A detailed description of a single culture or context
- D. A study that tests a causal hypothesis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assimilation. Assimilation occurs when a child applies an existing schema (like 'apple' for round objects) to new objects. In this scenario, the child sees the round orange and calls it an 'apple' because they are both round. Choice A, Accommodation, involves modifying an existing schema to fit a new object or situation, which is not the case in the given scenario. Choices C and D are unrelated to the concept being tested in this question.
3. Dr. Kali works with clients to help them learn deep relaxation. Next, he has them list their fears from least to most anxiety-provoking. Finally, Dr. Kali slowly exposes his clients to each of their fears and assists them in gaining control of their anxiety. His approach is best known as?
- A. Systematic desensitization
- B. Aversion therapy
- C. Flooding
- D. Fear therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, systematic desensitization. This therapy involves a step-by-step exposure to feared stimuli, helping individuals manage and reduce their anxiety. In this case, Dr. Kali's method of listing fears from least to most anxiety-provoking and gradually exposing clients to them aligns with the principles of systematic desensitization. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Aversion therapy involves associating an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant stimulus, flooding involves immediate and intense exposure to feared stimuli, and 'fear therapy' is a broad term that does not specifically describe the systematic exposure and relaxation techniques used in systematic desensitization.
4. Dr. Asgaard believes that in order to fully understand complex processes, such as auditory processing, it is first necessary to understand all the separate component parts. Dr. Asgaard's views are most consistent with those of?
- A. William James.
- B. Ivan Pavlov.
- C. Carl Rogers.
- D. Edward Titchener.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Edward Titchener. Dr. Asgaard's belief aligns with Titchener's approach of structuralism, which emphasizes understanding the components of consciousness. William James (choice A) was associated with functionalism, focusing on the purpose of behavior rather than its structure. Ivan Pavlov (choice B) was known for classical conditioning in behaviorism, not structuralism. Carl Rogers (choice C) was a major figure in humanistic psychology, emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization, which is not directly related to understanding component parts of processes.
5. Which theoretical orientation insisted on the verifiability of observation?
- A. Structuralism.
- B. Functionalism.
- C. Behaviorism.
- D. Psychoanalysis.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Behaviorism. Behaviorism emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors, making it essential for observations to be verifiable. Structuralism (A) focuses on the structure of the mind, not verifiability of observations. Functionalism (B) emphasizes the functions of the mind rather than verification of observations. Psychoanalysis (D) delves into the unconscious mind and conflicts, not specifically on the verifiability of observations.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99