ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. When interviewing a new member of the psychology department for the university newspaper, the faculty member states, 'Internal states undoubtedly exist, but it is not necessary to draw inferences about unobservable states in order to understand behavior.' This faculty member's views are most similar to the views held by?
- A. William James.
- B. F. Skinner.
- C. Sigmund Freud.
- D. Carl Rogers.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: F. Skinner's views emphasized the importance of observable behavior and dismissed the need to infer unobservable mental states. This aligns with the faculty member's statement that internal states exist but are not essential for understanding behavior. William James, known for his work in functionalism, did consider internal mental states important. Sigmund Freud focused on unconscious motives and internal conflicts. Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of subjective experiences and personal growth, which differs from the faculty member's perspective.
2. Which orientation focuses on symptoms rather than looking at underlying causes?
- A. Psychodynamic
- B. Adlerian
- C. Jungian
- D. Behavioral
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Psychodynamic. The psychodynamic orientation focuses on symptoms rather than underlying causes, emphasizing the importance of the unconscious mind. This approach views symptoms as manifestations of underlying psychological issues rooted in the unconscious. Choice B, Adlerian, is focused on individual psychology, social interests, and the importance of feelings of inferiority. Choice C, Jungian, is based on analytical psychology and the concepts of the collective unconscious and archetypes. Choice D, Behavioral, concentrates on observable behaviors and how they are learned and reinforced through interactions with the environment, rather than focusing on underlying causes.
3. Which disorder is characterized by a pattern of behavior that involves culturally inappropriate, overly familiar behavior with relative strangers?
- A. Schizoid personality disorder
- B. Autism spectrum disorder
- C. Reactive attachment disorder
- D. Disinhibited social engagement disorder
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Disinhibited social engagement disorder is the correct answer because it is characterized by a pattern of behavior involving culturally inappropriate and overly familiar behavior with relative strangers. This disorder is marked by a lack of social boundaries and caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals. Schizoid personality disorder (Choice A) is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, Autism spectrum disorder (Choice B) involves challenges with social interactions and communication, and Reactive attachment disorder (Choice C) is typically associated with difficulty forming emotional bonds with caregivers, not with overly familiar behavior with strangers.
4. A male college student begins feeling sad and lonely. Although still able to go to classes and work at his job, he finds himself feeling down much of the time and worrying about what is happening to him. Which part of the definition of abnormality applies to his situation?
- A. Personal distress
- B. Cultural factors
- C. Impaired functioning
- D. Violation of societal norms
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Personal distress. In this scenario, the student is experiencing personal distress as he feels sad and lonely, despite being able to function in his daily life. Personal distress is a key criterion for determining abnormality as it signifies significant emotional discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as cultural factors, impaired functioning, and violation of societal norms are not the primary factors highlighted in the student's situation.
5. Which of the following psychologists would be most likely to stress that each person has a drive to grow and fulfill his or her potential?
- A. Sigmund Freud
- B. F. Skinner
- C. G. Stanley Hall
- D. Abraham Maslow
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Abraham Maslow. He was a leading humanist psychologist who introduced the concept of the hierarchy of needs. Maslow emphasized the human drive for self-actualization, which involves fulfilling one's potential and striving for personal growth. Sigmund Freud (choice A) focused on psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind. B.F. Skinner (choice B) was a behaviorist who studied operant conditioning. G. Stanley Hall (choice C) was a pioneering psychologist in the field of child development.
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