ATI RN
Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test
1. Dana's mother suffers from serious depressive episodes. Dana is likely to ________.
- A. be at risk for depression herself.
- B. become a happy-go-lucky child due to having to cope with so much.
- C. act in an aggressive, criminal manner.
- D. have intense attachments to her mother.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a family member, especially a parent, suffers from serious depressive episodes, it can increase the risk of depression in other family members, including children. Therefore, in this situation, Dana is likely to be at risk for depression herself. Choice B is incorrect because experiencing a parent's depression does not necessarily lead to becoming a happy-go-lucky child; it can have serious emotional implications. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct link between a parent's depression and a child acting in an aggressive, criminal manner. Choice D may seem plausible, but it is not the most likely outcome in this scenario.
2. When examining heredity, mental disorders are almost always ________
- A. influenced by one particular gene.
- B. influenced by multiple genes.
- C. influenced by recessive genes.
- D. not influenced by genes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When examining heredity, mental disorders are influenced by multiple genes. Mental disorders are complex conditions that typically result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors. While genetics play a significant role in predisposing individuals to mental disorders, it is rare for a single gene to be solely responsible for a mental disorder. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because mental disorders are not usually influenced by one particular gene, recessive genes specifically, or not influenced by genes at all.
3. How does genetic predisposition influence mental health?
- A. Genetic predisposition guarantees the development of mental disorders.
- B. Genetic predisposition plays a role but is not the sole determinant of mental health.
- C. Genetic predisposition does not influence mental health.
- D. Genetic predisposition determines mental health without exception.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Genetic predisposition indeed plays a significant role in influencing mental health by increasing the risk of developing certain disorders. However, it is crucial to note that it is not the sole determinant. Mental health is also influenced by various environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and individual experiences. Option A is incorrect because genetic predisposition does not guarantee the development of mental disorders; it only predisposes individuals to a higher risk. Option C is incorrect as genetic predisposition does have an influence on mental health. Option D is incorrect because mental health is a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and other factors.
4. What does the genetic study of identical twins reared apart help to clarify?
- A. Differences in brain function
- B. Genetic influence on behavior
- C. Interaction between genetics and environment
- D. The role of environmental factors alone
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Interaction between genetics and environment.' The genetic study of identical twins reared apart helps in understanding how both genetics and environment play a role in shaping an individual's traits and behaviors. This type of study allows researchers to tease apart the effects of genetic inheritance from those of environmental influences. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the study of identical twins reared apart specifically focuses on the interplay between genetics and environment, rather than solely on differences in brain function, genetic influence on behavior, or the role of environmental factors alone.
5. Biological discoveries ________.
- A. have lessened the subjectivity of definitions of abnormality.
- B. demonstrate that the environment plays only a minimal role in the development of psychopathology.
- C. make it clear that mental disorders are diseases and should be dealt with by the medical profession.
- D. have led to a recognition of the role that genetic factors and other biological influences play in the development of many disorders.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Biological discoveries have indeed led to a recognition of the role that genetic factors and other biological influences play in the development of many disorders. This understanding has shifted the focus from purely environmental explanations to acknowledging the significant impact of genetics and biology on mental health. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because biological discoveries have not specifically addressed the subjectivity of definitions of abnormality, minimized the role of the environment in psychopathology, or definitively classified mental disorders as diseases that should only be handled by the medical profession.
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