a group of psychologists is conducting research to determine whether people eat more when they are in the presence of environmental stimuli that incre

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology

1. A group of psychologists is conducting research to determine whether people eat more when they are in the presence of environmental stimuli that increase anxiety, such as loud noises or flashing lights. These scientists most likely follow?

A. The behavioral perspective.
B. The psychodynamic perspective.
C. The humanistic perspective.
D. The functionalist perspective.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the behavioral perspective. This perspective focuses on how environmental stimuli influence behavior, making it suitable for studying how anxiety-inducing stimuli affect eating behavior. The psychodynamic perspective (choice B) would focus more on unconscious processes and early life experiences. The humanistic perspective (choice C) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. The functionalist perspective (choice D) is more related to the study of the purpose of behavior and mental processes in adapting to the environment.

2. 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.

3. Rita shows better control over her eating habits at 2.5 years than her brother Richard did at the same age. Why?

A. Girls are naturally smarter than boys.
B. Second-born children learn faster.
C. Girls have better fine motor skills.
D. Boys have better gross motor skills.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because boys typically develop gross motor skills, like running and jumping, more quickly than girls. This can explain why Richard may have had less control over his eating habits compared to Rita at the same age. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific developmental aspect related to eating habits control mentioned in the question.

4. What is extinction and how might it be used in treating a disorder?

A. Extinction strengthens the conditioned response by continuously pairing the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
C. Extinction is ineffective and is not used in treating disorders.
D. Extinction is the process of intensifying the conditioned response by pairing the conditioned stimulus with a stronger unconditioned stimulus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus. This helps in reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because extinction does not strengthen the conditioned response but weakens it. Choice C is also incorrect as extinction is a valid technique used in treating disorders by reducing unwanted behaviors. Choice D is incorrect as extinction does not involve intensifying the conditioned response but rather diminishing it.

5. Alicia, 5 years old, knows that she will take a bath at 6:05, change clothes at 6:15, eat breakfast at 6:20, commute to school at 6:40, and join the assembly at 7:00. A child's awareness of his or her scripts or daily routine is classified under which type of memory?

A. Semantic memory
B. Nondeclarative memory
C. Generic memory
D. Autobiographical memory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Autobiographical memory. Autobiographical memory refers to the memory of a person's life events, such as daily routines and personal experiences. In this scenario, Alicia's awareness of her daily routine falls under autobiographical memory as she remembers specific events related to her own life. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Semantic memory is related to general knowledge about the world, nondeclarative memory involves memories that are not consciously recalled, and generic memory is not a recognized memory classification.