ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. 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.
2. Why is it discouraged to use terms such as 'schizophrenic', 'autistic', and 'retarded' when referring to people with mental illness?
- A. These terms are no longer in the DSM
- B. There are only a small number of people diagnosed with these terms
- C. There is nothing wrong in using these terms
- D. Because people with mental illness are not defined by their condition
Correct answer: D
Rationale: It is discouraged to use terms like 'schizophrenic', 'autistic', and 'retarded' when referring to people with mental illness because people with mental illness should not be defined solely by their condition. Using such labels can reduce individuals to just their diagnosis, overlooking their individuality and other aspects of their identity. It is essential to treat individuals with mental illness with respect and dignity, focusing on their humanity rather than reducing them to a label. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the main reason for discouraging these terms lies in not defining individuals by their conditions, rather than the terms being in or out of the DSM, the number of diagnosed individuals, or the perception of whether there is anything wrong with using such terms.
3. Which characteristics are associated with adults fixated in the anal stage?
- A. Orderliness, obstinacy, or messiness
- B. Fixated in the oral stage
- C. Dissolves the electra complex
- D. Triggers penis envy, which then dissolves the female oedipus complex
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Orderliness, obstinacy, or messiness.' According to Freud's psychosexual theory, fixation in the anal stage can lead to these characteristics in adulthood. Choice B is incorrect as fixation in the oral stage is associated with issues related to dependency and aggression. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the Electra complex, which is not related to the anal stage fixation. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to penis envy and the female Oedipus complex, which are not directly related to characteristics of adults fixated in the anal stage.
4. Which field of psychology studies attitude change and group behavior?
- A. Developmental psychology
- B. Social psychology
- C. Psychoanalysis
- D. Psychometrics
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social psychology. Social psychology specifically focuses on studying topics like attitude change and group behavior. Developmental psychology (Choice A) primarily deals with human growth and development across the lifespan. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a theoretical approach to psychology developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences. Psychometrics (Choice D) involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, personality traits, and abilities.
5. Skinner would agree with all the following statements except:
- A. All behavior is governed by external consequences.
- B. Individuals have free will.
- C. Organisms tend to repeat responses that lead to positive outcomes.
- D. Organisms tend not to repeat responses that lead to neutral or negative outcomes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Skinner's behaviorist perspective emphasized that behavior is influenced by external factors and reinforcement, rather than individual free will. Therefore, Skinner would not agree with the statement that individuals have free will. Choices A, C, and D align with Skinner's beliefs as he believed that behavior is shaped by external consequences, organisms tend to repeat behaviors leading to positive outcomes, and organisms tend to avoid behaviors leading to neutral or negative outcomes.
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