cortisol is a hormone that

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Cortisol is a hormone that ________

A. is released by the hypothalamus and travels to the pituitary gland, causing it to respond.
B. the pituitary gland releases to stimulate the adrenal gland.
C. the adrenal gland produces that mobilizes the body to deal with stress.
D. reduces the reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmitters.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that mobilizes the body to deal with stress. It helps regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist in memory formulation. Choice A is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the hypothalamus and does not travel to the pituitary gland. Choice B is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the pituitary gland but acts on it to regulate hormone production. Choice D is incorrect as cortisol does not reduce the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters.

2. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

3. The ____ believed that consciousness developed in humans because it serves a useful purpose?

A. Behaviorists
B. Humanists
C. Functionalists
D. Structuralists

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Functionalists believed that consciousness evolved because it serves a useful purpose in helping humans adapt to their environment. Choice A, Behaviorists, focused on observable behaviors rather than consciousness. Choice B, Humanists, emphasized human potential and self-actualization. Choice D, Structuralists, studied the basic elements of consciousness rather than its function and purpose.

4. Kai and Ken received their Christmas gifts from their parents. Although their gifts vary in many characteristics, the two compared their gifts based on size. This tendency among children is known as:

A. Semiotic
B. Abstraction
C. Preoperational
D. Overextension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Overextension. Overextension happens when children compare objects or experiences based on one characteristic, such as size. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Semiotic refers to the study of signs and symbols; Abstraction is the process of thinking about something as a general concept rather than a specific example; Preoperational is a stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, not related to comparing gifts based on size.

5. How does psychoanalytic theory attempt to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders?

A. Studying observable behavior.
B. Analyzing conscious experience into its basic elements.
C. Focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior.
D. Studying the function or purpose of consciousness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the unconscious determinants of behavior to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders. This approach suggests that hidden forces in the unconscious mind influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, shaping our overall psychological makeup. Choice A is incorrect because psychoanalytic theory delves beyond observable behavior. Choice B is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory goes deeper than analyzing conscious experience alone. Choice D is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory is more concerned with unconscious processes rather than the function or purpose of consciousness.