defense mechanisms

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Defense mechanisms ________.

A. make a person feel more anxious and have more problems, as they begin to act defensively.
B. are strategies the id uses to try to achieve its desires.
C. are conscious, intentional attempts to cope effectively with an anxiety-producing event.
D. help a person feel less anxious, but because they usually work by distorting reality, they are not always adaptive.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because defense mechanisms aim to reduce anxiety but can lead to distortion of reality, making them not always beneficial. Choice A is incorrect as defense mechanisms are meant to reduce anxiety, not increase it. Choice B is incorrect because defense mechanisms are not strategies of the id specifically. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are often unconscious and not always intentional.

2. How does stress impact brain function?

A. Stress has no effect on brain function.
B. Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function.
C. Stress can improve brain function.
D. Stress has no long-term impact on brain function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting mental health and increasing the risk of disorders. Choice A is incorrect as stress does affect brain function. Choice C is incorrect as stress generally has negative impacts on brain function rather than improving it. Choice D is incorrect because stress can have long-term impacts on brain function through structural and functional changes.

3. _ tends to be seen in American children, whereas _ tends to be seen in Thai children.

A. Aggressive behavior; calm behavior
B. Overcontrolled behavior; undercontrolled behavior
C. Undercontrolled behavior; overcontrolled behavior
D. Equal behavioral traits in both cultures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Undercontrolled behavior tends to be seen in American children, whereas overcontrolled behavior is seen in Thai children.' This statement is supported by cultural studies and observations. American children are often described as exhibiting undercontrolled behavior, which includes impulsivity and lack of inhibition. On the other hand, Thai children are often described as showing overcontrolled behavior, characterized by restraint and adherence to social norms. Choice A is incorrect because calm behavior is not typically associated with American children. Choice B is incorrect as overcontrolled behavior is not commonly associated with American children. Choice D is incorrect as there are observed differences in behavioral traits between American and Thai children.

4. John Bowlby's attachment theory emphasized ________.

A. the social environment in forming attachments.
B. the quality of parental care in forming attachments.
C. the quality of early reinforcers and stimulation in forming attachments.
D. the necessity of independence from parental figures in forming attachments.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: John Bowlby's attachment theory emphasized the quality of parental care in forming attachments. This is because Bowlby believed that a child's early experiences with their primary caregiver, especially the quality of care and responsiveness received, significantly influence the child's ability to form secure attachments. Choice A is incorrect because while the social environment plays a role, Bowlby's theory focused more on the caregiver-child relationship. Choice C is incorrect as it does not capture the central role of parental care highlighted in Bowlby's theory. Choice D is also incorrect as Bowlby's theory actually emphasized the importance of a secure attachment to parental figures for healthy emotional development.

5. How did philosopher John Locke characterize the mind of a child?

A. Innately good
B. Conscientiousness
C. Superego-ideal
D. A blank slate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Philosopher John Locke characterized the mind of a child as a 'blank slate,' indicating that it is devoid of innate ideas or characteristics. This concept suggests that a child's mind is shaped and developed through experiences and learning rather than having inherent qualities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as Locke did not view the mind of a child as innately good, conscientious, or associated with the superego-ideal. Instead, he believed that individuals are born without built-in mental content, emphasizing the importance of environmental influences on cognitive development.