distinguish between assimilation and accommodation

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. Distinguish between assimilation and accommodation.

A. Assimilation refers to adjusting our mental frameworks to incorporate new information.
B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas.
C. Assimilation is adapting our behaviors to match societal norms.
D. Assimilation and accommodation are unrelated to cognitive development.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas, meaning individuals try to fit new information into their pre-existing understanding of the world. Accommodation, on the other hand, involves adjusting our schemas to fit new information, which means changing our existing mental frameworks when new information doesn't fit. Choice A is incorrect because it describes accommodation rather than assimilation. Choice C is incorrect as it confuses assimilation with social adaptation. Choice D is incorrect as assimilation and accommodation are fundamental processes in cognitive development, as described by Piaget.

2. Mental disorders are almost always _______, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes.

A. environmental
B. chemical circuits
C. polygenic
D. probabilistic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'polygenic.' Mental disorders are polygenic, which means they are influenced by multiple genes. This term specifically refers to conditions or traits that are caused by more than one gene. Choice A, 'environmental,' is incorrect as it doesn't directly refer to the genetic influence on mental disorders. Choice B, 'chemical circuits,' is incorrect as it is too specific and not a common term used to describe the genetic basis of mental disorders. Choice D, 'probabilistic,' is incorrect as it relates more to the likelihood or chance of something happening rather than the genetic influence on mental disorders.

3. Alison believes that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of the experiences they have. Alison's views are most consistent with which view in psychology?

A. Behaviorist view of psychology.
B. Structuralist view of psychology.
C. Functionalist view of psychology.
D. Psychoanalytic view of psychology.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alison's belief that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of their experiences aligns with the Behaviorist view of psychology. Behaviorism focuses on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, emphasizing the role of experience in shaping behavior. The other options are not directly related to the idea that behavior is learned through experiences: Structuralism focuses on the structure of conscious experience, Functionalism emphasizes the purpose of behavior, and Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the role of unconscious processes.

4. One important contribution of Freud's theory was that ________.

A. he truly understood the role of women in society.
B. he heavily utilized experimental evidence to support his theories.
C. he applied the same principles to normal and abnormal behavior.
D. he increased the focus on positive growth for individuals.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Freud's important contribution was that he applied the same principles to both normal and abnormal behavior. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior without creating a rigid distinction between normal and abnormal psychology. Choice A is incorrect because Freud's theory did not primarily focus on the role of women in society. Choice B is incorrect as Freud's theories were largely based on clinical observations and case studies rather than experimental evidence. Choice D is incorrect as Freud's theory emphasized the unconscious mind and conflicts rather than solely focusing on positive growth for individuals.

5. Which psychosexual stage focuses on castration anxiety?

A. Genital
B. Oral
C. Anal
D. Phallic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Castration anxiety is a concept from Freudian psychoanalytic theory that occurs during the Phallic stage. This stage occurs between 3 to 6 years of age and is when children experience conflicts related to the Oedipus complex (boys) and Electra complex (girls). During this stage, children may fear castration (in boys) or penis envy (in girls), which are crucial components of castration anxiety. Therefore, the correct answer is Phallic. The other options (A: Genital, B: Oral, C: Anal) are incorrect as they do not specifically involve castration anxiety but rather represent different stages in Freud's psychosexual development theory.