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. What role do hormones play in mental health and behavior?

A. Hormones only affect physical processes, not mental health.
B. Hormones play a critical role in regulating mood, behavior, and mental health.
C. Hormones have no effect on behavior.
D. Hormones are only involved in reproductive processes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hormones play a critical role in regulating mood, behavior, and mental health, influencing everything from stress response to emotional stability. Choice A is incorrect because hormones have a significant impact on mental health in addition to physical processes. Choice C is incorrect as hormones do have a notable effect on behavior. Choice D is incorrect as hormones have broad functions beyond just reproductive processes.

3. 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.

4. The understanding of genetic influences on behavior may never be fully achieved due to ________.

A. the ease of researching to differentiate between the effects of the environment and genes.
B. the likelihood that most behaviors are determined by the interaction of many genes and the environment.
C. the reliance on twin studies in genetic research.
D. our significant understanding of how genes impact brain chemistry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because most behaviors are influenced by the interaction of multiple genes and the environment. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests that researching the effects of the environment and genes is easy, which is not the case. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on a specific method (twin studies) rather than the broader concept of gene-environment interaction. Choice D is incorrect as the statement implies a high level of understanding that contradicts the idea that genetic influences on behavior may never be fully understood.

5. In the 5th substage of sensorimotor development, what does Piaget refer to as 'experimentation,' where the infant tries out new ways of playing with or manipulating objects?

A. Short-term memory
B. Working memory
C. Core memories
D. Long-term memory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Long-term memory.' In the 5th substage of sensorimotor development, Piaget refers to 'experimentation' as tertiary circular reactions, where the infant tries out new ways of playing with or manipulating objects. This stage involves exploring and testing different ways of interacting with the world to understand cause and effect relationships. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with Piaget's concept of tertiary circular reactions and experimentation in the sensorimotor stage of development.