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. Neural plasticity is ________.

A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

3. Which of the following statements is true?

A. Most behavioral disorders are determined exclusively by genes.
B. Genes play a role in most mental disorders.
C. Genes do not affect biochemical processes.
D. The genes that will be expressed in an individual are not affected by experience.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Genes play a role in most mental disorders.' This statement is true as genes do play a significant role in the development of various mental disorders. Choice A is incorrect because most behavioral disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors, not exclusively genes. Choice C is incorrect as genes do affect biochemical processes. Choice D is incorrect because the expression of genes in an individual can be influenced by experiences and environmental factors, a concept known as gene-environment interaction.

4. 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.

5. If having a gene for Parkinson's disease guarantees that Parkinson's disease will develop, the gene is a ________.

A. risk factor
B. necessary cause
C. sufficient cause
D. contributory cause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: necessary cause. A necessary cause is an essential factor for the disorder to occur. In this scenario, if having a gene for Parkinson's disease guarantees the development of the disease, then the gene is a necessary cause. Choice A, 'risk factor,' implies an increased likelihood of developing the disease but does not indicate certainty. Choice C, 'sufficient cause,' indicates that the gene alone can bring about the disease, which is not necessarily true in this context. Choice D, 'contributory cause,' suggests that the gene plays a part in causing the disease but is not essential for its development.