distinguish between necessary sufficient and contributory causes of abnormal behavior
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Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. Distinguish between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes of abnormal behavior.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In understanding abnormal behavior, it is crucial to differentiate between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes. Necessary causes are those that are required for a disorder to develop, meaning that without them, the disorder would not occur. However, their presence does not guarantee the occurrence of the disorder. Sufficient causes, on the other hand, are those that alone can guarantee the development of a disorder, but they are not the only factors that can lead to it. Contributory causes are factors that increase the likelihood of a disorder but are not essential on their own nor do they guarantee the disorder. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the role of necessary causes in the development of abnormal behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the definitions and roles of sufficient and contributory causes in causing abnormal behavior.

2. Albert has brown eyes, even though one of his biological parents has blue eyes. Genes for blue eyes are part of Albert's ___.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Albert's genotype refers to the genetic makeup inherited from his parents, which includes the genes for blue eyes. The phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable trait, in this case, brown eyes. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choice A (Phenotype) is incorrect as it refers to the observable characteristics, not the genetic information. Choice B (Zygote) is incorrect as it refers to the initial stage of a developing organism. Choice D (Environment) is incorrect as it does not directly determine eye color.

3. In order to develop chicken pox, one must be exposed to the virus that causes chicken pox. Note, however, that not everyone who is exposed to the virus is affected. In other words, the virus is a ________

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'necessary cause.' A necessary cause must be present for a disorder to occur. In the context of developing chicken pox, being exposed to the virus is a necessary condition for contracting the disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A 'risk factor' increases the probability of developing a disease but is not essential for its occurrence. A 'sufficient cause' can produce the outcome on its own, which is not the case with exposure to the chicken pox virus. A 'contributory cause' adds to other causes to produce an effect, but in this scenario, exposure to the virus is crucial by itself.

4. When Ryan was born, the hospital assessed his health with the Apgar scale, and the score was 5. What does this mean with respect to his breathing pattern?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An Apgar score of 5 suggests that Ryan needed help establishing a regular breathing pattern after birth. Choice A is incorrect because a score of 5 indicates the need for assistance. Choice C is incorrect as an Apgar score of 5 does not reflect excellent condition. Choice D is incorrect as it signifies a critical condition, which is not the case with an Apgar score of 5.

5. If Dr. Maple is a behaviorist, he would most likely believe that the cause of a child's disruptive behavior in school is the result of?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Behaviorists, like Dr. Maple, focus on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment. They would attribute a child's disruptive behavior to their prior experiences rather than genetic factors. Choice A, a learning disability, relates more to cognitive or developmental perspectives. Choice B, genetic inheritance, is more aligned with biological or genetic theories. Choice D combines genetic and experiential factors, but behaviorists typically emphasize the influence of the environment on behavior.

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