etiology is

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. Etiology refers to ________

A. a condition that tends to maintain maladaptive behavior.
B. the causal pattern of a disorder.
C. a predisposition toward developing a disorder.
D. a condition that makes it less likely a person will experience the negative consequences of stress.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Etiology refers to the causal pattern of a disorder, explaining the factors contributing to the development of a specific condition. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a condition that maintains maladaptive behavior, which is not the definition of etiology. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a predisposition, which is more related to risk factors rather than the cause itself. Choice D is incorrect as it discusses a condition that reduces the negative consequences of stress, which is not directly related to the cause of a disorder.

2. During which period of psychosexual development does a child become preoccupied with the development of skills and activities?

A. Genital
B. Phallic
C. Latency
D. Pubertal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Latency. In the Latency stage of psychosexual development, which occurs from around age 6 to puberty, children are focused on developing skills and engaging in activities rather than exploring sexuality. This period is characterized by the suppression of sexual impulses and the emphasis on social and intellectual pursuits. Choice A, Genital, refers to the final stage of psychosexual development in Freud's theory where individuals reach sexual maturity. Choice B, Phallic, pertains to the stage where children become aware of anatomical differences between boys and girls and develop unconscious sexual desires for the opposite-sex parent. Choice D, Pubertal, is not a recognized stage in Freud's psychosexual development theory.

3. What is extinction, and how might it be used in treating a disorder?

A. Extinction strengthens the conditioned response by continuously pairing the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
C. Extinction is ineffective and is not used in treating disorders.
D. Extinction is the process of intensifying the conditioned response by pairing the conditioned stimulus with a stronger unconditioned stimulus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus. This process helps in reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors or responses. Choice A is incorrect because extinction weakens the conditioned response by breaking the association between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus. Choice C is incorrect as extinction is a widely used technique in behavioral therapies for treating disorders. Choice D is incorrect as extinction aims to reduce the conditioned response, not intensify it.

4. You are taking part in a survey that asks about your attitudes toward physical punishment of children. Even though you believe that spanking is sometimes necessary, you answer that you are opposed to any sort of physical punishment. Which of the following terms best describes why you answered the way you did?

A. Random responding
B. Faking bad
C. Placebo effect
D. Social desirability

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, social desirability. Social desirability bias occurs when respondents answer questions in a way they think will be viewed favorably by others, rather than according to their true beliefs. In this scenario, the respondent may feel pressured to provide an answer that aligns with societal norms or expectations, even if it contradicts their personal beliefs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Random responding refers to answering survey questions haphazardly, without consideration. Faking bad is intentionally providing extreme or negative responses. The placebo effect is a phenomenon where a person's belief in a treatment's effectiveness produces a positive outcome, unrelated to the treatment's actual effects.

5. A psychological disorder is said to have an acute onset if the symptoms develop , while it has an insidious onset if the symptoms develop .

A. Suddenly;gradually
B. Suddenly;atypically
C. Gradually;atypically
D. Atypically;suddenly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An acute onset refers to the sudden development of symptoms, whereas an insidious onset indicates a gradual progression of symptoms. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Suddenly;gradually.' The other choices are incorrect because 'atypically' does not accurately describe the onset of symptoms in this context.