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. What is a culture-bound disorder?

A. It is a disorder seen universally across all cultures.
B. It is a disorder that exists in one culture but is completely absent in others.
C. It is a disorder that only affects children.
D. It is a disorder found exclusively within certain age groups.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A culture-bound disorder is a condition that is specific to a particular culture or group of cultures and is not universally recognized or experienced across different cultures. Choice A is incorrect because a culture-bound disorder is not seen universally across all cultures. Choice C is incorrect because it does not necessarily have to only affect children. Choice D is incorrect as a culture-bound disorder is not exclusively found within certain age groups, but rather tied to specific cultures.

3. 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.

4. The process of ________ is used to increase the probability that a behavior will occur.

A. operant conditioning
B. reinforcement
C. classical conditioning
D. punishment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is reinforcement. Reinforcement involves providing a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Operant conditioning (Choice A) refers to learning through consequences for behavior, which includes reinforcement and punishment. Classical conditioning (Choice C) involves forming associations between stimuli and involuntary responses. Punishment (Choice D) involves providing a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. In this context, the question specifically asks about a process that increases the probability of a behavior occurring, aligning with the concept of reinforcement.

5. 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.