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. Which field of psychology studies attitude change and group behavior?

A. Developmental psychology
B. Social psychology
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Psychometrics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social psychology. Social psychology specifically focuses on studying topics like attitude change and group behavior. Developmental psychology (Choice A) primarily deals with human growth and development across the lifespan. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a theoretical approach to psychology developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences. Psychometrics (Choice D) involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, personality traits, and abilities.

3. 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.

4. How is pruning best defined?

A. The process of eliminating unused synapses
B. The process of synapse development
C. The connection between neurons
D. Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit information more rapidly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.

5. Where is the site of chemical communication in the brain?

A. Neuron
B. Synapse
C. Axon
D. Dendrite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Synapse. The synapse is the site where chemical communication occurs between neurons. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of one neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the dendrites of the next neuron. Choice A, Neuron, is incorrect as it refers to the entire nerve cell. Choices C and D, Axon and Dendrite, are also incorrect as they are specific parts of a neuron and not the primary site of chemical communication.