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. Undercontrolled behavior tends to be seen in American children, whereas overcontrolled behavior is seen in Thai children.

A. Aggressive behavior; calm behavior
B. Overcontrolled behavior; undercontrolled behavior
C. Undercontrolled behavior; overcontrolled behavior
D. Equal behavioral traits in both cultures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Undercontrolled behavior; overcontrolled behavior.' The question highlights a cultural difference in behavior tendencies between American and Thai children. American children are usually characterized by undercontrolled behavior, while Thai children tend to exhibit overcontrolled behavior. Choice A (Aggressive behavior; calm behavior) is incorrect as the question does not mention aggressive or calm behavior as the contrasting traits between the two groups. Choice B (Overcontrolled behavior; undercontrolled behavior) is incorrect because the described behavior patterns are reversed based on the question's context. Choice D (Equal behavioral traits in both cultures) is incorrect as the question explicitly states differing behavior patterns in American and Thai children.

3. What does ethnography refer to?

A. A detailed description of a single culture or context
B. Corrupted by original sin
C. The product of evolution
D. A blank slate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ethnography refers to a detailed description of a single culture or context. It involves the systematic study and recording of human cultures, including customs, behaviors, and social structures. Choice B, 'Corrupted by original sin,' is incorrect as it does not relate to ethnography. Choice C, 'The product of evolution,' is incorrect as it does not define ethnography. Choice D, 'A blank slate,' is incorrect as it does not describe the practice of ethnography.

4. 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.

5. What does the genetic study of identical twins reared apart help to clarify?

A. Differences in brain function
B. Genetic influence on behavior
C. Interaction between genetics and environment
D. The role of environmental factors alone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Interaction between genetics and environment.' The genetic study of identical twins reared apart helps in understanding how both genetics and environment play a role in shaping an individual's traits and behaviors. This type of study allows researchers to tease apart the effects of genetic inheritance from those of environmental influences. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the study of identical twins reared apart specifically focuses on the interplay between genetics and environment, rather than solely on differences in brain function, genetic influence on behavior, or the role of environmental factors alone.