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 are influences that are unusual events with a major impact on individual lives because they disrupt the expected sequence of the life cycle?

A. Nonnormative influences
B. Normative history-graded influence
C. Normative age-graded influence
D. Sensitive period

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nonnormative influences refer to unusual events that have a significant impact on individuals' lives by disrupting the typical life cycle. They are events that are not typical for a specific age or cohort. Normative history-graded influences (choice B) are common influences shared by a specific generation due to historical circumstances. Normative age-graded influences (choice C) are typical events that occur at a particular age for most people. A sensitive period (choice D) is a biologically determined time during which specific experiences have a lasting impact on development.

3. Which of the following statements about brain dysfunction and psychiatric disorders is correct?

A. Identifiable brain damage is often the cause of psychiatric disorders.
B. Brain damage may decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.
C. Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.
D. Brain development can be altered by experience, always leading to changes in the brain that decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is C: 'Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.' This statement is accurate as research suggests that alterations in brain function are associated with various psychiatric disorders. Option A is incorrect because while brain damage can contribute to some psychiatric conditions, it is not always the primary cause. Option B is incorrect as brain damage typically increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Option D is incorrect because while brain development can be influenced by experiences, it does not always decrease the risk of psychiatric conditions.

4. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

5. What is a person's total genetic endowment?

A. Phenotype
B. Genotype
C. Chromosomes
D. DNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Genotype. A genotype refers to a person's total genetic endowment, representing the specific genetic makeup inherited from their parents. This includes all the genes and genetic information contained in an individual's DNA. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A) Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of genetics and the environment; C) Chromosomes are physical structures that contain genes, not the total genetic endowment itself; D) DNA carries genetic information but is just one component of an individual's total genetic endowment.