how do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. How do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology?

A. They do not contribute to psychopathology as they are healthy coping mechanisms.
B. They contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities.
C. Defense mechanisms have no connection to psychopathology.
D. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that can lead to the development of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities. This avoidance can prevent individuals from dealing with underlying issues, leading to the development or exacerbation of psychopathological conditions. Choice A is incorrect because while defense mechanisms may serve as coping mechanisms, they can also contribute to psychopathology when used excessively or inappropriately. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are indeed connected to psychopathology. Choice D is incorrect because defense mechanisms, when maladaptive, can contribute to psychopathology rather than being considered healthy coping strategies.

2. 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.

3. Daniel is pretending that one of his blocks is a car. Daniel is exhibiting which function?

A. Abstraction
B. Preoperational
C. Overextension
D. Semiotic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Abstraction. Pretending that a block is a car demonstrates abstraction, where one object is used to represent another. Choice B, Preoperational, refers to Piaget's stage of cognitive development. Choice C, Overextension, involves using a word in a broader context than is appropriate. Choice D, Semiotic, refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, which is not directly related to the scenario described in the question.

4. Isabel is listening to a piece of classical music and tape recording all her feelings and impressions as she experiences them. Isabel is using a technique similar to the research methodology of?

A. Structuralism.
B. Functionalism.
C. Behaviorism.
D. Humanism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Structuralism. Structuralism involves introspection, where individuals report their thoughts and feelings while engaging with stimuli. In this scenario, Isabel is recording her feelings and impressions while listening to music, which aligns with the introspective nature of structuralism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because functionalism focuses on the purpose of behaviors, behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and environmental influences, and humanism highlights individual growth and personal experiences rather than introspection.

5. Which of the following is an example of telegraphic speech?

A. A child pointed to his father's shoe and said 'daddy,' as if to convey 'daddy's shoe.'
B. A thirsty toddler said, 'mama water.'
C. A newborn infant asked, 'Can I have some coffee?'
D. A baby communicated to her parents using her brain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Telegraphic speech is when a child uses a two-word phrase to convey a larger meaning, such as 'mama water.' Choice A is incorrect as it does not demonstrate telegraphic speech but rather a simple labeling. Choice C is incorrect as it is a complete sentence and not a two-word phrase. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not describe telegraphic speech but rather a vague statement about communication.