how do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology
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Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. How do defense mechanisms contribute to 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. Dr. Smythe believes that in order to fully understand complex processes, such as taste, it is necessary to understand the purpose that taste plays in survival, not the elementary components that combine to produce taste sensations. Dr. Smythe's views are most consistent with?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Smythe's belief that understanding the purpose of taste in survival is more critical than focusing on the elementary components aligns with the functionalist approach to psychology. Functionalism emphasizes understanding the purpose or function of mental processes and behavior, rather than just analyzing their individual components. This approach looks at how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment and survive. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the purpose of mental processes and behavior in the context of survival.

3. How do socioeconomic factors affect mental health?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Socioeconomic factors like income and education levels are key determinants of mental health. They influence access to resources such as healthcare, housing, and social support systems, which can impact an individual's mental well-being. Additionally, socioeconomic factors can contribute to stress levels and overall quality of life, which in turn affect mental health. Choice A is incorrect because socioeconomic factors do play a significant role in mental health outcomes. Choice C is incorrect as socioeconomic factors have a broad impact on mental health beyond extreme cases. Choice D is also incorrect as numerous studies have shown the clear impact of socioeconomic factors on mental health.

4. A psychologist who is interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A psychologist interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in developmental psychology. Developmental psychology focuses on studying the psychological changes that occur throughout a person's lifespan, including the effects of aging. Experimental psychology primarily deals with conducting experiments to study behavior and cognitive processes. Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving. Psychometrics involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits, but it does not specifically address the psychological effects of aging as in developmental psychology.

5. The genetic influences that determine behavior may never be fully understood due to ________

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because most behaviors are influenced by a complex interaction of many genes and the environment. Choice A is incorrect because it states that it is easy to differentiate between the effects of the environment and genes, which is not the case. Choice C is incorrect because although twin studies are commonly used in genetic research, this alone does not hinder the full understanding of genetic influences on behavior. Choice D is incorrect because even though we have some understanding of how genes impact brain chemistry, this does not mean that we fully understand the genetic influences on behavior.

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