how do neurotransmitters affect behavior and mental processes

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. How do neurotransmitters affect behavior and mental processes?

A. Neurotransmitters have little effect on behavior.
B. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior.
C. Neurotransmitters have a minor role in mental health.
D. Neurotransmitters determine intelligence levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior, playing a significant role in mental health. Choice A is incorrect as neurotransmitters do have a notable effect on behavior. Choice C is incorrect as neurotransmitters have a major role in mental health. Choice D is incorrect as neurotransmitters do not solely determine intelligence levels.

2. 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.

3. A baby throws its arms out and then inward (as if embracing) in response to loud noise or when its head falls. Which reflex is this?

A. Babinski
B. Palmar
C. Darwinian
D. Moro

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Moro. The Moro reflex is an instinctual response seen in infants when they experience a sudden loss of support or loud noise. The baby will throw their arms out and then bring them back in, resembling an embrace. This reflex is important for survival as it helps the infant react to potential dangers. Choice A, Babinski, refers to the reflex where a baby's toes spread apart when the sole of the foot is stimulated. Choice B, Palmar, is related to the reflex where a baby's fingers close tightly around an object placed in their palm. Choice C, Darwinian, is not a recognized reflex in this context.

4. Why is it difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members?

A. Cause and effect cannot be determined as preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may make divorce more likely.
B. The findings have been too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.
C. While the effects of divorce are negative on children, the effects on the spouses are generally positive.
D. Due to modern acceptance of divorce, there has been an ongoing decrease in the negative effects of divorce.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a crucial factor that makes it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may influence both the likelihood of divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes the findings without specifying the key issue of preexisting conditions. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the effects of divorce on family members. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a broad statement without addressing the complexities involved in determining the effects of divorce.

5. The child might see an orange and say 'apple' because both objects are round. This is known as ____?

A. Accommodation
B. Assimilation
C. A detailed description of a single culture or context
D. A study that tests a causal hypothesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assimilation. Assimilation occurs when a child applies an existing schema (like 'apple' for round objects) to new objects. In this scenario, the child sees the round orange and calls it an 'apple' because they are both round. Choice A, Accommodation, involves modifying an existing schema to fit a new object or situation, which is not the case in the given scenario. Choices C and D are unrelated to the concept being tested in this question.