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. How do early life experiences shape brain development and behavior?

A. Early life experiences have no impact on brain development.
B. Early life experiences are crucial in shaping brain development and later behavior.
C. Early life experiences are not significant in brain development.
D. Early life experiences are easily overcome by adulthood.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early life experiences are crucial in shaping brain development and later behavior. These experiences play a significant role in laying the foundation for future mental health and behavior. Choice A is incorrect because early life experiences do have a profound impact on brain development. Choice C is incorrect as early life experiences are indeed significant in brain development. Choice D is incorrect as early life experiences can have lasting effects into adulthood.

3. Which of the following explanations for the relationship between SES and abnormal behavior is not supported by the existing data?

A. Low SES may cause abnormal behavior.
B. Abnormal behavior is more likely to go untreated in those of low SES.
C. Recovery from loss of a job may be more difficult for those exhibiting signs of mental illness.
D. High SES may cause abnormal behavior.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because high SES as a cause for abnormal behavior is not supported by existing data. Abnormal behavior is often associated with factors like stress, trauma, genetics, or environmental influences. High SES is not a known cause of abnormal behavior. Choices A, B, and C are more plausible explanations: Low SES may lead to limited access to mental health care, untreated abnormal behavior due to financial constraints, and difficulties in coping with mental health issues after job loss, respectively.

4. One key issue in the study of human development is the continuity-discontinuity issue. The discontinuity side posits that development is characterized by change in type or kind. These are known as ____.

A. Qualitative change
B. Quantitative change
C. Maturation
D. Multidirectional development

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Qualitative change. Qualitative change aligns with the discontinuity view by involving changes in type or kind. This contrasts with quantitative change (B), which is about changes in amount or quantity. Maturation (C) refers to the process of becoming fully developed in a particular way, and multidirectional development (D) emphasizes that development involves both gains and losses, not specifically focusing on changes in type or kind.

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.