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. Which of the following is not a common method for studying genetic influences?

A. The study of specific gene defects
B. Twin studies
C. Adoption studies
D. Family history (pedigree) studies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Studying specific gene defects is not a common method for investigating genetic influences. Choices B, C, and D are common methods used in genetic research. Twin studies help determine the heritability of traits, adoption studies compare similarities between adopted individuals and their adoptive families versus biological families, and family history studies track the inheritance patterns of traits within families.

3. The site of chemical communication in the brain is the ________.

A. neuron
B. synapse
C. axon
D. dendrite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The synapse is the correct answer. It is the site where communication between neurons occurs through the release and reception of neurotransmitters. Choice A, neuron, is incorrect as it is the cell itself rather than a specific site of communication. Choice C, axon, is also incorrect as it is a part of the neuron that transmits signals away from the cell body. Choice D, dendrite, is not the correct answer either, as dendrites receive signals from other neurons but do not release neurotransmitters for communication.

4. Which of the following is an appropriate description of a child with conduct disorder?

A. They may argue repeatedly with adults, ignore adult rules and requests, deliberately annoy other people, and feel much anger and resentment
B. They have great difficulty attending to tasks, or behave overactively and impulsively, or both
C. Marked by extreme unresponsiveness to other people, severe communication deficits, and highly rigid and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities
D. They are often aggressive, deliberately destroy other people's property, steal or lie, skip school, or run away from home

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Children with conduct disorder often exhibit behaviors such as arguing with adults, ignoring rules, deliberately annoying others, and displaying anger and resentment. Choice B describes symptoms more characteristic of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Choice C describes symptoms commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Choice D outlines behaviors associated with oppositional defiant disorder rather than conduct disorder.

5. What research method involves researchers using interviews and/or questionnaires to collect data about attitudes, interests, values, and various kinds of behaviors?

A. Case study
B. Survey
C. Naturalistic observation
D. Correlational study

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Survey. A survey is a research method where data is collected through interviews or questionnaires about various behaviors and attitudes. In a case study (choice A), researchers closely examine a particular individual or group. Naturalistic observation (choice C) involves observing subjects in their natural environment. Correlational study (choice D) examines the relationship between two variables but does not involve collecting data through interviews or questionnaires.