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 part of your brain is active when you get cues about being hungry, thirsty, or sleepy?

A. Hippocampus
B. Thalamus
C. Hypothalamus
D. Amygdala

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus (Choice C). The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating basic bodily functions such as hunger, thirst, and sleep. It receives cues related to these needs and helps to maintain homeostasis in the body. The Hippocampus (Choice A) is primarily involved in memory formation and spatial navigation, not in regulating physiological needs. The Thalamus (Choice B) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not the main center for hunger, thirst, or sleep regulation. The Amygdala (Choice D) is more associated with emotions, particularly fear and pleasure, rather than physiological needs like hunger, thirst, or sleep.

3. What term describes exceptional mental abilities such as mental math, memorization, musical, and artistic ability found among individuals with autism?

A. Savant skills
B. Theory of mind
C. Echolalia
D. Self-stimulatory behaviors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Savant skills. Savant skills refer to exceptional abilities commonly observed in individuals with autism. These skills can include remarkable talents in areas such as mental math, memorization, music, and art. Choice B, Theory of mind, is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others, which is a different concept. Choice C, Echolalia, is the repetition of words or phrases, not related to exceptional abilities. Choice D, Self-stimulatory behaviors, involves repetitive body movements or sounds often seen in individuals with autism but is not directly related to exceptional mental abilities.

4. 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.

5. What impact do parenting styles have on child development?

A. Authoritarian parenting leads to positive developmental outcomes.
B. Permissive parenting is associated with positive developmental outcomes.
C. Neglectful parenting is associated with positive developmental outcomes.
D. All parenting styles produce similar developmental outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Permissive parenting is associated with positive developmental outcomes because it involves warmth and a lack of strict control. Authoritarian parenting, as mentioned in choice A, is characterized by strict rules and harsh discipline, which may not lead to the best developmental outcomes. Neglectful parenting, as in choice C, involves a lack of responsiveness and support, which can have detrimental effects on a child's development. Choice D is incorrect because different parenting styles can have varying impacts on child development.