how does stress impact brain function

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. How does stress impact brain function?

A. Stress has no effect on brain function.
B. Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function.
C. Stress can improve brain function.
D. Stress has no long-term impact on brain function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting mental health and increasing the risk of disorders. Choice A is incorrect as stress does affect brain function. Choice C is incorrect as stress generally has negative impacts on brain function rather than improving it. Choice D is incorrect because stress can have long-term impacts on brain function through structural and functional changes.

2. The ability to adapt successfully to even very difficult circumstances is called ________.

A. resilience
B. hardiness
C. perseverance
D. a challenge orientation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Resilience is indeed the correct term for the ability to adapt successfully to difficult circumstances. Resilience involves bouncing back from setbacks, handling stress, and persevering in the face of adversity. Choice B, 'hardiness,' refers more to toughness or durability rather than adapting to difficult circumstances. Choice C, 'perseverance,' is about persistence and determination rather than adaptability. Choice D, 'a challenge orientation,' does not directly relate to the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances, making it an incorrect choice.

3. 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.

4. Why is it particularly useful to study identical twins who were raised in different environments?

A. Differences in brain function can be easily identified.
B. Concordance rates tend to be higher.
C. It is possible that the genetics of twins who have been separated have changed in ways to explain any differences found.
D. It is possible that high concordance rates between identical twins reared together are due to their being treated more similarly than nonidentical twins.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Studying identical twins raised in different environments allows researchers to understand the impact of genetics versus environmental factors on traits. Choice A is incorrect because differences in brain function can be influenced by a variety of factors and not solely by environmental differences. Choice B is incorrect as concordance rates tend to be higher in identical twins reared together due to shared genetics and environment. Choice C is incorrect because genetics do not change due to being raised in different environments.

5. Daniel is pretending that one of his blocks is a car. Daniel is exhibiting which function?

A. Abstraction
B. Preoperational
C. Overextension
D. Semiotic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Abstraction. Pretending that a block is a car demonstrates abstraction, where one object is used to represent another. Choice B, Preoperational, refers to Piaget's stage of cognitive development. Choice C, Overextension, involves using a word in a broader context than is appropriate. Choice D, Semiotic, refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, which is not directly related to the scenario described in the question.