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. John Watson argued that psychologists should?

A. Use the method of introspection to establish the structural aspects of consciousness.
B. Be concerned with the purposiveness (function) of behavior.
C. Confine their work to people who are diagnosed as mentally ill.
D. Abandon the study of consciousness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: John Watson was a key figure in the development of behaviorism, which advocated for focusing on observable behavior rather than the study of consciousness. Choice D is the correct answer because Watson believed that psychology should abandon the study of consciousness. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Watson's approach emphasized behavior and rejected the importance of consciousness, introspection, or confining psychology to only mentally ill individuals.

3. A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a __________ .

A. Diathesis
B. Risk factor
C. Sufficient cause
D. Diathesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a diathesis. In this context, diathesis refers to an individual's susceptibility or predisposition to developing a disorder. A diathesis is not the same as a risk factor or a sufficient cause. A risk factor is a variable that increases the likelihood of developing a disorder but is not a predisposition itself. A sufficient cause is a factor that can produce the disorder on its own, not just a predisposition.

4. What are culture-bound syndromes?

A. Culture-bound syndromes are disorders that can be found in all cultures.
B. Culture-bound syndromes are disorders that are specific to certain cultural contexts.
C. Culture-bound syndromes are myths and do not exist.
D. Culture-bound syndromes are conditions seen only in psychiatric hospitals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Culture-bound syndromes are disorders that are specific to certain cultural contexts. These syndromes may not be recognized or understood outside of the specific cultural context where they originate. Choice A is incorrect because culture-bound syndromes are not universal and are tied to specific cultural beliefs and practices. Choice C is incorrect as culture-bound syndromes are recognized in the field of psychology and anthropology. Choice D is incorrect as culture-bound syndromes are not limited to psychiatric hospitals but can be observed in various cultural settings.

5. Which of the following is a common effect of persistent discrimination?

A. Increased happiness
B. Greater intelligence and wisdom
C. Cardiovascular reactivity
D. Increased consciousness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiovascular reactivity. Persistent discrimination can have negative impacts on an individual's physical health, leading to increased cardiovascular reactivity. This can manifest as higher blood pressure, heart rate, and overall stress on the cardiovascular system. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because persistent discrimination typically does not result in increased happiness, greater intelligence and wisdom, or increased consciousness. Instead, it often leads to detrimental effects on mental and physical health.