how does the diathesis stress model explain the onset of mental disorders

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Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. How does the diathesis-stress model explain the onset of mental disorders?

A. Stress alone is sufficient to cause mental disorders.
B. Both genetic vulnerability and environmental stress are needed to trigger a disorder.
C. Only genetic factors cause mental disorders.
D. Environmental stressors alone can cause mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model explains that the onset of mental disorders results from the interaction of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stress. Choice A is incorrect because stress alone is not sufficient, according to the model. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies by attributing mental disorders solely to genetic factors. Choice D is incorrect because the model emphasizes the joint contribution of genetic predisposition and environmental stress.

2. Which of the following is a common criticism against Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

A. The sequence of stages is not fixed.
B. Research has not supported the existence of the preoperational stage.
C. Piaget put a heavy emphasis on the environment, ignoring the importance of mental processes.
D. Children develop abilities earlier than Piaget theorized.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.

3. Which of the following is an example of telegraphic speech?

A. A child pointed to his father's shoe and said 'daddy,' as if to convey 'daddy's shoe.'
B. A thirsty toddler said, 'mama water.'
C. A newborn infant asked, 'Can I have some coffee?'
D. A baby communicated to her parents using her brain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Telegraphic speech is when a child uses a two-word phrase to convey a larger meaning, such as 'mama water.' Choice A is incorrect as it does not demonstrate telegraphic speech but rather a simple labeling. Choice C is incorrect as it is a complete sentence and not a two-word phrase. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not describe telegraphic speech but rather a vague statement about communication.

4. Which approach contends that psychology must study internal mental events to fully understand behavior?

A. Behaviorism.
B. Cognitive psychology.
C. Evolutionary psychology.
D. Humanism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology focuses on studying internal mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving to understand behavior. Behaviorism (choice A) emphasizes observable behavior over internal mental processes. Evolutionary psychology (choice C) examines how evolutionary principles influence behavior, not solely focusing on internal mental events. Humanism (choice D) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization rather than internal mental events as the primary focus of study.

5. Freud's view of mental disorders was that they were a result of ________.

A. unresolved conflicts between the id, the ego, and the superego.
B. genetic abnormalities that influence people's ability to cope with their environment.
C. problematic tendencies we develop while dealing with our early interpersonal environments.
D. learned maladaptive behaviors that were rewarded with attention.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Freud believed that mental disorders were a result of unresolved conflicts between the id, ego, and superego. This concept is central to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, where conflicts between these three components of personality lead to psychological distress. Choice B is incorrect because Freud focused more on unconscious conflicts rather than genetic abnormalities. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to later psychodynamic theories rather than Freud's specific view. Choice D is incorrect as Freud's perspective does not emphasize learned behaviors as the primary cause of mental disorders.