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

ATI RN

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. The baby coos and the mom smiles, so the baby coos again to get mom to smile again. Piaget would say that this action is an example of?

A. Reflexes
B. Primary circular reactions
C. Secondary circular reactions
D. Tertiary circular reactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Secondary circular reactions. Secondary circular reactions are repeated actions that infants engage in to trigger a response from the environment, such as the baby cooing to make the mom smile. This behavior is characterized by a focus on the external environment and the repetition of actions to achieve a desired response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Reflexes (choice A) are automatic, involuntary responses to a stimulus, while primary circular reactions (choice B) involve the repetition of actions primarily for the infant's own enjoyment rather than to elicit a response from the environment. Tertiary circular reactions (choice D) refer to the experimentation with new behaviors and variations in the way the infant interacts with the environment.

3. A psychologist who is interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in?

A. Developmental psychology.
B. Experimental psychology.
C. Cognitive psychology.
D. Psychometrics.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A psychologist interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in developmental psychology. Developmental psychology focuses on studying the psychological changes that occur throughout a person's lifespan, including the effects of aging. Experimental psychology primarily deals with conducting experiments to study behavior and cognitive processes. Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving. Psychometrics involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits, but it does not specifically address the psychological effects of aging as in developmental psychology.

4. The ____ believed that consciousness developed in humans because it serves a useful purpose?

A. Behaviorists
B. Humanists
C. Functionalists
D. Structuralists

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Functionalists believed that consciousness evolved because it serves a useful purpose in helping humans adapt to their environment. Choice A, Behaviorists, focused on observable behaviors rather than consciousness. Choice B, Humanists, emphasized human potential and self-actualization. Choice D, Structuralists, studied the basic elements of consciousness rather than its function and purpose.

5. What is a person's total genetic endowment?

A. Phenotype
B. Genotype
C. Chromosomes
D. DNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Genotype. A genotype refers to a person's total genetic endowment, representing the specific genetic makeup inherited from their parents. This includes all the genes and genetic information contained in an individual's DNA. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A) Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of genetics and the environment; C) Chromosomes are physical structures that contain genes, not the total genetic endowment itself; D) DNA carries genetic information but is just one component of an individual's total genetic endowment.