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. What does ethnography refer to?

A. A detailed description of a single culture or context
B. Corrupted by original sin
C. The product of evolution
D. A blank slate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ethnography refers to a detailed description of a single culture or context. It involves the systematic study and recording of human cultures, including customs, behaviors, and social structures. Choice B, 'Corrupted by original sin,' is incorrect as it does not relate to ethnography. Choice C, 'The product of evolution,' is incorrect as it does not define ethnography. Choice D, 'A blank slate,' is incorrect as it does not describe the practice of ethnography.

3. Alison believes that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of the experiences they have. Alison's views are most consistent with which view in psychology?

A. Behaviorist view of psychology.
B. Structuralist view of psychology.
C. Functionalist view of psychology.
D. Psychoanalytic view of psychology.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alison's belief that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of their experiences aligns with the Behaviorist view of psychology. Behaviorism focuses on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, emphasizing the role of experience in shaping behavior. The other options are not directly related to the idea that behavior is learned through experiences: Structuralism focuses on the structure of conscious experience, Functionalism emphasizes the purpose of behavior, and Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the role of unconscious processes.

4. In order to develop chicken pox, one must be exposed to the virus that causes chicken pox. Note, however, that not everyone who is exposed to the virus is affected. In other words, the virus is a ________

A. risk factor.
B. necessary cause.
C. sufficient cause.
D. contributory cause.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'necessary cause.' A necessary cause must be present for a disorder to occur. In the context of developing chicken pox, being exposed to the virus is a necessary condition for contracting the disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A 'risk factor' increases the probability of developing a disease but is not essential for its occurrence. A 'sufficient cause' can produce the outcome on its own, which is not the case with exposure to the chicken pox virus. A 'contributory cause' adds to other causes to produce an effect, but in this scenario, exposure to the virus is crucial by itself.

5. What is extinction and how might it be used in treating a disorder?

A. Extinction strengthens the conditioned response by continuously pairing the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
C. Extinction is ineffective and is not used in treating disorders.
D. Extinction is the process of intensifying the conditioned response by pairing the conditioned stimulus with a stronger unconditioned stimulus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus. This helps in reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because extinction does not strengthen the conditioned response but weakens it. Choice C is also incorrect as extinction is a valid technique used in treating disorders by reducing unwanted behaviors. Choice D is incorrect as extinction does not involve intensifying the conditioned response but rather diminishing it.