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 are genes made of?
- A. Trisomes
- B. Chromosomes
- C. DNA
- D. Proteins
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Genes are made of DNA, which is the genetic material that carries the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of organisms. While chromosomes contain genes, they are not what genes themselves are made of. Proteins are involved in gene expression and regulation, but they are not the primary material genes consist of. Trisomes is an incorrect term in this context and does not relate to the composition of genes.
3. Neural plasticity is ________.
- A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
- B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
- C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
- D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.
4. Children from lower-SES families ________.
- A. are more likely to be resilient adults than those from higher-SES families.
- B. show no signs of ill effects if there is an increase in SES before age 5.
- C. are not affected by SES status unless persistent employment is the reason for the economic hardships of the family.
- D. are less likely to show ill effects of SES status if they possess a high IQ and develop healthy attachments to adults and peers.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Children from lower-SES families are less likely to show ill effects of SES status if they possess a high IQ and develop healthy attachments. Choice A is incorrect because children from lower-SES families typically face more challenges and are not inherently more resilient. Choice B is incorrect as an increase in SES may not erase the effects of early socioeconomic disadvantages. Choice C is incorrect as SES status can impact children from lower-SES families regardless of the reason for economic hardships.
5. Distinguish between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes of abnormal behavior.
- A. Necessary causes are required for a disorder to develop but do not guarantee it.
- B. Sufficient causes guarantee a disorder will develop, but they are not required.
- C. Contributory causes increase the likelihood of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient.
- D. Contributory causes are conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In understanding abnormal behavior, it is crucial to differentiate between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes. Necessary causes are those that are required for a disorder to develop, meaning that without them, the disorder would not occur. However, their presence does not guarantee the occurrence of the disorder. Sufficient causes, on the other hand, are those that alone can guarantee the development of a disorder, but they are not the only factors that can lead to it. Contributory causes are factors that increase the likelihood of a disorder but are not essential on their own nor do they guarantee the disorder. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the role of necessary causes in the development of abnormal behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the definitions and roles of sufficient and contributory causes in causing abnormal behavior.
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