incidence refers to

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology 101

1. What does incidence refer to?

A. How many new cases of a disorder occur during a given period of time
B. How many people have recovered from a disorder in a given period of time
C. The percentage of males and females who have a disorder
D. How many people in the population as a whole have a disorder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'How many new cases of a disorder occur during a given period of time.' Incidence specifically measures the rate of occurrence of new cases of a particular condition within a defined population and time frame. This distinguishes it from prevalence, which includes both new and existing cases. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately define the term 'incidence.' Choice B refers to recovery, choice C mentions gender distribution, and choice D relates to the total population affected by a disorder, which are not reflective of the concept of incidence.

2. 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.

3. What is the result when a single zygote separates into two parts, each developing into a separate individual?

A. Dizygotic twin
B. Monozygotic twin
C. Fraternal twin
D. Nonidentical twin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Monozygotic twin. A monozygotic twin, also known as an identical twin, is the result when a single zygote splits into two parts, leading to the development of two genetically identical individuals. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the scenario where a single zygote splits into two parts to form identical twins. Dizygotic twin (Choice A) refers to fraternal twins, which result from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells. Fraternal twin (Choice C) is another term for dizygotic twins, arising from two separate zygotes. Nonidentical twin (Choice D) is a synonymous term for dizygotic or fraternal twins, indicating that they are not genetically identical.

4. What is the significance of the diathesis-stress model in understanding mental disorders?

A. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stress alone causes mental disorders.
B. The diathesis-stress model suggests that both genetic predisposition and environmental stress are necessary for the development of mental disorders.
C. The diathesis-stress model is outdated and irrelevant.
D. The diathesis-stress model focuses only on environmental factors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model suggests that both genetic predisposition and environmental stress are necessary for the development of mental disorders, highlighting the interaction between nature and nurture. Choice A is incorrect because the model emphasizes the combined influence of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors. Choice C is incorrect as the diathesis-stress model remains a valuable framework in understanding mental health. Choice D is incorrect because the model considers both genetic and environmental factors, not solely environmental factors.

5. While out for a walk, you come across a ferocious dog. You feel your heart beating faster and your palms begin to sweat. Which part of the peripheral nervous system is activated in this situation?

A. Autonomic
B. Sympathetic
C. Parasympathetic
D. Somatic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sympathetic. When encountering a stressful situation like a ferocious dog, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the 'fight or flight' response. This response triggers physiological changes like increased heart rate, sweating, and heightened alertness to prepare the body to deal with the perceived threat. The autonomic nervous system (Choice A) encompasses both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, so it's a broader category. The parasympathetic nervous system (Choice C) is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' functions, which are opposite to the physiological changes seen in a stress response. The somatic nervous system (Choice D) controls voluntary movements and sensory information, not the physiological responses seen in a stress reaction.