michael age 16 has recently gained a considerable amount of weight but has not grown any taller his father experienced a similar pattern of growth whe

ATI RN

Psychological Exam

1. Michael, age 16, has recently gained a considerable amount of weight but has not grown any taller. His father experienced a similar pattern of growth when he was a teenager. Theorists who suggest that Michael’s growth pattern was inherited from his father emphasize the ________ side of the nature-nurture debate?

A. Nature
B. Nurture
C. Environmental
D. Experiential

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Nature.' In this scenario, the emphasis is on the genetic inheritance of the growth pattern from father to son, highlighting the role of nature in determining physical characteristics. Choice B, 'Nurture,' focuses on environmental influences, which are not the primary factor in this case. Choice C, 'Environmental,' is similar to 'Nurture' and does not address the genetic aspect mentioned. Choice D, 'Experiential,' pertains more to the learning and experiential aspects rather than genetic inheritance, making it an incorrect choice.

2. According to Wilhelm Wundt, the focus of psychology was on the scientific study of?

A. Observable behavior.
B. Conscious experience.
C. Unconscious motivation.
D. The functions of behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt's approach emphasized the study of conscious experience, marking a shift towards scientific methods in psychology. Choice A, observable behavior, is associated with behaviorism and not Wundt's structuralism. Choice C, unconscious motivation, is more aligned with Freud's psychoanalytic theory. Choice D, the functions of behavior, relates more to functionalism, which was developed by William James.

3. The humanistic perspective focuses primarily upon the capacity of the individual to ________.

A. confront the dilemma of our deaths.
B. be driven by unconscious motives.
C. rationally explain our behavior.
D. engage in positive self-growth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The humanistic perspective, as highlighted by proponents like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes the inherent drive of individuals to achieve self-actualization and positive self-growth. It focuses on the individual's potential for growth, self-improvement, and fulfilling their highest capabilities. Choice A is incorrect as the humanistic perspective is more concerned with personal growth than with addressing the fear of death. Choice B is associated with the psychodynamic perspective, which focuses on unconscious motives. Choice C is related to cognitive-behavioral approaches that emphasize the rational understanding of behavior.

4. What is the diathesis-stress model of psychopathology?

A. The idea that stress is the primary cause of psychopathology.
B. A model that focuses solely on genetic predispositions.
C. A theory that involves only environmental factors in the development of disorders.
D. A person must have both a vulnerability for a disorder and exposure to stressors to develop the disorder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model of psychopathology posits that individuals must have a vulnerability or predisposition to a disorder (diathesis) and be exposed to stressful environmental factors for the disorder to manifest. This model emphasizes the interaction between genetic or biological vulnerabilities (diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because the model does not suggest that stress is the sole cause of psychopathology. Choice B is incorrect as the model considers both genetic predispositions and environmental stressors. Choice C is incorrect because the diathesis-stress model acknowledges the role of both genetic and environmental factors in the development of disorders.

5. The interpersonal perspective ________.

A. arose as a reaction against the unscientific methods of psychoanalysis.
B. was introduced by Erik Erikson.
C. emphasizes social rather than inner determinants of behavior.
D. is the most influential humanistic perspective today.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The interpersonal perspective emphasizes social rather than inner determinants of behavior. Choice A is incorrect as the interpersonal perspective focuses on social interactions rather than being a reaction against psychoanalysis. Choice B is incorrect as the interpersonal perspective is not specifically attributed to Erik Erikson. Choice D is incorrect as the most influential humanistic perspective today would be humanistic psychology, not the interpersonal perspective.