neural plasticity is

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. 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.

2. How is binge-eating disorder different from bulimia?

A. Typically eat much smaller portions before purging the food.
B. Do not typically purge the food they eat.
C. Only purge their food after several binge sessions.
D. Often resort to anorexic methods to rid themselves of the food they have eaten.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals with binge-eating disorder do not typically engage in purging behavior, unlike those with bulimia. Choice A is incorrect as individuals with binge-eating disorder do not purge the food they eat, so they do not eat smaller portions before doing so. Choice C is incorrect as they do not purge their food after several binge sessions. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with binge-eating disorder do not resort to anorexic methods to rid themselves of the food they have eaten.

3. How is pruning best defined?

A. The process of eliminating unused synapses
B. The process of synapse development
C. The connection between neurons
D. Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit information more rapidly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.

4. Arrange the three stages of prenatal development in the correct order.

A. Germinal stage, fetal stage, embryonic stage
B. Fetal stage, embryonic stage, germinal stage
C. Embryonic stage, germinal stage, fetal stage
D. Germinal stage, embryonic stage, fetal stage

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct order of the three stages of prenatal development is germinal stage, embryonic stage, and fetal stage. During the germinal stage, the fertilized egg rapidly divides and implants in the uterine wall. The embryonic stage follows, where major organs and systems begin to develop. Finally, during the fetal stage, the developing organism is known as a fetus and continues to grow and mature. Choice A is incorrect because it has the stages in the wrong order. Choice B is incorrect as it also presents the stages out of order. Choice C is incorrect as it reverses the order of the stages. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

5. Latresha is not hungry, is extremely tired, and doesn't feel like doing much of anything. She often feels that life is just hopeless. These symptoms have been going on for 2 months now. She probably is suffering from which mood disorder?

A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Major depressive disorder
D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Major Depressive Disorder. Latresha's symptoms of prolonged sadness, fatigue, and lack of interest in activities lasting for 2 months indicate a major depressive episode. Generalized anxiety disorder (A) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety, not necessarily prolonged sadness. Bipolar disorder (B) involves episodes of both mania and depression, not solely prolonged sadness. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (D) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions, not the symptoms described in the scenario.