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 can resilience impact the likelihood of developing a mental disorder?

A. Resilience has no impact on mental health outcomes.
B. Resilience can help individuals overcome significant stressors.
C. Resilience is irrelevant to mental health.
D. Resilience is the sole factor that determines mental health outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Resilience plays a crucial role in mental health outcomes by enabling individuals to navigate and overcome stressors effectively, thus reducing the probability of developing mental disorders. Choice A is incorrect as resilience does have a positive impact on mental health. Choice C is incorrect as resilience is highly relevant to mental health outcomes. Choice D is incorrect because while resilience is important, it is not the only factor influencing mental health.

3. What is the biopsychosocial model, and why is it important?

A. A model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors.
B. A model that focuses solely on biological factors.
C. A model that excludes social factors.
D. A model that focuses solely on psychological factors.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The biopsychosocial model is a model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors. It is important because it recognizes the interconnectedness of these factors in influencing an individual's mental health. Option B is incorrect because the biopsychosocial model does not focus solely on biological factors. Option C is incorrect as the model does not exclude social factors. Option D is incorrect as the model does not focus solely on psychological factors.

4. 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.

5. In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

A. Behaviorism
B. Functionalism
C. Structuralism
D. Psychoanalysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.