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. What role does culture play in the development of psychopathology?

A. Culture has little impact on psychopathology.
B. Culture is crucial in understanding the development of psychopathology.
C. Culture has a moderate impact on the development of psychopathology.
D. Culture determines the onset of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Culture is crucial in understanding the development of psychopathology. It influences beliefs, norms, values, and behaviors, which can significantly impact the manifestation and understanding of psychopathological conditions. Choice A is incorrect because culture does have a substantial impact on psychopathology. Choice C is not as strong as choice B in emphasizing the significance of culture. Choice D is incorrect as culture is one of many factors influencing the onset of psychopathology, not the sole determinant.

3. Professor Immel believes that behaviors that are predominant in certain species probably serve some adaptive function. Professor Immel's beliefs are most consistent with which perspective?

A. Behavioral perspective.
B. Cognitive perspective.
C. Humanistic perspective.
D. Evolutionary perspective.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Professor Immel's belief that behaviors in certain species serve an adaptive function aligns with the evolutionary perspective. The evolutionary perspective posits that behaviors have developed over time because they provide an advantage for survival and reproduction. This perspective emphasizes the role of natural selection in shaping behaviors based on their adaptive value. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the idea that behaviors have evolved to serve specific functions for survival, making them inconsistent with Professor Immel's beliefs.

4. The site of chemical communication in the brain is the ________.

A. neuron
B. synapse
C. axon
D. dendrite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The synapse is the correct answer. It is the site where communication between neurons occurs through the release and reception of neurotransmitters. Choice A, neuron, is incorrect as it is the cell itself rather than a specific site of communication. Choice C, axon, is also incorrect as it is a part of the neuron that transmits signals away from the cell body. Choice D, dendrite, is not the correct answer either, as dendrites receive signals from other neurons but do not release neurotransmitters for communication.

5. Down syndrome is caused by ________.

A. a chemical imbalance.
B. a gene on the X chromosome.
C. possessing an extra X chromosome.
D. possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Down syndrome is caused by possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21, not by a chemical imbalance (choice A), a gene on the X chromosome (choice B), or possessing an extra X chromosome (choice C). The presence of an additional chromosome 21 disrupts the normal course of development and leads to the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.