pruning is best defined as

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology

1. 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.

2. A model of understanding mental illnesses that attempts to integrate the contributions of many different types of actors is called the ________ viewpoint.

A. biopsychosocial
B. sociocultural
C. Gestalt
D. neuroscience

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: biopsychosocial. The biopsychosocial viewpoint considers the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental illnesses. This model recognizes that mental health and illness are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Choice B, sociocultural, focuses more on societal and cultural influences on mental health, while Choice C, Gestalt, relates to holistic psychology. Choice D, neuroscience, emphasizes the role of the nervous system and brain in mental processes, but it does not encompass the broader integration of biological, psychological, and social aspects seen in the biopsychosocial viewpoint.

3. How does psychoanalytic theory attempt to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders?

A. Studying observable behavior.
B. Analyzing conscious experience into its basic elements.
C. Focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior.
D. Studying the function or purpose of consciousness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the unconscious determinants of behavior to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders. This approach suggests that hidden forces in the unconscious mind influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, shaping our overall psychological makeup. Choice A is incorrect because psychoanalytic theory delves beyond observable behavior. Choice B is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory goes deeper than analyzing conscious experience alone. Choice D is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory is more concerned with unconscious processes rather than the function or purpose of consciousness.

4. What is extinction, and how might it be used in treating a disorder?

A. Extinction strengthens the conditioned response by continuously pairing the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
C. Extinction is ineffective and is not used in treating disorders.
D. Extinction is the process of intensifying the conditioned response by pairing the conditioned stimulus with a stronger unconditioned stimulus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus. This process helps in reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors or responses. Choice A is incorrect because extinction weakens the conditioned response by breaking the association between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus. Choice C is incorrect as extinction is a widely used technique in behavioral therapies for treating disorders. Choice D is incorrect as extinction aims to reduce the conditioned response, not intensify it.

5. What term refers to the awareness that other people have their own intentions, desires, wants, and motives?

A. Theory of mind
B. Theory of personality
C. Theory of being
D. Theory of awareness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Theory of mind.' Theory of mind is the understanding that others have their own thoughts, feelings, and intentions. This ability allows individuals to attribute mental states to others, enabling them to understand and predict behavior based on those mental states. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically address the awareness of others' intentions, desires, wants, and motives.