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. What neurotransmitter was first believed to be the cause of schizophrenia?
- A. GABA
- B. Serotonin
- C. Epinephrine
- D. Dopamine
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is Dopamine. Dopamine was initially thought to be the primary cause of schizophrenia. This neurotransmitter hypothesis was based on the observation that drugs that increase dopamine activity can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, while drugs that decrease dopamine activity can improve symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because GABA, serotonin, and epinephrine were not the neurotransmitters initially believed to be the cause of schizophrenia.
3. Cortisol is a hormone that ________.
- A. is released by the hypothalamus and travels to the pituitary gland, causing it to respond.
- B. the pituitary gland releases to stimulate the adrenal gland.
- C. the adrenal gland produces that mobilizes the body to deal with stress.
- D. reduces the reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmitters.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that mobilizes the body to deal with stress. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer. Choices A and B are incorrect as they inaccurately describe the origin and function of cortisol. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes the action of a different type of substance, not cortisol.
4. The baby coos and the mom smiles, so the baby coos again to get mom to smile again. Piaget would say that this action is an example of?
- A. Reflexes
- B. Primary circular reactions
- C. Secondary circular reactions
- D. Tertiary circular reactions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Secondary circular reactions. Secondary circular reactions are repeated actions that infants engage in to trigger a response from the environment, such as the baby cooing to make the mom smile. This behavior is characterized by a focus on the external environment and the repetition of actions to achieve a desired response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Reflexes (choice A) are automatic, involuntary responses to a stimulus, while primary circular reactions (choice B) involve the repetition of actions primarily for the infant's own enjoyment rather than to elicit a response from the environment. Tertiary circular reactions (choice D) refer to the experimentation with new behaviors and variations in the way the infant interacts with the environment.
5. Why is it difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members?
- A. Cause and effect cannot be determined as preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may make divorce more likely.
- B. The findings have been too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.
- C. While the effects of divorce are negative on children, the effects on the spouses are generally positive.
- D. Due to modern acceptance of divorce, there has been an ongoing decrease in the negative effects of divorce.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a crucial factor that makes it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may influence both the likelihood of divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes the findings without specifying the key issue of preexisting conditions. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the effects of divorce on family members. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a broad statement without addressing the complexities involved in determining the effects of divorce.
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