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. Which of the following statements is least likely to be made by a humanist?

A. Humans are unique.
B. The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances.
C. Humans have a basic need to fulfill their potentials.
D. Research on animals has little relevance to understanding human behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question assesses the least likely statement made by a humanist. Choice B, 'The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances,' is least likely to be made by a humanist. Humanists believe that human behavior is not simply dictated by environmental circumstances but is influenced by a combination of factors, including personal experiences, emotions, and conscious decisions. Choices A, C, and D are more aligned with humanist perspectives. Choice A acknowledges the uniqueness of humans, which is a common theme in humanistic psychology. Choice C reflects the humanistic belief that individuals strive to reach their full potential and self-actualization. Choice D contrasts with humanist views as humanists often consider research on animals to be relevant in understanding human behavior due to shared basic psychological processes.

3. Strict behaviorists would be most sympathetic to which one of the following statements?

A. Human behavior is primarily caused by inherited factors.
B. Human behavior is primarily caused by environmental factors.
C. Human behavior is primarily caused by equal contributions of inherited and environmental factors.
D. No one really knows the primary causes for human behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Strict behaviorists, who adhere to behaviorism, believe that human behavior is primarily influenced by environmental factors. This perspective asserts that individuals' actions and responses are shaped by their interactions with the environment, learning experiences, and external stimuli. Choice A is incorrect because strict behaviorists do not focus on inherited factors but on how behavior is learned and shaped through environmental influences. Choice C is also incorrect as behaviorists do not believe in equal contributions of inherited and environmental factors; they emphasize environmental determinants. Choice D is incorrect as behaviorists have a clear stance that behavior is influenced by environmental stimuli and learning experiences.

4. 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: The correct answer is C. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that mobilizes the body to deal with stress. It helps regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist in memory formulation. Choice A is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the hypothalamus and does not travel to the pituitary gland. Choice B is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the pituitary gland but acts on it to regulate hormone production. Choice D is incorrect as cortisol does not reduce the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters.

5. While out for a walk, you come across a ferocious dog. You feel your heart beating faster and your palms begin to sweat. Which part of the peripheral nervous system is activated in this situation?

A. Autonomic
B. Sympathetic
C. Parasympathetic
D. Somatic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sympathetic. When encountering a stressful situation like a ferocious dog, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the 'fight or flight' response. This response triggers physiological changes like increased heart rate, sweating, and heightened alertness to prepare the body to deal with the perceived threat. The autonomic nervous system (Choice A) encompasses both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, so it's a broader category. The parasympathetic nervous system (Choice C) is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' functions, which are opposite to the physiological changes seen in a stress response. The somatic nervous system (Choice D) controls voluntary movements and sensory information, not the physiological responses seen in a stress reaction.