substances such as viruses and drugs that can cause birth defects

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology

1. What are substances, such as viruses and drugs, that can cause birth defects?

A. Teratogens
B. Placenta
C. Parturition
D. Androgens

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Teratogens are substances that can cause birth defects, especially if exposure occurs during critical periods of development. In this context, teratogens refer to external agents that can interfere with the development of the embryo or fetus, leading to structural or functional abnormalities. Choice B, Placenta, is incorrect as it is an organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove waste products. Choice C, Parturition, refers to the process of giving birth and is not related to substances that cause birth defects. Choice D, Androgens, are male sex hormones and are not associated with causing birth defects.

2. From the cognitive-behavioral perspective, an important limitation with the behavioral perspective is that ________.

A. Behaviorists went too far in attacking the psychoanalytic perspective.
B. Behaviorists failed to attend to the importance of mental processes.
C. Behaviorists were too focused on explaining how abnormal behavior is acquired.
D. Behaviorists underestimated the role of reinforcement.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because behaviorists, from the cognitive-behavioral perspective, are criticized for not considering the significance of mental processes. This limitation is a key point in the cognitive-behavioral perspective, which emphasizes the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific limitation of failing to account for mental processes in the behavioral perspective.

3. Distinguish between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes of abnormal behavior.

A. Necessary causes are required for a disorder to develop but do not guarantee it.
B. Sufficient causes guarantee a disorder will develop, but they are not required.
C. Contributory causes increase the likelihood of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient.
D. Contributory causes are conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In understanding abnormal behavior, it is crucial to differentiate between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes. Necessary causes are those that are required for a disorder to develop, meaning that without them, the disorder would not occur. However, their presence does not guarantee the occurrence of the disorder. Sufficient causes, on the other hand, are those that alone can guarantee the development of a disorder, but they are not the only factors that can lead to it. Contributory causes are factors that increase the likelihood of a disorder but are not essential on their own nor do they guarantee the disorder. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the role of necessary causes in the development of abnormal behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the definitions and roles of sufficient and contributory causes in causing abnormal behavior.

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. What is the traditional cutoff in diagnosing intellectual disability?

A. IQ score below 80
B. IQ score below 70
C. IQ score below 60
D. IQ score below 50

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The traditional cutoff for diagnosing intellectual disability is an IQ score below 70. An IQ score below 70 is generally considered as the threshold for diagnosing intellectual disability. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the commonly accepted cutoff point for diagnosing intellectual disability.