the ability to adapt successfully to even very difficult circumstances is called

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. The ability to adapt successfully to even very difficult circumstances is called ________.

A. resilience
B. hardiness
C. perseverance
D. a challenge orientation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Resilience is indeed the correct term for the ability to adapt successfully to difficult circumstances. Resilience involves bouncing back from setbacks, handling stress, and persevering in the face of adversity. Choice B, 'hardiness,' refers more to toughness or durability rather than adapting to difficult circumstances. Choice C, 'perseverance,' is about persistence and determination rather than adaptability. Choice D, 'a challenge orientation,' does not directly relate to the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances, making it an incorrect choice.

2. When examining heredity, mental disorders are almost always ________.

A. influenced by one particular gene.
B. influenced by multiple genes.
C. influenced by recessive genes.
D. not influenced by genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When examining heredity and mental disorders, it is important to note that these conditions are influenced by multiple genes working together. Mental disorders are complex traits that arise from the interplay of various genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, choice B, 'influenced by multiple genes,' is the correct answer. Choice A, 'influenced by one particular gene,' is incorrect because mental disorders typically do not result from the action of a single gene. Choice C, 'influenced by recessive genes,' is incorrect as it oversimplifies the genetic basis of mental disorders. Choice D, 'not influenced by genes,' is also incorrect as genes play a significant role in the development of mental disorders.

3. 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.

4. Daniel is pretending that one of his blocks is a car. Daniel is exhibiting which function?

A. Abstraction
B. Preoperational
C. Overextension
D. Semiotic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Abstraction. Pretending that a block is a car demonstrates abstraction, where one object is used to represent another. Choice B, Preoperational, refers to Piaget's stage of cognitive development. Choice C, Overextension, involves using a word in a broader context than is appropriate. Choice D, Semiotic, refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, which is not directly related to the scenario described in the question.

5. 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.