the site of chemical communication in the brain is the

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. Where is the site of chemical communication in the brain?

A. Neuron
B. Synapse
C. Axon
D. Dendrite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Synapse. The synapse is the site where chemical communication occurs between neurons. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of one neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the dendrites of the next neuron. Choice A, Neuron, is incorrect as it refers to the entire nerve cell. Choices C and D, Axon and Dendrite, are also incorrect as they are specific parts of a neuron and not the primary site of chemical communication.

2. A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a ________.

A. diathesis
B. comorbidity
C. genotype
D. phenotype

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A diathesis is indeed the correct term for a predisposition toward developing a disorder. A diathesis refers to an underlying vulnerability or predisposition to a particular condition. Choice B, 'comorbidity,' refers to the presence of two or more disorders in the same individual. Choice C, 'genotype,' relates to an individual's genetic makeup. Choice D, 'phenotype,' refers to the observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Therefore, A is the most appropriate term for describing a predisposition toward developing a disorder.

3. How does stress impact brain function?

A. Stress has no effect on brain function.
B. Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function.
C. Stress can improve brain function.
D. Stress has no long-term impact on brain function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting mental health and increasing the risk of disorders. Choice A is incorrect as stress does affect brain function. Choice C is incorrect as stress generally has negative impacts on brain function rather than improving it. Choice D is incorrect because stress can have long-term impacts on brain function through structural and functional changes.

4. How is binge-eating disorder different from bulimia?

A. Typically eat much smaller portions before purging the food.
B. Do not typically purge the food they eat.
C. Only purge their food after several binge sessions.
D. Often resort to anorexic methods to rid themselves of the food they have eaten.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals with binge-eating disorder do not typically engage in purging behavior, unlike those with bulimia. Choice A is incorrect as individuals with binge-eating disorder do not purge the food they eat, so they do not eat smaller portions before doing so. Choice C is incorrect as they do not purge their food after several binge sessions. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with binge-eating disorder do not resort to anorexic methods to rid themselves of the food they have eaten.

5. 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.