ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. Which theoretical orientation insisted on the verifiability of observation?
- A. Structuralism.
- B. Functionalism.
- C. Behaviorism.
- D. Psychoanalysis.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Behaviorism. Behaviorism emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors, making it essential for observations to be verifiable. Structuralism (A) focuses on the structure of the mind, not verifiability of observations. Functionalism (B) emphasizes the functions of the mind rather than verification of observations. Psychoanalysis (D) delves into the unconscious mind and conflicts, not specifically on the verifiability of observations.
2. What are influences that are unusual events with a major impact on individual lives because they disrupt the expected sequence of the life cycle?
- A. Nonnormative influences
- B. Normative history-graded influence
- C. Normative age-graded influence
- D. Sensitive period
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Nonnormative influences refer to unusual events that have a significant impact on individuals' lives by disrupting the typical life cycle. They are events that are not typical for a specific age or cohort. Normative history-graded influences (choice B) are common influences shared by a specific generation due to historical circumstances. Normative age-graded influences (choice C) are typical events that occur at a particular age for most people. A sensitive period (choice D) is a biologically determined time during which specific experiences have a lasting impact on development.
3. Skinner would agree with all the following statements except:
- A. All behavior is governed by external consequences.
- B. Individuals have free will.
- C. Organisms tend to repeat responses that lead to positive outcomes.
- D. Organisms tend not to repeat responses that lead to neutral or negative outcomes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Skinner's behaviorist perspective emphasized that behavior is influenced by external factors and reinforcement, rather than individual free will. Therefore, Skinner would not agree with the statement that individuals have free will. Choices A, C, and D align with Skinner's beliefs as he believed that behavior is shaped by external consequences, organisms tend to repeat behaviors leading to positive outcomes, and organisms tend to avoid behaviors leading to neutral or negative outcomes.
4. 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.
5. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________
- A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
- B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
- C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
- D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.
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