understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. 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.

2. Dr. Asgaard believes that in order to fully understand complex processes, such as auditory processing, it is first necessary to understand all the separate component parts. Dr. Asgaard's views are most consistent with those of?

A. William James.
B. Ivan Pavlov.
C. Carl Rogers.
D. Edward Titchener.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Edward Titchener. Dr. Asgaard's belief aligns with Titchener's approach of structuralism, which emphasizes understanding the components of consciousness. William James (choice A) was associated with functionalism, focusing on the purpose of behavior rather than its structure. Ivan Pavlov (choice B) was known for classical conditioning in behaviorism, not structuralism. Carl Rogers (choice C) was a major figure in humanistic psychology, emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization, which is not directly related to understanding component parts of processes.

3. Which field of psychology studies attitude change and group behavior?

A. Developmental psychology
B. Social psychology
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Psychometrics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social psychology. Social psychology specifically focuses on studying topics like attitude change and group behavior. Developmental psychology (Choice A) primarily deals with human growth and development across the lifespan. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a theoretical approach to psychology developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences. Psychometrics (Choice D) involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, personality traits, and abilities.

4. Why is it difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members?

A. Cause and effect cannot be determined as preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may make divorce more likely.
B. The findings have been too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.
C. While the effects of divorce are negative on children, the effects on the spouses are generally positive.
D. Due to modern acceptance of divorce, there has been an ongoing decrease in the negative effects of divorce.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a crucial factor that makes it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may influence both the likelihood of divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes the findings without specifying the key issue of preexisting conditions. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the effects of divorce on family members. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a broad statement without addressing the complexities involved in determining the effects of divorce.

5. If having a gene for Parkinson's disease guarantees that Parkinson's disease will develop, the gene is a ________.

A. risk factor
B. necessary cause
C. sufficient cause
D. contributory cause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: necessary cause. A necessary cause is an essential factor for the disorder to occur. In this scenario, if having a gene for Parkinson's disease guarantees the development of the disease, then the gene is a necessary cause. Choice A, 'risk factor,' implies an increased likelihood of developing the disease but does not indicate certainty. Choice C, 'sufficient cause,' indicates that the gene alone can bring about the disease, which is not necessarily true in this context. Choice D, 'contributory cause,' suggests that the gene plays a part in causing the disease but is not essential for its development.