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. Down syndrome is caused by ________.

A. a chemical imbalance.
B. a gene on the X chromosome.
C. possessing an extra X chromosome.
D. possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Down syndrome is caused by possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21, not by a chemical imbalance (choice A), a gene on the X chromosome (choice B), or possessing an extra X chromosome (choice C). The presence of an additional chromosome 21 disrupts the normal course of development and leads to the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

3. When Ryan was born, the hospital assessed his health with the Apgar scale, and the score was 5. What does this mean with respect to his breathing pattern?

A. He was not in danger
B. He needed help in establishing a breathing pattern
C. He was in excellent condition
D. He was in critical condition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An Apgar score of 5 suggests that Ryan needed help establishing a regular breathing pattern after birth. Choice A is incorrect because a score of 5 indicates the need for assistance. Choice C is incorrect as an Apgar score of 5 does not reflect excellent condition. Choice D is incorrect as it signifies a critical condition, which is not the case with an Apgar score of 5.

4. Which school of psychology is associated with understanding the purpose of behavior?

A. Functionalism.
B. Behaviorism.
C. Neodynamism.
D. Psychoanalysis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Functionalism. Functionalism, founded by William James, emphasizes understanding the purpose and adaptive function of behavior. This school of psychology focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Choice B, Behaviorism, is incorrect as behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the purpose behind them. Choice C, Neodynamism, is not a recognized school of psychology. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not specifically on the purpose of behavior.

5. A newspaper article reported a study by a psychologist in which the attitudes of men and women toward traditional sex roles were studied. Most likely, the researcher was?

A. A cognitive psychologist.
B. A counseling psychologist.
C. A developmental psychologist.
D. A social psychologist.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, a social psychologist. Social psychologists focus on how societal factors, including norms and expectations, influence behaviors and attitudes. In this case, studying the attitudes of men and women toward traditional sex roles aligns with the research domain of social psychology. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive psychologists focus on mental processes, counseling psychologists on helping individuals with personal and interpersonal issues, and developmental psychologists on human growth and development, respectively, which are not directly related to studying attitudes towards traditional sex roles influenced by societal factors.