ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. William James, who was a pioneer in the development of functionalism, was most heavily influenced by?
- A. Charles Darwin.
- B. Sigmund Freud.
- C. John Watson.
- D. B.F. Skinner.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: William James was heavily influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which shaped his functionalist views on psychology. This influence is evident in James's emphasis on adaptation, survival, and the functional purposes of behavior. Choice B, Sigmund Freud, is incorrect because Freud's psychoanalytic theory focused on unconscious processes and childhood experiences, which differ significantly from James's functionalism. Choice C, John Watson, is incorrect as Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized observable behavior and rejected mental processes, which contrasts with James's focus on mental processes. Choice D, B.F. Skinner, is also incorrect as Skinner was a behaviorist known for his work on operant conditioning, which is not directly aligned with James's functionalist perspective.
2. 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.
3. Dr. Lee is studying pain perception using a functionalist perspective. It is most likely that Dr. Lee would suggest that we can only understand the conscious experience of pain?
- A. If all the component parts that make up the experience of pain are understood.
- B. By observing the outward expression of pain in response to different stimuli.
- C. If we first understand the role of pain in human survival and adaptation.
- D. If we understand the unconscious processes that initiate the sensation of pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The functionalist perspective, as used by Dr. Lee, focuses on understanding the role of pain in human survival and adaptation. This perspective suggests that to fully comprehend pain perception, one must first grasp the significance of pain in terms of its adaptive functions and impact on behavior. Choices A, B, and D do not align with the functionalist perspective, as they do not emphasize the role of pain in human survival and adaptation.
4. What term describes exceptional mental abilities such as mental math, memorization, musical, and artistic ability found among individuals with autism?
- A. Savant skills
- B. Theory of mind
- C. Echolalia
- D. Self-stimulatory behaviors
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Savant skills. Savant skills refer to exceptional abilities commonly observed in individuals with autism. These skills can include remarkable talents in areas such as mental math, memorization, music, and art. Choice B, Theory of mind, is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others, which is a different concept. Choice C, Echolalia, is the repetition of words or phrases, not related to exceptional abilities. Choice D, Self-stimulatory behaviors, involves repetitive body movements or sounds often seen in individuals with autism but is not directly related to exceptional mental abilities.
5. 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.
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