william james who was a pioneer in the development of functionalism was most heavily influenced by

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. What role does brain development play in psychopathology?

A. Brain development has no impact on psychopathology.
B. Brain development plays a crucial role in the onset of many mental disorders.
C. Brain development is only linked to physical disabilities, not mental disorders.
D. Brain development is not associated with mental health.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Brain development plays a crucial role in the onset of many mental disorders. It affects how the brain processes information and responds to stress, influencing the development of psychopathology. Choice A is incorrect as brain development does impact psychopathology. Choice C is incorrect as brain development is linked to mental disorders as well. Choice D is incorrect as brain development has implications for mental health.

3. Infant characteristics ________.

A. do not affect parental behavior.
B. only affect parental behavior when psychopathology is present.
C. are not influenced by biological factors.
D. can influence the quality of attachment relationships.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Infant characteristics can indeed influence the quality of attachment relationships. Parents often respond to their infants based on their characteristics, temperament, and needs. This interaction shapes the attachment bond between the parent and the child. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because infant characteristics do have an impact on parental behavior and are influenced by various factors, including biological ones.

4. 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.

5. John Bowlby's attachment theory emphasized ________.

A. the social environment in forming attachments.
B. the quality of parental care in forming attachments.
C. the quality of early reinforcers and stimulation in forming attachments.
D. the necessity of independence from parental figures in forming attachments.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: John Bowlby's attachment theory emphasized the quality of parental care in forming attachments. This is because Bowlby believed that a child's early experiences with their primary caregiver, especially the quality of care and responsiveness received, significantly influence the child's ability to form secure attachments. Choice A is incorrect because while the social environment plays a role, Bowlby's theory focused more on the caregiver-child relationship. Choice C is incorrect as it does not capture the central role of parental care highlighted in Bowlby's theory. Choice D is also incorrect as Bowlby's theory actually emphasized the importance of a secure attachment to parental figures for healthy emotional development.