ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. When interviewing a new member of the psychology department for the university newspaper, the faculty member states, 'Internal states undoubtedly exist, but it is not necessary to draw inferences about unobservable states in order to understand behavior.' This faculty member's views are most similar to the views held by?
- A. William James.
- B. F. Skinner.
- C. Sigmund Freud.
- D. Carl Rogers.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: F. Skinner's views emphasized the importance of observable behavior and dismissed the need to infer unobservable mental states. This aligns with the faculty member's statement that internal states exist but are not essential for understanding behavior. William James, known for his work in functionalism, did consider internal mental states important. Sigmund Freud focused on unconscious motives and internal conflicts. Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of subjective experiences and personal growth, which differs from the faculty member's perspective.
2. What does the genetic study of identical twins reared apart help to clarify?
- A. Differences in brain function
- B. Genetic influence on behavior
- C. Interaction between genetics and environment
- D. The role of environmental factors alone
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Interaction between genetics and environment.' The genetic study of identical twins reared apart helps in understanding how both genetics and environment play a role in shaping an individual's traits and behaviors. This type of study allows researchers to tease apart the effects of genetic inheritance from those of environmental influences. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the study of identical twins reared apart specifically focuses on the interplay between genetics and environment, rather than solely on differences in brain function, genetic influence on behavior, or the role of environmental factors alone.
3. 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.
4. According to Wilhelm Wundt, the focus of psychology was on the scientific study of?
- A. Observable behavior.
- B. Conscious experience.
- C. Unconscious motivation.
- D. The functions of behavior.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt's approach emphasized the study of conscious experience, marking a shift towards scientific methods in psychology. Choice A, observable behavior, is associated with behaviorism and not Wundt's structuralism. Choice C, unconscious motivation, is more aligned with Freud's psychoanalytic theory. Choice D, the functions of behavior, relates more to functionalism, which was developed by William James.
5. How do neurotransmitters affect behavior and mental processes?
- A. Neurotransmitters have little effect on behavior.
- B. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior.
- C. Neurotransmitters have a minor role in mental health.
- D. Neurotransmitters determine intelligence levels.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior, playing a significant role in mental health. Choice A is incorrect as neurotransmitters do have a notable effect on behavior. Choice C is incorrect as neurotransmitters have a major role in mental health. Choice D is incorrect as neurotransmitters do not solely determine intelligence levels.
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