ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. You are taking part in a survey that asks about your attitudes toward physical punishment of children. Even though you believe that spanking is sometimes necessary, you answer that you are opposed to any sort of physical punishment. Which of the following terms best describes why you answered the way you did?
- A. Random responding
- B. Faking bad
- C. Placebo effect
- D. Social desirability
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, social desirability. Social desirability bias occurs when respondents answer questions in a way they think will be viewed favorably by others, rather than according to their true beliefs. In this scenario, the respondent may feel pressured to provide an answer that aligns with societal norms or expectations, even if it contradicts their personal beliefs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Random responding refers to answering survey questions haphazardly, without consideration. Faking bad is intentionally providing extreme or negative responses. The placebo effect is a phenomenon where a person's belief in a treatment's effectiveness produces a positive outcome, unrelated to the treatment's actual effects.
2. Which of the following psychodynamic elements of the personality can be described as impulsive and selfish?
- A. Ego
- B. Id
- C. Superego
- D. Ideal self
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Id. In psychodynamic theory, the Id is the component driven by basic, primal instincts, seeking instant gratification without consideration for consequences. It operates on the pleasure principle, aiming to fulfill desires immediately. The Superego, on the other hand, represents the internalized moral standards and ideals, while the Ego mediates between the Id and Superego, balancing impulses with societal norms. The 'Ideal self' is a concept from humanistic psychology related to one's aspirations and goals, not a component in psychodynamic theory. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
3. A group of psychologists is conducting research to determine whether people eat more when they are in the presence of environmental stimuli that increase anxiety, such as loud noises or flashing lights. These scientists most likely follow?
- A. The behavioral perspective.
- B. The psychodynamic perspective.
- C. The humanistic perspective.
- D. The functionalist perspective.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the behavioral perspective. This perspective focuses on how environmental stimuli influence behavior, making it suitable for studying how anxiety-inducing stimuli affect eating behavior. The psychodynamic perspective (choice B) would focus more on unconscious processes and early life experiences. The humanistic perspective (choice C) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. The functionalist perspective (choice D) is more related to the study of the purpose of behavior and mental processes in adapting to the environment.
4. Which of the following is not a common method for studying genetic influences?
- A. The study of specific gene defects
- B. Twin studies
- C. Adoption studies
- D. Family history (pedigree) studies
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Studying specific gene defects is not a common method for investigating genetic influences. Choices B, C, and D are common methods used in genetic research. Twin studies help determine the heritability of traits, adoption studies compare similarities between adopted individuals and their adoptive families versus biological families, and family history studies track the inheritance patterns of traits within families.
5. Behaviors that deviate from the norm are?
- A. Always seen as a disorder if they violate social norms
- B. Considered a disorder regardless of culture
- C. Typically seen as a disorder when they impair functioning
- D. Never considered as a sign of abnormality
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Behaviors that deviate from the norm are typically considered disorders when they impair functioning. Choice A is incorrect because not all behaviors that deviate from the norm are considered disorders; they need to impair functioning. Choice B is incorrect because the cultural context plays a significant role in determining what is considered abnormal. Choice D is incorrect because behaviors that deviate from the norm can indeed be considered signs of abnormality, especially if they impair functioning.
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