ATI RN
Exam 4 Psychology
1. A psychologist who is interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in?
- A. Developmental psychology.
- B. Experimental psychology.
- C. Cognitive psychology.
- D. Psychometrics.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A psychologist interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in developmental psychology. Developmental psychology focuses on studying the psychological changes that occur throughout a person's lifespan, including the effects of aging. Experimental psychology primarily deals with conducting experiments to study behavior and cognitive processes. Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving. Psychometrics involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits, but it does not specifically address the psychological effects of aging as in developmental psychology.
2. What are substances, such as viruses and drugs, that can cause birth defects?
- A. Teratogens
- B. Placenta
- C. Parturition
- D. Androgens
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Teratogens are substances that can cause birth defects, especially if exposure occurs during critical periods of development. In this context, teratogens refer to external agents that can interfere with the development of the embryo or fetus, leading to structural or functional abnormalities. Choice B, Placenta, is incorrect as it is an organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove waste products. Choice C, Parturition, refers to the process of giving birth and is not related to substances that cause birth defects. Choice D, Androgens, are male sex hormones and are not associated with causing birth defects.
3. Which neurotransmitter is reduced in both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder?
- A. Acetylcholine
- B. Dopamine
- C. Norepinephrine
- D. Serotonin
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Serotonin. Serotonin levels are reduced during both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder. Acetylcholine (choice A) is not typically linked to bipolar disorder. Dopamine (choice B) and norepinephrine (choice C) are more commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia and depression, respectively, rather than bipolar disorder. Therefore, they are not the neurotransmitters reduced in both manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder.
4. Which of the following is an example of telegraphic speech?
- A. A child pointed to his father's shoe and said 'daddy,' as if to convey 'daddy's shoe.'
- B. A thirsty toddler said, 'mama water.'
- C. A newborn infant asked, 'Can I have some coffee?'
- D. A baby communicated to her parents using her brain.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Telegraphic speech is when a child uses a two-word phrase to convey a larger meaning, such as 'mama water.' Choice A is incorrect as it does not demonstrate telegraphic speech but rather a simple labeling. Choice C is incorrect as it is a complete sentence and not a two-word phrase. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not describe telegraphic speech but rather a vague statement about communication.
5. Which of the following is a common criticism against Piaget's theory of cognitive development?
- A. The sequence of stages is not fixed.
- B. Research has not supported the existence of the preoperational stage.
- C. Piaget put a heavy emphasis on the environment, ignoring the importance of mental processes.
- D. Children develop abilities earlier than Piaget theorized.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.
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