a predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a __________ .

A. Diathesis
B. Risk factor
C. Sufficient cause
D. Diathesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a diathesis. In this context, diathesis refers to an individual's susceptibility or predisposition to developing a disorder. A diathesis is not the same as a risk factor or a sufficient cause. A risk factor is a variable that increases the likelihood of developing a disorder but is not a predisposition itself. A sufficient cause is a factor that can produce the disorder on its own, not just a predisposition.

2. What role does culture play in the development of psychopathology?

A. Culture has little impact on psychopathology.
B. Culture is crucial in understanding the development of psychopathology.
C. Culture has a moderate impact on the development of psychopathology.
D. Culture determines the onset of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Culture is crucial in understanding the development of psychopathology. It influences beliefs, norms, values, and behaviors, which can significantly impact the manifestation and understanding of psychopathological conditions. Choice A is incorrect because culture does have a substantial impact on psychopathology. Choice C is not as strong as choice B in emphasizing the significance of culture. Choice D is incorrect as culture is one of many factors influencing the onset of psychopathology, not the sole determinant.

3. Sigmund Freud developed an innovative procedure for treating people with psychological problems, which he called?

A. Behavior modification.
B. Primal therapy.
C. Psychoanalysis.
D. Rational-emotive therapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, not behavior modification, primal therapy, or rational-emotive therapy, as an innovative method for treating psychological problems. Psychoanalysis focuses on exploring unconscious motivations to understand and address psychological disorders, making it the correct answer. Behavior modification involves changing behavior through conditioning techniques, primal therapy emphasizes expressing repressed emotions, and rational-emotive therapy aims to identify and change irrational beliefs.

4. Neural plasticity is ________.

A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

5. Distinguish between assimilation and accommodation.

A. Assimilation refers to adjusting our mental frameworks to incorporate new information.
B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas.
C. Assimilation is adapting our behaviors to match societal norms.
D. Assimilation and accommodation are unrelated to cognitive development.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas, meaning individuals try to fit new information into their pre-existing understanding of the world. Accommodation, on the other hand, involves adjusting our schemas to fit new information, which means changing our existing mental frameworks when new information doesn't fit. Choice A is incorrect because it describes accommodation rather than assimilation. Choice C is incorrect as it confuses assimilation with social adaptation. Choice D is incorrect as assimilation and accommodation are fundamental processes in cognitive development, as described by Piaget.