ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. During which span of months or years is a child particularly responsive to specific forms of experience or influenced by their absence?
- A. Nonnormative influences
- B. Normative age-graded influence
- C. Normative history-graded influence
- D. Sensitive period
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Sensitive period.' A sensitive period refers to a specific span of time during development when a child is especially responsive to certain experiences. This period allows for optimal development in specific areas. Nonnormative influences (Choice A) are events that are irregular and unpredictable, while normative age-graded influences (Choice B) are typical events that occur in a similar manner for most people in a specific age group. Normative history-graded influences (Choice C) are events that most people in a specific culture or cohort experience at the same time.
2. Which school of psychology is associated with understanding the purpose of behavior?
- A. Functionalism.
- B. Behaviorism.
- C. Neodynamism.
- D. Psychoanalysis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Functionalism. Functionalism, founded by William James, emphasizes understanding the purpose and adaptive function of behavior. This school of psychology focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Choice B, Behaviorism, is incorrect as behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the purpose behind them. Choice C, Neodynamism, is not a recognized school of psychology. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not specifically on the purpose of behavior.
3. What are some common methods used to study genetic influences on behavior?
- A. Genetic influences are studied only through twin studies.
- B. Common methods include twin studies, adoption studies, and gene mapping.
- C. Genetic influences on behavior are only studied through family history.
- D. Genetic influences on behavior are not well understood.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Common methods used to study genetic influences on behavior include twin studies, adoption studies, and gene mapping. Twin studies help to compare the similarities between identical and fraternal twins to estimate the heritability of a trait. Adoption studies look at the similarities between adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents to determine genetic influences. Gene mapping involves identifying specific genes associated with certain behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because genetic influences on behavior are not solely studied through twin studies or family history, and while the understanding of genetic influences may vary, there are established methods to study them.
4. What is the biopsychosocial model?
- A. A model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders.
- B. A model that emphasizes the interaction between biological and psychological factors, excluding social influences.
- C. The biopsychosocial model emphasizes only psychological factors in mental disorders.
- D. The biopsychosocial model is a purely biological approach to mental health.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model is a comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes how this model integrates these three factors. Choice B is incorrect as it excludes social influences from the model. Choice C is incorrect because it states that the model only emphasizes psychological factors, which is not true. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that the model is purely biological, which is also inaccurate.
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.
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